I am awaiting delivery of a 2022 Tuono Factory "Ultra Dark" model, that Aprilia Australia marked down by so much that I could overlook the fact I don't like black bikes. I'm in my 60's and have ridden bikes since my youth, having owned far more bikes than I care recall. Many I wish I had kept instead of selling, such as a Moto Guzzi LeMans Mk1, a Limited Edition Suzuki 1,000cc Katana imported for the Castrol 6 Hr, several Fireblades that never let me down. My last bike was a 2014 Ducati MTS Pikes Peak that just cost me almost $3K due to issues in the Sachs fork internals being outside tolerances and wearing away the tubes and dumping the oil. I was searching for a sports bike that was more upright but not another adventure bike. The final contenders came down to recent models like a BMW S1000R M Sport, a Suzuki S1000 GT or the Factory Tuono. I overlooked the Standard Tuono M4 RR due to it's Sachs suspension as had lost faith in that brand.
Both the Inline 4s lacked personality, being teutonic in their linear power delivery, but supposedly reliable. The trouble was the price the BMW was asking, and the Suzuki's KYB suspension was obviously what the bean counters chose over perhaps a SHOWA? The rear shock was a throwaway item and I figured by the time I upgraded the suspension I was getting too close to the Sale price of the Tuono's, and it still lacked engine character. Having ridden my brother's Factory for a few hours, I was already convinced the engine's sound and delivery would be difficult to beat.
I have been doing research on Aprilias and their reliability appears to have improved with each generation of V4 engine. Here in Australia we can expect delays in parts, with COVID having impacted manufacture and deliveries, but my bike is a weekend pleasure, so I am able not too concerned. It is service costs, especially the 20K valve services that might be of concern. Sydney has technicians but I am moving to Tasmania late in 2024 and will see how the 2 dealerships go as far as knowledge and expertise goes.
I look forward to collecting my bike in a few days and experiencing this beauty for years to come.
Both the Inline 4s lacked personality, being teutonic in their linear power delivery, but supposedly reliable. The trouble was the price the BMW was asking, and the Suzuki's KYB suspension was obviously what the bean counters chose over perhaps a SHOWA? The rear shock was a throwaway item and I figured by the time I upgraded the suspension I was getting too close to the Sale price of the Tuono's, and it still lacked engine character. Having ridden my brother's Factory for a few hours, I was already convinced the engine's sound and delivery would be difficult to beat.
I have been doing research on Aprilias and their reliability appears to have improved with each generation of V4 engine. Here in Australia we can expect delays in parts, with COVID having impacted manufacture and deliveries, but my bike is a weekend pleasure, so I am able not too concerned. It is service costs, especially the 20K valve services that might be of concern. Sydney has technicians but I am moving to Tasmania late in 2024 and will see how the 2 dealerships go as far as knowledge and expertise goes.
I look forward to collecting my bike in a few days and experiencing this beauty for years to come.
