Cycle World Show-Seattle

[NWTuono]

Count me as one of those not too impressed by the pictures of the new Tuono. Kind of made me glad I got an '04. After seeing the new Tuono at the show, I'm still glad I got the '04 but I'd take a new one in a minute. The pictures don't really do it justice. The RXV 4.5 and the SXV 4.5 were there also. It would be real easy to see either one of those in the garage too.

[helmethair]

I came back from the show with mixed feelings. At first I was excited to finally see the Tuono in the flesh, however the more I looked it over little things began to stand out that bothered me. The over flow tank from the radiator looks like a oil quart bottle attached to the side of the bike and to a slightly lesser degree the oil reservoir is the same on the left side covered with a cheesy plastic cover. The vertical plastic fins just forward and below the tank also looked odd and kind of cheesy too. The Aprilia name on the front fender is a sticker. The over all look of the bike was nice but it looked large for only having a wheel base of 55.5 inches. While sitting on the bike the gas tank looked long and flat with hardly any shape or character.
The red & black looked flashy but the blue wheels just don’t go with the color combination, they actually looked better with the gray & black Tuono that was also on display; they didn’t have the Black bike there at all.
What really made matters worse was seeing a MV Agusta Brutale 910 within eye sight from where I was standing while looking at the Truno. As I approached the Brutale I immediately noticed how clean and well placed the components looked. The hydraulic fluid reservoirs for the brake and clutch carried the same sculptured shape as the instrument cluster. The engine area was uncluttered with nice polished metal pieces used to accent things like the sides of the radiator and steering neck. The single sided swing arm with the rear brake disk mounted on the inside of the wheel looked classy as well as the sharp looking up swept duel exhaust.
More surprising was that the MV looked much smaller though the wheel base is the same as the Tuono; it was small looking like, dare I say it, a Buell! When sitting on the bike it also has an immediate compact feeling. For me the bike simply felt like it fit me much better and it was comfortable although it had a slightly more aggressive riding position perhaps because the back appeared higher and raked compared to the Tuono which seemed to be somewhat flat and level. I can see where anyone larger than 5’10 would appreciate the larger more roomy feeling of the Truno.
Bottom line impression was that the Brutale simply won in the fit & finish department and looked classier, but it also cost almost $2,000.00 more.
Negatives? Besides the cost the Brutale had no wind screen at all and the head light took a while for me to except, but its part of the inaugurated design and character. I also had to revisit the notion of whether an inline four was acceptable after having my mind set on a V-twin power plant but I’m able to justify the Brutale’s inline having 71 ft. lb. torque even though its peak torque is slightly higher up the rev range.
After an hour of going back and forth between both bikes, I came away frustrated at first until I had time to sort out the observations I had made and what actually fit me the best. At this point I’m leaning towards the Brutale but it not to take anything away from the Tuono.
Having never owned an Italian bike before I don't have any biases towards either brand so I went strictly by gut feel and made these observations as I saw them through my own eyes. Now I need a test ride, but I wonder how likely that will be with most dealers not even having fuel in their display bikes and a general reluctance to test ride bikes in limited numbers in the early going.

[rainh8r]

the new Tuono feels very similar to the current one. The bars are a bit lower and the tank is a bit longer, but the rest feels the same. The back of the fairing isn't covered and looks unfinished and ignored. Nothing about the color and graphics on the orange/black unit was acceptable-just ugly. No cohesion of design at all, just color splashes. The grey version looks much better and I didn't mind the blue wheels. The twin exhaust was an improvement. All that said, if it came down to a visual comparison of the 910 Brutale and the Tuono, the MV wins. Part of the reason I like the Tuono is because I have one and know how well it works, plus we have a great dealer right here. There isn't an MV dealer here (one should be coming soon, I expect)and who knows how reliable it is. It does appear to be a more complete design, and the components are outstanding. I do fit it well and felt comfortable, but I need some kind of wind protection: it has nothing but the speedo in front of the rider. It would be a hard choice, esp. with that V-Rod headlight on the MV (that will take awhile to appreciate).

[pizzadude]

Helmet, I agree with your comments. While I haven't seen an '06 yet, I believe the prior '05, etc. models fit your description as well. While I am completely in love with the '06 machine, I need to see for myself. Currently, I am not an Aprilia owner, but want to change that. What sold me on the tuono was the reviews of its perf. and handling. I usually don't sell off of looks alone...but thye add into the decision.

