2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR/Factory

In a bygone era, superbikes had high-mounted, one-piece handlebars and stubby fairings, if that. Imagine, then, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and the Tuono V4 1100 Factory as time travelers, combining most of the jaw-dropping engine and chassis performance found on a modern superbike—like Aprilia’s own championship-winning RSV4 (of which there are four street-legal trim levels)—with the slightly more upright riding position of yesteryear. As their model names suggest, both V4 1100s share the same V-4 engines as well as twin-spar aluminum frames. The RR is equipped with Sachs suspension while the Factory features the latest Öhlins NIX fork and STX 46 shock, both digitally managed by SmartEC 2.0 software.

The Tuono V4 1100 RR and Factory also share their 330mm front brake discs, wheel sizes, and radial-rubber dimensions with the RSV4. Likewise, the electronics packages are virtually identical. The integrated Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) system offers all the riding and safety assistance functions that were originally developed for the racing machines, including launch, traction, and wheelie controls, plus a quickshifter, cruise control, and cornering ABS. Moreover, the ride-by-wire throttle offers three rider-selectable settings.

Likes: Possibly the most inspiring engine in motorcycling, regardless of configuration

Dislikes: Riding position is too racy for some; passenger seating is an afterthought

Verdict: A track-capable superbike that gives your wrists and back a break on the street

The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR won Best Open-Class Streetbike in 2016 and Best Standard in ’17 and ’18. “The RR elevates itself above its peers by borrowing heavily from the RSV4 superbike, and 2018 sees the Tuono nudge even closer to its stablemate... But the pièce de résistance is Aprilia’s 65-degree V-4 engine.”

Best Standard Bike—2018 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR

“The Tuono’s V-4 powerplant has a way of pulling—okay, tugging—at your heartstrings from the moment it takes its first breath,” Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert wrote about the 2017 model. “It lets out a roar that is raw yet beautiful. Above 8,000 rpm, it builds speed like a superbike.”

Aprilia Updates RSV4, Tuono V4 1100, And Shiver 900

2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory And RSV4 RR First Look

Whether you prefer the Tuono V4 1100 RR or the über-exotic Factory, the BMW S1000R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Yamaha MT-10 come closest to topping the Italian on the street and/or the track. While the others are truly great motorcycles, the Tuono is even better yet.

Comparison Ride Review: 2017 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 vs. 2017 KTM Super Duke 1290 R

Aprilia Tuono 1100 RR vs. BMW S1000R vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs. Yamaha FZ-10 Comparison Review

Top Performance Mods for Aprilia Tuono

This year, the Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in two colors: Assen Black or Portimao Grey. The Tuono V4 1100 Factory, meanwhile, comes in a single hue: Superpole. Accessories include full and slip-on exhaust systems, upgraded suspension, a racing ECU, forged aluminum wheels, and lots of carbon-fiber parts.