Tweet
The intensifying 'race' between manufacturers churning out special edition motorcycles is almost frightening. Frightening because quite a few that we have seen in the recent past are naked motorcycles. Hypernakeds to be precise. The newest kid on the block in this regard is the Aprilia Tuono V4 X with insane specs like 221 bhp of power and 166 kg weight (dry). The only semblance of sanity is found once you realize that it is track-only.
Now, X signifies factory racing works when it comes to the motorcycles manufactured by the Noale marquee. That means racing technology for the general population (not with the price tag). We have already seen the RSV4 X and how Max Biaggi went nuts over it. And now, the Tuono V4 X is to follow along the same lines. Only, it has shed some clothes for this one.
The first thing you notice is the winglet-equipped mini fairing. The winglets are reminiscent of the RS-GP currently being piloted by Aleix Espargaró in MotoGP. It is made from Carbon fibre, of course. On that note, this is not the only place where you find carbon fibre on the Tuono V4 X. Apart from carbon fibre, another material that is prevalent throughout the Tuono V4 X is aluminium. Tank cap, adjustable footpegs, crankcase guards, brake level guard, and clutch lever are all billet aluminium.
The engine is derived from the RSV4 1100 Factory and the claimed power output is 221 bhp. The gain in power comes as a result of the Akrapovič exhaust system with titanium headers and a carbon fibre exhaust tip. In addition to that, intake is now facilitated by a high-flow Sprint air filter from the RS-GP.
The electrical system is rather simplified and that is a given considering that fact that the Tuono V4 X is track-only. So the TFT display is designed keeping that in mind. At any rate, the onboard GPS sensor will send you the lap-time info but do not expect to tether your smartphone for music and calls. Electronics include the ECU with power modes developed by Aprilia Racing. But these modes only adjust traction control, engine braking, wheelie mitigation and such. Unlike modern road-bikes, the modes do not alter power figures and so, you get all the power all the time regardless of the selected mode.
With the up/down quickshifter, clutchless shifts and loads of fun come standard. Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension work in tandem with the aluminium chassis to provide trademark Aprilia handling which, by the way, is one of the best out there. Further helping the matters are forged magnesium Marchesini wheels and Brembo GP4-MS billet aluminium callipers. Even the high-end T-drive discs are derived from WSBK and MotoGP.
After riding the bike at the Red Bull Ring, Aleix Espargaró of Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, said, "The Tuono V4 X is out of this world. I had never tested a high-handlebar bike on the track, and I was surprised at the feeling of stability. The engine is insane, but the chassis architecture doesn’t struggle. To the contrary, the riding position and the electronics make it extremely fun. You can ride it cleanly, but you can also drift with it if you want to. It is a pure sportbike with a hooligan side!"
Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia's test rider who assisted the development of the Tuono V4 X said, "It is the most fun bike I’ve ever ridden. In my opinion, the mix of comfort and performance is unique. The insane engine is also easy to manage, both for experts and novices, and the aerodynamics package provides incredible stability for a naked. I think that the Tuono V4 X has once again created a new segment."
Now, what makes the heart of an enthusiast sink? Price. Motorcycles like these are crazy and so are the price tags. For the Aprilia Tuono V4 X, it is €34,900. Direct conversion says INR 28 Lakhs which is already a lot but then, direct conversion does not work here. And since it is a limited edition, good luck trying to get one.
Now, X signifies factory racing works when it comes to the motorcycles manufactured by the Noale marquee. That means racing technology for the general population (not with the price tag). We have already seen the RSV4 X and how Max Biaggi went nuts over it. And now, the Tuono V4 X is to follow along the same lines. Only, it has shed some clothes for this one.
The first thing you notice is the winglet-equipped mini fairing. The winglets are reminiscent of the RS-GP currently being piloted by Aleix Espargaró in MotoGP. It is made from Carbon fibre, of course. On that note, this is not the only place where you find carbon fibre on the Tuono V4 X. Apart from carbon fibre, another material that is prevalent throughout the Tuono V4 X is aluminium. Tank cap, adjustable footpegs, crankcase guards, brake level guard, and clutch lever are all billet aluminium.
The engine is derived from the RSV4 1100 Factory and the claimed power output is 221 bhp. The gain in power comes as a result of the Akrapovič exhaust system with titanium headers and a carbon fibre exhaust tip. In addition to that, intake is now facilitated by a high-flow Sprint air filter from the RS-GP.
The electrical system is rather simplified and that is a given considering that fact that the Tuono V4 X is track-only. So the TFT display is designed keeping that in mind. At any rate, the onboard GPS sensor will send you the lap-time info but do not expect to tether your smartphone for music and calls. Electronics include the ECU with power modes developed by Aprilia Racing. But these modes only adjust traction control, engine braking, wheelie mitigation and such. Unlike modern road-bikes, the modes do not alter power figures and so, you get all the power all the time regardless of the selected mode.
With the up/down quickshifter, clutchless shifts and loads of fun come standard. Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active electronic suspension work in tandem with the aluminium chassis to provide trademark Aprilia handling which, by the way, is one of the best out there. Further helping the matters are forged magnesium Marchesini wheels and Brembo GP4-MS billet aluminium callipers. Even the high-end T-drive discs are derived from WSBK and MotoGP.
After riding the bike at the Red Bull Ring, Aleix Espargaró of Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, said, "The Tuono V4 X is out of this world. I had never tested a high-handlebar bike on the track, and I was surprised at the feeling of stability. The engine is insane, but the chassis architecture doesn’t struggle. To the contrary, the riding position and the electronics make it extremely fun. You can ride it cleanly, but you can also drift with it if you want to. It is a pure sportbike with a hooligan side!"
Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia's test rider who assisted the development of the Tuono V4 X said, "It is the most fun bike I’ve ever ridden. In my opinion, the mix of comfort and performance is unique. The insane engine is also easy to manage, both for experts and novices, and the aerodynamics package provides incredible stability for a naked. I think that the Tuono V4 X has once again created a new segment."
Now, what makes the heart of an enthusiast sink? Price. Motorcycles like these are crazy and so are the price tags. For the Aprilia Tuono V4 X, it is €34,900. Direct conversion says INR 28 Lakhs which is already a lot but then, direct conversion does not work here. And since it is a limited edition, good luck trying to get one.
Comment