Aprilia education requested

[CoarsegoldKid]

I've been toying around with the notion of getting a used sport bike for foothill use. I know nothing about Aprilia motorcycles. I did see a couple of low mileage 2007 models for sale recently. The asking price was about right for my checkbook. From the pictures they are both naked bikes. Anyway the bikes were listed as RSVR1000 Tuono and 1000 Tuono R. I think they are the same models but not really sure.

Also what complication would I get myself into on valve adjustments, and maintenance. I realize there is a chain but chain lube can be applied and yes chains and sprockets wear I know that from previous chain drive bikes.

thanks

[lawnchairboy]

paging proprieter emeritus...

[Bill_Walker]

ShovelStrokeEd recently bought a Tuono from Whip, and Russell Bynum has one (as does Vlad the Impaler). You might try a PM to them.

[russell_bynum]

BEST. BIKE. EVER.

 

Now that I have that out of the way....

 

The Tuono is a "naked" or "streetfighter" bike. In other words, it is a sporty bike with a powerful motor (in this case, a 1000cc rotax V-twin), but instead of having a riding position like a race bike, it's got wide upright bars and less fairing. When the Japanese companies make a streetfighter, they start with a crappy frame, bolt on some crappy suspension, and then stuff in the previous generation of their 1000cc race motor...detuned quite a bit. What Aprilia did, was they took the RSV Mille superbike, removed some of the fairing, bolted on some bar risers and dirt bike handlebars...and that's it. The result is an incredible chassis and suspension, with a great motor, in a package that doesn't send you to the chiropractor after 20 minutes.

 

I flippin' LOVE mine.

 

As far as weaknesses go...the motor is damn near bulletproof. The starter relay is a weak spot, but it is cheap, small enough to carry a spare, and easy to replace on the road if yours dies. The clutch slave is the same one that goes on many of the ducatis. I believe they were serving lots of red wine at lunch the day the designers did that one. There's a good aftermarket unit from Evoluzione that's much better. The rear brake seems to go soft frequently...and with no explanation. Not a big deal since the rear brake on a sportbike is all but useless anyway.

 

Other than that, it's very rare to hear anyone talk about problems.

 

af1racing.com is a good source for parts. They also run apriliaforum.com which is a good source of info.

 

The Tuono and Tuono R are basically the same bike, but the R has upgraded suspension (Ohlins) and a few other goodies. IMO, it's worth the extra $$. But you could just as easily buy the normal one and slap on an Ohlins rear and Ohlins valves up front and be done with it.

 

 

[dhanson]

Dealer must download any maps required if needed to adjust, so maybe a dealer near enough might be an issue. Whip lives down the road from AF1, but don't think he needed them that much.

 

I was looking at one for a while, but got a dirt bike instead and I'm out of garage space and money now, ha.

[Whip]

What they said....

 

 

 

They have terrible resale so don't be shy.

 

 

 

[ShovelStrokeEd]

HEY! Quit beatin' on my bike!

 

Everything Russell said, and more.

 

It snorts, it rips, it wheelies, it stops like running into a vat of jello, mine now sounds great thanks to a new Akrapovic exhaust system. Right on the border of offensive till I really get on the gas hard, then it does get offensive but the front wheel is usually a couple feet in the air and that makes it hard to read the license plate.

 

The silly thing will even tour fairly well with the 18 liter fuel tank being the only limiting factor. 4-500 miles in a day is doable as is 80 mph cruising. Headwinds will limit that to a bit less, not for lack of power but the wind blast is kinda intense till you tuck in a bit.

 

Great fun on a twisty road and very confidence inspiring. You do need both loose arms and very good throttle control.

 

[randy]

not sure how tall all these posters are, but I have ridden two Tuono (no R version) for some time. I never owned one, just had opportunities to ride them. awesome bikes, if I could afford one as my second bike I would get one. But I am 6_4 275lbs and the bikes did not fit me as comfortably as the other posters. I still enjoyed taking breakes about every 1.5 hours. Of course that beats my son's ducati 996. that bike was every 40 minutes. Now I have the BMW R1100S and I can go up to three hours easily, if the fuel allows. Usually riding it in the mountains only, so closer to 2 maybe 2.5 hours then need fuel.

