Here is a list of performance modifications, ideas & good general information for your Tuono V4. I posted this on another forum but thought you guys might appreciate it.
Probably no need to read the whole thread as I will update this 1st post regularly.
If you have more ideas or suggestions then post a reply and I'll update this original post.
Performance Mods.
1. Slip-on exhaust.
Eg: Werkes GP, Leo Vince, Austin Racing GP2, Akrapovic etc. Adds great sound & a little performance. 2-6hp at best.
Does not require a remap & the bike will not have any problems if you don't do a race map upgrade. However the Tuono will probably perform better with one. Remember, fuel & stock maps sometimes differ between countries, not to mention every bikes fueling is a little different. But generally speaking, if you have a slipon or full system your bike will be faster & feel smoother with the race map.
Important to note: If you buy the 'Aprilia' Akra exhaust it is more expensive than buying the Akra elsewhere. However, when you buy the "Aprilia" Akra (from Aprilia Dealer) it also comes with a code to unlock your ECU and load the RACE maps. If you buy the Akra separately you dont get the code so if you want to remap you will have to pay for race ecu as an extra cost. So... Aprilia Akra comes with RACE ECU unlock code. The NON Aprilia Akra = no code and standard mapping.
'Core' the stock pipe. It is a simple job and will give performance gains similar to a slip-on, while maintaining the standard look. Just requires either removing the Cat from the entry to the slipon... or, cut that bit of pipe off and replace with a clean link pipe. Interesting to note that the perforated core in the stock pipe actually tapers down in size. By that I mean, the pipe in the exhaust is wider where the gasses enter the muffler and narrower where they exit. This is counter-productive to gaining max hp as gasses are expanding as they cool, so the exit should not be narrower than the entry. I expect it may make the bike quieter? But none the less it is a cheap way to get a free flowing exhaust.
2. Full system.
Eg. Akrapovic, Leo Vince, Austin Racing, (who else?). 8-12hp. Best to get race ecu and maybe tuning unit like Bazzaz or PCv.
3. Performance Air filter.
DONT buy the filter for the RSV4. It doesn't fit the Tuono V4! But as luck would have it, the air filter from the 2004-2010 RSV1000 DOES FIT.
Yes... For some god forsaken reason the Italians decided to make RSV4 and Tuono V4 filters slightly different. However if you have bought a filter for the RSV4 you can adapt it to fit on the Tuono , using RSV4 parts 13:* 858877 and *17 : 858878 from rsv4 airbox . The rsv4 filter is marginally bigger but I suspect there is not enough in it to measure a hP difference.
4. Race ECU.
If you want a more ridable and better performing bike then just stump up the cash and GET the Race map upgrade or buy a RACE ECU. You wont regret it. It's not just about top end Hp, its about how the bike feels and rides. Buy complete for $800 or get your existing ecu remapped by AF1 for $400. Buy the Akra slipon or full system and you get the race map upgraded into your stock ECU (Making it the same as the RACE ECU). Your local dealer may also be able to upgrade to the RACE map if they know the secrets.
The RACE mapping changes parameters such as fuelling & timing & throttle response & improves performance when slip-on or full system is on the bike. Fuel economy appears to be better with race map as well. The 3 modes of Road, Sport & Race are retained, but with better mapping etc. Your warranty is NOT void with the race map.
5. Air Fuel custom map.
Power Commander 5 PCv or Bazzaz? Similar end result & with use of a dyno & a good tuner you can get an excellent custom map for your bike & its mods.
Remember, the tuono only has half the number of injectors compared to the rsv4. So don't buy the rsv4 pcv or you will spend way too much $ & its not an easy fit. Tuono v4 pcv available soon... Or check Austin Racing as they have some modified ones they sell.
PCv also has the Auto Tune AT-200 module that is about $220 & it enables you to create "on road" custom maps & to tune the bike & create the maps yourself. This can be better than custom maps if done right & certainly cheaper. It also enables you to remap 'free' if you make changes to the bike.
