LSFW - 2006 Aprilia Tuono 1000 R [Archive]

Ed K

04-15-2006, 03:35 PM

Hey Guys,

Just visited the local Aprilia dealer to see the new-in-showroom 2006 Tuono 1000 R, which fortunately for me is just a few miles from where I live.

I am not one to make a quick decision about a life-changing event like buying a new motorcycle, but I gotta tellya, it is one of the most beautiful and well-built looking motorcycles that I have ever seen! Pictures do not do it justice!!

Eyeballed and straddled it for a good while. Its at least on the level of build quality as a BMW. Feels solid, but not heavy.

And big difference (to me) compared with the build quality of the Yami FZ series. (No offense FZ owners... the FZs are a different price point, and a great bargain.)

Its got power, grace, and a reasonable riding position.

But would need to go to after-market soft bags for trips. The dealer showed me a Givi.

Thanks fnfalman for the recommendation to re-visit Aprilia...

How about everyone else... what are your thoughts? Any else have a Tuono, or Aprilia? Know anyone who does, or hear about experiences of others?

Thanks,

http://www.webbikeworld.com/aprilia/aprilia-tuono-1000r.htm

http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20Tuono%202006%20800.jpg

DJ Down Under

04-15-2006, 03:50 PM

One of my mates has a very special Tuono that he ordered from the factory with heaps of trick bits..he's always on the back wheel..I'll post a pic one day soon.

This one is the latest greatest Tuono's...it was stock except for the twin exhaust..gees it sounded great.

I took this pic at the Super bike races at Phillip Island a few weeks ago....mmmmmm...nice..:110:...very nice.

I have a few more pics of it..if you like I can post them also..?

DJ

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2152.JPG

DarthRider

04-15-2006, 04:09 PM

My "Italian Brother" in Milan recently bought an MV Augusta Brutale...if you like the Tuono you might check these out. A local bud has the MV-A 1000e or whatever the name is and is very happy with it.
And then the other "sexy Italian", the Ducati Monster series might merit a close look.
I'd like the Aprilias a lot better if they could wean themselves from the Jap-bike graphics.
A Peckerhead buddy told me last night he had been agonizing for weeks between a Tuono R and a Triumph Speed Triple. They got in a white Speedy, he fell in love and is about to do the deal. He said what convinced him was more or less equal performance for thousands less, albeit without the Italian flash & finish...and the white paint job. White does nothing for me but hey, it ain't my bike!
He also liked the idea of adding extras to the Speedy, like the Triumph "off-road" cans, body accessories and some other personalizing things, *and* having enough money left for a new Arai, leathers, gloves, boots, etc.
I'm not trying to persuade anyone towards the S3 but of all those basically similar Italian beauties, the S3 is definitely the "bang for the buck" bike.
I had mine "re-flashed" this morning for the Triumph off-road cans I put on last week.
Now it runs as well as it sounds!
One thing about it Ed...you can't find a bad bike among the great ones you are considering. What a great "problem' to have!

Dave

Wild Will

04-15-2006, 07:15 PM

Here's what I'd do if I were in the market: contact Monroe Motors in San Francisco. They bought a bunch of 2005 Tuono FACTORY bikes and are selling them at $13,999 brand new. These bikes have forged aluminum racing wheels, tons of glowing carbon fiber bits, special exhausts, etc. and retailed for $17,999. I came real close to biting on one of these pieces of functional street legal racing art. Then I had to come up with my youngest's tuition!
There are no Factory Tuonos in '06. That's a HUGE fortune in delightful extras, functional eye candy no longer available, at a $4,000 savings. That's what I'd get. The bike is an awesome sport bike/track bike/backroad scratcher/standard bike. The drive train is wonderful. VERY few can out-ride a Tuono. Instant respect is yours if this machine hauls your arse to your destination. 135 BHP +. Watch out for that right wrist! Twist it too far and you'll shout just as loud as you can inside your helmet. Twist and Shout!
I'd love to have this machine!

Ed K

04-15-2006, 11:11 PM

DJ... Sure a few more pictures would be great... The orange/red is a bit much for me... I prefer it in black, with gray shades...couldnt find a picture like that... and hard to see in a pic. (The picture that I posted was silver.)

