New Member and Probable `06 Tuono Owner

[WarBaby]

Hi folks. Nice forum--I'm glad I found it.

I'm in the process of selling my `02 Busa (http://www.zenfire.ws/warbaby.htm) due to a back pain problem (ruptured disk) that is aggravated by the Busa's forward riding position. My back situation has led me to research upright sporting bikes, among which, the new Silver/Black Tuono currently tops the list for me. I've owned a lot of bikes but never even ridden an Aprilia, much less a Tuono, although I've seen several Aprilias at my favorite hang-out...Deal's Gap. :happy:

I've read everything I could find on the Internet about the `06 Tuono but I've got a few questions please:

1- Are parts readily available via mail order within the USA?
2- Could someone characterize the nature of the Tuono powerband for me (low-to-mid range torque and throttle response are important to me for twisty riding)?
3- Who offers the most competent tuning/mapping for these bikes in the southeastern US?

Thanks for any input! :)
Tom in Tennessee

[T06]

....this very forum is now an Aprilia dealer & have bought stuff off them many times & have had it arrive in OZ 4 days later.If you need help & it can be found somewhere the guys at AF1 will go beyond the call of duty to help you because they care & are genuine.Doubtful about what I write then read back through the forums & you'll come accross praise for them ala lots.:plus: :plus:
....the powerband is v-twin which translates to tourqe so a range of three different gears can be chosen out of a corner depending on how fast you want to get to the next one.It's not the sh_t the pants type of powerband but you do know you've got a live one though, & from there it just keeps winding until about 9500rpm (redline 10500rpm). The meaty part of the power kicks in around about 3500rpm & gets keen from about 5500rpm & up.
.... as for no.3, sorry, can't help there.
As for the back, I've had a few ribs dislocated from my spine in the past & after 250km+ I would start to feel them in the typical sportbike riding position.I've done 400km+ days on this bike with not a worry at all.

[WarBaby]

Thanks. That was helpful. I feel like a dum-dum about AF1 Racing :bangwall: I'll check out their entire website.

[TUONOAPE]

Everything T06 said (spot on explanation), but noticed you mentioned throttle reponse and riding thru twisties. If this is where your love is then you're on the money. The Tuono rules (just set it up right for max enjoyment). However, after having my spine nearly obliterated in a rear ender and not being able to ride for more than 20 min periods for the last 18 months, going from an RSV to the Tuono has not really helped. In fact I think I was more comfortable on the RSV than the Tuono. Only difference is that on the Tuono I can move around a bit more and stretch out on the highway runs when it really gets to me. But that's not why I bought the Tuono, I bought it because there's nothing else on the market that I'd ridden that came close to the Tuono for hitting the twisty's and giving me the biggest thrill. And if you want power mods to really unleash the beast, then check out all the performance mods in the RSVR RSVFactory Nera forum - they're all relevant to the 06 Tuono and from what I gather, over your way there are those that know them well, and those that don't know them that well. Maybe put out a post to find someone reputable that can help you. There's much more to these bikes than how they come off the showroom floor.
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=44

BTW what is it with all these bussa guys buying Tuono's? weird things afoot. Interesting reading in a bike mag this week that had an article about naked's taking over from sports bikes. I'm not surprised given the current offerings from the Euro manufacturers. Wonder how long it will be before the Japs hook in and bring out some serious offerings? (think Yamaha might have the jump given their latest offering).

[WarBaby]

Everything T06 said (spot on explanation), but noticed you mentioned throttle reponse and riding thru twisties. If this is where your love is then you're on the money. The Tuono rules (just set it up right for max enjoyment). However, after having my spine nearly obliterated in a rear ender and not being able to ride for more than 20 min periods for the last 18 months, going from an RSV to the Tuono has not really helped. In fact I think I was more comfortable on the RSV than the Tuono. Only difference is that on the Tuono I can move around a bit more and stretch out on the highway runs when it really gets to me. But that's not why I bought the Tuono, I bought it because there's nothing else on the market that I'd ridden that came close to the Tuono for hitting the twisty's and giving me the biggest thrill. And if you want power mods to really unleash the beast, then check out all the performance mods in the RSVR RSVFactory Nera forum - they're all relevant to the 06 Tuono and from what I gather, over your way there are those that know them well, and those that don't know them that well. Maybe put out a post to find someone reputable that can help you. There's much more to these bikes than how they come off the showroom floor.
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=44

BTW what is it with all these bussa guys buying Tuono's? weird things afoot. Interesting reading in a bike mag this week that had an article about naked's taking over from sports bikes. I'm not surprised given the current offerings from the Euro manufacturers. Wonder how long it will be before the Japs hook in and bring out some serious offerings? (think Yamaha might have the jump given their latest offering).

That's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks to your link, I found a couple of dyno charts which tell it all about the torque curve--quite linear. :cheers:

Hmmmm...I can't speak for other Busa owners but a well-sorted Busa is an awesome thing for sport touring. I just prefer more sport, less weight, track-like handling, and a "standard" riding position. The more I learn about the new Tuono, the more I like it. Thank you!

