Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Factory

Here is a bike that really has no rivals. Whatever competition the Tuono has taken part in, it has emerged the uncontested winner and most impressive protagonist. Unrivalled on the naked racing scene, the Tuono has even taken on the fastest superbikes on their home ground – the racetrack – and won.

On the road the Tuono is in a class of its own. On the racetrack it is a proven winner. Hungry for success, the Tuono has been an exceptional flag-bearer for Aprilia’s motorcycle design philosophy even outside its native Italy, and has demonstrated its prowess in epic races like the Isle of Mann TT and the Macao GP. Now the Tuono 1000 R Factory has picked up where the victorious Tuono Racing left off, with even better technical characteristics and performance.

With the arrival of the new Factory version, the most racing naked and the meanest on the road clearly demonstrates its racing spirit. The Tuono 1000 R Factory delivers power that is simply unthinkable for any other twin, with a chassis that is more sophisticated than ever and easily on a par with the best superbikes. The new Tuono 1000 R Factory is a truly professional machine for all those riders who demand the state of the art in technology and the absolute maximum in performance. Expert riders with a taste for the exceptional will know how to appreciate the record-beating performance of this stupendous street-fighter.

A new engine, new suspension, ultra-light wheels and a host of carbon fibre components have boosted performance and reduced weight to a new record for this type of bike. As with the RSV 1000 R Factory, from which it has been derived, the Tuono 1000 R Factory is designed and built for “total ridability”, a concept that has always characterised high performance Aprilia motorcycles.

Thanks to the many improvements introduced, the Tuono 1000 R Factory sets new standards for performance nakeds.

The following are the most important of its unique characteristics.

· The latest generation Magnesium 60° V twin engine with bigger exhaust valves
· New, larger diameter exhaust pipes
· New external catalytic converters located nearer to the collector pipes for enhanced efficiency and environmental friendliness
· New injection mapping
· Fully adjustable Öhlins Racing 43 mm fork
· Fully adjustable Öhlins piggy back monoshock
· Anodised finish, forged aluminium wheels
· New carbon fibre belly pan
· Carbon fibre side panels
· Carbon fibre mudguards
· Carbon fibre spoilers
· Dedicated fasteners with countersunk screw heads

The Tuono 1000 R Factory is a special bike for special riders, people who appreciate exclusive design and build quality and who also know how to derive maximum pleasure and satisfaction from the amazing power and handling of the world’s most competitive naked. When it was first introduced, the Aprilia Tuono 1000 R set new standards for all big nakeds. Now, the Tuono 1000 R Factory has raised the bar even higher, establishing the perfect synthesis between quality, technology, and finish.
The performance of the Tuono 1000 R Factory has been boosted to record levels by adopting the same latest generation engine that powers the RSV 1000 R Factory. Now developing 102 kW (139 HP) at the crank and a maximum torque of nearly 11 kgm at only 8,500 rpm, the Aprilia Tuono R Factory is the uncontested leader of all naked twins.
An even more sophisticated chassis enhances the bike’s exceptional dynamics under all possible conditions and enables you to perform like a true professional not only on the road but on the track too.

STYLE
The bike’s styling is like its performance: extreme. The Factory takes the whole Tuono concept to its logical conclusion, even in terms of design. With its aggressive graphics and sporty colour schemes, it is simply impossible to mistake the Tuono 1000 R Factory. The most stunning advanced technology is laid bare on a bike that is proud to show exactly what it’s made of. The fork, frame, swingarm and wheels are all rigorously exposed, because on the Tuono 1000 R Factory, fundamental to performance means fundamental to style. The aggressive looking nose fairing with close-mounted twin headlights is a universally recognised feature of the Tuono, so naturally it remains an essential part of the new, mean looking Factory. The nose fairing has been tested in the wind tunnel to provide maximum wind protection for the rider and to generate lift at high speeds, keeping handling light and precise at all times.
The new engine’s record performance would not be possible without super-efficient aspiration. The Tuono’s Air Runner ram air intake plays a major role in ensuring effective engine breathing. The Tuono is the only naked equipped with this exclusive air intake system.

