APRILIA TUONO V4R (2011 - on) Review

Version: APRC ABS

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £300

This is a bike I had been lusting after since I passed my test in 2012. The reviews were raving, MCN as well as other magazines,year after year were consistently naming it the best supernaked on the planet and in 2018, after feeling I needed a change from my 2006 fireblade, I decided to take the plunge "meet my hero" as they say and test ride the Tuono V4. Long story short, I'd made my mind up within the first 2 mins of the test ride... it was better than I could have imagined!! The character, torque, top end and overall eagerness of that god-worthy V4 just absolutely astounded me. The noise made me feel like a gp rider, the sharp handling, composur, fantastic brembo brakes and overall amazing chassis made me already excited for my next track day (yes, I'd not even bought the bike yet and was already dreaming of throwing it around a track) It just made my poor fireblade feel like a sports tourer by comparison it was a fantastic machine with comparable performance but it just didn't make me feel anywhere near as excited or special as this absolute weapon of a supernaked. With all this positivity streaming through my head I slapped my deposit on the table upon bringing the bike back, arranged to part ex the blade against it and picked it up a week later. It took me a matter of hours to get used to it, it's so easy to ride but also so wonderfully brutal, it loves to rev and be thrown into as many corners as the road can provide, I had never been happier on a motorcycle. A few spirited road rides and one demolished set of tyres later, I decided to take it to the place id been wanting to explore its performance since I first threw a leg over it, the track. Snetterton was my venue of choice, it was a track I'd not ridden before owing to it being 200 miles away but I thought a fresh bike deserved a fresh proving ground in my eyes so I threw the bike and some fuel in my van and off we went. At the track I had fitted my preferred road rubber, (Dunlop Sportsmart 2 Max's), some sintered pads, I'd set the suspension up to my weight and riding style as best I could (it only needed a slight tweak on the rebound for me to feel completely at home) and headed out to see what was what. The mighty Tuono just came alive, it gave me alot more confidence and feel than my Fireblade on track even more so than it had on the road which I was amazed was even possible. I just found myself enjoying the experience a whole lot more, The brakes where leagues ahead of the blade's, miles sharper as well as allowing this to be the first track day I'd ever experienced zero brake fade on, this was massively confidence inspiring at the end of Snettertons long straights I can tell you... The grip, the feel of that perfect chassis, the awesome brakes and all of the power I could want allowed me to comfortably run towards the sharp end of intermediates group despite being the only person I could see in the group without track focused tyres and warmers. I became faster and happier as the day went on and at no point did I feel like I was at risk of binning it, even when pushing the rear end harder than I'd done on any bike previously, it was so telepathic in its communication to me that even little rear end slides on corner exit felt like nowhere near as much of a trouser soiling moment as they were on the blade, plus there are the added benefits of the APRC doing its job and allowing me to have a light safety net of sorts, the ABS is also the best I'd ever used on a bike, in setting one it allowed the rear end to move around under braking and the front ABS didn't engage at all throughout the whole day (unlike previous systems which have sent me running wide at Castle Combe more than once on previous bikes). Interestingly the Tuono was much easier on its tyres than the Fireblade had been for me at track days previously but that could also possibly be attributed to Snetterton's track layout, it's very different to Brands hatch where I often took the blade. My first track day on this bike was easily the best I'd ever had and soon after I wanted more, I therefore decided to take it to Brands Hatch where I'd be able to see if it handled that circuit any better or worse than Snet and to have a comparison with my experiences there on the blade. It was the exact same story... it absolutely shined there as well, astounding me by matching my personal best times on the Fireblade within 3 sessions and beating them by nearly 1.5 seconds by the end of the day on identical tyres to the blade's and on the exact same set of Sportsmart 2's I'd run at Snetterton a few months previously albeit with a couple of thousand very spirited (sometimes two up) road miles added on, is there any track this bike can't impress me at? It just keeps getting better on every ride and with lockdown now almost over Im already itching to take it on track once again and enjoy it for the wonderful piece of soulful, well engineered machinery it is. The Tuono is just such a good fit for my riding style and suits all my needs perfectly: it's fast, comfortable enough for light Touring (only for the rider though, the missus doesn't concur as the pillion seat is like a park bench), perfect for my favourite roads and astonishingly capable on track. It's also alot more exclusive than most of the Japanese bikes that flood the market and tends to get more positive attention than my old Blade, plus; mine is matte white! A bastard to keep clean but beautiful nonetheless. To summarise, 3 years into ownership and I won't be changing bikes for a long time yet, there just isn't another bike I've ridden that makes me feel how this one does. I'd recommend to anyone who wants an exciting, capable, do it all supernaked bike without the punishing riding position of a sports bike, also being an Italian bike, it's dripping with character, something alot of German and Japanese bikes lack. Be warned though, these drink fuel like a Nassau pirate (I'm lucky to get 30mpg some days) and servicing can be pricey if you aren't able to perform it yourself, test ride one though! You'll likely love it.

