The range of ‘streetfighters' these days is rapidly getting bewildering for the average biker spoilt for choice. Believe it or not, naked bikes initially did not belong to any mainstream category of motorcycles but were DIY monstrosities borne out of necessity; fund-dried sports-bikers who could not afford the next set of full fairing after their last track day wipe-out had to ride around sans fairing. But with the engine exposed the bikes unexpectedly gained an aggressive, industrial look. Throw in a replacement wide handle bar and you have a bike that is powerful, steers sharply, and have that hardcore ‘don't mess with me' look. The inception of the ‘streetfighters' class sparked off a never-ending battle to find the meanest and toughest naked bikes around, and as a perennial contender since its 2002 debut the latest Aprilia Tuono may just be the most badass of them all. Tuono literally means "straight to jail" in Italian, which actually useful to know when you ride the bike.

Most production naked bikes follow the tradition of being stripped-down versions of purebred sports racers. The Tuono is no exception as the street version of the widely successful Aprilia RSV Mille. But unlike other converted streetfighters which have to suffer a detuning of their engines, exchanging top speed for more low-end torque, the Tuono's 998cc V-Twin platform is itself muscular enough to render retuning redundant. The bike has undergone a series of refinements throughout the years, but the latest Tuono 1000R is still at its most powerful and sophisticated yet. The new Tuono's Magnesium Evolution 60o Engine is a top-performer in the production twin range, capable of 139HP at 9,500rpm and 107NM at just 8,500rpm. A peek at the dyno figures reveals ready power at the throttle at 4,000rpm across its rev limit at 11,000rpm. With these figures the Tuono promises the type of fun that would definitely make you lose your licence.

From a distance the Tuono already exudes a certain visual menace that will make anyone just straddling atop of it liable to charges of criminal intimidation. The Italian styling is anything but subtle; the matte background of the Tuono is contrasted with red and white Aprilia race accents, gold forks and handlebar. To differentiate it from a stripped RSV 1000R, Aprilia has added some modest plastic spoilers to cover its internals and improve aerodynamics. But do not scoff just yet; consisting of a screen, headlights, and air intake ‘nose', the Tuono's headlight fairing is an adaptation from the wind-tunnel tested RSV. The only sore thumb in the aesthetics is actually its bunny-ear mirrors, which literally ‘sticks out' against the bike's sharp image.

Surprisingly, the most outstanding feature of the Tuono is actually its rear. Along with the elongated tank and sporty seat, the entire rear is unchanged from the RSV. The signals and taillight are flushed with the bodywork in a single wide streamlined unit. The duo side exhausts seemed like a careless afterthought on the RSV, but on the naked Tuono they bring out the ‘badass' nature inherent in the bike. Hanging loosely by the sides, the oversized exhausts resemble firearm barrels pointed jauntily by a gunslinging gangster, an unnerving sight especially to motorists catching up from behind. And they sound as mean as they look too; thumbing the ignition will bring the V-twin to a growling rumble at idle, a few tweaks at the throttle will up the decibels with howls of raw power. It's just the right form of intimidation that will not disappoint your ‘urban assault' on city traffic.

The tank looks big and the Tuono's sports heritage can fool you into anticipating a sportsbike riding posture; its broad and flat back feels like a table, taking up most of your lower field of vision in the saddle. But the tank's sides are highly recessed to accommodate a rider's tucked knees, and once properly seated you will find yourself comfortably upright with plenty of legroom, all thanks to the raised handlebar and lowered footpegs. The posture is pure street-riding and coupled with the Tuono's brutish low end, it's perfect for any shenanigans you dare to execute. Stopping power for this beast comes from Brembo Gold radial callipers, with two floating 320mm front discs and a 220mm rear. Ensuring smooth control over those rough potholed roads the Tuono comes with adjustable Showa 43mm USD forks and adjustable Sachs hydraulic monoshock for the rear.

This bike is truly made for the streets. The throttle is sensitive, supported by seemingly endless power throughout its 6 gears. Coupled with the smooth clutch and its light weight and you have a versatile streetfighter manoeuvrable enough to zip between narrow Shenton Way alleys yet powerful enough to rip up the PIE. If you have the attitude to dominate the streets, the capable Aprilia Tuono may just be one-up for the Italian job.

MOTOR SHIOK! (WHAT WE LIKE!)
• V-Twin "no retune" power!
• That roaring thunder every time you twist the throttle.
• Aggressive Italian styling and gunslinger-like looks with the twin exhausts.
• Excellent repertoire of performance components.

MOTOR AIYOH! (WHAT YOU MUST CONSIDER LAH...)
• Build quality looks raw but that could be what you are looking for.
• Tough-guy handling takes a while to get used to.

For more information on the Aprilia Tuono 1000R, contact Mah Motors at (65) 6295 6393.


This article was contributed by SpinAsia magazine, the Sports and Lifestyle Guide for Wheelers.

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