[CoarsegoldKid]

Thanks guys. But answer me this question. Are valve checks and adjustments going to be a full weekend chore every 3K miles with special tools? OR is the check a more reasonable 6K to 10K miles. Is a removal of cams to get to the shims under the buckets required or are they on top of the buckets for easier access. My guess is under. Usually shim/bucket designs stay in tolerance longer. I couldn't find any info on AF1 that answers these questions.

 

What's the dealer download codes business all about?

Like Russel stated the seating position is what is steering me in the direction of the Tuono.

 

Mechanically I know the BMW boxer is easier to do a valve adjustment then just about anything other than a Moto Guzzi. I don't really fear doing them on an Aprilia. I just don't want to have to do them so often. On Ducati desmos it can get very expensive even when done at home.

[kudzu]

The silly thing will even tour fairly well...

OMG! Can anybody besides Ed look at the Tuono and think touring bike? THAT puts the "sport" in "sport touring!"

[russell_bynum]

The silly thing will even tour fairly well...

OMG! Can anybody besides Ed look at the Tuono and think touring bike? THAT puts the "sport" in "sport touring!"

 

I've done an 800-mile day on mine. No problems at all. Rode it from SoCal to Big Bend a few years ago. I needed warmer gear for the return ride, but otherwise was fine. Ridden from SoCal to Torrey a few times. It's really a pretty comfortable bike.

[russell_bynum]

not sure how tall all these posters are, but I have ridden two Tuono (no R version) for some time. I never owned one, just had opportunities to ride them. awesome bikes, if I could afford one as my second bike I would get one. But I am 6_4 275lbs and the bikes did not fit me as comfortably as the other posters. I still enjoyed taking breakes about every 1.5 hours. Of course that beats my son's ducati 996. that bike was every 40 minutes. Now I have the BMW R1100S and I can go up to three hours easily, if the fuel allows. Usually riding it in the mountains only, so closer to 2 maybe 2.5 hours then need fuel.

 

I'm 6'4" and around 200lbs...no problems. The cutouts in the tank are borderline for me. If I was 6'2" I think they'd be perfect. As is, it's fine...definitely doesn't bother me.

[tallman]

So, how do you pronounce

aprilia ?

[mrduck]

 

 

Joe, my friend, you're thinkin' all wrong about this Aprilia thing!

 

This here's what ya need!

 

 

 

 

Don J

[outpost22]

I've been toying around with the notion of getting a used sport bike for foothill use.

 

At your age Joe ???!!!

 

Can I come?

[CoarsegoldKid]

Joe, my friend, you're thinkin' all wrong about this Aprilia thing!

This here's what ya need!

Don J

 

I wouldn't even know how to get on that thing.

 

At your age Joe ???!!!

 

Can I come?

Careful.

Yes, Mike you can come and join in on the fun anytime. By the way in a few weeks I'll be posting a date for the 3rd Annual NorCal meets SoCal in the Middle ride. Maybe you and your lovely wife can join in on that.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

OK, map adjustment is required when installing low restriction pipes. It is no big deal, the bike comes from the factory with the map already installed in the ECU. Takes the dealer about 1/2 hour start to finish (pillion seat has to come off). The fueling with the stock pipes is closed loop, the map2, which has to be enabled by the dealer, runs open loop and gives great fueling at the minor expense of fuel consumption. I'll know better after the run up to Cedar Key and back in a couple of weeks. I had been getting about 39-40 mpg at 80 mph GPS.

 

There are vacuum ports that can be used to balance the throttle bodies although, if you have the dealer do it, he will use is Axone computer to bring it, and the idle speed into spec. BTW, spec has the rear cylinder slightly leading the front. Sounds funny at idle (you won't hear it with the stock pipes) but runs great from off idle to red line.

