2008 Aprilia Tuono Review

Aprilia, the Italian motorcycle and scooter maker, introduced the Tuono, a sport bike, in 2002 and revised it in 2006, producing two carryover submodels in 2008: the Tuono 1000 R and 1000 R Factory.

Aprilia started out making small displacement bikes before producing the 998cc RSV Mille in 1998. That bike was so successful that it gave rise to a number of successor 998cc bikes, including the Tuono, which is a versatile street machine, something of a cross between a sportbike and a streetfighter. Trust the Italians to give the bike, with its aluminum frame and carbon fiber body, a distinctive look to go with its track roots and street-use versatility. As a ""naked"" bike, the nose fairing houses only the air intake, headlights, and a small windscreen (which can be replaced with an optional larger one). Lateral spoilers protect the rider’s legs from wind. The Tuono 1000 R comes in three colors for 2008: blue and silver, red, and black.

A V60 Magnesium Evolution V-twin engine, with double overhead cams and fuel injectors, pairs with a six-speed transmission and a chain final drive. The standard front suspension on the 1000 R is a Showa inverted fork with spring preload and rebound damping; the rear is an aluminum alloy double banana swing arm. Aprilia’s patented AVDC anti-vibration double countershaft keeps the machine running smoothly and comfortably, while making sure all of its power is at the rider’s disposal. And since the Tuono has been clocked at 150 mph, there is indeed plenty of power.

The more expensive Factory model is essentially the same bike, but with carbon-fiber additions, Ohlins front and rear suspensions—with a racing inverted 43mm fork a rear monoshock, both adjustable and with rebound damping, and an upgraded air intake that improves the air-fuel mixture. The Factory model is a few pounds lighter, just 399 pounds to the 1000 R’s 407, and comes in red only.