2014 Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC

                                    Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC

This new Tuono shares its highly advanced electronics suite arguably the best tuned and most effective in production today with the more powerful, fully faired RSV 4 ABS. This is a further evolution of the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) and, in addition to the “ride-by-wire” multi-map engine-management program, now includes a complete array of electronic supports for the rider that will make the Tuono even more enjoyable while delivering an extra margin of safety.

The naked Tuono V4R has received the same host of changes that were seen on the RSV4 earlier this year, with the 999cc V4 engine given a bit more power with a mild 3bhp power-boost to 170bhp claimed peak power thanks to reduced internal friction and modified sump along with a new exhaust system.

Other engine changes include revised timing, 20mm longer inlet tracts, a heavier crankshaft flywheel for improved smoothness, shorter gear ratios in the first three gears and the peak power now delivered lower at 11,500rpm.

The chassis has been revised through the adoption of the latest Brembo M432 monoblock front calipers, working with the customary 320mm front rotor. There’s also a new fork, an inverted 43mm Sachs unit with separate compression and rebound control functions, one per leg. Important chassis measurements are unchanged for 2014, highlighted by a wheelbase of 56.9 inches, a steering-head angle of 25 degrees, and 4.23 inches of trail. Lastly, the 2014 Tuono’s more accurately contoured fuel tank is now 4.9 gallons, up from 4.49, and the reshaped seat has more padding for better everyday riding comfort.

On the Aprilia RSV4 R ABS, the APRC system has been further developed it now integrates even better with the full Ride by Wire electronic multi-map V4 engine management system to meet the specific needs of both road users and professional race riders. The performance of the system provides smoother power delivery for improved high speed cornering but does not penalise traction on exiting low speed bends. In addition to this second generation APRC, the Tuono V4 R also adopts a highly advanced ABS multi-map system that ensures not just maximum safety on the road but even better performance on the track.

The V4 has three built-in fuel injection maps to tailor its power delivery to prevailing conditions. Track mode offers full power, perfect fueling and is approved for road use. Sport mode, per Aprilia’s website gives “smooth delivery, maximum power. Torque limited in all gears for fun yet less demanding riding.” Lastly, Rain (or Road depending upon which literature you read) mode softens delivery and Aprilia says, “smooth delivery and power attenuated by 25% across the rev range. Greater usability in all conditions. Ideal for the city or wet road conditions.”

Keeping the machine inline with its competitors, Aprilia is now adding ABS for the 2014 model year , and thus has raised the bar a little higher with its next iteration of the Tuono V4 R. Helping seal the deal is the $14,499 price tag, which is $500 less than last year’s MSRP.