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• Close combat on the street
• Aprilia Tuono is a stripped, converted superbike
• KTM with lean angle sensor-monitored traction control
• The KTM 1290 Super Duke R can also be smoother
• Aggro front stoppers vs. Ancient brake pump
• PS data
• PS readings
• Horsepower performance
• PS setup country road
• PS rating
• PS judgment

Jahn

27 photos

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All information is easy to read and easy to understand. Great infotainment à la KTM.

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Oops, how did this coarsely riveted test exhaust make it to a test bike?

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Solid chain to transfer the heavy torque to the rear wheel. The Dunlop smokes a lot.

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Robert Gluck: From an objective point of view, the KTM’s victory is very close. Subjectively, however, the Tuono generates significantly fewer wow experiences on the country road than its opponent.

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The finest fittings – with a powerful effect – round off the appearance of the Super Duke perfectly.

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In the orange corner: Jean-Claude van Damme the tubular handlebar fighter. Muscle-packed and terrifying like a US Marine.

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KTM 1290 Super Duke R..

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When the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS and KTM 1290 Super Duke R get started, no stone is left unturned.

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Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS.

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KTM 1290 Super Duke R..

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Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS.

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In the black corner: the Bruce Lee of the naked street fighters. Wiry, sinewy and a brilliant technician.

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Oh Aprilia! The brake pump works well, but it doesn’t belong on a 15,000 euro motorcycle.

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Thanks to APRC: The very well-working Quick-Shifter is on board as standard.

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The Tuono has a relatively strong sound despite or perhaps because of the valve exhaust systems.

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Smooth lines everywhere. Design is really a strength of Italian motorcycle manufacturers.

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PS readings.

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Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in comparison test

Close combat on the street

Content of

When the KTM 1290 Super Duke R and Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS get started, no stone is left unturned. Which of the two has the higher penetration power?

E.A scene like in an action flick – man to man. The technically sophisticated martial arts hero pounds his way with the colossal muscle mountains. One is very nimble and hits many small hits, the other has gigantic steam in his arms and is just waiting for that one winning punch.

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Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS and KTM 1290 Super Duke R in comparison test
Close combat on the street

Tuono V4 R APRC ABS and KTM 1290 Super Duke R, on the road – and full attack. If they attack each other, the result is a cinematic exchange of blows in a class of its own. A box office hit, held at the highest level, between an established and technically skilled champion of the naked bike scene and an equally armed, bull-necked greenhorn. Clear the ring for the brawl of the year.

Aprilia Tuono is a stripped, converted superbike

Who will win? The test is open-ended, because the roots and thus the characters of the two street fighters couldn’t be more different. In one corner, the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS lurks nothing but a stripped superbike that has been converted to a country road burner. The tubular handlebar is only used to a limited extent as a camouflage, a knowledgeable glance immediately recognizes the two-time Superbike champ without disguise. When you sit up, the confirmation: narrow tank, although its volume has grown from 17 to 18.5 liters, crisp seat cushion, narrow knee angle. This is what a racer feels like down below. At the top then the relaxed, upright upper body posture, which leans slightly against the broad, well-cranked tubular handlebar.

For 2014, the engineers fine-tuned the Aprilia Tuono, making it smoother for everyday use. The chassis was tuned a little softer by means of changed springs, the seat cushion a touch thicker. The compression and rebound stage damping on the fork have also been separated and now work independently of one another in one of the fork tubes. Some fine-tuning on the exhaust system and the injection mapping of the V4 should increase its maximum power by three to 170 hp. A marginal note that goes down next to the application of the Bosch ABS. Thanks to its superbike genes, the first-class APRC electronics package and its new brake assistant, the Tuono is absolutely confident about the fight against the newcomer KTM 1290 Super Duke R..

Naked bike

Aprilia Tuono V4 R versus Triumph Speed ​​Triple R.

Naked bikes on the racetrack

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Naked bike

Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC ABS in the driving report

Simulated everyday operation on a wet racetrack

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Naked bike

Premiere Aprilia Tuono v4 R APRC ABS and RSV4 R APRC ABS

Absolution

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KTM with lean angle sensor-monitored traction control

But this is also well equipped to stick to the topic of electronics. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R also comes with a Bosch ABS as standard, carries a lean angle sensor-monitored traction control and, like the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS, offers its rider three different driving modes. The differences are in the details: Aprilia lets the driver choose the TC setting in eight stages – a negative result at KTM. A wheelie and launch control as well as an automatic gearshift is also only offered by the Aprilia. Tied again in the ABS modalities. Both have three modes here: from foolproof to the with-stoppie-to-standstill program.

As for the accommodation of the pilot, then another aha experience: If the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS is completely Superbike conversion, then the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is a classic naked bike. You sit comfortably integrated into the motorcycle. In front of the waistcoat, the 18-liter tank is unusually high, which forces the pilot to sit in an inactive, somewhat restricted sitting position when heating, compared to the Aprilia. The handlebars lie very comfortably in the hands, the KTM seat cushion embeds the popometer in a sporty and comfortable way. In general, the Super Duke has taken over little or nothing from the super sporty RC 8 sister. Apart from the gigantic V-engine, of course, which had a whopping 1301 cubic meters in the 1290s.