Dave... Hmmm, MV Augusta Brutale...cool, but an inline 4 would not suit me. And the Tuono V-Twin puts the same power at a lower rpm. 2006 Tuono: 133hp @9500, 75 ftlb @8750. And the Monster... even the 2006 version... more expensive, less power and torque... and no offense Ducati admirers and there are many Ducatis that are appealing... but to me the Monster looks like an (old style) magnet that was dragged through Home Depot.

Bro WW... 2005 Factory Tuonos... Wow!! Isn't this machine something special?! Guys in the dealer I visited said no more factory models for 2006.

Its even got a real gas tank capacity... 5.8 gallon for 2006 model, including reserve.

Ok, ok, better slow down... lets think about this some more...

(Pssst...BMW: Are you listening! Better hurry-up!)

Bones

04-16-2006, 02:44 AM

I rode last year's Tuono for about an hour and half last season. Great fun and definately makes you into a hooligan. With an aftermarket can, that is one seriously mean sounding machine.

Now, you are all going to think I am full of feces here, but ...... while quick, I actually found the 1200 GS to pull harder. I know it makes a bunch less top end hp, but from down low and through the midrange, it was palpable to me. Turns out the torque specs for the GS confirm that, and in the real world, it really does feel like the Tuono doesn't pull as hard until you get it up in the rpm range. But, the Tunono sounds bitchin' in a way the GS can't be made to.

I would take the Tuono over the Brutale, not because of esthetics (the Brutale wins) but because of the twin engine. And the Duc monsters just don't excite me.

Jeff

BobFV1

04-16-2006, 09:53 AM

Ed - the Tuono is a nice looking bike. If I had one, I think I would use it like I use my R1 - for riding on the track, and occasionally to and from it.

I have to affirm what bones says - the hexhead engine, with full Remus system, just grunts and pulls like crazy. It is much more fun to ride than my R1 on the street. In fact, the R1 is only fun for me on a long track - I don't even really like to ride it on tracks where I can't get it out of about 3rd gear, which would be any track with less than a 1/2 mile straight......

Tuono is a beauty - but do a reality check to see if the ergos match your riding style - you certainly have a lot of great weather up in the Bay Area and chances are you will be on the bike a lot, so it should be something reasonably comfortable for you.....

478cc

04-16-2006, 11:20 AM

Tuono alternative
Moto Morini Corsaro
1200cc, 140hp, 90ftlb torque :)

http://www.morini-riders-club.com/thebikes/photos/Corsaro/2corsaros.jpg

DarthRider

04-16-2006, 11:50 AM

"...Tuono alternative
Moto Morini Corsaro
1200cc, 140hp, 90ftlb torque..."

Hoochie Mama!

Dave

DarthRider

04-16-2006, 12:00 PM

Ed -

"...Dave... Hmmm, MV Augusta Brutale...cool, but an inline 4 would not suit me..."

I'm with you Ed...I don't care much for inline 4's either, just throwing it out. But the MV's are just so very...Italian!

I love big singles, I really love most twins, and now I'm rediscovering the special allure of the triple...life is good!

I saw a really nice all black Aprilia Falco yesterday at the Triumph, Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi shop. A guy brought it in for service...he sure had a big smile on his face!?

Dave

fnfalman

04-16-2006, 03:23 PM

First of all, I'd take the new 2006 2nd generation Tuono over the fancy earlier version Tuono Factory. Even though the Tuono Factory model has OZ forged alum wheels and Ohlins suspension, the 2nd gen Tuono has a better chassis, better standard suspension, better power delivery, more power, better sorted fuel injection mapping, better dashboard (more legible).

The only reason why I didn't run out to trade my Tuono in for the new one is because I already put a heap of money into modifying it.

The MV Agusta Brutale 910 is a fun bike, but it doesn't even come close to the overall performance of the Tuono, much less the improved Tuono. The Brutale has a great engine, but its chassis is street bike and not race bike. Not to mention it buzzes like crazy. If you think that you can tour on that thing then you're a masochist.

I test rode one and my lust told me to buy it but my mind tells me that it will be one of those things that I'd ride a few hundred miles total and then I'll be sick of it.

The Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 would be lovely, if they can ever make the damn thing run right.

Ed K

04-16-2006, 11:15 PM

Guys, Here are the stats...

R1200GS - 100hp @ 7250, 85 lb ft @ 5500, weight - 496 lbs (wet), approx 466 w/o fuel (my calc)

R1200S - 122hp @ 8250, 83 lb ft @ 6800, weight - 470 lbs (wet). approx 440 w/o fuel (my calc)

Tuono - 133hp @ 9500, 75 lb ft @ 8750, weight - 414 lbs (dry)

Bones, You analysis is borne out in the stats above... the GS pulling harder at the lower end, than the Tuono (and the R1200S).

Darth, Agree Black is best color for the Tuono.

Darth and 478... Corsaro... a bit too exotic for me... would worry about maintenance and the like... but sounds interesting...

Thanks Bob for the R1 input... somehow I need exactly the right compromise... want torque... but I dont want the engine to run out of steam just as the fun is beginning...

fnfalman... Great input from one who owns one... I think if I went for it, prolly would be with the 2006 as well... I think the 2006 also looks a little cleaner to me (in person), not in pics...

But fnfalman... what about your post in the R1200S string that Dean started... are you secretly lusting for the torque of an HP boxer to replace that sexy Italian... Tell all!!!

As I continue to mull it over... might be leaning (at this moment with info available) more toward the R1200S... I think 100hp, would not be enough for me in the Roadster, assuming it was so equipped similar to the GS.

But 122 hp would meet my needs... and btw, I like reasonably quiet bikes... so I prolly would not even put a Remus on. And also like the torque of the RS... although comes on at higher rpm than the GS and prolly the new RR.

Now if the new RR gets the new RS tuning... deal done! It might be enough to tip me over to it, if it had ST tuning. But GS level? I'd never say never, but not so sure about that.

Also, not sure how comfortable the R1200S would be for me... need to see one, and at least sit on it!

Thanks guys... very helpful discussion... It takes me a while, but I'll eventually get to a decision point... the field is narrowing!

Meanwhile, I am still enjoying my current RR!

fnfalman

04-17-2006, 10:40 AM

Go take a test ride on either the new Tuono or the old Tuono and tell me if there's a torque problem.:)

Stats don't tell the whole story. Slip the clutch just a hair and get on the throttle a bit - I'm not talking about whacking the throttle open, but just give a bit of a twist and you can feel the front wheel wanting to jump up into the air.

Whack the throttle open and you will do power wheelies in 2nd gears without even a thought.

And the mid-range kicks in at around 6000-rpm like a shot out of a cannon.

These bikes, like typical Italian V-twins, come with too high of a gear. You need to drop a tooth in the front sprocket or go up a couple of teeth in the rear sprocket to really do them justice.

I like the R1200GS a lot. A lot, a lot. It's an incredible all-purpose machine. But anybody who tells you that it pulls harder than an Italian V-twin liter bike at any RPM, is telling you a fib.

Well, perhaps at idle, the GS may pull harder...

My 1st gen Tuono is dynoed at 116-HP and 67-lbft (as opposed to 126-HP and 70-something lbft claimed). That's stock.

The R1200S probably will lose any between 15-20 HP between crank measurement and actual rear wheel power. Probably will lose at least 10-lbft of torque too. That shaft drive is a motherfookah when it comes to robbing power.

It would be awesome if the R1200S will live up to the hype and delivers the same performance as an Italian V-twin sport bike. And I would love to have an HP2 version of it so that I can chase down the Aprilia Nera and the Ducati 999R.

I'd love to own a BMW that stirs my lust. I thought that the K1200R would do it but it didn't. But maybe a well suped up boxer twin might just do the trick.:eusa_clap:

PS I thought that I like quiet bikes too until I get a hold of this Italian stallion. The Devil will make you go out and get a decent set of pipe for it, and you will not be able to resist the temptation.

