Aprilia Unleashes 175-Horsepower Tuono V4 1100 Models

Aprilia Unleashes 175-Horsepower Tuono V4 1100 Models

© 2014, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

NEW APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RANGE – RR AND FACTORY MODELS

THE FASTEST AND SPORTIEST NAKED EVER IS NOW EVEN BETTER AND BECOMES A TRUE COMPLETE WEAPON FOR THE ROAD AND FOR THE TRACK

DIRECT DESCENDANT OF THE RSV4, THE BIKE THAT HAS REPEATEDLY WON WORLD SBK CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES, THE APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 IS ADRENALINE IN ITS PUREST STATE

THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS UNRIVALLED, REVAMPED V4 HAS BEEN INCREASED TO 1100 CC AND 175 HP; MORE EFFICIENT TO RIDE THANKS TO ITS REVAMPED CHASSIS AND THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALREADY EXCEPTIONAL aPRC ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS PACKAGE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME MORE CONVENIENT AND EVEN SAFER FOR ROAD USE

THERE ARE TWO MODELS IN THE RANGE – RR AND FACTORY – CHARACTERIZED BY A NEW LOOK AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES, BUT WITH THE TYPICAL CHARACTER OF THE TUONO HERITAGE. AND FOR THE FIRST TIME TELEMETRY ARRIVES, THANKS TO THE V4-MP PLATFORM

Tuono V4 1100 is the latest and most spectacular evolution of a sport naked dynasty, born in 2002 out of Aprilia’s intuition to strip down and fit a handlebar on their flagship superbike (which at the time was the V-twin RSV mille), thereby combining all the advantages of a chassis par excellence with the fun of sitting up and dynamic riding. The patriarch of the new “supernaked” category was called the Tuono 1000 R, the first ultra-high performance naked. Aprilia Tuono has therefore always been a high handlebar superbike, unbeatable on the track and loads of fun on the road. Out of this tradition a completely new Tuono was born in 2011, a direct emanation from the unbeatable Aprilia RSV4 introduced in 2009 and World SBK dominator. It was an epic change: Tuono V4 R immediately made a place for itself as the highest performance, most technological and sophisticated naked sport bike ever manufactured, the most adrenaline pumping, fierce and effective naked ever seen, an excellence for the most purist of thrill seeking enthusiasts thanks to the V4 engine capable of 167 HP and the exceptional aPRC electronic controls package, still unrivalled in terms of effectiveness and technology. The evolution did not stop here – In 2014 an even more refined and powerful version was introduced: Tuono V4 R ABS which offered the new features which had already been successfully introduced on the second generation RSV4, such as the higher performance engine (170 HP), the revamped and recalibrated aPRC system and a Race ABS system capable of withstanding even the extreme stress of the track.

The know-how acquired in years of victorious competition at top levels and the experience of the Tuono history now allow Aprilia to exceed limits which had previously seemed insurmountable: introducing the newTuono V4 1100, an exclusive thrill generator and fun in its purest state. New 175 HP engine with a powerful maximum torque of 120 Nm, revamped chassis setup to achieve better agility, fine-tuned aPRC, new look, the possibility of connecting your smartphone to the vehicle through the PMP platform and two distinctly outfitted versions (Factory and RR) that have the same, strictly Aprilia character in common.

Two versions, the same spirit

Tuono V4 becomes a family of motorbikes made up of two distinctly outfitted models. Tuono V4 1100 RR represents an exceptional thrill machine and it is the true heir to the previous Aprilia V4 naked, acclaimed by critics as the most effective and fastest bike in its segment. In addition to this model there is now a version with exclusive standard equipment: Tuono V4 1100 Factory, dedicated to an extremely demanding public, this bike is equipped with components which are largely derived directly from the new Aprilia RSV4 RF superbike.

The new Aprilia naked range, heir to a family of motorbikes which has been voted over time as one of the most fun, adrenaline pumping and efficient bikes ever, thus achieves absolute performance levels and sophistication, but now these bikes are also more comfortable, safe and fun to ride on the road. In addition to receiving many of the important upgrades which were just introduced on the new RSV4, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory also add a new look thanks to the more protective top fairing and the better aerodynamic penetration coefficient. The relative headlight unit changes as well, a whole 1.5 kg lighter, fitted with a LED technology parking light and a more modern shape which better integrates with the overall design of the bike without betraying the typical language of the Aprilia V4 characterized by three headlights. Tuono V4 1100 Factory stands out for its new rail fairing, derived from the RSV4’s, a true benchmark in sport motorbike design. The saddle has been made more comfortable, even with respect to its fairing-clad sister, thanks to the new foam production procedure which prevents the crystallization phenomenon – and therefore the hardening – of the foam itself. You can still naturally ride two-up by mounting the dedicated saddle portion. Thanks to the 15 mm lower seating position and the new, narrower handlebar, the on board ergonomics of both the Tuono V4 1100 versions change, becoming decidedly more comfortable.