Valve checks are pretty straight forward, albeit more complex than a Boxer. No worse than a modern K. Tank has to come off and then the air box. 2 valve covers, of course. The cams do have to come out if adjustment is required but, as a general case, that would probably be somewhere in the 20-30K mile range so long as you are not revving the snot out of the bike at every opportunity. Check clearance, record, and put it all back together. Probably about 4-5 hours start to finish.

 

Speaking of revving the bike, there is another motorcycle above 8K RPM or so. Russell describes it as "an axe murderer in a nice Italian suit." Pretty accurate as the thing pulls like a freight train up there. 85 mph in 3rd gear will result in a nice wheel stand when you whack the throttle open, that will continue well over 100. Do put the 15 tooth front sprocket on, the bike is geared too tall with the 16.

[Bob Foley]

2 of my favorite memories of my Tuono are cracking the throttle open from a red light and realizing that I was being shot off the back end. Damn that engine has serious power. I managed to hold on but it was way to close.

 

Secondly realizing I would never master the proper way to pronounce TUONO. You may need to take a class in Italian.

 

Someone said the resale value has tanked--very true. I bought a 2007 with 6K of aftermarket goodies for 7,500. Best bike for the money, I have ever owned until I rode a Honda CBR 600 RR.

Good luck with your search.

 

 

[russell_bynum]

2 of my favorite memories of my Tuono are cracking the throttle open from a red light and realizing that I was being shot off the back end. Damn that engine has serious power. I managed to hold on but it was way to close.

 

Secondly realizing I would never master the proper way to pronounce TUONO. You may need to take a class in Italian.

 

Someone said the resale value has tanked--very true. I bought a 2007 with 6K of aftermarket goodies for 7,500. Best bike for the money, I have ever owned until I rode a Honda CBR 600 RR.

Good luck with your search.

 

 

I've got an '03 CBR600RR track bike. It's a terrific bike, but IMO, the Tuono is a much better bike right out of the box. The CBR needs some suspension help. It's also (IMO) not very well suited to street riding since it doesn't make any power until you get it wound up really tight. On the track, it's a-frickin-mazing.

 

One of my first memories of my Tuono was when I pulled out to pass about three cars. I rolled on gently in 3rd gear and enjoyed the rocket-launch acceleration. Then I decided to just stay on the gas when I tucked back in to my lane. That's when I discovered that countersteering doesn't work when the front wheel isn't on the ground.

[CoarsegoldKid]

This gonna be fun!

[Whip]

I remember the first time I took it for a ride in the Hill Country with Phil's friend the almond grower. Left right combo with about 400 yards between em. I took the left at what I thought was a fast speed, the T went through the corner so easy I was able to get on the gas really hard much earlier than on my other bikes. I knew the next corner was a decreasing radius 15 mph right turn, so I went for some front brake and nothin happen. Front brake no worky with said front wheel in the air.

 

I survived, but it was ugly.

 

Another time I went to play with some local "mature squids". I was following them on some hill country roads I had never been on before. There was a slight rise in front of me and then a low water crossing behind the rise. I didn't see the low section till it was too late. It really didn't matter though, cause the T jumped the entire section and made a perfect landing on the other side. The "mature squids" said they didn't appreciate riding with people who did stupid stuff like that on their bikes. I explained that it was an unintended event. They said it looked like I had done it many times before. When I told them that I had never had both wheels off the ground in my life, we all laughed.

 

Have fun with the T. Everyone should have one.

 

 

 

 

[RLJ]

Valve adjustments on the Rotax 990 are seldom needed after the initial check. My Futura had 60,000 miles on it. I had it checked every 10,000 and the valves never moved so needed no adjustment. I have a Mille (00.5) and at 30,000 just had them checked and still in spec with the same readings. I ran both bikes hard but not bouncing off the limiter as there is no need to ride them like that. Run them hard from 4 to 8K they fly. Very tough motors. AF1 Racing forum is a wealth of knowledge and Aprilia's are a bargin right now. I recommend that you look on that site for one to buy.

[sgendler]

The silly thing will even tour fairly well...