DJ Down Under

04-17-2006, 02:27 PM

Here's a decent set of pipes...:045:

DJ

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2309.JPG

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2310.JPG

fnfalman

04-17-2006, 02:33 PM

Yep, Leo Vince is on mine as well. Akrapovich is very popular since that they also make the Aprilia official accessory exhaust system as well. But I must give the nod to Leo Vince. It truly lets the bike live up to its name of Thunder.:dance: :041:

Ed K

04-17-2006, 11:45 PM

Well, I guess that settles it... Dean says try out the GS, and fnfalman says try out the Tuono.

Gotta work this into my schedule (somehow!), and will report back with another perspective.

DarthRider

04-18-2006, 09:11 AM

Ain't that just the way it goes sometimes...in the search for your dreambike, you have it narrowed down to two bikes 180 degrees apart!

The good thing is though, no matter *what* you get, it will be a damn good motorcycle!

Dave

PS - I'll throw another monkey wrench in the works...If you have a dealer in your area, go get a ride on the new MZ 1000 Twin naked bike.

fnfalman

04-18-2006, 09:53 AM

I think that if it were to come down to either the GS or the Tuono then it's a very easy selection. Do you want a do-it-all motorcycle? Then the GS is a no-brainer. Every time I think about this bike I kept telling myself how can a bike this big, this tall and this long lean over and take a corner like a Jap crotch rocket?

But if you want something that is extremely sporting but with a nice seating position then the Tuono is it. I can't even think of another bike that's even its peer. There are other naked bikes that are sportive in character and comfortable. But none that will have a track bike chassis and suspension like the Tuono.

The MZ 1000FS is a unique bike too, but it's a bit "soft" with the brake, chassis and suspension departments. It's more like a faster version of the R1150R, albeit with a parallel twin.

Wild Will

04-18-2006, 05:53 PM

engines are supposedly limited to around 100BHP, so how can BMW wring out THAT much power from an air cooled machine? Will it affect longevity? I guess things are different in wide open country. Eighty horses on a tight backroad is sweet, and you don't have to worry (too much) about rear wheel spin.

Ed K

04-18-2006, 10:29 PM

Dave, Actually I could never own a GS... I am only just barely 5'7"... prolly never be able to get my feet on the ground! Although its a fantastic bike! Dean suggested a ride for me to get an idea of what 90% of a the new R1200R would be like (engine, trannie...). And true, the Tuono would be much sportier than a R1200R... and that's what I need to think about... do I really want to go that sporty for a one bike guy? And I want to somehow be able to carry some stuff for trips... Gotta see if I can convince the local dealer to let me take out the Tuono.

fnfal... gotta admit, didnt know what an MZ1000FS was...

http://www.motorfreaks.nl/fsget.php?id=8532

WW... yeah... also wonder if something like the R1200S, might be a little too highly tuned for its basic design... but prolly nothing to worry about.

fnfalman

04-19-2006, 09:22 AM

I'm 5ft6 with short legs and I can handle the GS just fine. I think that with the low seat, it would even be better. But when I ride the GS, like when I ride the 950 Adventure, I'll just have to one-foot it. Hell, I have to just about one-foot any decent bike anyway.

As far as is the Tuono too sporty for a one-bike guy? I doubt it. It has great seating position and there are enough luggage options to make it into a decent sport tourer if you don't pack like a chick.

However, you didn't say that the bike will be your only bike. If that's the case then you better stick with something non-Italian. Italian bikes make great bikes for the one-bike riders who don't put a lot of mileage on. The Rotax engine is great, but I don't think that I have as much faith in the rest of the bike. So far, my rear wheel had been replaced from the get-go because it was manufactured out-of-dimension. OK, things happen. But recently my chain was stretched to heck (at a mere 9700-miles) and I'm not a stunter, a wheelier or that aggressive on the upshifts and downshifts.

I switched out the chain and found out that the rear sprocket was somehow slightly bent and that's probably caused the chain to stretch to hell and developed stiff links. I'll have to keep a judicious eye on this thing until I can determine what's wrong with it.

One of the guys that I ride with occassionally has a Mille (the same thing except that it has fairings and clip-ons). In two years he racked up over 44,000-miles on the bike and it had to be taken in for a leaking valve seal on one of the cylinders. Not too bad there, I suppose.

