Opportunistic test ride & ....

...... Unintended Consequence
Took a test ride on a Ducati MTS and with the impending release of V4 version salesman offered a test ride on V4 Street fighter just as a taster of what engine may be like on new model. All well and good.
Then ..... I saw their 2020 Tuono Factory demonstrator so, even though it’s so far removed from what I usually consider, thought I’d test ride that just for another V4 reference point.
I was simply astonished and blown away with quality of the ride, handling to say nothing of the captivating aural sound track. So the Tuono Factory is in the frame!

BUT I’d welcome some input. ( I think it only fair to say that with regard to age demographics on here, I’m well and truly in the top decile and probably high in that too so any aspirations of knee down track day experiences are long gone)

The ONLY caveat I have On the Tuono is it’s snatchy throttle characteristic at slow traffic speeds which ultimately tarnish any ownership experience. ( I live within M25 so UK guys will know what that means - I have no option to ride through heavy traffic to get to decent roads)

My question ...

Is this something that can be eliminated or at least softened by custom re- mapping by a specialist firm, alternative ride mode selection (I used Sport) or whatever? OR Is that the nature of the beast and its lump it or leave it?

Other aspects such as those relating to getting the bike useable for short weekend breaks seem to have multiple suggestions on here - tyres luggage etc

As you can tell I’m a complete Aprilia newbie so apologies in advance for that.

Thanks
Boxercup

Svenbeast said:

Hi Boxercup did the test bike have a stock pipe with stock ecu or was it an Akra with Aprilia race map . The low speed on off throttle is a bloody pain on these bikes I run a 17 Factory stock it's the same as the 20 with out the electronic suspension after much reading up on this on the forums there are a couple of guys who have tried all the tunes and custom tunes and say that the Gabro Racing Team is the best can be bought through Aprilia Special Parts.com it a brand new ECU for €530 +tax so you get to keep the stock ECU if you ever had a warranty issue you can swap them back . I bought one with his airbox and a huge difference it makes it's not 100% but you can hold a steady speed say 15 mph at tick over 30 mph in 3rd it's much nicer to ride in urban setting . These bikes don't like town they get hot the cooling system is just enough I find you need to be going 36 mph to keep the temp ok I don't know how people can use them for commuting but out of town fantastic. Sport mode is the worst for low speed on off then track and race the best in town the main difference is the amount of engine breaking then higher up the rpm it's about throttle delivery

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wow What a comprehensive reply. Thank you for taking the time. The demonstrator bike I rode had an Akro fitted so I presume the dealer set the mapping up as needed. I must admit I didn’t switch modes but I will go back and take a second test ride and try those out. Seems that Gabro is the way to go, if I end up buying a Tuono I will do that. Is the ECU a plug and play swap or is there a significant amount of dismantling to be done? Did you have to explain to Gabro what you needed out of the new ECU?
I also came across a thread in which you discussed sport touring tyres which was informative. I’d be going that route too as I’d want the Tuono as useable a road bike as possible without neutering its style.

Dealers are offering quite good deals at the moment £14k on the road inc Akro so that would soften the cost of new ECU and tyres.

Sheep said:

My pal has an 1100 rr, and he's let me ride it a few times, I found the throttle to be sensitive, but he says the modes do make a difference, also his previous bike was also ride by wire so I think maybe its also something you get used to. He's late fifties and quite a big fella about 6'3 and has no comfort issues, we did a 2 week tour of Spain and France not long after he bought it he just strapped a tail pack to the back seat and away we went, but I know its slightly different for the factory not having a pillion seat. I think the rack of choice seems to be Hepco and Becker with kriega bags, although I have no experience with them.
Hope that helps.

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thanks for your response, I will definitely try different modes on my next test ride and it’s reassuring to know that folk have toured with the Tuono. Pointer to Hepco rack is appreciated, I would want a small day tail pack for local rides too and this could be just the ticket. Ventura say they do a rack and I know they have a small tail pack but the struts May take away some of the Tuono gorgeous lines. Thanks again

Thanks again Sven