Aprilia 2011 New Models

By Kevin Ash - 16/05/2011

* Tuono V4 R

The Tuono V4 R is the inevitable naked version of the Noale factory‘s fabulous superbike

The engine is detuned to produce a peak 160bhp (162PS, 119kW). It‘s only 1.3bhp more than BMW‘s K1300GT but this does make the Tuono V4 R the most powerful naked bike available... jointly so with the new Ducati Diavel of course, and unless you count the V-Max.

According to Aprilia the front end has a mean, daunting stare, although to many it looks more disconcerted than dangerous and is sure to be a talking point. The bike uses the lightweight exhaust and exhaust valve fromt he RSV4 APRC SE, while the lower three gear ratios surprisingly have closer ratios than the superbike. But the 81lb.ft (110Nm) torque peak occurs 1000rpm lower.

The RSV4‘s tail section, fuel tank, side panels and seat are all retained, as is the APRC system of traction and wheelie control, along with quick shift gearchanging and launch control. See the RSV4 Factory APRC SE review for more detail.

Equipment levels are high throughout the bike, including the Brembo radial callipers, Sachs inverted forks and piggy back shock. The undefined kerb weight is 395lb (179kg) and tank capacity is 3.75 gallons (17 litres, 4.5 gallons US).

* RS4 125 and 50

While the Tuono V4 was hardly a surprise, Aprilia did deal a shock at EICMA with the announcement that the fabulous RS125 two-stroke is being superseded by the RS4 (whisper it...) four stroke. The same fate is not being dealt to the RS50, which still uses crackling two-stroke power.

The RS4 uses a double overhead cam, four-valve single with fuel injection, while its styling is designed to mimic the RSV4 superbike - it certainly looks the part and should keep attracting youngsters, but the design maximum power is to the 15bhp (11kW) legal limit, so there‘s nothing to derestrict because that‘s all you get. It will certainly lack the raw and exciting power delivery of the old RS125 too.

The RS4 50‘s liquid-cooled engine uses a reed valve intake and six-speed transmission, but no power claim has been made yet.

The two bikes share an aluminium frame with cast, cross-ribbed spars, as well as the 41mm inverted forks and monoshock rear end.

Dorsoduro 1200 full test here

RSV4 Factory APRC SE full test here

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