A three millimeter larger bore, now 108 millimeters, and a stroke that has grown by two millimeters ensure the increase in displacement and thus power. What has remained is the double ignition, the cultivated manners and the almost perfectly operating ride-by-wire. The exhaust system without a flap has also remained and is unusual in this performance league. Without this gimmick, KTM manages to give the 1290 Super Duke R a decent voice while complying with the noise emission limits. The riveted “Mad Max” look of the rear silencer is not very pleasing. But enough of the static description of our fighters…

Naked bike

KTM 1290 Super Duke R in the PS driving report

A real hammer on wheels

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Naked bike

KTM 1290 Super Duke R prototype in the driving report

Explosive mix of thump and speed

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The KTM 1290 Super Duke R can also be smoother

Close the visor, ignite the engines – and off. But what is it? The KTM, sold as a “beast” by the orange marketing department, behaves like a shy acolyte with a middle parting from the first turn of the crankshaft. The clutch can be pulled with one finger, the first one engages audibly, but without jerk, and the asphalt and rear tires remain intact when starting. Then at 3000 rpm the first kick in the back. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R exceeds the 100 Nm mark. From 3900 to 9900 tours there is always at least 120 Newton meters of torque on the chain, which gives you the feeling of lying on a rack. If it weren’t for the already mentioned seat recess, the pilot would hang on the handlebars like a flag in a hurricane. This is followed by the second, third, and fourth gear – the pull doesn’t let up, only the wind pressure on the upper body increases.

No naked bike has raced so brilliantly before. From every corner there is this incredibly brutal kick-ass punch that makes you believe that Chuck Norris personally kicked you in the cross. But the KTM 1290 Super Duke R can also be different, smoother. The hearty Vau Zwo hangs directly on the gas, even runs under 3000 revs without jerks and masters the annoying everyday operation within the city very confidently. In this discipline, the V4 engine of the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS easily keeps up. Despite the racing genes, everyday life and a cozy skirt are possible with her. Little manual clutch force, silky engine running and slippery gear changes make it easier for the urban shackles to be maneuvered.

Jahn

When the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS and KTM 1290 Super Duke R get started, no stone is left unturned.

The Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS clearly shows its origins in the case of a hard attack, especially in conjunction with the Super Duke. She wants, no gotta turn, to move forward. Their straight-line performance, which has unbeatable efficiency on the racetrack, becomes a pleasure killer. In direct comparison to the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the Aprilia always feels like a tuned moped. While the Austrian snaps out of the corners, the Tuono pilot has to know how things are going on behind it as soon as he approaches the apex – in order to have the right gear for the apex speed at the start.

On the engine side, a comparison suggests itself: While the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS wants to be operated like a scalpel, the KTM corresponds to a mighty two-handed sword. Wrong gear? It doesn’t matter – the punch still sits. And that despite the long secondary translation. This is one of the reasons why the Tuono stays on the orange lightning bolt. Your landing gear is the second. If the KTM 1290 Super Duke R turns briskly, the Tuono is a little easier, more playful in an inclined position. The Italian has this absolute trust in the front wheel, which is primarily due to the clear feedback from the forehand. The spring elements of the two war swords are perfectly fine in winter test conditions, only the directly hinged shock absorber of the KTM could be a bit more sensitive.

Aggro front stoppers vs. Ancient brake pump

As brutally as the twin pushes the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the front stoppers bite into their work with aggression. Two fingers on the KTM brake lever are almost too many, so vehement is the effect of the brake. Without ABS, the stoppers would be almost dangerous, especially in bad weather conditions. The cheap, ancient brake pump of the V4 R takes it a little more relaxed. With a little more hand strength, you can bring the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS to a safe stop from any speed range.

Speaking of standing: Our test candidates could still hammer each other forever. If it weren’t for the referee. He stops the fight at dusk, grabs the two thugs and chooses the country road winner. He raises the arm of the … (see PS judgment on the last page of the article)

PS data

Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS

Drive: Four-cylinder 65-degree V-engine, four valves / cylinder, 125 kW (170 HP) at 11,500 rpm *, 112 Nm at 9500 rpm *, 1000 cm³, bore / stroke: 78.0 / 52.3 mm , Compression ratio: 13.0: 1, ignition / injection system, 48 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain, traction control.

Landing gear: Light alloy bridge frame, steering head angle: 63.0 degrees, caster: 107 mm, wheelbase: 1445 mm, upside-down fork, Ø fork inner tube: 43 mm, adjustable spring base, rebound and compression level. Central spring strut with deflection, adjustable in spring base, rebound and compression. Suspension travel front / rear: 120/130 mm.

Wheels and brakes: Light alloy cast wheels, 3.50 x 17 / 6.00 x 17, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/55 ZR 17, first tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa, 320 mm double disc brakes with radially attached four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 220 -mm single disc with two-piston fixed caliper at the rear, C-ABS.

measurements and weight: Length / width / height: 2060/940/1170 mm, seat / handlebar height: 820/980 mm, handlebar width: 750 mm, 215 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 50.8 / 49.2%.