And heaven forbids that you break any serious parts. Even though Piaggio had bought out Aprilia and infused a bunch of cash into the company, the restructuring will probably take a while. In the mean time, parts are hard to find. If you crash your bike too hard, there will be a bunch of Ape owners hovering over you like vultures wanting to buy the parts and pieces.

The Tuono would make a great secondary bike for a hard core rider. I certainly would hate to lose mine. But I wouldn't trade my Beemer for one if that's going to be the only bike that I have.

I don't think that the R1200S is going to be too focused of a sport bike. After all, it is a BMW and from the various pictures, I don't see the riding position being too aggressive.

Ed K

04-19-2006, 10:27 PM

Hey fnfalman, my friend...

I really appreciate your straight forward comments... very helpful information that I'll consider, for my (painfully slow, but thorough) decision process.

Thanks,

Ed K

07-20-2006, 09:01 PM

Update...

I finally talked the local Aprilia dealer into letting me ride the Tuono after months of hanging around, oogling and dropping hints. We'll, I sort of rode it.

He indicated that they dont have demo bikes, so if they'd need to sell the bike I would ride as "new." So they said dont put many miles on it. Blah, blah, blah.

And I asked what's the red line (the Tach doesnot show red-line, its set with a light), and he said 6K on break-in. After standing around for about an hour (again!), he finally agreed to let me take it basically around the industrial park for a few miles. He seemed kinda nervous. "Btw, how long have you been riding?" The guys actually were quite good guys, and I could appreciate their situation. They indicated they'd be at Laguna in the Aprilia exhibit, so prolly will see them there tomorrow when I head over.

Anyway, since it was never ridden before, and they have no demos, I felt sympathetic, I didn't really ride it. Although I did "putt" around a bit and took it up to about 6.4K. Would to have loved to really have gotten into it!

Impressions -----> Man this thing (of course!) feels light, and flickable. Think: change direction, and it goes. A bit more than the R1200S, and although I didnt get the Tuono up to speed, it seemed to track a little better than the R1200S eventho it appeared a bit more flickable.

Somewhat similar torque charteristics as the BMW opposed twin at the lower end to about 6.5K. However, the low end grunt was definitely more on the R1200S. However, this bike had the stock Euro sproket set up that slows its acceleraton down a bit (it comes with a smaller front sprocket that most install at the dealer).

And, unfortunately, I did not take it up where the fun really starts... I understand between 6.5K and about 10K. So could not make this comparison with the R1200S.

Smooth engine. You can hear a lot a machinery going on down there, but not noisy like a Ducati.

Other impressions... man, this seat is hard. But, to be expected for this type of bike.

So overall, for the quick ride... and obviously cant really make a complete judgement from this.. but I did like it. A lot.

Would I buy one over the R1200S? Prolly not. Would I like both. YES! They are both great in different ways.

In the end, I think I landed exactly where fnfalman indicated. Would love to have it as a second bike. But, as you may have noticed in the other R1200R thread...

...The R1200R is looking better all the time to me. Especially since I will remain a one bike guy.

I really liked the R1200S, and lust for one, but it won't provide the mix of fun and praticality that I will need.

vintagemxr

07-21-2006, 12:46 AM

I've had two Aprilia's, a 2001 Falco and a 2002 Caponord. The Aprilia V60 engine with some nice pipes on it is the sweetest sounding engine around. It's different than the 90 degree Duc engine; the Aprilia has a more exotic sound, a wonderful, sonorous burble has you roll off the throttle and then it turns into fast cadence thunder when you roll the throttle back on.

I sold the Falco quickly before I wound up in jail and sold the Caponord to pay for a wedding (still have my ST1300). I miss both bikes. They are like a hot Italian mistress you cannot get out of your mind even though you've found a new love.

Let me explain it this way:

BMW:

http://www.corgifan.com/blogger/germanwoman.jpg

Aprilia:

http://www.corgifan.com/blogger/italian_bike2.jpg

Which would you rather spend your free time with?

:love:

Bones

07-21-2006, 05:20 AM

The Tuono, in my opinion, based on riding one for a couple of hours:

1. That engine with an aftermarket exhaust has a sound and feel that is malevolent (in a good way), awe inspiring and stirs your genitals.

