The Aprilia Tuono Racing was a limited run of full-power machines positively dripping in titanium and carbon fiber bling. The 2004 Tuono Racing Limited recently for sale on eBay - opens in new window or tab. is far from a watered-down version of a superbike with straight bars.
Aprilia didn’t merely adorn the Racing with the best bits of its best bike, the RSV-R. The unique parts were made only for the Racing. As factory naked bikes go, these are very special.
Going Naked for Big Thrills
This has all been seen before, especially from the Japanese manufacturers. Take a monstrous superbike, detune the motor, sling it on an ordinary frame, add straight bars, keep the bodywork to a minimum, and there you have it: a naked superbike.
Around the turn of the 21st century, Aprilia decided to build a superior naked superbike to compete with the Ducati Monster S4R - opens in new window or tab. in various naked racing series. Aprilia already had a fine superbike in the form of the RSV Mille, but it amped up the performance from its Rotax-built V-twin motor on the Racing when it added straight bars and removed some of the bodywork. Along with the factory Racing kit came a factory EPROM chip that altered fueling and made even more power over the stock peak figure of 130 brake horsepower.
The Racing vanquished Ducati on the circuits, but as with the sensational Kawasaki ELR - opens in new window or tab. we showed you last week, it didn’t exactly fly out of showrooms. Unlike the ELR, technology wasn’t the issue for the Tuono Racing. Because Aprilia had gone to such lengths to make the bike truly special, it was just too expensive to be taken seriously.
Carbon Fiber This and Titanium That
In putting straight bars on the successful RSV Mille superbike and removing some bodywork, Aprilia had a fine naked bike to offer. Often, manufacturers offer an upgraded version, like the Mille RSV-R, but with the Racing, they took things much, much further.
Aprilia replaced the stock Showa suspension - opens in new window or tab. with a highly adjustable Ohlins kit - opens in new window or tab. and the wheels with exotic anodized OZ Piega R rims - opens in new window or tab.. A carbon fiber piece of bodywork or two is usually quite neat, but the Tuono Racing, with its full carbon body, is incredible. And the silencer? Titanium.
As with the ELR Kawasakis, there was a price to pay—and it was a hefty one. A Tuono was not a cheap bike to begin with, but the Racing commanded a premium of about 40 percent.
Were They Good?
Few machines have garnered as much universal love from contemporary scribes as the Aprilia Tuono. The Rotax-sourced 1,000-cc V-twin - opens in new window or tab. will take punishment long after the competition has been dismantled for servicing and inspection, and it’s a joy to use and listen to. It’s widely celebrated for being as much fun for less experienced riders who keep things tidy as it is for more seasoned pilots who break traction occasionally or even like the front wheel lofted. Whether novice or expert, the handling of these bikes is divine.
Those who’ve had an Aprilia (yours truly included) will tell you that there are a couple of things to take care of, namely upgrading the starter solenoid - opens in new window or tab. and understanding the relationship between a healthy battery - opens in new window or tab. (these big V-twins need a lot of cold-cranking amps) and a healthy sprag clutch. Apart from that, this is the Italian naked superbike you could put commuter mileage on.
A Low-Mileage Rarity
It all looks like good news for the Aprilia Tuono Racing recently for sale on eBay - opens in new window or tab.. Mileage is low, giving every impression of being well looked after. The Power Commander - opens in new window or tab. and, hopefully, the Leo Vince silencer - opens in new window or tab. could be put back to stock specification if needed.
Supposedly one of just 50 Aprilia Tuono Racing earmarked for the US market and one of 200 made in total (although this is disputed by some), this is an exceptional machine that is epic fun to ride, sounds superb, and is a durable piece of kit if maintained. Just be careful with that sexy, delicate carbon bodywork.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.