2016 Aprilia Tuono V4, Be My Valentine?

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner (it’s this Sunday!), most people will think of love, flowers, and chocolates any time that consonant “v” sound leaves someone’s lips. But for me, my brain auto-fills to “V-4.”

I'm in love with Aprilia's V-4s, and their latest creation, the 1,077cc monster that's in the new Tuono V4 1100, is simply incredible. I literally giggle every time I thumb the starter and that massive motor barks to life. There's nothing that sounds like it, and there's nothing (save maybe KTM's ridiculously torquey 1290 Super Duke R) that turns gasoline into glee with such force and character.

Forget for a moment that the Tuono V4 1100 Factory has seriously trick suspension, incredible brakes, and a frame that could stand as sculpture. All it takes is that angry thundering rumble and the shuddering feel of that 60-degree V-4 to capture my heart. The rest of the Tuono Factory package is just frosting on that mega-motor cake. It really is something special.

So, like a scrapbook of pictures from lovers' dates and vacations, here's a smattering of special moments the Motorcyclist staff has had with the previous Tuono V4. As for the heavily updated 2015 bike, it's better in every way, and we'll fill you in on all the wonderful details with a full road test in the near future.