Indeed, a claimed 100 hp surpasses the numbers claimed by competitors, such as the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Yamaha MT–07.
Just like the standard Tuono, the engine is a 659cc parallel twin, but the Factory version makes a claimed five additional horsepower. The frame consists of an aluminum dual beam with a removable subframe. The transmission is a six speed and the front brakes feature dual 320 mm discs squeezed by Brembo radial-mounted calipers.
The Standard version weighs a claimed 403 pounds wet with the 3.9 gallon fuel tank filled. A standard 17-inch front tire is paired with a relatively large, for the class, rear tire size 180/55/17.
As with other Aprilia models, the Factory version gets some extra goodies. Here, a slight weight reduction of 3 pounds results from the use of a lithium battery and a shorter final drive ratio improves acceleration. Perhaps the biggest upgrade is found in the suspension, which is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping in the Factory version (the Standard version makes do with rebound adjustments, only).
A distinctive, and powerful LED headlight is found within the attractive mini–fairing. A six–axis IMU works to give the bike lean–sensitive ABS and traction control, wheelie control, and even cornering lights. A quick-shifter is standard. Several different riding modes are available.
Three separate modes for road use and two for track use allow almost infinite adjustability to suit the rider’s needs. Certain modes allow customization of traction control, engine braking and wheelie control. The rider adjusts individual parameters from the handlebar switches, but the system is far from intuitive (a YouTube video helped).
The amazing thing, to MD, at least, is the tiny price difference between the standard bike and the factory version. Just $300. The U.S. MSRP for the Factory version is $10,999.
Wringing 100 hp out of a small twin usually involves a rather pronounced sacrifice of mid-range power in favor of a screaming top end. This bike has the screaming top end, but also makes pretty decent mid–range. The first impression is an extremely refined and smooth power plant.
Another first impression is the refined feeling of the suspension, which provides good bump absorption and enough damping to push the bike pretty hard on the road.
Like most nakeds, the ergonomics are reasonably comfortable and upright. The seat was surprisingly comfortable, even on longer rides.
Handling is precise and direct, although not quite as nimble as I would have expected, given the displacement category and light weight. Like some other Aprilias we have ridden, there is a slight trade-off between stability and nimbleness. This bike tracks very well at high speeds through sweeping corners, for instance, a trait we greatly appreciate.
That is not to say that you can’t toss the bike into a corner with the wide, upright handlebars. It just takes a bit more effort than on some of the other bikes in this category, that, on balance, feel a bit more nervous at higher speeds.
The transmission, and the quick-shifter, worked flawlessly. Rev–matching downshifts, and upshifts were achieved without using the clutch in nearly all instances, although, like most quick-shifter systems, the bike prefers to be on the gas and in taller gears when doing so (upshifting, at least).
The brakes are very strong, and good feel comes from the front binders, which are powered by a radial master cylinder. Consistent with the stability comments made earlier, the bike stays very calm and neutral under heavy braking aiding aggressive corner entry.
We also took the bike to a track day. That stable feeling through fast sweepers was very evident, and the bike cornered well on the tight Buttonwillow track. It did lack the punch to out-accelerate slower riders on larger displacement machinery when exiting corners, but that is really no fault of the motorcycle. There is no doubt this can be a fun track day bike, as well as a more practical road bike.
Speaking of practicality, we achieved roughly 55 mpg, on average, during our test. Not bad for a performance motorcycle.
This is an extremely fun motorcycle to ride. It includes a surprising amount of comfort and practicality in addition to its performance, which is arguably class-leading if you stay under 700cc.
It is somewhat more expensive than the competing bikes mentioned earlier from Kawasaki and Yamaha, but it offers a substantially increased horsepower level, as well as fully adjustable suspension and top-drawer brakes. A pretty good bargain in our opinion. Take a look at a Aprilia’s website for additional details and specifications.
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