“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC comes to mind after the first open stretch of tarmac on the new Tuono 1000 R. When first hearing the Euro 3 homologated RSV derived Tuono on idle, I thought that it might sound slightly better than the 05’ Tuono I rode last year. But I was probably thunder-stricken by the new sexy, very sports bike-like rear end and double highly swung pipes. We thundered it through the country side and on the motorway.
Words: Tor Sagen/Photography: Claire McHugh & Tor Sagen
Acceleration is massive and it’s reminding me of my first ride on my old TL1000R in 1999. It is still cold in the air and it is with excitement that I wring that throttle back for the first time. Instant fuel injection response makes the 2006 Tuono progress smoothly, first with massive torque authority followed by hard powerful V-twin performance. Oh yes, this baby is more powerful than my own TL powered Raptor, but yet the motor is harder and rougher due to the V60 configuration rather than V90. Despite the fact that Aprilia has detuned the RSV-R engine slightly, for more torque and a punchier midrange, the first gear feels tall. This cements the Tuono’s image as a proper naked race bike further. In 2003; I rode my very first Tuono with a 15 tooth front sprocket that gave instant, I mean Nescafe’ instant, drive from standstill. It was magnificent and really transformed the big brute into a very big Supermoto.
As we head out onto the motorway, I already know that the Tuono will have more than enough power to satisfy even the most dedicated speed freaks. To be honest, if someone has told you that this bike has got better wind protection than last year’s model, they are full of crap. If anything last year’s bike had better wind-protection. Wind is always there, if you want to avoid the worst blast you have to point your helmet as far forward as you can with your elbows pointing outwards MX style. This is where it can be said it is better, lower seat height that makes it easier to tuck down. And yes, it’s ok, but the Tuono’s high speed ability is so great that I’d much rather have replaced that 17-teeth front sprocket for less high speed and more low speed hooliganism in a 15-teeth sprocket. Everything about this bike speaks “fast” from engine revs, that RSV-R rear end, double ram-air scoops to the radial Brembo stoppers. The RSV-R’s twin-headlights have on the new Tuono been transformed to narrow wasp like insect eyes. With all that top-speed capability it needs good lights too if you ever plan riding motorways in the dark.
On our last day of riding the Tuono R after the last photo session disaster struck. A washer inside the engine by the oil draining plug cracked and it started pissing oil. This was not as true to the RSV legacy as they are known for being reliable machines. Our bike came straight from the Italy world launch and you all know how those ham-fisted journalists are. Nevertheless, we will keep a close eye on the Tuono R and let’s hope it was a one off on this bike that was one of the first to leave the Noale factory.
Conclusion-This is the third generation Tuono’s that I have tested and the best yet. Discussing the looks of this Tuono is fruitless as it made me feel good both riding it and keeping it outside my house. That’s all it’s about. Tuono R is true to its legacy and the new fly-fairing is exactly the kind sports bike owners used to replace their broken full fairings with. This bike needs to be ugly in a good-looking sense and it is. There is more than enough power on tap and the Tuono R feels proper fast and is no slug even with bikes such as BMW K1200R fresh in mind. Handling is ace, but not as good in town as we had hoped. That oil-leak didn’t impress us much either, but isolated, the riding experience is just as good as or even better than a highly tuned sports bike. The Tuono R is the ideal bike to tune you down with entertainment after coming from one of the highly tuned in-line fours. No regrets.