Buying experience: Bought from a lovely dealer in Didcot back in 2018 for £7750 with low miles and a few extras, they gave me a decent trade in for my Fireblade and made it very positive buying experience despite the fuel light illuminating as I rode off the forecourt for the test ride.

Version: APRC

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £450

Truely excellent in performance & build quality, What more.....

Buying experience: Bill Smith in Chester, very easy to buy

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £250

This bike does everything you can want, effortlessly

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £350

It's my 4th Aprilia and they get better and better. A fantastic mix of chassis, engine and braking, with a more upright (yet sporty) riding position. The quick shifter is perfect and the electronics give you a wide range of options for road and track. On the track it's effortless but it's so much better on the road. It's a proper beast and loves being thrown around the B roads. A couple of electrical gremlins, low MPG and a poor turning circle drops it to 4 stars

Buying experience: Bought privately. 2014 model for £7k Inc loads of nice add-ons.

Version: APRC

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £500

Great engine and electronic toys but real pity about reliability and fuel economy.

Version: APRC

Year: 2011

This bike covers all bases, swapped a Fireblade in for this bike and it does not disappoint, the power and torque is unbelievable, engine braking is so so good you hardly need the brakes, no chicken strips on this bike it handles superbly, electronics are amazing and give you so much confidence.very thirsty however only about 100 miles to the tank but well worth it, sound form stock exhaust is also great, not found any negatives a as of yet .

Year: 2014

This bikes managed to put me back where I was 25 years ago: like a child drooling for an ice cream on a hot and boring Sunday at the coast. As a former "Ducati man", Aprilia was the bike for the biking Johnnies to me. Well, this Tuono Buono changed my opinion, ladies!

Buying experience: Second hand after 2 years. Bike had 1 350km. That's less than half the new price. If it appears it was not stolen, I'm a lucky buyer and there is a not so happy seller.

Version: Abs aprc

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £220

Fabulous real world super bike performance. racing technology. racing costs... ie fuel.

Buying experience: Easy friendly and professional

Version: 2015 APRC Revised Version Monoblock Brembo 19L tank Revised fuel map comfier seat.

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £400

The 2014 model omitted from MCN review info was given a few tweaks fuel map, monoblock Brembo front calipers slightly larger tank, some electronic wizardry and a softer more comfy seat and was available in black or white. I love this bike its insanely quick and the noise it makes is addictive.The quickshifter is amazing it takes a bit getting used to keeping it wide open and changing up without the clutch but the way it works and the sound it makes is the shizzle! It's a hard bike to drive slowly not happy below 5k rpm, around town you spend most time in first gear which is good for 60+ mph, 30 in 2nd is just beyond piston slap. The handling is sublime quick turning and stable at speed. Can be difficult at low speeds as the turning circle is the same as a supersport but crank it up and its light and planted you can crack it wide open at any angle and the gadgets do their thang!

