Menus

• A colorful trio
• Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR delivers a measured 172 hp
• Kawasaki Ninja H2 with 239 kilos not exactly light
• The most comfortable seat is on the BMW S 1000 XR
• Harsh throttle response of the H2 requires a lot of concentration
• Tuono is greedy for gas
• Steam hammer probably offers the highest potential for adventure
• Technical specifications
• Readings
• Bottom line
• 1st place: Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR
• 2nd place: BMW S 1000 XR
• 3rd place: Kawasaki Ninja H2

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

31 photos

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

1/31
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR, Kawasaki Ninja H2 and BMW S 1000 XR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

2/31
And it’s gone: thanks to the supercharged 200 hp at 11,000 rpm, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 rushes off in no time at all.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

3/31
The scaling of the round instrument only lights up red when the speed increases. The cockpit also provides information about the boost pressure.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

4/31
The compression stage of the KYB shock absorber can be set in high and low speed.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

5/31
For the lightning-fast Kawasaki Ninja H2, Kawasaki turned to Brembo monoblocks with extra low manufacturing tolerances.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

6/31
And yet not everything that glitters is black on the Kawasaki Ninja H2. The H2 owes much of its spectacular appearance to its elaborate paintwork. According to Kawasaki, the silver reflective surface is created by the reaction of silver ions with a reducing agent. Depending on the incidence of light, the mirroring shimmers sometimes lighter, sometimes darker.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

7/31
The layers of varnish are applied labor-intensive by hand for each model. The high sensitivity of the surface is all the more annoying. After the machine had to endure a few test productions, there were clear scratch marks from normal use …

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

8/31
… recognizable on the front tank section and on the outside of the rear. For private owners, re-sealing or at least applying a transparent protective film will not be a mistake.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

9/31
Let’s come to a conclusion about the three bikes.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

10/31
BMW’s sports four-in-line is no stranger to it. In the BMW S 1000 XR, it loses little of its fascination, and the whole drive system shines with great manners. Nevertheless, the long-legged concept can no longer keep up with the sharpness of the engine from a certain speed.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

11/31
Despite problems with the engine and an unworthy braking system, the Tuono V4 1100 RR took first place. The increase in displacement has added another attraction to your spectacular overall package, and the whole motorcycle is also more suitable for everyday use. The Aprilia is extremely hard to beat in terms of driving pleasure on country roads.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

12/31
So our winner is the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

13/31
She is clearly the most fun on the country road.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

14/31
But as I said: each of the three machines has a unique selling point and doesn’t need to hide.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

15/31
The suspension mode Dynamic Pro works well for sporty gasping. Over bumpy stretches, however, the strut kicks you mercilessly in the back.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

16/31
How cemented. Once seated in the hollow, freedom of movement is over.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

17/31
With the epoch-making sail pole, tight turning maneuvers are particularly successful.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

18/31
All three can be boasted very well.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

19/31
Each one impresses in its own way.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

20/31
With the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR it is the mighty V4 that impresses with its supercharger, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and the BMW S 1000 XR puts the engine, which is beyond doubt, on a long legs.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

21/31
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

22/31
BMW S 1000 XR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

23/31
Kawasaki Ninja H2.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

24/31
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR, Kawasaki Ninja H2 and BMW S 1000 XR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

25/31
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR, Kawasaki Ninja H2 and BMW S 1000 XR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

26/31
Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR: With its 1077 cm³ four-cylinder, 65-degree V-engine, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR pushes 175 hp at 11,000 rpm.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

27/31
The slim tank in the thigh area holds 18.5 liters, which the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR also needs thanks to a stable thirst

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

28/31
The newly designed cockpit is joined by a narrower handlebar than on the previous model.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

29/31
As with the Superbike RSV4, the traction control can be fine-tuned while driving using a plus and minus button (rear).

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

30/31
The four-cylinder in-line engine familiar from the S 1000 RR develops 118.0 kW (160 hp) at 11,000 rpm in the BMW S 1000 XR.

