2023 Aprilia Tuono V4

The Tuono is 20. It’s an icon, and for good reason. The 2023 Tuono V4 has all the attitude that made the original great but with 20 years of rider aid advancements, aerodynamic development, chassis technology, and V-4 power baked in. A less aggressive approach is taken compared to some of the current competition, but that’s plenty OK if you intend to spend most of your time on the street.

Long before the Ducati Streetfighter, the KTM 990 Super Duke, and, heck, before “super-naked” was an established category, Aprilia took its RSV Mille superbike, stripped off the fairings and clip-ons, bolted on a handlebar and some skimpy bodywork, and called it the Tuono. That’s Italian for “thunder,” you know.

While the Ducati Monsters and Triumph Speed Triples of the world were doing their naked bike thing back in 2003, the Tuono was different. No mere naked bike, here was a super-naked, an honest-to-goodness production streetfighter—a “crashed-looking” racebike built for the streets, developed on the track.

The wide-barred, wrecked-superbike formula worked. Heck, in 2012 CW named the new V-4-powered Tuono the best superbike of the year. That’s right, superbike. Kind of says it all, doesn’t it? Back then we said: “Betcha that on most backroads, especially if they’re a little tight, you could embarrass most riders of repli-racers without breaking a sweat. Yeah, it’s that good.”

A decade later, the same holds true. It’s still a superbike killer—and yet with more versatility than ever. Looking back, that first Tuono marks a shift in the market. If dwindling sportbike sales coincided with the increase in popularity of super-naked derivatives, well, the original Tuono may be partially to blame. The 2023 Tuono V4 is probably still scalping sales from the RSV4. As we said a decade ago: “Yeah, it’s that good.”

The Aprilia Tuono V4 was updated in 2021. There are no major revisions for 2023, though the bike is offered in new colors.

The Tuono is available in two distinct versions: the base-model Tuono V4 ($16,199) and the Tuono V4 Factory ($19,599). Rather than merely offer a standard and up-spec model, Aprilia cleverly gives both models their own distinct identities.

The Factory version uses Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, while the base model uses manually adjustable Sachs suspension. The base model has more relaxed ergos, a plush pillion seat, and a larger windscreen. These changes may knock the cool factor down a couple of pegs but practicality is increased by a fair degree as the bike dips a Rosso Corsa–shod toe in the shallow end of the sport-touring pool.

Tuono V4 competes with a litany of wicked motorcycles, among them the Ducati Streetfighter V4 ($22,095) and Streetfighter V4 S ($27,595), the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO ($20,399), the BMW S 1000 R (from $13,945) and M 1000 R (from $21,345), the Yamaha MT-10 ($14,199) and MT-10 SP ($17,199), and the Kawasaki Z H2 ($18,500). Perhaps we should exclude the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR on price alone, but here it is—at $37,798—for the sake of posterity.

Quite the field of machines, what with the supercharged Kawi, the twin-pulse V4 Ducati, and the Super Duke (pour one out for the last of the great V-twin hyper-nakeds). The Tuono stands out among the European crowd because of the classic firing order of its V-4 and an overall refinement that bolsters its reputation as one of the most beloved naked bikes of the last two decades. Ignoring the misleading base price of the BMW—because no one ever orders those—the Tuono is very competitively priced, particularly next to the European competition.

Aprilia claims the Tuono V4′s 1,077cc engine produces 175 hp and 89 lb.-ft. of torque. It may “only” have 175 hp—that’s significantly down on power to the Italian competition (Ducati claims 208 hp from its Streetfighter V4)—but that power is usable; you can utilize every last horsepower. It’s certainly fast, but it’s not overly intimidating, and the electronic rider aids are outstanding and make the Tuono so usable. There is now an additional 300 rpm to play with.

The noise is lovely. This is accompanied by smooth quickshifter changes. The gearbox feels like it’s seamless. The changes are quick, perfectly matched in rpm. The fueling and throttle response, like the clutchless gear changes, are immaculate. For 2021, Aprilia updated the electronics with a new Magneti Marelli ECU. This is four times faster than the prior ECU.

Note: The Tuono doesn’t use the latest-spec 1,099cc engine as the RSV4 superbike, but revised fueling and a new exhaust system (for 2021) keep things moving forward.

The Tuono V4 Factory uses Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, while the base model uses manually adjustable Sachs suspension. The suspension and handling is as impressive as the refinement of the engine. Nothing unsettles or worries the Tuono’s chassis; it makes life in the fast lane ridiculously straightforward.

The handling boosts trust and is so assured it always feels like you have time in hand. Everything is controlled. You’re not freaking out, it doesn’t feel like you are rushing or in a fight with physics—and is considerably less physical than some of the competition.

Both Tuono models use Brembo M50 calipers and 330mm disc in the front. Although the M50 Brembo calipers and other mechanical components of the brakes have continued over the years, the algorithms and calculations activating the system have been updated—the ABS is more vigilant. Also new (as of 2021) is the Aprilia Engine Brake (AEB), which adjusts the engine-braking and is independent of the selected engine maps.

Aprilia claims the Tuono V4 gets 32.6 mpg.

Cruise control comes standard and the 5-inch TFT dash is informative and easy to navigate. The three road-orientated riding modes—Tour, Sport, and User (a personalized mode)—change the power characteristics, rider aids, and the semi-active suspension (on the Factory version). It also features LED lights with cornering functionality.

The base model’s more relaxed ergos, pillion set, and windscreen add a lot of utility. With a set of soft panniers installed, the base model starts to look like quite the GT machine.

There are six riding modes—three for the track and three for the road—which link to the rider aids and act accordingly to set the semi-active Öhlins suspension on Factory models. ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) has eight levels and can be changed on the move, even while accelerating. Additionally, there is AWC (Aprilia Wheelie Control), which has five levels and, like the TC, can be changed while on the gas, which not only shaves lap times but makes the bike easier and more fun to ride. There are three different engine maps (AEM), those three engine-braking levels (AEB), and, as before, three settings for Aprilia Launch Control (ALC). Aprilia Pit Limiter (APL) can be used as a pit lane limiter or, on the road, to help you comply with specific speed limits. And let’s not forget Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC) and the praiseworthy Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS). Add the cornering ABS and all that equates to an extensive list of features and safety aids, all easily accessible via the TFT dash and easy-to-use switch gear. All this comes standard.

Like all Aprilia models, the Tuono V4 comes with a two-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

The Aprilia Tuono V4 delivers the goods with better-than-you electronics, confidence-inspiring handling, and a legendarily excellent V-4 engine.