Version: APRC ABS

Year: 2014

Excellent Machine full of character with sufficient rider aids to ensure a safer and enjoyable journey

Buying experience: Excellent service from the Aprilia Dealer in Peterborough, payed the asking price but received a full service and 2 new tyres as part of the deal, excellent PCP package meeting my request to gear the transaction to account for an annual change of vehicle.

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £200

The good bits are pretty much as described in every other review

Year: 2015

Please read on and you'll understand why it got a 3.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer I've used before. Can't fault them for the subsequent problems.

Year: 2014

Wow the feeling on this bike is awesome and the noise of the engine. It pure! Vraiment un bike de fou

I would describe this bike as the best bike i have owned. It handles and stops brilliantly, looks immense, aprc package is the best i have used, totally reliable and stonking v4 engine. I have owned the best Japan has to offer, but none have the character of this Italian gem.

I just bought one of the APRC models and have racked up 180miles in 2 days....this is a full on toy...does commute if needed but even the stock exhaust can make windows rattle...I absolutely love the bike. SO what if it only does about 100 miles to a tank...my old KTM 990SMT did 130 from a much bigger tank and doesn't even get close to the Tuono for road fun factor. Only the likes of the KTM Super duke R could come close to this for handling but all the electronic aids just make this so easy to enjoy....nicely done Aprilia

took one for a test ride and nearly didn't take it back...i wanted to try it on every back road I could find. A race can on the demo makes a sound to die for and the bike is almost everything any ageing sportsbike rider could want...speed, handling and upright but the seat is like a park bench so best avoid straight roads and make use of the sublime handling and its the easiest bike to move about on i've ever ridden. For me the default tyres aren't best suited to the UK....good tyre but too soft and moves about a lot.

rode one on Monday simlpy awesome sound, midrange , top end , handling , everything ! I have owned 1098r , gsxr1000, ktm super duke and ridden everything else . The Apilia is outstanding and even comfortable( dont change the seat aprilia you will lose feel ) all I need to do now is convicen the missus the pillion seat is OK . Ii wont sell my gsxr100k5 but the gsx14 can go. If really necessary the gsxr can go too the Aprilia is that good!!!!

I test drove the Aprillia Tuono V4 R APRC on Saturday afternoon courtesy of Jim Allen In Falkirk. I wanted to love this bike and buy it!! It ticked all the boxes for me the V4 engine the upright riding position. The acceleration the handling the race pedigree, the fully programmable controls and that amazing howl of the exhaust .... It just screamed, "BUY ME NOW!!!" The engine is just amazing, the handling is sublime and the road manners for a 160BHP bike are just incredible. However the seat is like a plank of wood - hard and seriously uncomfortable. I lasted just over 100 miles and could hardly walk after riding it. Aprillia - Please give it a better, more comfortable seat. I would also raise the handle bars by at least 50mm (2 inches) but that would be my personal preference. I hope Aprillia addresses these issues so that I can buy one next year!! Cause otherwise it is an truly awesome machine.

You can believe all the hype about this bike, it really is that good to ride and the soundtrack is amazing. I can't see me selling mine anytime soon. I cant praise it enough !!!

I also got this bike just over a week ago and its amazing the sound is to die for (hope not) do not test ride one lol

IF YOU DONT BUY THIS BIKE OR RIDE THIS BIKE THEN YOU HAVE NOT LIVED AND YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD. I have to shout about it because today june 4th Got this baby, it is so much fun, handles superb, drive superb,grin factor mega, and the sound will make you masterbate like crazy. this bike is so easy to control and backing it into corners is just stonking, so much feed back you can hang out on this. Sorry to the R1 rider who i blew away and left for dead, as he watched me back it inot the corners, and i was gone. what a track day tool this will be, but on the road it simply stunning. GET DOWN TO PALMERS MOTORCYCLES HEMEL HEMPSTEAD SEE JASON AND BUY BUY BUY!!!!!!!!! OMG have to go look at her again and knock one out. live long and enjoy riding.