6. Flapper Valve in the exhaust.
It is in the end of the headers where your slip-on attaches. Its for noise reduction rather than creating midrange. Removing the stock muffler does not remove the flapper as it is in the headers. Disable it by simply disconnecting & removing the cables. Gives better sound & arguably better performance. Try it, and if you don't like the results them reconnect the cables. But you will like it.
7. Intake & Airbox mods?
Don't know of any yet, but it is a tiny airbox. Can't remove the lid unless you find somewhere else to put the ecu.
Unlike the old RSV1000 you can't simply remove the top of the air box and modify to get more airbox air volume because there are lots of electronics on the lid of the airbox. Ideas lads?
8. Velocity Stacks?
These are the intake funnels inside your airbox. Haven't checked yet, but I expect you can replace rsv4-R velocity stacks with your tuono ones. Rsv4 will give more top end & tuono v4 more midrange. Factory Pro may make better performing velocity stacks. TBC
9. Block off Plates.
Used on the RSV4 and it seems no-one has tried on the Tuono yet. Info and gains TBC
10. Supercharger.
Hmmmmm. Now we're talking. Wishful thinking and No one has done it that I know of, but it makes your willie twitch just thinking about it.
11. Gearing
How could I forget such an obvious & cheap mod. Dropping your gearing ratios will give more drive and acceleration. Front sprocket is 16 stock. Drop to 15. This also lengthens wheelbase a fraction. Alternatively leave front alone & add 2 teeth to the rear. Similar effect on performance & as it shortens the wheelbase she may be even easier to wheelie if you are so inclined.
With 15 tooth front you can still achieve over 260kph (160mph). So you won't lose top speed, but will gain in acceleration.
I didnt notice any increase in fuel use. In fact, as odd as it sounds, I think I got better mileage with this mod. Not sure why but it may be because you dont need as much throttle to achieve the same acceleration... so you're not pinning the throttle as hard.
12. Suspension upgrades.
This is a great way to help improve your speed in the corners... where it matters! An Ohlins or similar rear shock is a good upgrade. Forks are ok but no doubt better valving in the front will improve things. Though at this stage I dont know of any suspension tuner who has upgrades for valving , oil or oil levels, for the Tuono V4. I'm having the valving done as I type this so will update results soon.
Ohlins forks from the RSV do fit the tuono. But rsv4 ohlins forks have better internals. However, if going to ohlins the fork diameter is not the same as the sachs. So you must get the lower triple clamp from the ohlins equipped rsv4. You can't use rsv triple clamps as the offsets are different.
The sachs forks are actually ok & have good potential. I have them at our local ohlins legend, Robert Taylor a have them back next week. Sachs shims are 7mm which are odd. But he has a cunning plan...
The sachs shock is not height adjustable but it is easy to rebuild with ohlins internals. So if you are happy with the bikes turn in then just get a revalve done
Incidentally, some time at the California Superbike School or Ron Haslem school etc will also improve those cornering speeds and lap times.
13. Replace the wheels with Oz wheels off the rsv4 our the rsv. Perfect fit.
Swap the brake rotors over & the aprc sensor plates. Easy.
Note...the rear sensor for aprc that sits on the swing arm needs to have a 1mm washer put under its securing bolt. This moves it 1 mm away from the sensor plate, otherwise it will rub on it & cause fault codes & traction control problems. If you forget to put the washer in the sensor then turn traction control off til you get back from your ride.
14. Raised Screen.
The only supplier at present is Puig. But it is the ugliest bastard you have ever seen. (mother-in-law aside!)
The screen that Aprilia had at one of the Italian bike shows is nice but no-one seems to know who made them.
Some General info.
The RSV and RSV4 wheels do fit the Tuono V4.
If the spanner shows up on your dash don't panic. It appears prior to the service being due.
If the word SERVICE shows up then you should get the bike in at your earliest convenience.
If the words URGENT SERVICE appears... Well... Its obviously ******* urgent, so get to a shop really fast before it blows up!
