New old Boy

Hi
I am looking at getting a Tuono after seeing a Tuono Factory in the MCN last week. Its looks blew me away and I thought "Thats my bike"
I currently ride a 97 zrx1100 which is a lot of fun but having seen that Tuono has made me a little "moist" to say the least.
So what I'm after is some advice on what I should be looking for.
which one should I get :Factory, R , fighter.
which year before 2004 or after
Are there any nasty points to watch for if any
Whats a good price

I am reliving a lost youth although I use my current bike as often as I can so If I get one it will be used in all weathers?

Cheers
Simmo

Welcome simmo, no doubt there wil be plenty along to advise you on their particular choices.

Jist get one any one and yer laughin. :thumbup

Hi simmo

As Aldo says, they're all good. I'd say Gen 2 myself as I have one, but I've ridden a couple of Gen 1's and there ain't much in it, they're superb bikes too.

Ultimately, as with any bike, go for the best deal: mileage, condition, service history etc. As to whether the factory is worth it I can't say, just be aware that if you buy a Gen 2 R you WILL need to budget to replace the rear shock with summat decent, the standard Sachs unit really is a sack of ****.

Get a T and get used to the big grin :thumbup

hello

Fit like S min.. ah wid spend plenty time browsin the threads an info oan here first as there is heaps o genuine facts an "good things tae ken" aboot Tuonos inbetween awe the wafflin fun ***** spoken as well.

Then go for the best yer budget will allow, wi a nod tae what spec yer after, bearin in mind even the so called "base" model Tuonos ur stonkin bikes tae start wi!

Crack oan min..

Choose whichever you like the looks of most.

If you go for a Tuoldo (03-05) I would recommend a Racing or Factory model, lots of tasty goodies - Oz wheels, Ohlins all round, carbon fibre everywhere for about a grand extra, very cheap.

For the Gen 2, I would personally recommend the factory, but that's because I have one. TBH if you replace the rear shock on an R model it's really not that different, get an 07 on in the Gen 2, slightly better engine & ECU map, for little extra cash. It really depends which colour scheme floats your boat, some of the R schemes are really good - the blue/white always looks good, as do the matte black, the orange, ice white etc. In the Factories, the earliest had a REALLY puke brown frame, so look at either an 08 - Red Lion paint; gold wheels/frame/forks, or my favourite the 09 Black dream paint, gold metal work.

Check the usual for crash damage, check to see the dash is reading mph not kph - the dash resets itself on start up if the battery is really fooked, and charging can be an issue. Beware really low mileage bikes, unless they really look the part, the resets can zero the odometer. Check the clutch cover RHS of the engine, it should be a bronze colour - if it's black the engine is from an early mille, or it's been replaced after an off.

The Rotax V990 engine is pretty bullet proof - it's Austrian, rather than Italian, but the electrics are typically Italian and have their foibles. The bike needs a fully charged battery to start - you will see lots of threads about non starters this spring, damp cold bikes, and weak batteries do not happy Aprilias make.

I guarantee that once you ride either model you will climb back of with a stupid grin on your face that will last for hours, there is an indefinable something about the Tuono that resonates deep within a bikers soul, and like all Italian beauties it is fickle, demanding, needs constant attention or it sulks, but will give you the ride of your life.


Yes I have been drinking.

Make sure it's black... It's the fastest...

And like the boys said. Troll the smalls... find something in your budget, make sure that you have a kool helmet, and get riding!! Simples!

Thanks so far guys I forgot to mention that I am 6'1" and about 16 stone. So I'm a biggish lad and concerned about seat height. It may be the dogs bollox but if I look I'm riding a Fsie it I wont be best pleased

Simmo

simmo - Windy on here is bigger (taller and heavier) than you and he looks ok on a T (relatively speaking...).

Shovel is UUUUUUUUGE and he fits on a T ok, so you should be fine.

Ummm 6'5" and 20 stone. Yer still a little git t me. You'll be able to touch both feet to the deck, never fear...

And I will admit that after 40K km my stock R shock is knackered... one of the things that I want to upgrade.

Check out some of the pics threads and you can see that my little T doesn't look that small under way.

Right Fellas
Yesterday was a good day because I swapped the ZRX for a red 03 Tuono. Got it for 2995 with 7000ish on clock(reads km on clock).No service history but not that it would have a had a lot for 7000 miles. it came with its previous MOT so the mileage has been verified and the guy I brought it from is very reputable.There is a small crack in the windshield but a part from that it looks stunning and sounds great. The only problem is I've done my back in so all I can do is look at touch caress it............sorry getting carried away

Simmo

Nice one :thumbup

03 Red Fighters are definitely the best, not that I am biased or anything.......




Get some pics up!

Sorted Simmo min... needs a stumpy can tho on they Gen1s, instead o yon huge bazooka. Its aye been sumthin ah thought looked oota place.

Nahh StIX needs to spend his money on a sat nav

You are not wrong pinny!! Flipping iphone useless without 3G - did try

rico said:

Sorted Simmo min... needs a stumpy can tho on they Gen1s, instead o yon huge bazooka. Its aye been sumthin ah thought looked oota place.

Click to expand...

Getting a can for my birthday probably Rico - I was the only one on last Sunday's ride with the standard can!

mmmm...can envy.....a terrible affliction o the wallet!

Pics of new bike

Here you go fellas
a couple of pics for ya
simmo

Looks nice and tidy that Simmo

another red fighter. welcome to the club. will get pic of mine up this weekend after sorting the discs and getting it cleaned.