From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:
Aprilia Displays New Models and “Evil” Tuono at Laguna Seca
Woodstock, GA – Aprilia USA will display several new models at the Laguna Seca round of the World Superbike Championship / AMA Superbike series July 11-13th.
Two new-featured production models will be the Limited-Edition Colin Edwards Replica, and the highly anticipated Tuono Racing. Two new scooters for the US will be on display as well. The Mojito “cruiser scooter” and the Rally make their North American debut at the famous racing circuit near Monterey, CA.
Along side these production machines will be a special Tuono built by former Aprilia Cup Champion Aaron Clark. The RSV Tuono “Clarkie” features a built-up motor that includes performance parts from Blackmans Racing, Evoluzione, STM and Dynojet. The primary sponsor of the project is European Motorcycle Accessories. “EMA has supplied an Ohlins rear shock, PVM wheels and brakes, and Harris parts including adjustable rearsets and a slip-on exhaust system,” says Clark. “I basically took a standard Tuono that had a bad interaction with gravity, courtesy of a demo rider, and made it the most potent Tuono I could.”
As Clarks’ friends heard about the project more items such as carbon bodywork custom painted by Blair Graphix, and custom Ohlins Internal Showa fork from Scuderia West were fitted to the bike. Clark is currently touring the country as Demo Manager for Aprilia USA. “Between dealer open houses and demo events like Americade, I was building the bike in the trailer – the stock Tuono is already a beast – I wanted this one to be just plain evil,” says the native New Zealander.
Aprilia owners and fans are encouraged to stop by the Aprilia display in “Manufacturers Row” at the event to check out the latest Aprilia motorcycles and scooters, meet members of the Aprilia management team, and check out the latest Aprilia accessories and clothing.
Select members of the press will be allowed to ride the Tuono “Clarkie” after some final suspension tweaking at an Aprilia demo track day at Portland International Raceway on July 16th.