OMG! Can anybody besides Ed look at the Tuono and think touring bike? THAT puts the "sport" in "sport touring!"

 

I did a 10,000 mile, 9 week tour on an unmodified Aprilia Mille. The Tuono is a barcalounger compared to that. Vegas to Torrey was no problem in a day. Neither was Santa Barbara to Albequerque.

[sgendler]

I've got an '03 CBR600RR track bike. It's a terrific bike, but IMO, the Tuono is a much better bike right out of the box. The CBR needs some suspension help. It's also (IMO) not very well suited to street riding since it doesn't make any power until you get it wound up really tight. On the track, it's a-frickin-mazing.

 

Bear in mind that Russell's bike came out of the box with Penske rear shock, Ohlins valves and heavier oil up front, pipe, chip, airbox mod, custom seat, and probably a few other things I can't remember any longer, besides. Not that I think he's wrong, of course, but it sure was fun doing all of those mods and it definitely made a difference.

[tallman]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blaspheny!

You can't improve a motorcycle from stock delivery condition.

 

[weaselwayne]

Best motorbike I ever had. More fun then a barrel of monkeys.

 

[russell_bynum]

I've got an '03 CBR600RR track bike. It's a terrific bike, but IMO, the Tuono is a much better bike right out of the box. The CBR needs some suspension help. It's also (IMO) not very well suited to street riding since it doesn't make any power until you get it wound up really tight. On the track, it's a-frickin-mazing.

 

Bear in mind that Russell's bike came out of the box with Penske rear shock, Ohlins valves and heavier oil up front, pipe, chip, airbox mod, custom seat, and probably a few other things I can't remember any longer, besides. Not that I think he's wrong, of course, but it sure was fun doing all of those mods and it definitely made a difference.

 

Yup.

[Bill_Walker]

So, Wayne, Sam and Whip all rave about the bike.... but don't own theirs any more.

 

Too many tickets?

[russell_bynum]

So, Wayne, Sam and Whip all rave about the bike.... but don't own theirs any more.

 

Too many tickets?

 

Sam is a pathological bike swapper. He bought the _same_ Speed Triple three times, if memory serves.

 

Whip used his as a track bike and decided he wanted a real sportbike. (Clip-ons and rearsets woulda done that, but I think he's also got a woodie for the new big bang R1.)

 

I can't speak for Wayne...but I must assume it was some sort of mental disorder which caused him to sell a bike he constantly raves about. Those who have met Wayne would have no problem believing that hypothesis.

[sgendler]

Sam is a pathological bike swapper. He bought the _same_ Speed Triple three times, if memory serves.

 

No, no. I've had 2 speed triples, a 2001 and a 2006 (which I still have), but I did at one time have both a speed triple and a triumph daytona that were effectively identical except for the bodywork and handlebars. I owned the same RT twice. And I've owned 2 K1200RSs. I've owned far too many aprilias, but for good reason. I bought my first before I was ready for a sport bike with that kind of performance. Sold it a month later. 2 years later, I bought a Mille with the intent to put high bars on and strip the body work. The very next day they announced the Tuono (though it took another 6 months to arrive). The Mille was eventually stolen and replaced with a Tuono - your Tuono. It got lots of trick parts because the day after the insurance company paid me for the Mille, the bike showed up in Oakland. Since I hadn't been compensated for my aftermarket parts, I stripped them off before giving the bike up. I never should have sold the Tuono, but Gleno infected me with gixxer envy so I sold it and bought the gsxr1000. That got stolen and instead of buying another Tuono, like I should have, I bought my 06 speed triple that I have never really connected with. So now I kind of want to swap it out for a Tuono, but what I really want is the Tuono-ized RSV4 that they'll inevitably announce the day after I buy another bike.

[sgendler]

And for the record, I haven't bought a new bike since 2006. I think that means I am no longer a bike-swapper. I've had my 02 GS since 2004. That's WAY longer than I've owned any other bike. Geez, no wonder I feel the need to buy a new bike!

