contemplating Tuono

[zedXmick]

Enjoy that big v4,there is nothing like a big v4 coming out of a left hander. Low, mid or great top end the v4 has it covered. I just can't let go of mine. Can't wait for your unbiased impressions of the ape. I have heard that the handling is out of this world.ENJOY

[DC950]

enjoy it.  The electronics should make it a lot easier to ride than the V2 or older V4 versions. 

I've seriously thought about getting one (I have a Futura so I like Aprilias).  But, it's a 150hp bike that I can't figure out to use the power of on the street.   Nor do I want to pay for the servicing, buy $225 rear tires every couple of months, and I have no idea about the reliability of all of the electronics (particularly the active suspension). 

For me at least, it really is a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast than it is a fast bike slow.  That's why in all likelihood I'm going to sell the S3 and a few other bikes, buy a KTM 690 Duke, and flog the piss out of it.

[jbell]

Thanks jbell, I was just over there and read that the v4 will make you a better lover, a happier person and your private parts bigger. I guess that's on the plus side.

Oh yeah (slaps my forehead), they're an enthusiastic bunch as well.
Congrats on '16, you're in for quite a ride.

[pete roper]

The V4 is a truly astonishing engine. Valve lash with the donk in the frame is a bit of a pain, hence the expense, but that motor, even in the 'De-tuned' Tuono version, (No shower head injectors or magnesium cases etc like the RSV-4.) is staggeringly stupid. When you pick it up just stand beside it, hold onto the left bar and rock it from side to side ten to fifteen degrees off upright. Do that on the Griso and it'll feel like it wants to tear itself out of your hand and fall over. The Big T feels like a bloody push bike!

For a Guzzi comparison, imagine a taller, thinner, V7 with modern suspension, same weight and four times the power and torque! Every time I ride one copious amounts of wee comes out!

Take your time to learn it Dave, when I was doing 'Prillas I had about twelve regular V4 customers. Eight of them were on their second bike after they had trowelled the first one. It's a LOT of motorbike and needs a fuquetonne of respect.

You lucky, lucky, bastard!

Pete

[Dulcenea]

I'll be anxiously watching for your thoughts since I keep considering the same trade myself! I have an '07 Griso that I really adore but am itchy for something with a little MORE. I really like the looks of the Monster 1200 R but the Tuono 1100 Factory is objectively (and by reviews) the superior bike. That said, I'm only willing to trade the Griso for something I'll love, and I'm currently working my way through cancer treatments anyway, so a trade isn't imminent - I just like to plan/dream. 

Let us know your thoughts!

[kirb]

I have a 07 Griso and 11 Diavel...the Griso loses steam on the top end where the Diavel pulls and keeps pulling. The Diavel is not nearly as sporting as the Tuono. That bike will make you see the light.

[lucian]

Thanks for all the honest and cautionary advice. I certainly will take it slow and easy until I learn what I (not the bike ) am capable of. Hopefully with a lot of respect for the machine and the rider aids turned up I'll be able to stay within sane parameters on this thing. Part of me has always yearned for such a high performing bike, and part of me is wondering wtf over. I figure at age 54 it's probably not something to put off too long. After much time reading reviews and talking with owners I decided that there are people surviving the experience so maybe with a little self control I can be one of them. I see it as a giant test and possibly a right of passage. We have a lot of wonderful coastal twisties here and I think it will great fun If I can keep the speeds under control, time will tell. I hope all of us can have a safe and enjoyable riding season this summer no matter what machine we choose to ride. I will certainly give my first impressions of the T and share a few pics. Still gonna be hard to say goodbye  to the Griso. It has been a super motor bike. I still own the Cali for touring and I'm glad I will still be part of such a great bunch of caring people.  Many thanks to all.   

[LowRyter]

va vooom

 

[Dulcenea]

I needed to take the Griso in today for some minor servicing and decided to take the Tuono 1100 Factory out for a spin.

HO. LY. CRAP.