World champion chassis

Simply incomparable, now more than ever. There is no other naked bike as sporty and effective as the Tuono V4 1100; its close derivation from the multiple World SBK champion is clear when you look at the beautiful double rail frame made from pressed and cast brushed aluminum elements, a structure that boasts unrivalled balance between torsional stiffness and flexibility; the new 65° V4 engine is set inside it in all of its purity and uniqueness, just like a precious stone set in a ring. In order to make the Tuono V4 1100 more agile on the road, without losing its legendary fierceness on the track, the headstock angle was changed from 25.1° to 24.7° and the trail went from 107.4 mm to 99.7 mm. These sleeker chassis dimensions combine with the 6 mm longer aluminum swingarm, the various suspension setups and the consequent adjustment of the electronic controls, including the wheelie control feature, to obtain a rock solid chassis at high speeds but more agile in direction changes.

Tuono V4 1100 RR is fitted with a high quality suspension: the upside-down Sachs fork with 43 mm stanchions has separate “one by one” hydraulic adjustments in compression and rebound as well as spring preload adjustment on both stanchions. The Sachs shock absorber with built-in piggy back allows the hydraulics to be adjusted in rebound and compression, as well as spring preload adjustment. The new standard calibration on both units is functional to the increased performance of the V4 engine and the revamped chassis dimensions and it also takes into consideration use of the bike on the road without any prejudice to the possibility of personalization in order to obtain maximum accuracy and precision in true racing style riding.

The more refined Factory version of the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 comes with par excellence standard equipment unique in its category, borrowed from the king of superbike, the Aprilia RSV4 RF. The suspension section is made up of a trio of Öhlins elements (fork, rear shock absorber and steering damper) characterized by ultra-fine tuning possibilities and a base setup that has been calibrated to give the rider maximum performance feedback in sport riding.

The braking system on the new Tuono V4 1100 range has a pair of refined Brembo monobloc M432 calipers on the front which mounts pads with the best possible friction coefficient that grip lightweight aluminum flanged discs (for Tuono V4 1100 Factory). The wheel rims are the same for both models: their lightweight quality contributes to a maximum reduction of the gyroscopic effect, all to the advantage of great handling. Tuono V4 1100 Factory is shod with the sportier Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa, with a wider 200/55 on the rear, in any case approved for street use and available for the Tuono V4 RR as well.

The top of the line in electronic controls

The Tuono V4 1100 range has received all the upgrades to the already exceptional aPRC system that was first seen on the RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF. As everyone knows, aPRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the patented control systems package derived directly from the winning technology in the world Superbike championship, the most complete and refined of any on the market, which provides tire circumference self-calibration features and wheelie control. The third generation of aPRC, standard equipment on the new Tuono V4 1100 units, fully integrates with the fine full Ride-by-Wire multi-map electronic management of the revamped V4 engine. As always, the Tuono V4 benefits from a specifically developed calibration, but it has been evolved even further in order to provide maximum thrills on the road and maximum performance on the track.

The Tuono V4 1100 RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory aPRC include:

aTC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly (without having to release the throttle) to 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick on the left side of the handlebar, now has even more fine-tuned and higher performance operating logic. The percentage of slippage allowed also differs depending on the speed in the turn: the system’s performance is smoother and guarantees high support in long sweepers at high speeds without penalizing grip coming out of slow turns;

aWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control,with 3 selectable settings, has been recalibrated to be even more sporty in map 1, whilst still guaranteeing a slight lift in quick acceleration and subsequent smoother descent of the front wheel to the tarmac;

aLC: Aprilia Launch Control, the assisted starting system for use on the track only with 3 settings;

aQS: Aprilia Quick Shift electronic gearbox for ultra-fast shifting without closing the throttle or using the clutch.

In addition to the third generation aPRC, the Tuono V4 1100 range is fitted with the highly advanced Race ABS system, developed in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee maximum safety on the road, without sacrificing any performance on the track. The 9MP system, which weighs in at just 2 kg, uses an actuation strategy called RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) that, as the name suggests, mitigates rear wheel lift in more abrupt braking situations; it can also be disengaged and it is adjustable to three levels easily by accessing the control menu on the instrument cluster.