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

31/31
The result is close, but ultimately it was third place for the Über-Kawa. Let’s not fool ourselves: The compressor-fired Kawasaki Ninja H2 is literally a masterpiece for performance-hungry enthusiasts, technology lovers or collectors of exotic cars. The animal runs straight ahead over the heap, has great brakes and a great gearbox. However, the H2 is too much of everything for the fast lap on the home track or even everyday life.

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR, Kawasaki Ninja H2 and BMW S 1000 XR in the comparison test

A colorful trio

Content of

Okay, only the BMW S 1000 XR from our colorful trio has really long stilts. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 has a compressor for this. And the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR a damn big V4. You can really brag about that, right??

A jealous riot breaks out on the sports field around the corner. Maybe it started with a wrong look or a thoughtless gesture. The first sharply spoken words follow only a blink of an eye later. “Take a look at yourself with your stubby feet!” Shouts the long-legged BMW S 1000 XR, all red around its face. Of course, the spirited Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR immediately returns: “Just don’t be too fooled about your skinny legs, chubby!” The exclusive one Kawasaki Ninja H2 doesn’t mind. Twittering she storms up and down the cinder track. She knows that someone with exquisite taste and a bulging wallet will appear and tear himself apart just for her.

Buy complete article

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR, Kawasaki Ninja H2 and BMW S 1000 XR in the comparison test
A colorful trio

S 1000 XR and still makes 170 HP, which is ten more than the factory specification. With so much power to use the word “weakness” can be described as daring. BMW transplanted the four-in-line from the naked S 1000 R into the new chassis of the XR with minimal changes. The Four received a more powerful alternator, the exhaust system was apparently changed and the mapping was adjusted. As the Bavarian flagship of “adventure sports”, the XR comes with long suspension travel, a mighty pulpit structure, wide and high handlebars and a comfortable seating position. Equipment packages have to be ordered individually. The “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” mappings are available just like the semi-active chassis, ABS Pro (cornering ABS) and the automatic switch with blipper function only against additional bills. Our test machine comes up with all relevant sports equipment. But how much frenzy the tall stilted adventure bike can take now?

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR delivers a measured 172 hp

So that no one feels left out and starts bickering again, we quickly come to sports field heroine number two, the new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR. People like to remember their predecessor. Endless power, tight chassis, well-functioning electronics. Actually an RSV4 with superbike handlebars on it. Admittedly with all the consequences, because the Thousand Tuono showed a really great performance characteristic and was translated too long. All of that should have changed with the new 1100. Due to a bore that has been enlarged by three millimeters, the Tuono now has a displacement of 1077 cm3 and has a measured 172 hp.

In conjunction with the shorter gear ratio, the plus in tractive power in the medium speed range should be clearly visible. When it comes to drive, lighter connecting rods save a total of 400 grams, although the pistons and crankcase have also been modified. In order to be able to bring the pressure to the road, the aluminum swing arm was lengthened by four millimeters. Furthermore, the Italians lowered the center of gravity a little and the steering head angle is 0.4 degrees steeper due to the shortened fork. Last but not least, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR rider sits enthroned on a more comfortably padded seat with better grip contours, which has also lost 15 millimeters in height.

Naked bike

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR in the top test

New versus old, 1100 versus 1000 cm³

read more

All reviews and articles about the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR

Kawasaki Ninja H2 with 239 kilos not exactly light

Now for the categorization of the powerful Kawasaki Ninja H2. Its exterior is characterized by clip-ons and a futuristic half-fairing. What kind of thing is that? The monoposto is surrounded by supports that are supposed to give the pilot lateral support and support at high speeds. That smells suspiciously of speed. In terms of performance, at 239 kilos, the motorcycle is not exactly lean, but “only” has 200 hp. “As usual!”, One might think with a touch of arrogance. Not too hasty, because following the Bavarian model, the Kawa puts a lot more power on our test bench. 218 ponies gather for a rendezvous. Holly cow!

