2019 Tuono V4 1100 Factory test: electrostimulation for the Aprilia roadster
The Tuono V4 1100 is undergoing a new evolution in 2019: its top-of-the-range "Factory" version is equipped with new Ohlins electronic suspensions! Site quickly tested the Aprilia maxi roadster (maxi sporty and maxi enjoyable!) On pretty small Italian roads… Andiamo !
Tuono Factory test page 2: Electronics are chic
With the exception of the now electronic adjustment of its Ohlins suspensions, the 2019 Tuono V4 1100 Factory is in no way different from the previous model released in 2017. We therefore find a fairly high saddle that allows pilots of 1.80 m to pose. both feet on the ground but may impress the small builders.
The footrests are posted back but not excessively high: long legs are therefore welcome. Much better in any case than would suggest the hyper sporting aspect of this machine, closely derived from the Superbike !
The smoothness of the 4-cylinder V, that of the frame which surrounds it and that of the tank which covers it and feeds it also reserve an excellent reception to the thighs. Only inconvenience at this level: the engine can give off strong heat in summer or in sports use.
Rather flat and wide, the handlebars are ideally placed: the rider must lean slightly to grab it, but the pressure on the wrists is limited. The attitude of "streetfighter" is naturally adopted and we instantly want to light up fire his engine…
It’s hard not to shudder by activating this 1077 cc mill: from idle, the V4 rumbles badly and the slightest rotation of the handle results in a lively and sonorous revving. Bikers who have never ridden a sports car may be intimidated.
Fortunately, if the Tuono is very expressive, it is not necessarily explosive! The calibration of the wireless accelerator is very fine, which allows, for example, very smooth starts – or with a bang, depending on the mood. On the track, we won’t even necessarily need "Launch Control".
Very valuable in competition, the quickshifter is revealed – a second time for MNC who had already greatly appreciated it when he discovered it in 2017, in the rain this time! – very pleasant, even in town. The pilot must simply be careful not to open the throttle too wide, in order to avoid bumps in the first three gears.
Not quite as flexible as a 4-in-line (Japanese), the Italian V4 (but from Noale, not from Bologna!) Circulates easily in built-up areas on the fourth gear. In this configuration, the Journal moto du Net notices that the Tuono is struggling to take off when leaving the village.
In this Euro4 version, the water mill suffers from a slight dip below 4000 rpm. "It’s because of the valve on the exhaust," regrets the research and development manager of Aprilia, as we do. "On second gear, for example, it opens at 4500 rpm". It can be heard and felt !
After the first third of the tachometer, the Tuono begins to tow – even more – fiercely! The relaunches can be extremely sharp but never irritating: the vibrations are always contained and the injection is sufficiently gentle, regardless of the engine mode engaged (read our technical point on the next page).
Generously filled in mid-revs, the V4 never stops raising the tone and the sound! So much so that the front wheel leaves the ground when you accelerate fully on the first two gears or when you cross the slightest bump or false flat on the next two gears! Sensitive souls refrain…
Lion of Nestle Noale, to roar with pleasure !
Bikers who dare to whip the 175 Italian stallions will notice that the electronics are constantly on the lookout: by adjusting the traction control to the maximum notch (8) at the start of the journey, Site wonders if the Tuono is not underestimating the grip of the first ones. beautiful roads traveled…
To verify this, we decide to gradually lower the level of ATC intervention – which is done very simply, while driving, using small triggers. Out of 5, the bike is no longer so "restrained": the accelerations are complete in a straight line and less retained when the bike is still angled out of a turn.
By setting the traction-control to 1, the Journal moto du Net becomes aware of the phenomenal grip provided by the Diablo Supercorsa SP on beautiful, dry … and open roads, beware of overzealousness! In these excellent conditions, it is difficult – impossible for MNC – to criticize the behavior of this bike..
Active in both upshifting and downshifting since 2017, the quickshifter keeps the rider in a very sporty atmosphere: hearing the yelping of the V4, one could believe oneself in command of an Aprilia Grand Prix! Except that the Tuono is much more manoeuvrable than an RS-GP, or an RSV4 to evoke a motorcycle tested by MNC…
- RSV4 1100 Factory test :
The position of the pilot is much less radical and brittle than on a track. The large handlebars are a great help in balancing this roadster appreciated for its imperturbable stability and its sharp angles, but a hint less agile than some competitors.
