Seriously thinking about it!

Hi guys,
Bit of a story to it but here goes.... I'm seriously considering buying an 09 Tuono r advertised locally with 9k on the clock and reasonably priced but before I make an offer I'd like opinions from people in the know. That's where you guys come in. To help give you idea of what I expect/like and what I dont please bare with me.

I've always had sports bikes,blades gixers etc but like many I'm getting on a bit now and decided to go for a tiger 1050 which is great for a more upright riding position and to do a bit of touring to Spain. I've always liked big trailes too and I've also got a thing for twins hence the reason for looking in this direction. Soooooo finally to the point!

Before the tiger I had a Cagiva Navigator with the TL engine and absolutely loved it the nature of all that low down grunt it just really suited my riding, however..........being Italian the build quality wasn't great and sourcing part etc was a pain in the Arse to be honest and is probably the main reservation I have about buying the Tuono.

I love to scratch so from what I can gather the Tuono should be a good option for me but if being honest I prefer to spend most of my time in the sadle and not on maintenance which you can obviously do with a jap bike. With this in mind guys any informed opinions would be most welcome and thanks for taking the time to read this.

The only way to find out if you like one is to test it mucker. See if a shop has one and go out on it for an hour or so

180slayer said:

The only way to find out if you like one is to test it mucker. See if a shop has one and go out on it for an hour or so

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Hi, I don't doubt I'll get on with it mate, think what I'm asking is more to do with build quality, reliability , longevity, parts ,service etc. I notice your from Lothian any dealers you would recommend for servicing in the central belt?

I had an 06 T for 4 years and loved it. Went like stink, handles well, and comfy for a day's riding. Mpg is poor tho' 35, so topping up every 100. Never had any problems with mine, other than the clocks misted up a bit in bright sun light. Build quality is good, better than my 954 blade was!
I changed to a Tiger 800 2 years ago, for a few reasons, but miss the V twin grunt, so now looking around, poss multistrada.
Hope this helps you

I've had my 04 Tuono for nearly 5 years and only had a couple of small issues such as brake light switch and speedo drive. As long as they are looked after they are fine. Also great fun

I've had my 09 tuono r for 4 years. Never had any trouble with it. Service it every year and keep it clean. Love it and it always puts a smile on my face!!!!!
By the time they made the 08 onwards Aprilia had sorted out most of the problems with the bike like the charging system, brown connector problems.
Keep mine on the optimate when not in use. Look after the battery and you will be ok. You will need to fill up every 100 miles but the time inbetween is F------ Ace!!!!! :yes

"fill up every 100 miles but the time inbetween is F------ Ace!!!!! "

What he said.

Check the engine number to make sure it has the "later" stator.. if so, and it seems like a gud un - buy it, i have never rode a bike that gives such a smile.

Mate of mine had to use a recovery van recently.... driver mentioned that the most common bike recovered wasnt italian... it was German !

Oh servicing, dunno about dealers in Jockland.... but Griff @ Aprilia Performance does mobile service days - search it - as good as it gets !

09woody said:

I've had my 09 tuono r for 4 years. Never had any trouble with it. Service it every year and keep it clean. Love it and it always puts a smile on my face!!!!!
By the time they made the 08 onwards Aprilia had sorted out most of the problems with the bike like the charging system, brown connector problems.
Keep mine on the optimate when not in use. Look after the battery and you will be ok. You will need to fill up every 100 miles but the time inbetween is F------ Ace!!!!! :yes

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mines 09 factory brilliant bike had from new!

felix said:

"fill up every 100 miles but the time inbetween is F------ Ace!!!!! "

What he said.

Check the engine number to make sure it has the "later" stator.. if so, and it seems like a gud un - buy it, i have never rode a bike that gives such a smile.

Mate of mine had to use a recovery van recently.... driver mentioned that the most common bike recovered wasnt italian... it was German !

Oh servicing, dunno about dealers in Jockland.... but Griff @ Aprilia Performance does mobile service days - search it - as good as it gets !

Click to expand...

Thanks to all who've replied and yes I'm liking what I read. Just to clarify though what do you mean "later stator"?

Scotty said:

Thanks to all who've replied and yes I'm liking what I read. Just to clarify though what do you mean "later stator"?

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The stator problems carried on to the next generation. Aprilia are absolutely ***** when it comes to identifying problems and fixing them.