A closer look at the technical data reveals further details: compressor-ventilated! From zero to 200 in seven seconds! With this announcement, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 can afford a relaxed smile compared to the BMW S 1000 XR and the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR. The compressor of the H2 compresses analogously to the speed, so there is no “turbo lag”. The compressor shaft is attached to the crankshaft by means of a toothed chain. A planetary gear transfers the power to the axis of the compressing impeller and whips it up to 130,000 rpm. The technology must be correspondingly stable and precisely manufactured, otherwise the four-cylinder could tear apart. Kawasaki Heavy Industries are rightly particularly proud of the H2, because the charger technology comes entirely from their own company. Since there is a lot of power and every straight in this world ends at some point, Brembo brakes are installed on the machine, which go through a special quality control.

Super athlete

Kawasaki Ninja H2R in the PS driving report

Pure madness

read more

All tests and articles about the Kawasaki Ninja H2

The most comfortable seat is on the BMW S 1000 XR

In order to explore the potential of the three unequal combatants, we subdivide the test track into city, motorway and country road. The latter deserves the greatest attention, because only there the possible degree of play instinct can be properly explored. The BMW S 1000 XR is most comfortable because of the upright posture and relaxed knee angle. Thanks to its high handlebars, it is easy and nimble to maneuver out of the city, because as soon as the engine wakes up, a certain hunting instinct becomes apparent due to the aggressive, pithy background noise.

In city traffic there is a slight starting weakness that requires well-measured clutch work and a little more gas when rolling off. The engine tuning should be positively emphasized, as there is no load change at all. The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR joins the desire to escape to the countryside, but this is not due to an unbearable seating position. Thanks to the soft upholstery, you can even endure many kilometers at a time on the Aprilia. In city traffic as well as when cornering very tightly, the V4 needs to be repeatedly guided around the corner with the aid of the clutch. In addition, the unclean frictional connection when accelerating from low speeds is annoying. The clutch cannot be dosed very cleanly, and the e-gas could work more sensitively. Sure, the V4 was created to shoot and not to sneak around the city.

All tests and articles about the BMW S 1000 XR

motorcycles

BMW S 1000 XR in the driving report

Gigantic speed range

read more

Harsh throttle response of the H2 requires a lot of concentration

But the BMW S 1000 XR takes this hurdle better despite similar performance values. In the meantime, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 also makes it past the motorcade and forward to the start of the traffic lights. Its ergonomics do not force you into the same torturous posture as a super sports car, but the tank is pretty wide, the footrests are positioned a little too far forward for the author’s taste and the handlebars are not turned out far enough. Due to its weight and dimensions, the machine can hardly be a light-footed metropolitan escape device, but this stiff coupling is added. Because the component has to transmit an enormous amount of force, particularly strong springs seem to be installed. The harsh throttle response requires a lot of concentration and doesn’t exactly make it easier. Drive through Stuttgart’s rush hour with the Kawasaki Ninja H2, and you can save yourself the gym for that day.

Outside on the motorway in the direction of the Swabian Alb, the tide turns. Even with a solid lead, the H2 driver easily catches up with the other two bikes, as long as he can just let the gas stand. The 998 cm³ engine is extremely smooth and feels like a much more powerful engine. In addition, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is still quite short, and the thrust is like a jump into hyperspace in every speed range. Simply put your head behind the windshield and turn the handle to the right. The gearshift foot must give a clear impulse, then the quickshifter changes gears mechanically noisily but reliably from around 6000 rpm. Anyone who folds up on the machine and sees the 299 km / h on the speedometer will notice a tremendous degree of directional stability despite the high speed. 

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

“First you hear a hissing sound, then a lovely chirping and the Kawasaki H2 has already hurried unreachable”.

Standing at the gas station after the motorway exit, a glance at the rear tire of the Kawasaki Ninja H2 makes it clear that it will probably not get old. It will be a while before the BMW S 1000 XR and the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR arrive. At top speed, the BMW driver does not notice anything from swinging gear or from annoying turbulence, but at a speedometer of 257 km / h it is over. The Tuono, on the other hand, only brushes the sails at a speedometer of 265 km / h, but the driver hangs full pipe in the wind and fights his way kilometer by kilometer with the restless machine. The Aprilia is not made for highway turf.

