Aprilia Tuono V4 2023 — Specifications

Imagine what it would be like to unleash a Superbike engine, stripping away its restraints, adding a straight handlebar, and releasing it into the wild. That's exactly what Aprilia did when creating the Tuono V4, and the 2023 version with its 1077 cm³ displacement doesn’t break with this founding philosophy. Born from the RSV4, it inherits the backbone, the double-perimeter aluminum frame, the fully adjustable Sachs suspension with that 43 mm inverted fork that holds its course when others falter, and above all, that V4 engine whose genetics trace directly back to Superbike racing circuits. At €16,999, the Aprilia Tuono V4 doesn't play in the budget league, but it never claimed to.

What immediately strikes you is the declared duality. Aprilia offers two versions of its Tuono V4: the Factory and the standard model, and the difference between them is more than just aesthetic. The Factory retains the most radical DNA, with a low handlebar, a short screen, and an assumed monoposto rear seat. The standard model, on the other hand, takes a step towards civilization. A taller screen, a proper two-place seat, and passenger footrests designed for more than just decoration. A Tuono for touring, a concept that would have drawn laughter ten years ago, but which begins to make sense when you look at the competition: the KTM 1290 Super Duke R plays the same tune of domesticated beast, and the Ducati Streetfighter V4 is not to be outdone. The difference is that the Italians from Noale have pushed the logic to make the duo truly conceivable.

Under the 17.9-liter tank, the V4 roars with 175 horsepower at 11,350 rpm and 121 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. These figures don’t tell the whole story. This engine has character. The lightweight bucket tappets allow a more direct rise in revs, the Magneti-Marelli management processes information with a speed that older systems could only envy, and the exhaust system redesigned for Euro 5 hasn't stifled the mechanics. For an Aprilia Tuono V4 test ride, experienced riders will note that the maximum power arrives 350 rpm later than on the previous generation, which smooths the curve without anesthetizing it. At 185 kg dry weight and 209 kg fully fueled, the power-to-weight ratio remains a formidable weapon, even against the Super Duke which hovers around similar values.

The onboard electronics are a real success. There are six riding modes in total, three oriented towards road use, including a Tour mode for everyday use and a Sport mode for days when you're feeling great, plus three track configurations: Race, Track 1, and Track 2, which are customizable. The APRC pack integrates eight-level traction control, five-level wheelie control, engine braking management in three positions, cornering ABS, launch control, and even a stoppies control. An inertial sensor coordinates all of this in real time. For a rider who wants to adapt the Aprilia Tuono V4 to their usage or simply refine their settings, the 5-inch TFT screen provides access to this galaxy of parameters with correct readability, although German competitors offer perhaps more intuitive interfaces.

The Brembo braking system deserves a special mention. The 32 mm four-piston radial calipers bite down on 330 mm discs with surgical precision. The cornering ABS does the rest for situations where enthusiasm slightly exceeds talent. This is not a motorcycle for recent A license holders; the 825 mm seat height and the 175 horsepower available in Race mode demand solid experience. For the track rider looking for a circuit machine with registration, for the sporty touring rider who wants to tackle passes without sacrificing their back, or even for the occasional duo in good weather, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 covers a spectrum of uses that its predecessors never imagined. The question isn't whether it's excessive. The question is whether you're up to it.