 

 

[hopz]

There's a very nice Shiver SL750 available on Salt Lake city's KSL site...

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=231&sid=74268&cat=144&sort=&nocache=1&search=aprilia&zip=any&distance=&min_price=any&max_price=any&type=&x=11&y=6

[russell_bynum]

Sam is a pathological bike swapper. He bought the _same_ Speed Triple three times, if memory serves.

 

No, no. I've had 2 speed triples, a 2001 and a 2006 (which I still have), but I did at one time have both a speed triple and a triumph daytona that were effectively identical except for the bodywork and handlebars. I owned the same RT twice. And I've owned 2 K1200RSs. I've owned far too many aprilias, but for good reason. I bought my first before I was ready for a sport bike with that kind of performance. Sold it a month later. 2 years later, I bought a Mille with the intent to put high bars on and strip the body work. The very next day they announced the Tuono (though it took another 6 months to arrive). The Mille was eventually stolen and replaced with a Tuono - your Tuono. It got lots of trick parts because the day after the insurance company paid me for the Mille, the bike showed up in Oakland. Since I hadn't been compensated for my aftermarket parts, I stripped them off before giving the bike up. I never should have sold the Tuono, but Gleno infected me with gixxer envy so I sold it and bought the gsxr1000. That got stolen and instead of buying another Tuono, like I should have, I bought my 06 speed triple that I have never really connected with. So now I kind of want to swap it out for a Tuono, but what I really want is the Tuono-ized RSV4 that they'll inevitably announce the day after I buy another bike.

 

 

I'm just yankin' yer chain.

 

A Tuono-ized RSV4 would be pretty frickin sweet.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

Probably won't be too far away. Aprilia is gradually fading out the Rotax twins in favor of engines of their own design and manufacture. I sat on the new RSV4 at my dealer's showroom, good thing I'm broke at the moment, the thing is tiny although very roomy for my 5'10" frame. It feels like a GSXR600.

 

Picture, if you will, something that weighs around 400 lbs with 170ish RWHP on a very pessimistic dyno. Can you say "Wheeeee".

[weaselwayne]

So, Wayne, Sam and Whip all rave about the bike.... but don't own theirs any more.

 

Too many tickets?

 

Easy answer Bill.

Drugs. After my second heart attack they put me on some pretty heavy blood thinners and statins. The long term effects are that my blood doesn't clot well. So I made the decision about a year ago to quit riding.

Sadly after almost 40 years I had to give it up.

However, were I to get another it would be another naked Aprilia or Ducati.

 

 

[sgendler]

Actually, the Tuono seemed to reduce my ticket count. I rode my Tuono exactly as I rode my Mille. The same 75-85mph on the freeway (5-10mph faster than surrounding traffic) and as fast as is safe in the twisties, but I got far fewer tickets on the Tuono. I assume that the upright riding position makes me look like I'm going slower, because actual speeds really didn't vary much at all. Mille was silver and Tuono was magnet grey, so I don't figure color played much role.

[Bill_Walker]

I can't speak for Wayne...but I must assume it was some sort of mental disorder which caused him to sell a bike he constantly raves about. Those who have met Wayne would have no problem believing that hypothesis.

 

Well, yeah, I can't argue with you on that one.

 

Oh, HI, Wayne!

[Bill_Walker]

So, Wayne, Sam and Whip all rave about the bike.... but don't own theirs any more.

 

Too many tickets?

 

Easy answer Bill.

Drugs. After my second heart attack they put me on some pretty heavy blood thinners and statins. The long term effects are that my blood doesn't clot well. So I made the decision about a year ago to quit riding.

Sadly after almost 40 years I had to give it up.

However, were I to get another it would be another naked Aprilia or Ducati.

 

 

Bummer, Wayne. Obviously, my other reply was posted before I saw this. Sorry to give you grief, considering this. Well, OK, maybe only a little sorry.

[weaselwayne]

Hi Bill,

 

No big deal. Still not taking the dirt nap. I do miss those dad gum motorcycles.

Now I just watch MotoGp and drool.