I have a 2012 V4 Tuono and am on my third stator because Aprilia moved the problems the gen two had onto the V4. (overheating stator)

I now have an "updated" flywheel and stator at my cost even though this has been an ongoing issue with the Tuono for probably 10 years.

Don't get me wrong they are fantastic bikes and I love my V4, but Aprilia R&D and customer service really need a boot in the arse.

As for parts..............hahahaha they are even better in this department. Three fcuking months I waited on a gearbox part to correct yet another "known fault" with the V4 and I waited nearly 5 weeks for the updated stator / flywheel combo.

Aprilia really need to get a grip.


As for your question about servicing in the central belt I have found Jim Allen in Falkirk to be good

Rizla said:

The stator problems carried on to the next generation. Aprilia are absolutely ***** when it comes to identifying problems and fixing them.

I have a 2012 V4 Tuono and am on my third stator because Aprilia moved the problems the gen two had onto the V4. (overheating stator)

I now have an "updated" flywheel and stator at my cost even though this has been an ongoing issue with the Tuono for probably 10 years.

Don't get me wrong they are fantastic bikes and I love my V4, but Aprilia R&D and customer service really need a boot in the arse.

As for parts..............hahahaha they are even better in this department. Three fcuking months I waited on a gearbox part to correct yet another "known fault" with the V4 and I waited nearly 5 weeks for the updated stator / flywheel combo.

Aprilia really need to get a grip.


As for your question about servicing in the central belt I have found Jim Allen in Falkirk to be good

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Hmm, that's the reason I got rid of the navigator ( waiting weeks/months on parts) it's a short enough summer here without downtime waiting on bits so yeah that's a big minus point.

"Later Stator"

On the Gen 2 Tuono, after a certain engine number, they revised the stator. The later one has a reduced output and less likely to fry. They actually changed the rotor to achieve this.

Mine is the early one, it went south at approx 21k. There are a few cheaper options out there. I bought a "Ricks" stator for £82 + a pattern gasket at a fraction of the cost of an Aprilia one. (As its a Rotax engine, sum bits dont have to come via Aprilia. My stator came from a jetski/ quad dealer )

So money wise it's not the end of the world.

Mite be a pain, but it wouldn't put me off buying one

Hi pal, I've got 2007 gen 2 had for 3 yrs, just had to replace the stator and regulator it's done 15000 miles..cost a few quid but had no problem getting parts..these bikes are great the V twin grunt can't be beat, like yourself I have had jap sports in my younger days, but these bikes are by far more fun and put a massive grin on your face :thumbup. As the other guys have said the mpg is a bit ***** about 100 mile on a tank, but hell its well worth it...go on mate treat yourself to an Italian mare..:yes..cheers..

My '08 (unfortunately built before the change) just had its stator (and regulator) go out with less than 12K miles on the clock. Both have been replaced with ones from Ricks.

Hi, thanks to all who've replied I've got a better idea what to look for now from you guys and other posts on here so if I can manage a deal with the guy I think I'll ave it. The overwhelming opinion seems to be a few little niggles and heavy of juice. I remember the navigator used to drink like a fish too but hey we don't buy them for economy do we? Watch this space!

Scotty said:

Hi, thanks to all who've replied I've got a better idea what to look for now from you guys and other posts on here so if I can manage a deal with the guy I think I'll ave it. The overwhelming opinion seems to be a few little niggles and heavy of juice. I remember the navigator used to drink like a fish too but hey we don't buy them for economy do we? Watch this space!

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If your deal doesn't work out one of my riding mates is selling a cracking 08 Tuono in blue white. 7k on the clock, Akrapovic cans, heated grips, uprated clutch slave cylinder etc.

It's in Dundee.

Give me a shout if you want further details.

This one:

Ok mate will keep that in mind although I do prefer the black colour scheme. What ball park money we talking?

Scotty said:

Ok mate will keep that in mind although I do prefer the black colour scheme. What ball park money we talking?

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Will find out and PM you :thumbup

I've got an 08 factory, had it from new and done just short of 30k miles.

No probs with the charging system,,,,,,,,,,,,,touch wood.

Had the fork seals replaced with uprated ones at 6k.

Servicing: Griff usually makes an appearance in Whitburn at the end of February/ early March and again later in the year, they look after yer machine as if it's their own.