The Tuono’s thin, curved fuel tank is another serious asset to steer it. Thanks to it, the rider holds himself firmly under braking and can effectively swing the bike from one angle to another. The cut is less successful for use on the circuit: the protruding edges cut the outer thigh a little when you swing your hips.
A little long to move at walking pace in urban traffic jams, first gear allows you to trot quickly through mountain hairpins on a simple stream of gas. Be careful before taking a frank respite: MNC advises you to go as far as possible on the bike !
To keep the front wheel on the ground when exiting a hairpin or in a series of small bends, the rider must get closer and hang on to the handlebars! To refine his trajectories, he can also review the settings of his suspensions in a few clicks … digital !
The Tuono Factory goes all digital
Le Journal moto du Net started this contact on the automatic "road" mode (A3). In this configuration, the Tuono offers rather unexpected comfort, even unexpected from a maxisportive maxiroadster! Whether you drive on cobbled streets or tired roads, the amortization is very satisfactory.
By landing on more rolling and perfectly paved portions, MNC finds on the other hand that its Tuono begins to lack rigor: the hydraulics of the suspensions insufficiently braked gives too much movement to the motorcycle to take advantage of its enormous potential..
You must – imperatively – stop to choose the automatic "sport" mode (A2). With winter gloves, Site notes that the operation is not easy: the command being quite sensitive and small, it is difficult to press it without changing lines at the same time..
With summer gloves, we struggle less to select the ASC modes. A little MNC tip by the way: navigation is much easier once you have understood the fact that you can validate by tilting the command to the right and return to the previous menu to the left…
Once the A2 mode is engaged, the pilot can clearly increase the tempo: the shock absorber is more resistant to the arrival of – any! – the cavalry and the fork plunges less quickly when the front brake is taken. The rigor goes up a new notch by selecting the "circuit" mode A1, but the passages on small bumps or slight hollows are more sensitive and less pleasant.
The future owners of the Tuono V4 1100 Factory will therefore certainly reserve the A1 mode for their days of driving on the track or for a few round trips on their favorite road – or previously spotted (not dangerous therefore, little used, not inhabited and not radar).
The switch to "all digital" reinforces one of the strengths of the Factory: the wide range of Ohlins suspension settings is considerably simplified from a practical point of view, but also theoretically. !
In the submenus allowing to fine-tune the automatic settings, the engineers propose to modify at once the "firmness of the front axle" or the "stability in curve" for example, by varying from -5 or +5 the selected value by default. It is all the same more intelligible and simple than retaining the numbers of turns on a small screw or knob, no ?
Verdict: for 800 euros more…
Given the total amount to pay (17,999 euros), the extension of 800 euros (+ 5% Vs Factory 2017) does not seem insurmountable. It is even less so when we perceive the consequences of a simple push on the left commodo: it feels like changing motorbikes. !
The transplant of the electronic system is likely to be more complicated in the trackers who prefer to rely on their toolbox rather than on – chip bags. "What about reliability?", They can legitimately ask owners of and who have been using the same "hardware" for several seasons. "Yes, the hardware is the same but the software is exclusive to Aprilia", specifies the Italian manufacturer..
Finally, unchanged for 2019, the brakes have once again conquered the Site by 110%! With the Tuono V4 1100, we take as much pleasure in braking as in accelerating … which is saying a lot! The feel at the lever is such that we can perfectly measure the pressure in the calipers via the master cylinder (radial, what else?) And the hoses (braided, what did you expect?).
The grip of the tires and the handling of the bike give you complete confidence, so you never hesitate to keep the brake on the angle. In this situation – perilous ?! -, you can feel the lever jerk furtively. But here again, electronics come into play.
Even when the bike is perfectly straight, Site finds that the ABS is triggered a little early on – very – heavy braking … when mode 3 is engaged! A little too intrusive on dry roads, it may be advantageous to select it on rainy days ?
The ABS is much more discreet on the second notch: it only intervenes when the rear wheel begins to touch the ground or when the bike is particularly bevelled. Only the biggest "trappers" – or fine trackers – will feel the need to engage mode 1, or even to completely deactivate the ABS..
The rear brake is controlled by a harsh pedal but it effectively slows the bike down. A good point for the possible passenger who would agree to climb on the ridiculous folding seat for a few meters! The reception is a hint better on the Tuono RR which has notches … but only a hint !
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