2. Hire an attorney to keep on retainer, because the bike comes factory equipped with that little devil that sits on your shoulder and talks into your ear, coaxing you into doing things you know you should not do. And you will do them anyway, and like it.

I thought the bike was an absolute hoot to be on, no question about it. And I love the way it looks. I didn't want to get off of it, but the owner wanted to switch back. I am absolutely sure the bike would have gotten me in trouble, but you may have more discipline than me, in that regard. If you get it, I am quite sure you won't be bored.

Jeff

supermotoC

07-21-2006, 07:12 AM

If this is BMW:

http://www.corgifan.com/blogger/germanwoman.jpg

and this is Aprilia:

http://www.corgifan.com/blogger/italian_bike2.jpg

then this is KTM's soon-to-be-in-the-US SuperDuke 990:

http://www.usenetbinaries.com/mediaserver/groups/alt.binaries.pictures.diva/2006/07/21/nzpb.017b.jpg

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/KTM%20990%20SuperDuke%20Titanium%2006.jpg

geechie

07-21-2006, 08:13 AM

This bitch:
http://www.corgifan.com/blogger/italian_bike2.jpg
...is gonna cheat on ya. You know it's true.

Being a strong man, I kinda like strong women. Remember Rachael MacLeish?
http://www.celebs-journal.com/pics/Rachel_McLish_2_1.jpg

Just 'cause they're strong and dependable, doesn't mean they can't be sexy too.

Circumstances compel me to be a one-bike-guy too. The R1200R hits the mark as well (for me, at least) as I have any right to expect. And I suspect it would do as well for you. The ST engine. A bit lower gearing. Looks that at the very least won't turn anyone off and that some might even call hot. What's not to like.

George

fnfalman

07-21-2006, 10:09 AM

Ed,

Where is this dealership that doesn't have a demo bike for Aprilia? It's not one of those multi-Japanese brand joints, is it?

Also, Aprilia may have a small offering and demo ride at Laguna Seca. They had a bunch of bikes out for demo at the AMA Superbike down in California Speedway a few months back and they really let you romp on the bikes pretty good even though the bikes aren't even close to break-in mileage.:eusa_clap:

The Tuonos (old and new) really come on strong at around 6000-RPM but the newer one with the revised V60 engine and better fuel management has more linear power delivery. The old one comes on with a slight delay at around 5500-RPM dead spot then it kicks in like a shotgun.

Yep, Italian bikes are great secondary bikes like their women make great mistresses (BTW, Monica Bellucci is Venus reincarnate), but I definitely wouldn't have one as my only bike unless I don't plan to ride much.

DarthRider

07-21-2006, 02:25 PM

Interesting new statistic on "Demo Rides" at dealers:
A J.D.Powers & Assoc. study just released in Powersports Business shows that 70% of new bike dealers do NOT offer demo rides, and...
In gauging effectiveness of demo rides, they report 60% of buyers say the were "Strongly" influenced, 30% were "Moderately" influenced and 10% report "No" influence (on the buying decision).
My personal feeling is that on the types & brands of bikes Cafe members are most interested in, it's just the opposite:
I'd wager most of "our" dealers do offer demos, but that most of us are not very influenced by them. I believe most of us are experienced enough and studied enough to pretty much know what a given motorcycle will deliver.
My most recent bike purchases included '06 Speed triple, '02 R1150R, '01 MZ Black Panther, '94 BMW R100R Mystic...and I have my name on a yet unseen
'07 KLR 650.
Very few if any surprises with any of those.
With guys like you on here...it's much less of a risk, even for newbies.
But, I agree...demos are good.

Bones

07-21-2006, 03:28 PM

Darth,
I would agree.....except for what happened to me with my GS purchase. I had NO intention of getting a new bike and didn't need one, either. I rode the GS and simply could not help but to buy it some weeks later (once I was able to order a non servo non ABS one). No question that the demo ride that day had 100% effectiveness. Certainly, I was biased: I love flat twins, I loved the idea of a GS if I could manage the height. But that ride turned me from "not interested, not looking, not in a position to buy" into a "OMG....I have to have this bike." So, once in a while.....

Jeff