The Magnesium Evolution 60° V twin engine
The 1000 cc Magnesium Evolution 60° V twin engine is directly derived from the unit that powers the RSV 1000 R Factory. Only minor modifications have been made to boost torque and muscle at low revs. In its latest form, this is the top performing engine on any production twin. Its exceptional power output is not only fully usable but is always delivered with Aprilia’s legendary reliability.
New, larger exhaust valves (increased from 31 to 33 mm in diameter) improve engine breathing, as do the new, larger diameter exhaust downpipes. Thanks to these advances, the new Magnesium V twin puts out more power than ever, achieving an amazing 139 HP at 9,500 rpm, as well as an impressive torque of 10.9 kgm at 8,500 rpm, a figure that clearly tells you what sort of muscle you can expect even at low engine speeds.
The new silencers feature catalytic converters located as near as possible to the collector pipes. This solution has cut converter activation time by 50% and further slashed emissions, keeping them well within the threshold imposed by Euro 3 standards. The second exhaust pipe section has been extended by 200 mm to improve torque at low revs.
In parallel with optimised through-flow and combustion dynamics, the new bike also incorporates improved ignition and injection mapping designed to improve power delivery at all engine speeds.

The following are the most essential characteristics of the Magnesium Evolution 60° V twin engine:

· New, optimised cylinder heads with larger diameter valves and one spark plug per cylinder
· 57 mm throttle bodies with one injector per cylinder
· High strength conrods
· Reduced overall weight thanks to a large number of magnesium engine parts
· Close ratio gearbox
· Dry sump lubrication system with two trochoid pumps and separate oil tank and oil cooler
· Mixed gear and chain valve timing drive with the two gears (one per timing chain) located in the crankcase to reduce cylinder head dimensions
· Anti Vibration Double Countershaft (AVDC)
· Hydraulic action clutch assisted by Aprilia’s patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system to control rear wheel bounce during fierce braking

The Tuono 1000 R Factory has inherited the RSV’s ram air duct, with an intake just below the headlights. The intake remains exactly on the bike’s centreline, where ram air pressure is highest. Air reaches the generous 10.3 litre airbox through the Air Runner duct (which also supports the nose fairing and instrumentation) under enough pressure to allow the engine to develop its full power potential. Thanks to the Air Runner system, airbox overpressure increases with speed, leading to a 3% gain in maximum power at top speed.
An engine management unit made in conjunction with Siemens VDO controls all engine parameters. The ECU receives real time signals from 15 parameter sensors, processes them and controls the actuators in real time too, keeping the engine running smoothly at all times.
The flash EPROM already contains racing mapping for unrestricted exhausts. Aprilia service engineers can therefore easily load it on request from customers who intend to use their bikes exclusively on the racetrack.

CHASSIS
In line with Aprilia practice, the frame incorporates aluminium-silicon castings and Peraluman 450 pressings in a super-sophisticated structure that is more rigid yet lighter than ever before. Weighing in at less than 10 kg (9,650 grams to be precise) the frame of the Tuono 1000 R Factory is the lightest on any bike of this type.
The swingarm features a special double member design that provides a clear passage for the new twin silencer exhaust system, and weighs an amazing 4,860 grams, well under the swingarm weight benchmark of 5 kg.
Another factor that contributes to the bike’s unrivalled handling is its minimal unsuspended weight. The Tuono 1000 R Factory is equipped with ultra-light forged aluminium wheels, manufactured by Aprilia specifications. The dramatic weight saving achieved by these fundamental components has minimised inertia and created a bike that is more responsive and precise than ever in establishing trajectories through bends. Lighter wheels also mean less resistance to acceleration and braking, and therefore even better performance.
Superb handling on the track is also ensured by fitting the new Tuono 1000 R Factory with 190/55 rear tyres, specially selected to promote manoeuvrability and responsiveness without penalising grip. As with all sporting Aprilias, however, the Tuono 1000 R Factory is actually homologated for use with three different tyre sizes: 180/55, 190/50 and 190/55.