What more can you guys add & I'll update this original post.
Probably no need to read the whole thread as I will update this 1st post regularly.
If you have more ideas or suggestions then post a reply and I'll update this original post.
Performance Mods.
1. Slip-on exhaust.
Eg: Werkes GP, Leo Vince, Austin Racing GP2, Akrapovic etc. Adds great sound & a little performance. 2-6hp at best.
Does not require a remap & the bike will not have any problems if you don't do a race map upgrade. However the Tuono will probably perform better with one. Remember, fuel & stock maps sometimes differ between countries, not to mention every bikes fueling is a little different. But generally speaking, if you have a slipon or full system your bike will be faster & feel smoother with the race map.
Important to note: If you buy the 'Aprilia' Akra exhaust it is more expensive than buying the Akra elsewhere. However, when you buy the "Aprilia" Akra (from Aprilia Dealer) it also comes with a code to unlock your ECU and load the RACE maps. If you buy the Akra separately you dont get the code so if you want to remap you will have to pay for race ecu as an extra cost. So... Aprilia Akra comes with RACE ECU unlock code. The NON Aprilia Akra = no code and standard mapping.
'Core' the stock pipe. It is a simple job and will give performance gains similar to a slip-on, while maintaining the standard look. Just requires either removing the Cat from the entry to the slipon... or, cut that bit of pipe off and replace with a clean link pipe. Interesting to note that the perforated core in the stock pipe actually tapers down in size. By that I mean, the pipe in the exhaust is wider where the gasses enter the muffler and narrower where they exit. This is counter-productive to gaining max hp as gasses are expanding as they cool, so the exit should not be narrower than the entry. I expect it may make the bike quieter? But none the less it is a cheap way to get a free flowing exhaust.
2. Full system.
Eg. Akrapovic, Leo Vince, Austin Racing, (who else?). 8-12hp. Best to get race ecu and maybe tuning unit like Bazzaz or PCv.
3. Performance Air filter.
DONT buy the filter for the RSV4. It doesn't fit the Tuono V4! But as luck would have it, the air filter from the 2004-2010 RSV1000 DOES FIT.
Yes... For some god forsaken reason the Italians decided to make RSV4 and Tuono V4 filters slightly different. However if you have bought a filter for the RSV4 you can adapt it to fit on the Tuono , using RSV4 parts 13:* 858877 and *17 : 858878 from rsv4 airbox . The rsv4 filter is marginally bigger but I suspect there is not enough in it to measure a hP difference.
4. Race ECU.
If you want a more ridable and better performing bike then just stump up the cash and GET the Race map upgrade or buy a RACE ECU. You wont regret it. It's not just about top end Hp, its about how the bike feels and rides. Buy complete for $800 or get your existing ecu remapped by AF1 for $400. Buy the Akra slipon or full system and you get the race map upgraded into your stock ECU (Making it the same as the RACE ECU). Your local dealer may also be able to upgrade to the RACE map if they know the secrets.
The RACE mapping changes parameters such as fuelling & timing & throttle response & improves performance when slip-on or full system is on the bike. Fuel economy appears to be better with race map as well. The 3 modes of Road, Sport & Race are retained, but with better mapping etc. Your warranty is NOT void with the race map.
5. Air Fuel custom map.
Power Commander 5 PCv or Bazzaz? Similar end result & with use of a dyno & a good tuner you can get an excellent custom map for your bike & its mods.
Remember, the tuono only has half the number of injectors compared to the rsv4. So don't buy the rsv4 pcv or you will spend way too much $ & its not an easy fit. Tuono v4 pcv available soon... Or check Austin Racing as they have some modified ones they sell.
PCv also has the Auto Tune AT-200 module that is about $220 & it enables you to create "on road" custom maps & to tune the bike & create the maps yourself. This can be better than custom maps if done right & certainly cheaper. It also enables you to remap 'free' if you make changes to the bike.