Level 1: this is dedicated to track use but is also approved for street use. It acts on both wheels to guarantee the best possible performance, even in the most intense braking conditions at any speed. It takes nothing away from the pleasure and performance of “extreme” riding. With this strategy RLM is disabled.

Level 2: this is dedicated to sport riding on the road, acts on both wheels and is combined with the RLM tip over system which engages progressively based on the vehicle speed.

Level 3: this is dedicated to riding on surfaces with poor grip, acts on both wheels and is combined with the RLM tip over system.

Each of the three Race ABS maps can be combined with any one of the three engine maps (Track, Sport, Road) to allow riders with varying experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination.

Higher performance than the V4

The primary goal of the changes made to the already extraordinary Aprilia Tuono V4 engine was to increase torque, especially at medium-low revs in order to increase effectiveness and riding pleasure on the road. To achieve this goal the engine capacity was increased to a full 1077 cc thanks to the new cylinder bore which was taken from 78 to 81 mm. This increase in displacement also resulted in higher top performance:the power peak went from 170 to 175 HP and places the Tuono V4 1100 range at the top of its segment (already at 8,000 rpm almost 20 HP more than before are available). This makes the new sport naked from Noale a complete weapon for thrills and effectiveness with superlative torque values that dominate on the road and uncompromising top performance to dominate on the track.

The Tuono V4 1100 is the only naked powered by a 65° V4 engine° with unique characteristics. The narrow V architecture made it possible to build an engine with incredibly reduced longitudinal bulk which favors centering the weight and creating a compact chassis. As in previous models, the monobloc crankcase with integrated aluminum cylinder liners ensures maximum rigidity and consistent performance. The upper half of the engine case is now made with a new shell fusion and has been lightened and reinforced; it also now has an optimized ventilation system in order to reduce power loss due to air pressure inside the engine crankcase. Also, the crankshaft now has connecting rod pins reduced to 36 mm in diameter, the pistons are new and the Pankl connecting rods are lighter by a total of 400 grams.

The other technical particulars which made this engine so popular have remained unchanged, such as the removable gearbox and the innovative timing system kinematics: the chain camshaft drives only the intake camshaft which in turn drives the exhaust camshaft via a single gear. This solution allows for extremely compact heads especially in the area beneath the frame spars, much narrower than would otherwise be possible. A countershaft dampens vibrations even more than in a 90° V engine.

Full Ride-by-Wire technology eliminates any direct connection between the throttle grip and the throttle valves, which are entirely controlled by a latest generation Marelli control unit that also controls the ignition and the four injectors. Each bank is fuelled by two throttle bodies managed by a dedicated servo unit. This means that the aperture of the throttle valves and consequently the quantity of fuel injected can be controlled independently. This solution opens up practically infinite possibilities for power delivery control.

The new and powerful engine ECO now allows the three maps to be more easily managed, each one of which corresponds to a different engine power output and now also to a dedicated engine brake management map. The two classic engine management maps, Track and Sport, are now joined by a Road map which is full power instead of the previous generation Tuono V4’s limited power map. All three maps are more manageable and less aggressive than the previous version, allowing a better relationship between the opening of the throttle and the torque sent to the wheels. This is a solution that provides further advantages, such as reducing rear tire wear and better management of the significant power that the new Aprilia V4 is capable of developing.

Versions and Colors

The new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 range includes two models distinguished by different technical equipment and different color schemes: Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in two attractive color schemes, Grigio Portimao and Donington Blu, whereas the Superpole graphic of the Tuono V4 1100 Factory has that decidedly non-conformist spirit so typical of the Aprilia stylistic tradition that demands bright and very distinctive colors.

Telemetry arrives with V4-MP

In the rich accessories catalogue dedicated to the Aprilia Tuono V4 100 you can now find a highly advanced version of the Piaggio Multimedia Platform which transforms your smartphone into a semi-professional tool with exceptional information capacity. As you know, Piaggio Multimedia Platform is the innovative multimedia platform offered exclusively by the Piaggio Group which allows you to connect your vehicle to your smartphone and consequently to the web. With this exceptional application your smartphone becomes an actual sophisticated on board multifunctional computer and the link between the vehicle and the Internet. This is a window to the future which lays the foundation for a new way of looking at communication on two wheels. Thanks to a further development of this fascinating system fine-tuned by Aprilia, communication between the bike and smartphone now becomes active: from your smartphone you can change the settings on your Tuono V4, as well as receive tips in real time on how to improve your performance on the track in complete safety.