SUSPENSION
Maximum performance on the racetrack does not allow for compromises in suspension. That is why the system fitted to the Tuono 1000 R Factory is state-of-the-art. An Öhlins 43 mm upside down fork guarantees unrivalled action and precision. The unit is obviously fully adjustable in spring preload and compression and rebound damping, to permit all riders to find the most suitable settings for their own level of skill and experience.
The Öhlins monoshock at the rear is also fully adjustable and specially selected for its smoothness and precision action. Like the forks, this unit makes a major contribution to the road and track handling of the Tuono 1000 R Factory.

BRAKING SYSTEM
The Tuono 1000 R was already fitted with the best braking technology on the market: Brembo Gold radial calipers. The Tuono 1000 R Factory benefits from the same advanced system. The front calipers are fitted with four separate pads (one per piston), made from a special sintered material, to double the number of leading edges in the pad-disc system and deliver greater braking power for the same effort at the lever.
The two 320 mm floating steel discs feature a narrower braking track to minimise inertia and weight, and are fixed in place by Aprilia’s exclusive six spoke flange.
The rear braking system is Brembo Gold too, with a 220 mm stainless steel disc and a caliper with two 32 mm pistons.
The front and rear brakes both use aeronautical metal braided hoses to eliminate the sponginess inevitably associated with conventional brake hoses and to ensure maximum braking precision.

COMPONENTS
The Tuono 1000 R Factory is a special machine in every way, as is every component on it. Made from top quality carbon fibre, aluminium and magnesium, only the best components available have been used to ensure that the bike is not only amazingly powerful, but extremely light and absolutely unique among nakeds.

The following components deserve special mention:
- The new belly pan, side panels and mudguards are made from carbon fibre, contributing (together with the forged aluminium wheels) to a new record weight for this class of bike (181 kg dry weight*).

- The dashboard is a mixed (digital-analog) unit. It receives all its data over a single electrical system CAN line, and acts as an integral part of the autodiagnostic system thanks to a built-in computerised memory unit. Among other functions, the dashboard provides a self-timing function for use on the racetrack, complete with 40 lap memory. The dashboard is extremely modern and compact in design and the entire system weighs only a few kilograms. All functions are controlled from two practical push-buttons incorporated in the lighting switch block on the left handlebar.

The dashboard’s LED backlighting can also be adjusted to three levels of intensity.
- The headlight cluster is derived from that of the RSV, and incorporates four light units for perfect night-time visibility.
- The ignition key is internally coded, and the ignition block is fitted with an engine immobiliser as standard

Review

As if the regular Tuono wasn't a maddening enough prize for indigent sportbike junkies the world over, Aprilia has announced the launch of a special version of the vaunted naked streetfighter dubbed the 2007 Tuono 1000R Factory.

The new machine will showcase the 60-degree V-Twin motor featured in the 2006 Factory version of the RSV Mille along with similar suspension and carbon fiber upgrades. When former AMA SB racer Alex Gobert evaluated both the Factory and non-Factory RSV1000R for us back in May, he painted a bright picture of the Factory machine's improvements. Expect the limited-edition Factory Tuono to post similar performance increases and become the object of more than one rider's wanton bike lust.

