2022 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory Preview

The pint-size Tuono 660 enjoys an elaboration on its semi-naked theme with the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory, which makes its world debut at EICMA 2021. Rather than boosting the 659cc parallel twin (which produces the same 100 hp/49 pound-feet as the standard Tuono), Aprilia focuses its efforts on enhanced handling. Yes, the Noale manufacturer also claims a more potent power-to-weight ratio, but that’s simply due to a new lithium battery which shaves around 4.4 pounds, trimming the curb weight to 399 pounds. Also aiding acceleration is a 16-tooth final drive pinion gear, creating a shorter ratio for more urgent thrust from the engine.

The big news comes in the form of a fully adjustable 41mm Kayaba fork, which as before can be set for compression/rebound damping, but now adds a spring preload setting as well. At the tail, a remote-reservoir Sachs shock offers similar adjustability, adding spring preload to the arsenal. Unlike the standard Tuono 660, the Factory model packages the six-axis inertial platform as standard. The system uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to enable wheelie control to be operated independently of traction control, as well as bending lights and lean-angle-sensitive ABS. Aprilia’s multi-map cornering-ABS system capitalizes on an algorithm that monitors front brake lever effort, lateral acceleration, and lean/pitch/yaw angles. The APRC package also includes cruise control, a quickshifter, adjustable engine-braking, and engine mapping to adjust different ride modes. Those settings are individually customizable into five modes: three for road use, and two for the racetrack.

The Aprilia Tuono 660 should open more possibilities for streetbike riders seeking a canyon-carving machine with sharper handling. Combining its upgraded suspension with the Tuono’s characterful 270-degree firing pattern, this middleweight brings Italian flavor to a field dominated by Japanese contenders. The powerplant is optimized as a load-bearing element, and utilizes its rear section for housing the aluminum swingarm. The bike’s shorter final drive should also make it more entertaining in straightaways, aided by the fact that 80 percent of peak torque is available from 4,000 rpm. However, while many might be swayed by the Factory’s spicy twin, more sophisticated suspension, and singular looks, shoppers will likely find it spendier than its competitive set: Pricing hasn’t yet been announced for the factory model, but the standard-issue Tuono 660 starts at a not-inconsiderable $10,499.

When the Tuono 660 Factory hits roads stateside, this spinoff version will be visually set apart by its so-called Factory Dark graphics and its single-seat tail fairing, distinguishing it from the two-up Tuono 660. Social riders need not worry, however: every Tuono 660 Factory will also come with a passenger seat.