2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 (Tarmac Grey). (Aprilia/)

Ups

• Legendary V-4 power with refined throttle response and shifting
• Confidence-boosting handling
• Extensive list of top-tier electronic rider aids
• Stunning sound

Downs

• Claimed peak power is less than competitors, but do you really need more?

Verdict

Think Italian superbike technical know-how in a stripped-down naked package built for street riding and serious racetrack potential. Welcome the Aprilia Tuono V4.

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory. (Milagro/)

Overview

The Aprilia Tuono V4 and Tuono V4 Factory are top-tier Italian hypernakes. Components are largely derived from the RSV4 but it targets the sport-touring segment with a more upright riding position. With a 1,077cc 65-degree V-4 engine, aluminum chassis, Brembo brakes, and full suite of electronics these two have sat near or at the top of the totem pole for years. The Factory edition is track focused with electronic semi-active suspension and aluminum wheels.

Updates for 2021

Updates for Aprilia’s Tuono V4 include a revamped aerodynamic-focused design, new swingarm, narrower fuel tank with same tank capacity, revamped electronics with new adjustable engine-brake control, revised Magneti Marelli ECU, new 5-inch color TFT instrument cluster, and new handlebar controls. The engine complies with Euro 5 emissions thanks to the new exhaust and sees lighter valve spring bucket tappets. New color schemes round out the list.

The Tuono V4 Factory has a longer saddle, new fuel tank, and electronic semi-active suspension.

Pricing and Variants

The base Tuono V4 is priced at $15,999 and comes in two color schemes. The track-focused Factory edition ($19,499) comes in one color scheme. The base differs from its stablemate with a higher handlebar, larger windscreen, roomier passenger seat, and can fit accessory panniers. The latter also has a longer final drive ratio, forged aluminum wheels, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Supercorsa tires (wider 200/55 rear) and Öhlins electronic suspension, plus its mirrors, passenger pegs, and license plate bracket can be easily removed for trackdays.

Competition

If the Tuono were to go head to head with other standard motorcycles it would be staring down the BMW S 1000 R, Ducati Streetfighter V4, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, Yamaha MT-10, and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

At the heart of the Tuono V4 lies a 1,077cc V-4 engine which Aprilia claims to produce 175 hp at 11,350 rpm and 121 Nm at 9,000 rpm. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards, but unlike the RSV4, does not see an increase in displacement.

Smooth and seamless shifting through the six-speed gearbox is done with an up/down quickshifter. “The fueling and throttle response, like the clutchless gear changes, are immaculate,” writes our test rider Adam Child. Because the engine’s fueling and quickshifting actions are so great, rider confidence is boosted, which in turn allows the rider to push the bike hard right out of the gate.

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory. (Milagro/)

Handling

On board, Child reflected that the Tuono’s handling is controlled and is less physically demanding than some of the competition. Integrated winglets are designed to increase downforce and stability at speed. The aluminum frame strengthens torsional rigidity while Aprilia claims the new swingarm reinforces transverse rigidity by 48 percent in the wheel pin area.

The standard Tuono uses Sachs suspension versus the semi-active Öhlins setup in the Factory version we tested. Child wrote that the Factory’s suspension remained untouched throughout his day of testing because they were perfect right out of the box.

Brakes

Brembo M50 calipers with sintered pads and dual 330mm (front) and 220mm (rear) remain unchanged for this year. What does change is the increased vigilance of the ABS system, which makes quicker calculations thanks to the revised ECU.

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 (Glacier White). (Aprilia/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel consumption is claimed to be 32.7 mpg.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Because of the upright, road-focused nature of the Tuono versus the RSV4, ergonomics are more neutral. The redesigned 4.7-gallon fuel tank is narrower while maintaining the same capacity and a small top fairing offers some wind protection. On the Factory version, the seat is longer to accommodate taller riders. Seat height is listed at 33.0 inches.

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory. (Milagro/)

Electronics

There’s no arguing that Aprilia has an expansive and sophisticated electronics suite. The Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) now has adjustable engine-brake control and also includes five-level wheelie control, six ride modes, engine maps, launch control, up/down quickshifter, pit limiter, cruise control, cornering ABS, and on-the-fly-adjustable traction control. The new 5-inch color TFT dash and switch gear ease navigation through it all.

The Tuono has unmistakable LED lighting with cornering lighting, a twilight sensor that activates low beams automatically, and self-cancelling indicators that flash in case of emergency braking.

The Factory’s Öhlins electronic suspension system has two operating modes (semi-active and manual) with three maps each, which can be selected with buttons on the handlebar. There is also an Öhlins steering damper which is managed by the Smart EC 2.0 system.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Aprilia has a 2-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Quality

Top-of-the-line electronics, excellent fueling, confidence-boosting handling, and a V-4 engine that produces a stunning sound. Saying the Aprilia Tuono V4 is impressive could be somewhat of an understatement.

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory. (Aprilia/)

2021 Aprilia Tuono V4/Factory Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com