I've test ridden a variety of bikes including a Streetfighter, Tuono 1000, Diavel, and baby Panigale. It's the first bike I've thought to myself. "Nope. Too much power for me." I had the TC on at 4 and don't think I'd want to ride it much lower than that anywhere but a track. It's incredibly responsive - it literally surprised me as I turned into the curve of a flyover because I hadn't consciously turned in to it and yet there we were, beautifully turned in, smooth as butter. Shifting is smooth, brakes are great without being too biting, throttle is smooth, gobs of power obviously. It's as amazing as everyone says. And I've been back at the shop for 15 min and my stress level is still elevated from having that much so easily on tap!

Enjoy that puppy! I see now why you said you'd be taking it slow getting familiar with what you can do together!

[lucian]

I needed to take the Griso in today for some minor servicing and decided to take the Tuono 1100 Factory out for a spin.

HO. LY. CRAP.

I've test ridden a variety of bikes including a Streetfighter, Tuono 1000, Diavel, and baby Panigale. It's the first bike I've thought to myself. "Nope. Too much power for me." I had the TC on at 4 and don't think I'd want to ride it much lower than that anywhere but a track. It's incredibly responsive - it literally surprised me as I turned into the curve of a flyover because I hadn't consciously turned in to it and yet there we were, beautifully turned in, smooth as butter. Shifting is smooth, brakes are great without being too boring, throttle is smooth, gobs of power obviously. It's as amazing as everyone says. And I've been back at the shop for 15 min and my stress level is still elevated from having that much so easily on tap!

Enjoy that puppy! I see now why you said you'd be taking it slow getting familiar with what you can do together!

Thanks for sharing that Carolyn. I glad you returned safely to earth! I had a feeling if I demoed one I no doubt would have to have one, so I always avoided it.  Now I've bought one with a lot of unknowns, maybe a bad idea, but I did the same with the griso and itwas the best bike I have ever bought. I mostly go with my eyes and ears anyway as all these Italian bikes are worth the risk in my opinion. How did you find the ergo's compared to the griso? I am hoping it isn't too much heavier on the wrists. Hope your Griso is back to 100 %. And best of luck with your recovery.  dave

[Cool Runnings]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvqVO41Zd90

The 2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 refines and already thrilling performance package with extra displacement and enhanced electronics. But can the Italian streetfighter take down its KTM Super Duke 1290 rival or the new Suzuki GSX-S1000? Find out in this 2016 Streetfigher Shootout video. Learn more here: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2015/10...

[lucian]

thanks for that review. encouraging, those guys got a tough job.

[Dulcenea]

Just noticed that I had a misleading autocorrect in there. The brakes aren't too BITING, not "boring."

The ergos compared to the Griso are similar. Pegs are a touch farther back and slightly higher, but certainly not to a sport bike extent. Reach to the bars was about the same. The cant of my body was slightly more forward because of the location of the pegs, so there was a bit more wrist weight but not terrible. The tank is significantly more pronounced. As a woman that wasn't much of a problem but for you gentlemen it might be a bit more notable. Seat height was higher but not enough that it bothered me. I'm 5'7" and couldn't flat-foot it but had enough of both feet down that I felt stable.

Overall, I've spent 13-hour days on the Griso before without problem. I wouldn't call the Tuono as all-day comfortable but would be perfectly comfortable commuting and spending weekend days fooling around on it.

Performance-wise, I've also ridden the Super Duke and like the Tuono better. It seemed to me that the Tuono has just as much if not more power on tap while the bike itself is more attractive with smoother throttle and nicer turn-in/flckability.

[lucian]

thanks for taking the time to share that Carolyn. Nothing worse than boring brakes. well maybe no brakes

[stmike]

You gotta love this new bike.  Two of my riding buddies have the 2016 Tuono Factories and both say they're the most fun you can have with your clothes on.  They handle great, they're really fast, they sound great...there seem to be no downsides.  Good luck and stay safe.

[lucian]

Thanks for the  Mike. Maybe I should try riding it naked?

[mjptexas]

Thanks for the  Mike. Maybe I should try riding it naked?

Well, you could probably get away with doing that at the ROT Rally in Austin later this spring.  (But you may get in trouble for frightening small children).