Rear wheel power in last gear: 112 kW (152 PS) at 251 km / h.

consumption: Fuel type: Super unleaded. Average test consumption: 8.7 liters / 100 km, tank capacity 18.5 liters, range: 213 km.

Base price: 15,490 euros (including ancillary costs).

* Manufacturer information

KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

Drive: Two-cylinder 75-degree V-engine, four valves / cylinder, 132 kW (180 PS) at 8870 / min *, 144 Nm at 6500 / min *, 1301 cm³, bore / stroke: 108.0 / 71.0 mm , Compression ratio: 13.2: 1, ignition / injection system, 56 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat, chain, traction control.

Landing gear: Steel tubular space frame, steering head angle: 65.1 degrees, caster: 107 mm, wheelbase: 1482 mm, upside-down fork, Ø fork inner tube: 48 mm, adjustable in rebound and compression. Central spring strut without deflection, adjustable in spring base, rebound and compression. Suspension travel front / rear: 120/156 mm.

Wheels and brakes: Light alloy cast wheels, 3.50 x 17 / 6.00 x 17, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/55 ZR 17, first tires: Dunlop Sportsmart 2, 320 mm double disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 240- mm single disc with two-piston fixed caliper at the rear, C-ABS.

Measurements and weight: Length / width / height: 2140/900/1280 mm, seat / handlebar height: 830/1050 mm, handlebar width: 750 mm, 213 kg fully fueled, v./h .: 49.5 / 50.5%.

Rear wheel power in last gear: 118.5 kW (161 PS) at 246 km / h.

Consumption: Fuel type: Super unleaded. Average test consumption: 8.4 liters / 100 km, tank capacity 18.0 liters, range: 214 km.

Base price: 15,695 euros (including ancillary costs).

* Manufacturer information

PS readings

Jahn

PS readings.

The performance chart speaks volumes! While the KTM 1290 Super Duke R proliferates with its torque, the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS is stingy with it. At 8100 rpm the KTM reaches its peak and releases 142 Nm, the Aprilia at least 100 Nm. If you want to stay tuned to the KTM on the Italian, you always have to drive at least one, even better, two gears lower. This is stressful, annoying in the long run because of the loud driving noise and on top of that costs fuel. While the V2 driver roars through the country with relish, things are always a bit hectic on the V4. Both engines are fascinating – but each in its own way.

Horsepower performance

	acceleration**			Draft**		Top speed*
	0-100 km / h	0-150 km / h	0-200 km / h	50-100 km / h	100-150 km / h
Aprilia Tuono V4 R	3.2 s	5.3 s	8.7 s	5.2 s	4.6 s	270 km / h
KTM 1290 Super Duke R.	3.3 s	5.4 s	8.8 s	5.5 s	4.4 s	290 km / h

* Manufacturer information
** PS measurement

PS setup country road

	Aprilia Tuono V4 R	KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
fork
stat.neg. Suspension travel	8 mm	25 mm
Pressure level	8 K open	12 K open
Rebound	8 K open	12 K open
level	default	default
Strut
stat.neg. Suspension travel	8 mm	24 mm
Pressure level high	—	1.25 U open
Low compression	2.25 U open	13 K open
Rebound	15 K open	12 K open
level	default	default

all damping settings counted from completely closed; more static
negative spring deflection standing vertically without driver; U = revolutions; K = clicks.

PS rating

	Max. Points	Aprilia Tuono V4 R	KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
drive
acceleration	10	8th	8th
Draft	10	6th	6th
Power delivery	10	9	9
Responsiveness	10	7th	9
Load change reaction	10	8th	8th
Running culture	10	8th	7th
Gear actuation	10	9	8th
Gear ratio	10	9	9
Clutch function	10	9	10
Traction control	10	10	8th
Subtotal	100	83	82
landing gear
Driving stability	10	9	9
Handiness	10	9	8th
Cornering stability	10	8th	8th
feedback	10	8th	8th
Suspension tuning in front	10	8th	8th
Chassis set-up at the rear	10	7th	7th
Braking effect	10	9	10
Brake metering	10	9	9
Righting moment when braking	10	9	9
ABS function	10	10	10
Subtotal	100	86	86
Everyday life and driving fun	10
Sitting position	10	8th	8th
Windbreak	10	2	2
Furnishing	10	8th	8th
consumption	10	3	4th
Driving fun	10	9	10

Subtotal

50 30th 32

Total

250 199 200

placement

2. 1.

PS judgment

1. KTM 1290 Super Duke R: The thoroughbred naked bike wins mainly because of the gigantic engine. Seldom have I driven such a violent and controllable thing on the one hand. The overall package of the Super Duke is a force, the stove is just plain fat and amazing.

2. Aprilia Tuono V4 R: From an objective point of view, the KTM’s victory is very close. Subjectively, however, the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS generates significantly fewer wow experiences on country roads than its opponent.

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