6. Flapper Valve in the exhaust.
It is in the end of the headers where your slip-on attaches. Its for noise reduction rather than creating midrange. Removing the stock muffler does not remove the flapper as it is in the headers. Disable it by simply disconnecting & removing the cables. Gives better sound & arguably better performance. Try it, and if you don't like the results them reconnect the cables. But you will like it.
7. Intake & Airbox mods?
Don't know of any yet, but it is a tiny airbox. Can't remove the lid unless you find somewhere else to put the ecu.
Unlike the old RSV1000 you can't simply remove the top of the air box and modify to get more airbox air volume because there are lots of electronics on the lid of the airbox. Ideas lads?
8. Velocity Stacks?
These are the intake funnels inside your airbox. Haven't checked yet, but I expect you can replace rsv4-R velocity stacks with your tuono ones. Rsv4 will give more top end & tuono v4 more midrange. Factory Pro may make better performing velocity stacks. TBC
9. Block off Plates.
Used on the RSV4 and it seems no-one has tried on the Tuono yet. Info and gains TBC
10. Supercharger.
Hmmmmm. Now we're talking. Wishful thinking and No one has done it that I know of, but it makes your willie twitch just thinking about it.
11. Gearing
How could I forget such an obvious & cheap mod. Dropping your gearing ratios will give more drive and acceleration. Front sprocket is 16 stock. Drop to 15. This also lengthens wheelbase a fraction. Alternatively leave front alone & add 2 teeth to the rear. Similar effect on performance & as it shortens the wheelbase she may be even easier to wheelie if you are so inclined.
With 15 tooth front you can still achieve over 260kph (160mph). So you won't lose top speed, but will gain in acceleration.
I didnt notice any increase in fuel use. In fact, as odd as it sounds, I think I got better mileage with this mod. Not sure why but it may be because you dont need as much throttle to achieve the same acceleration... so you're not pinning the throttle as hard.
12. Suspension upgrades.
This is a great way to help improve your speed in the corners... where it matters! An Ohlins or similar rear shock is a good upgrade. Forks are ok but no doubt better valving in the front will improve things. Though at this stage I dont know of any suspension tuner who has upgrades for valving , oil or oil levels, for the Tuono V4. I'm having the valving done as I type this so will update results soon.
Ohlins forks from the RSV do fit the tuono. But rsv4 ohlins forks have better internals. However, if going to ohlins the fork diameter is not the same as the sachs. So you must get the lower triple clamp from the ohlins equipped rsv4. You can't use rsv triple clamps as the offsets are different.
The sachs forks are actually ok & have good potential. I have them at our local ohlins legend, Robert Taylor a have them back next week. Sachs shims are 7mm which are odd. But he has a cunning plan...
The sachs shock is not height adjustable but it is easy to rebuild with ohlins internals. So if you are happy with the bikes turn in then just get a revalve done
Incidentally, some time at the California Superbike School or Ron Haslem school etc will also improve those cornering speeds and lap times.
13. Replace the wheels with Oz wheels off the rsv4 our the rsv. Perfect fit.
Swap the brake rotors over & the aprc sensor plates. Easy.
Note...the rear sensor for aprc that sits on the swing arm needs to have a 1mm washer put under its securing bolt. This moves it 1 mm away from the sensor plate, otherwise it will rub on it & cause fault codes & traction control problems. If you forget to put the washer in the sensor then turn traction control off til you get back from your ride.
14. Raised Screen.
The only supplier at present is Puig. But it is the ugliest bastard you have ever seen. (mother-in-law aside!)
The screen that Aprilia had at one of the Italian bike shows is nice but no-one seems to know who made them.
Some General info.
The RSV and RSV4 wheels do fit the Tuono V4.
If the spanner shows up on your dash don't panic. It appears prior to the service being due.
If the word SERVICE shows up then you should get the bike in at your earliest convenience.
If the words URGENT SERVICE appears... Well... Its obviously ******* urgent, so get to a shop really fast before it blows up!
What more can you guys add & I'll update this original post.
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