Some of the more prominent features of V4-MP are:

-Active electronic setup: this is as close as you can get to the “corner-by-corner” electronic management used in racing. Using the GPS feature of your smartphone, the system recognizes the position of the bike at any given time on the track and automatically changes the electronic adjustments (traction control, anti-wheelie, engine mapping, etc.), accessing a database of parameters recommended by Aprilia Racing. In any case you can set the electronic controls up according to your own preferences, turn by turn. This allows you to increase safety and effectiveness on the track, adjusting the control parameters at every point on the circuit and without distractions.

-Immersive virtual telemetry: your smartphone records the data from the engine and, using a sophisticated and realistic engine graphic, illustrates user performance. The lap reference is indicated by the “ghost” bike image and the performance relative to it can be downloaded to a database which collects all the laps made by Aprilia customers on each circuit.

-Adaptive race assistant: this feature provides tips in real time to safely achieve your best lap on the track with your Tuono V4. Thanks to Aprilia Racing Department simulation technology, you can establish the ideal lap for each track, considering the various grip and rider skill levels. The application compares rider performance in real time and assists by immediately indicating the need to brake or the possibility of opening up the throttle.

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR: Technical Specifications

[Tuono V4 1100 Factory data in brackets]

Engine type:

Aprilia longitudinal 65° V4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled engine with dual overhead cam (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder

Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline

Bore and stroke:

81 x 52.3 mm

Total engine capacity:

1077 cc

Maximum power at crankshaft:

175 HP (129 kW) at 11,000 rpm

Maximum torque at crankshaft:

120 Nm at 9,000 rpm

Fuel system:

Airbox with front dynamic air intakes.

4 Weber-Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 4 injectors and latest generation Ride-by-Wire engine management.

Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)

Ignition:

Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils

Starting:

Electrical

Exhaust:

4 into 2 into 1 layout, single oxygen sensor, lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter

Alternator:

Flywheel mounted 450 W alternator with rare earth magnets

Lubrication:

Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)

Gearbox:

6-speed cassette type gearbox

1st: 39/15 (2,600)

2nd: 33/16 (2.063)

3rd: 34/20 (1,700)

4th: 32/22 (1,455)

5th: 34/26 (1,308)

6th: 33/27 (1,222)

Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (aQS)

Clutch: 

Multi-plate wet clutch

Primary drive:

Straight cut gears and integrated flexible coupling, drive ratio: 73/44 (1,659)

Secondary drive:

Chain: Drive ratio: 42/16 (2,625)

Traction management:

aPRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (aTC), Wheelie Control (aWC), Launch Control (aLC), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently.

Frame:

Aluminum dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements.

Sachs steering damper [Öhlins steering damper]

Front suspension:

Upside-down “one by one” Sachs fork, Ø 43 mm stanchions [Öhlins fork with TIN surface treatment]. Forged aluminum radial caliper mounting bracket. Completely adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm

Rear suspension:

Double braced aluminum swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology.

Sachs monoshock with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, hydraulics in compression and rebound [Öhlins Racing monoshock with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, wheelbase length, hydraulics in compression and rebound]. APS progressive linkages. Wheel travel: 130 mm

Brakes:

Front: Dual 320 mm floating stainless steel discs with lightweight stainless steel rotor with 6 studs [aluminum flange] Brembo M432 monobloc radial calipers with 4 Ø 32 mm opposing pistons. Sintered pads. Axial pump master cylinder and metal braided brake hoses.

Rear: 220 mm diameter disc; Brembo floating caliper with two Ø 32 mm separate pistons. Sintered pads. Master cylinder with built in reservoir and metal braided hose.

Bosch 9MP ABS, adjustable to 3 maps equipped with RLM (can be disabled).

Wheel rims:

Cast aluminum wheels with 3 split spoke design.

Front: 3.5”X17”

Rear: 6.00”X17”

Tires:

Radial tubeless.

Front: 120/70 ZR 17

Rear: 190/55 ZR 17 (alternative: 190/50 ZR 17; 200/55 ZR 17) [200/55 ZR 17]

Dimensions:

Saddle height: 825 mm

Trail: 99.7 mm

Steering angle: 24.7°

Kerb weight: 184 kg * (406 lbs)

Fuel tank: 18.5 liters (4.88 gallons), including 4-litre (1-gallon) reserve

*Dry weight, without battery and fluids.

The Aprilia V4 1100 RR and V4 1100 Factory will be available in US dealerships in May 2015. MSRP to be confirmed.

Find out more about the latest Aprilia products, offerings and test ride opportunities at: ApriliaUSA.com and Aprilia Americas Facebook pages

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