Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory 2023 — Specifications

Initiated by the mutineRS 660, the new identity of Aprilia has rapidly swept across all leading models. For those who love to throw themselves into corners with a V4, the firm from Noale is evolving its mean roadster with a continuing dual proposition: the Tuono and its Factory version. These formidable engines of efficiency don’t intend to make the competition’s job easy.

More menace than audacity! You don’t joke around when you discover the Tuono V4 Factory. The lines have been modernized with the necessary subtlety to preserve the genes and take the momentum of a new generation.

With refined eyes with light rims and rabbit ears under the nose, the face of this roadster seems like an adrenaline-deprived werewolf. Since the previous model, the belly pan has gained volume, the rear has become more aggressive, and the shoulders have taken on a new importance. They contain a mini squadron of winglets, the must-have accessory. Aerodynamics have taken a strategic place (technically and commercially) such that the wings, are now found on both sportbikes and hyper-roadsters.

Factory isn’t just a bold color scheme and excitement. It’s primarily about improved ground contact. The Sachs components of the standard model are replaced with all Öhlins, in semi-active version. A 43 mm inverted NIX fork and the TTX shock absorber are piloted by the Smart EC 2.0 system. Either you let the electronics manage the damping in real time, according to the preference of one of the 3 Modes offered, Road, Track or Sort, or the rider switches to manual and parameters all available settings to their convenience.

While the Tuono V4 std has shifted towards a certain condescension, the Factory model remains radical, highly sporty and displays a jealous streak. It only likes its rider and muscular dynamics. To achieve this, it relies on its formidable engine. The 65° V4 cylinder engine remains the 1077 cm3 – while the new RSV4 benefit from a slightly larger displacement. Yet, the roadster was the first, in 2015, to deploy a boosted transposition of the V4. It seems that the sportbike enjoys new privileges. The Euro5 standard has managed to strangle the propulsive unit’s emissions but not its power. It remains at 175 horsepower, perched a little higher; at 11350 rpm instead of 11000. The torque is unchanged, showing a generous 12.3 mkg.

As with the standard Tuono V4, the Factory edition benefits from numerous 2021 improvements. Such as the new inverted bracing swingarm, the 6 riding modes (including 3 for the circuit), revised electronics, a new inertial unit, a larger TFT screen, a more powerful Magneti-Marelli 11MP ECU, engine braking management, new LED headlights with adaptive cornering light function, and more efficient handlebar controls. To add to the already robust electronic package of the previous generation, with traction control, Up&Down shifter, active ABC in cornering, anti-wheeling, anti-stoppie, Launch Control, speed limiter in the pits and cruise control.

Let’s not forget the essential, to which electronics must render accounts: the body. Everything comes from the new RSV4. A steadfast and impeccable aluminum perimeter frame as well as hypersport brakes. The large 330 mm discs are tormented by Brembo M50 radial 4-piston calipers. Aprilia has not yet succumbed to Stylema, unlike its powerful rival from Ducati.

In the difficult exercise of adding a pleasant-looking silencer, Aprilia is one of those who do the best. Around the globe, we oscillate between imposing, ugly and poorly integrated. On the Tuono and RSV4, the result manages to be more harmonious than the previous one, almost fleeting but inevitably bulky.

The Tuono V4 Factory is no longer the leader in its segment if you stick to the raw data. Speed Triple, Superduke, Z h2, 1000 Brutale and Streetfighter V4 have devoured lion’s share to intrude at the forefront. But Aprilia can count on a crazy chassis with exceptional limits. Pure sport.

M.B - Photos constructeur