The Tuono is comfortable for a 125, with plenty of room for larger riders, and the upright position is a relaxed alternative to the more committed RS125, though the steering isn't as sharp. The brakes, with single-channel Bosch ABS, are superb – anti-lock on the front wheel only with an anti-stoppie feature (which you may or may not think is a good thing).
The DOHC 4-valve single doesn't sound inspiring but goes very well, producing the maximum 15bhp for an A1 bike. It's tractable enough below 5000rpm, but delivers real acceleration from 7-8000rpm up to the 11,000rpm red line. Great fun to ride.
You'd expect decent quality at this price and the Aprilia is very well finished – perfect welds on the aluminium frame and steel swing arm, with quality paint and plastics. The RS125 has proved more reliable than its two-stroke predecessor.
As a 125, the Tuono won't cost an arm and a leg to run, but it loses a star due to the high price.
A mixed bag – the Bosch ABS (with radial front caliper), braided hoses and optional quick-shift are all impressive on a 125, plus you get a 14.5-litre tank, some underseat space and a USB charger. But the USD forks and rear shock are non-adjustable and the Mitas tyres aren't the grippiest.