Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100 Review – Perfection perfected

Ever since its 2015 inception the Tuono V4 Factory 1100 has been blessed with one of the best front ends of any production motorcycle, whether it be the original’s mechanically adjustable Öhlins forks set-up, or the semi-active versions from 2019.

The Aprilia has incredible feel going into corners, on or off the brakes and now it’s even more composed and lighter steering, despite a 2kg weight gain. Flicking through Mugello’s quick third-gear chicanes takes almost no effort, thanks to a new rear suspension linkage, which raises the back end by 12mm, increases the shock stiffness by 9% and damping by 8%.

It glides around the track with such ease and accuracy, it almost feels too easy. It’s the most clothed of all the super-nakeds, but the Tuono’s generous plastics and small screen have always been welcome on the road and track.

All the bodywork, except for the 18-litre fuel tank, is new for ’25. The tail has MotoGP-inspired stegosaurus fins and new ribbon-like front wings increase front downforce by 2.5kg at 155mph, which together with more powerful radiator fan, keeps hot air away from the rider. The frame is now painted matt black.

Stop and taillights are now integrated into the rear indicators, making them and the number plate holder easier to remove to reduce wind resistance on track. How the new aero performs in isolation is hard to say but working together with its sublime chassis and new electronics, it's always stable at Mugello.

Capacity is up from 1077cc to 1099cc, now matching the Tuono’s RSV4 superbike sister and power rises from 173bhp to a claimed 178bhp @ 11,800rpm. Throttle bodies grow from 48mm to 52mm and its new Euro5+ exhaust’s cat is repositioned to keep heat away from the rider.

The V4 still isn’t the most powerful of the super-naked breed, especially compared to the new 211bhp Ducati Streetfighter V4 S and 207bhp BMW M1000R, but that’s a strength, not a weakness. Aprilia could easily have used the RSV4’s 217bhp motor, but by trimming the power the Tuono manages to be blisteringly fast without ever being a handful.

With even more oomph below 6000rpm, almost all of Mugello can be taken in third gear, like a twist-and-go scooter on acid.

Aprilia have smoothed-off all things electronic, from the now perfect throttle response to the rider aids and up/down quickshifter action, which is virtually seamless

They make what was already an easy machine to ride, even simpler and safer. Happily, none of its silicone sorcery takes away from Tuono’s majesty, or excitement.

Traction control is now adjustable on the fly, it now gets slide control and the power maps and engine brake control are refined.

The biggest step towards trackday perfection is the new predictive anti-wheelie system. As before the ECU calculates IMU and wheel speed data but now adds rider weight into the equation (once you input your vital statistics into the dash). It numbs a wheelie before it’s even started.

Like most high end Aprilia's, the Tuono V4 Factory has a high quality finish and utilises numerous premium components from partners such as Brembo and Öhlins, also renowned for quality.

With that said, it's not untypical for owners to experience the odd reliability blip on what is otherwise a dependable bike. Generally the scope of faults is limited to sensor or electrical gremlins under the skin, usually resolved with Aprilia dealer equipment.

Some owners enjoy trouble-free riding and others bump into mechanical and parts supply problems. Doing your research and finding a dealer with a good reputation is a must.

The 2025 model is arriving in dealers imminently, so there's no data on just how reliable the new overhauled model is. You can check out our Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory owners' reviews for the previous 2021-2024 model, to get an idea of how modern Aprilia ownership is and any issues with the outgoing Tuono V4 Factory.

Its Spring ’25 price of £18,950 isn’t what you’d call cheap, but compared to its high spec, big-powered, electronic suspension rivals, you get a lot of snarling super-naked for your money.

It’s cheaper than the BMW M1000R, KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo and significantly less than the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, but Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200RS undercuts it by £1500.

Price aside, the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100 has been a perennial MCN group test winner since its 2015 inception, including last year when it went head to head with the bikes mentioned above.

As before the Tuono V4 Factory 1100 is fully loaded with Brembo M50s, semi-active Öhlins, riding models, lean sensitive rider aids, launch control, a pitlane limiter, cornering LED headlights and cruise control.

Dash graphics are new, as well as a lighter lithium battery and backlit switchgear.

A corner-by-corner rider aid adjustment system is also available as an accessory (standard on the RSV4 Factory 1100) and is a first for a road bike. It lets you fine tune traction, wheelie, engine brake and suspension damping control at every corner of a racetrack, via a computer or app.

Other accessories include carbon and billet aluminium trinkets, tyre pressure sensors and an SC Project slip-on can. This Factory version is only available in black with red flashes.