One special feature of the new Tuono V4 R is the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) joystick, the second generation electronic dynamics control package developed by Aprilia to get as close as possible to the physical limits of riding. APRC is based on an automotive inertia sensor platform, with two gyrometers and two accelerometers allowing the ECU to determine the dynamic state of the motorcycle and control engine torque accordingly to help the rider exploit the full performance potential of the bike in all conditions.
Now comes the APRC SE version to sweeten the RSV4 Factory pot with the addition of traction control, wheelie control, launch control and a quick shifter, which you can find out more from our Euro correspondent’s First Ride review. Aprilia went and made one of our favorite literbikes of all time even better! It will retail for $22,499 when it arrives on our shores mid-2011. And if you really have extra coin burning a hole in your pocket and you must ride like Max, Aprilia offers a WSBK-spec, 200 hp race-ready Biaggi Replica for the paltry sum of $64,000.
Yet it’s the new Tuono V4R that really gets out blood pumping. The previous version with its liter-sized V-Twin is one of our all-time favorite nakeds, with a composed chassis, edgy Italian styling, and all-day-comfy ergos. Aprilia has now graced the Tuono with a retuned version of the compact but potent V-4 powering the RSV4, rated at an exciting 162 crankshaft horsepower. The V4R Tuono will also be available with the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) package that uses gyros and accelerometers to control traction, wheelies and launches.
2012 Aprilia Tuono V4R Specs
Engine: 999cc liquid-cooled V-Four, 16-valve DOHC
Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 52.3mm
Compression Ratio: 13:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-injection
Clutch: Cable actuated wet multi-plate ramp-style slipper
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
Front Suspension: Showa 43mm inverted fork, 3-way adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.72 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Sachs gas charged shock absorber, 3-way adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 5.11 in. travel
Front Brakes: 320mm discs with Brembo monobloc 4-piston radial-mount calipers; radial-pump master cylinder, stainless-steel lines
Rear Brake: 220mm disc with Brembo twin-piston caliper
Front Wheel: 3-spoke cast aluminum 17 x 3.5-in.
Rear Wheel: 3-spoke cast aluminum 17 x 6.0-in.
Dry Weight: 394 pounds (claimed)
Wheelbase: 55.9 in. (1420mm)
Length: 80.3 in. (2040mm)
Rake: 25.0 deg. Trail: 107.5mm
Seat Height: 33.1 in. (840mm)
Fuel Capacity: 4.49 gal. (17 liters)
MSRP: TBD
Colors: TBD
Warranty: Two years, unlimited mileage