The Brutale i compared to a couple months ago was astounding. no cheap plastic covers and tanks covering the engine. But price is just a killer. I have a co-worker from Milan Italy who is an avid cyclist and he attests to the MV and how great a machine they are...he highly regards Aprilia as well, they have a good reputation for being a quality shop with devoted engineers/technicians. Even the ducati monster has better eye appeal simply because you see the engine, the mechanics of the machine. Its what makes a naked bike a naked bike. But no ducs for me...at this point. I would like one at some point, but for a 2nd bike maybe. I want something the doesn't need as much mechanical attention....but then again, I'm a wrench turning tinkerer.

I can appreciate you comments...I look forward to closely looking over an '06. So many bikes so little money. I want a naked, a crotch rocket, and a sport tour. Currently have a Yammy fz1, which is great, but its a jap...and I'm sick of them...I've become a euro-bike snob I guess... :) and still riding the riceburner...

[jbird]

What is the US price for the 06 Tuono??

[helmethair]

What is the US price for the 06 Tuono??
About $12,500 less the Dealers fees for set up. My guess is that by the time you ride away you'll have put out a little more than $13,___.00.
We're paying for pride in ownership of an exclusive motorcycle; at least here in the States where Japanese bikes and Harley’s are all you see. For me anyway, it's worth it to own a motorcycle that I won't see at every street corner. Just having the fastest bike isn't enough to hold my interest. I need a motorcycle that looks sexy every time I look at it. The Tuono and the Brutale definitely stand out in a crowd.

[ch3no2]

I did the show as well and have mixed feelings about the new 06' Tuono. The front end really looks R-1-ish and didn't care for the short wind screen at all. The rear section I liked a lot, the OZ wheels(blue ones on the silver model) are really hot. Seating height is way lower than my 03' and beings 6'4" I prefer the 03' ergo's. The insturmentation was clean and sharp. There is no intention for Aprilia to release a factory model for 06 as per the Piagio rep but there is good news for 07'. The Piagio booth was the best on the floor with lots of people gawking at the Aprilia's and the Guzzi's. Those really cool guys from MOTO INTERNATIONAL are da bomb baby!!!!!!!!

Cheers,
Darth Tuono

[Tuono Tex]

Well WTF!

The new Tuono wasn't at the Houston Show. Really pissed me off.

Glad you got to see it.

[muratd]

I just returned from the Long Beach show. I sat on the 06 Tuono (I have a 04) and few things caught my attention: The new version feels smaller, the gas tank is not as high and wide as in the "older" version. The screen is smaller and you just look on the back side of some light housings, very industrial and I think rubbish. The screen is a weird kind of a thing, was already very scratched, and looks like more cosmetic. The color scheme is really worse than my 2.5 year old daughters paintings. Blue wheels on a black, white/red chequered redish bike. The cover on the right side (Half covering someting electrical with fins on it) is just plain an afterthought. I don't see a concept in the whole bike. And naked? No, the engine is plastered with bolt on plastic things and remains hidden. The seat is like a plank compared to my old version. No, I am keeping mine and Aprilia can sell it to some other afficinado of surreal bikes. However, the BMW K1200 (right model?) naked, that was another thing. Nice...

[helmethair]

After seeing The Tuono I had mixed feelings. I actually liked the gray better than the red and they didn't have the black. However just down from the Aprilia's was the booth for MV Agusta. Nuf-said, I fell for the Brutale 910. Not only is it a true naked, it uses what it's made of to show it off. It's truly a thing of beauty!
Bottom line is that two days latter I ordered a new Brutale 910, red with black frame. Should have it by the end of this week.

[Ricky J]

Aprilia claim those odd little fins and spoilers aid stability at high speeds- but of course they'd say that! Then again, motojournalists who've roadtested it in anger all wrote how it's super stable beyond the ton, so there you go...

Won't see one in person 'til next weekend at least, but I cannot see those graphics growing on me very much. A pity, that...

[pizzadude]

Helmet,

Congrats on your decision!! That's awesome. The reviews of the 910 sound great, I think you made a great choice. The show is coming to Wash. DC in January, I might hop on a bus with a local cycle shop to take in the sights.

That's incredible you will take ownership so soon!! Our local dealer in PA had 3 or 4 Brutale 750's, and wow, they are just incredible. Not sure on the price...I'd be curious what the 910's are going for...

Well, congrats again, post some pics of that thing when you get her!!

If you want to PM me that'd be cool....I don't want everyone getting pissed for posting the wrong flavor of pasta on the board! :)