Now it’s all about, showdown on the mountain and on the country road! Although the 1100 V4 does not run smoother in the lower engine speed range, it dashes through the engine speed range so that the driver’s eyes widen. The V4 spectacularly changes its soundscape several times when climbing the speed ladder up to 12,000 rpm. From 7000 rpm the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR is no longer related, lifts the front wheel out of the curve in second and third gear with ease. Thanks to the handlebars, which are six millimeters shorter on each side than the previous model, you get nice pressure on the front wheel, which in combination with the sporty chassis gives transparent feedback on the grip level.

Tuono is greedy for gas

Because the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR hangs so greedily on the gas, turns sharply and is stable in the curve, it is clearly reminiscent of the performance of a superbike. The traction control also works wonderfully, although its design is geared towards safety. It allows a lot of slip from level three, so that bold black lines can be drawn. If you turn the throttle like a light switch (off – on) in an inclined position, it still regulates everything away. The tendency for the handlebars to flap under tension at the exit of a curve provides cause for criticism. The Tuono has a steering damper which, however, offers no adjustment options and seems overwhelmed when riding hard. The brakes are a real disappointment. Even at the beginning, the Brembos feel dull, but at the end of the test drive they really “resinify” and require a lot of manual strength for decent deceleration. It is really a shame that the sister RSV4 has one of the best sports braking systems on the market and that the naked bike has to make do with such material. 

A bit behind the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR comes the BMW S 1000 XR at a respectable angle of inclination around the bend. She screams hoarsely into the environment and puts in such a spurt at 9000 rpm that the rider almost no longer feels it is healthy in some situations. You don’t get the power right on the road. You sit in your hollow as if stuck and you can’t work with your own body weight enough. In addition, the feeling for the front section is too diffuse. It doesn’t seem certain how much lean angle there is before a take-off threatens. 

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR, BMW S 1000 XR and Kawasaki Ninja H2.

If the road surface becomes wavy or asphalt cracks lurk, the rear can pump latently in curves despite the tightest basic setup of the chassis and the handlebars begin to stir. In addition, the BMW S 1000 XR shows a tendency to wobble in some radii. As a result, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR pulls away. This annoys the XR rider immensely, but there are certainly a number of other bikes that do not stand up to the Tuono. With the BMW, the brake system and the gearshift are really good. Completely free from fading, the stoppers decelerate vehemently throughout the day and impress with a crisp pressure point. The blipper shifts the gears up and down even at low speed through the gearbox.

With a little distance, a visibly stressed driver then steers the Kawa into the parking lot. “Men, things are going so well, you don’t believe that.” Yes, we noticed that before on the autobahn. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is no less spectacular on country roads, because the compressor is at hand in every speed range, the bike just blows it from curve to curve. The loader also builds up pressure in push mode. If this is not called up, a valve opens and the characteristic chirping occurs.

Steam hammer probably offers the highest potential for adventure

If you force the Kawasaki Ninja H2 to go fast, you can’t afford to be tired. It jumps on the gas too roughly, so that you should pull the tap out of switchbacks as sensitively as possible. The traction control adapted from the ZX-10R will hardly be able to prevent a highsider, at least at level one. The system offers a total of three levels, all of which can be set in plus for more and minus for less slip. Stage two intervenes too strongly, so that one plus is the best compromise. Furthermore, the H2 pushes into the wide line when cornering and shows a tendency to understeer. Of the three bikes, the steam hammer may offer the highest potential for adventure, but also the most restricted area of ​​application.

All of a sudden there is calm and the “goosing”, as the Swabian likes to say, comes to an end. Across the various disciplines, the strengths and weaknesses of the long-legged, then the temperamental and finally the exclusive were brought to light. On the other hand, the shameless boast made a most entertaining afternoon – fortunately, the way back is still ahead of us!

Technical specifications

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

With the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR it is the mighty V4 that impresses with its supercharger, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and the BMW S 1000 XR puts the engine, which is beyond doubt, on a long legs.

Readings

MOTORCYCLE

"Immense" hits it pretty well: the Kawasaki Ninja H2 outperforms the two competitors.