The Tuono Factory's changes start with its engine, which is a direct derivation of the 1000cc longitudinal 60-degree Magnesium Evolution V-Twin which powers the RSV Factory machine. The Factory Tuono's mill features the same 57mm throttle bodies with one injector per cylinder format utilized on the RSV Factory machine and regular Tuono. Exhaust valves grow from 31 to 33mm and the diameter of exhaust downpipes swell as well. These improvements, combined with improved injection and ignition mapping, allow the 60V to pump out a claimed 139 horsepower at the crankshaft, along with 79 lb/ft of torque. This represents a jump of 6 ponies and 4 lb/ft over the regular Tuono. Stay tuned for real-world dyno estimates, as we are testing the non-Factory Tuono at this very moment for an upcoming Streetfighter Comparo.

The ram-air intake system, unique for a naked bike and a prominent styling fixture for the Tuono front end, continues to aid engine performance. The Factory Tuono shares the same hydraulic clutch and PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system of its non-Factory sibling to divvy out the increased power through an identical 6-speed gearbox. The latest-generation V60 also employs an Anti Vibration Double Countershaft (AVDC) to alleviate vibration from the 60-degree Twin.

Aside from the tweaked powerplant, the real difference between the Factory and regular Tunonos are suspension upgrades. Just like the Factory RSV, the Factory Tuono discards the 43mm Showa inverted fork for a 43mm Öhlins unit. An Öhlins piggy-back monoshock also displaces the Sachs system out back. Both units are adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping. The suspension upgrade should exhibit the same benefits which Gobert noted in his comparison of the two RSVs, with the Factory Öhlins units starting to pay for themselves when a rider begins to push the envelope out on the track.

This isn't surprising as the Factory machine is purpose-built for trackdays and other high-performance duties. To assist in that regard, the Factory machine can be loaded with mapping for unrestricted exhaust systems. Akrapovic exhaust systems are available as an accessory, with street-legal slip-on silencers and, available starting this January, a complete street-legal exhaust system which still meets Euro 3 emissions. During his RSV Factory test, Gobert took full advantage of the opportunity to test the Akrapovic pipes back-to-back with stock pieces. The Slovenian exhaust upgrade made a noticeable difference in performance to the RSV out on the track, with the slip-ons adding around 5 extra ponies and the full system upping power by 7 horsepower. Expect similar increases to the Akrapovic upgrade on the Tuono. The stock Tuono Factory exhaust locates catalytic converters as close as possible to collector pipes in order to cut down emissions and ensure the exclusive Aprilia meets the Euro 3 restrictions.

The binders equipping the Factory Tuono have not changed from the Brembo Gold radial caliper system adorning the regular machine. A pair of stainless steel 320mm rotors are grabbed by 4-piston calipers up front, while a single 220mm disc in the rear gets pressed by a pair of 32mm pistons. The Factory also utilizes the same metal-braided hoses.

 Steering geometry does not change from the non-Factory design either. Forged aluminum wheels replace cast hoops, although the 180/55 ZR 17 rear tires, available as alternatives on the regular model, come standard on the Factory (the two other tire sizes, 190/55 and 190/50, will also be available). The twin-spar aluminum-alloy frame also remains the same, excepting the gold-anodized finish, which, when combined with the gold Öhlins fork, gives the Factory machine a distinctive look - again, similar to the RSV Factory.

After the engine and suspension upgrades, the main difference between Factory and non-Factory is the carbon fiber parts which help lighten the load. The carbon-fiber list includes: side panels, mudguards, belly pan, and spoilers. The cumulative effect is a 8.8-lb reduction in claimed dry weight, down from 408 lbs to the Factory's 399 lbs (Aprilia's claimed dry weight figures do not include the battery.)

Further carbon-fiber upgrades, like guards for the expansion chamber, oil reservoir, and footrests, as well as seat cover, are available as accessories. The list of extra goodies also includes a track-friendly reverse shifter, tank and tail bags, and an anti-theft system to protect your sizable investment. Speaking of which, no MSRP figure accompanies the Factory Tuono's press info, however, previous Tuono Factory was $5400 more than its 2005 counterpart. If the pattern holds, the latest Factory Tuono should ring in somewhere between $18,000-$19,000.

Source MotorcycleUSA.com