Like a monstrous prehistoric creature, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 dashes past the two “lap dogs” Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and BMW S 1000 XR at the latest from 6000 rpm. Not only because of the power of the compressor, but also because of its short gear ratio, the acceleration process with the Kawasaki feels like jumping into hyperspace. But where there is light, there is also shadow.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 can only be used on motorways and expressways due to its poorly controllable force. The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR feels like a much stronger middle than the diagram shows. The BMW S 1000 XR, on the other hand, has a slight drop between 5400 rpm and 6800 rpm, but literally ignites the afterburner in a spectacular way above 9000 rpm.

Bottom line

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

In the end, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR landed in first place.

1st place: Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

Can ultimately place ahead of the two competitors: Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR

Despite having problems with the engine and an unworthy braking system, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR took first place. The increase in displacement has added another attraction to your spectacular overall package, and the whole motorcycle is also more suitable for everyday use. The Aprilia is extremely hard to beat in terms of driving pleasure on country roads.

2nd place: BMW S 1000 XR

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

The engine is fun, but at some point it is too much of a good thing: BMW S 1000 XR.

BMW’s sports four-in-line is no stranger to it. In the BMW S 1000 XR, it loses little of its fascination, and the whole drive system shines with great manners. Nevertheless, the long-legged concept can no longer keep up with the sharpness of the engine from a certain speed. 

3rd place: Kawasaki Ninja H2

Arturo Rivas Gonzalez

Fast faster and fast slower again, the H2 can do that extremely well. However, it is not very suitable for everyday use.

The result is close, but ultimately it was third place for the Über-Kawa. Let’s not fool ourselves: The compressor-fired Kawasaki Ninja H2 is literally a masterpiece for performance-hungry enthusiasts, technology lovers or collectors of exotic cars. The animal runs straight ahead over the heap, has great brakes and a great gearbox. However, the H2 is too much of everything for the fast lap on the home track or even everyday life.

Related articles

• Ducati 1299 Panigale S and Kawasaki Ninja H2 in comparison test

  31 pictures 1/31 Left in the picture 197 HP and 145 Nm (Ducati 1299 Panigale S), on the right there are 200 HP and 133 Nm (Kawasaki Ninja H2) ….

• Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR in the top test

  Rivas 45 pictures Rivas 1/45 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR. Rivas 2/45 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR. Rivas 3/45 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR. Rivas 4/45 Aprilia Tuono …

• Comparison test sports tourer Kawasaki Z 1000 SX Tourer, Triumph Sprint GT

  www. 35 pictures www. 1/35 Sports tourers sit between all chairs, but the temptation lies in this niche: there are bikes, …

• Kawasaki ZX-10R and BMW S 1000 RR in a comparison test

  www.bilski-fotografie.de 25 pictures www.bilski-fotografie.de 1/25 Let’s first take a look at the new Kawasaki ZX-10R. www.bilski-fotografie.de …

• Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja H2, Aprilia RSV4 RF and Yamaha Vmax in the test

  Bilski 41 photos Bilski 1/41 Yamaha Vmax, Suzuki Hayabusa, Aprilia RSV4 RF, Kawasaki Ninja H2. Each of these four machines has its own special charm….

• Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and Aprilia RSV4 RR in comparison test

  fact 14th photos fact 1/14 Even if tastes are known to be different: It doesn’t matter with these two bikes, … fact 2/14 The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR…

• Comparison test BMW S 1000 RR, Kawasaki ZX-10R and Yamaha YZF-R1M

  22 images 1/22 BMW S 1000 RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and Yamaha YZF-R1M. 2/22 Yamaha YZF-R1M. 3/22 BMW …

• Comparison test Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory KTM 1290 Super Duke R 2018

  Arturo Rivas 16 pictures Rossen Gargolov 1/16 Anyone who has been able to enjoy this power and magnificence will never forget it. Rossen Gargolov 2/16 …

• Comparison test Aprilia, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM and Triumph

  Artist comparison test Aprilia, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM and Triumph Cool naked bikes Minimalistic, aggressive, greedy and cool ?? Focusing on naked bikes …

• Top test Aprilia Tuono 1000 R

  Jahn Top-Test Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Everything stays different The Tuono is not just a naked bike. It’s a super sports naked bike. That was…