[dierk]

....this very forum is now an Aprilia dealer & have bought stuff off them many times & have had it arrive in OZ 4 days later.If you need help & it can be found somewhere the guys at AF1 will go beyond the call of duty to help you because they care & are genuine.

I'm sure Aprilia dealers are happy to supply the parts they have in stock. The problem seems to be that they can't get parts from the factory. It's too bad if it's true because I really like the Tuono.

[dierk]

...However, after having my spine nearly obliterated in a rear ender and not being able to ride for more than 20 min periods for the last 18 months, going from an RSV to the Tuono has not really helped. In fact I think I was more comfortable on the RSV than the Tuono...

Hmmm...wonder if I should just keep my CBR900 then.

I'm in the market for a sporting bike with a more upright riding position. Lately my CBR900 seems to aggravate the chronic discomfort I've developed in my neck and shoulder (mostly from work; just made worse from riding). Ditching the CBR for an expensive new bike only to discover the problem has not gone away would be a real downer.

I sat on the 2005 Tuono in a local showroom recently and felt more comfortable than on my CBR. But I'm reading that the riding position has changed on the 2006. I'll have to try sitting on the 2006 when the dealer gets one in.

[T06]

Hmmm..I sat on the 2005 Tuono in a local showroom recently and felt more comfortable than on my CBR. But I'm reading that the riding position has changed on the 2006. I'll have to try sitting on the 2006 when the dealer gets one in.
....& the difference is marginal if that.I came from a Falco to the Tuono & the only problem I have is holding on too tight...:burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :D

[WarBaby]

Now, if I could only find one within 500 miles... :(

[TUONOAPE]

Hmmm...wonder if I should just keep my CBR900 then.
Lately my CBR900 seems to aggravate the chronic discomfort I've developed in my neck and shoulder (mostly from work; just made worse from riding).
hey dierk, my pain comes from my middle and lower spine injuries that refers around to my ribs and down into my legs and hips. If you're getting neck and shoulder pain then the Tuono (or any bike with a more upright riding position) will definitelty help I think. I used to get a bit of neck and shoulder pain on the RSV after a long ride, but get none of that on the Tuono now. I reckon if the back was normal, I could ride the Tuono over to your place!

[FredE]

Warbaby, I think there's a lot of guys who, either because of encroaching age or back problems/injuries (or a combo of those) - have decided to call it quits on sportbikes. I've also sold my 'Busa (& my TLR), and have an '06 FZ1 and an '06 Tuono coming. I just don't want to ride around leaning on my wrists, with my feet tucked under my bum anymore......but sure as hell don't want to give up the performance & handling aspects of motorcycling.

[WarBaby]

Warbaby, I think there's a lot of guys who, either because of encroaching age or back problems/injuries (or a combo of those) - have decided to call it quits on sportbikes. I've also sold my 'Busa (& my TLR), and have an '06 FZ1 and an '06 Tuono coming. I just don't want to ride around leaning on my wrists, with my feet tucked under my bum anymore......but sure as hell don't want to give up the performance & handling aspects of motorcycling.

Yep, that's me...! You nailed me right down to the `06 FZ1--it's second on my list (in silver, thank you :) ) right behind the Tuono. Problem is, I can't find either one, anywhere...yet. Any suggestions where to look for either?

[FredE]

Warbaby, I've got them both on order at Honda East, in Maumee, Ohio. I bought the '06 FZ1 for $7995, and the '06 Tuono for $11,995. They've already gotten one FZ1 in............and I'm next on the list - I'll probably take the next one if it's silver, but I prefer the red - 'cos I had a silver '03 Fizzy (just sold it, too). I'm first on the list for the Tuono, luckily they pre-ordered a black one.....my preference. I think my salesman (Greg Albert, 1-877-437-1631) said they were getting a limited number of Aprilia sportbikes, as they just didn't have a real big demand for them.

[WarBaby]

Congrats and thanks for the info. :cheers:

[WarBaby]

I'm stoked. After a persistent search of Aprilia dealers within a few hundred miles of my location, I found a dealer who has a `06 Tuono in silver/black arriving next week in western NC. It's mine...! :D :burnout:

http://www.italomotos.de/aprilia_tuono2006_index_gr.jpg

[NeoGeniX]

Nice! Congrats...I think thats the nicest color scheme of all the 06 tuono's.

[WarBaby]

Nice! Congrats...I think thats the nicest color scheme of all the 06 tuono's.

Thanks! Silver was my first choice among the color schemes.

[WarBaby]

For those among you who await the arrival of `06 Tuonos in the USA, my dealer called the US distributor and was told that new Tuono's are in country and being released to dealers now. Hence, the alleged arrival of mine next week. :peace:

[FredE]

I hope your Dealer is correct...............mine's still saying April-Mayish. You'd most likely get ten different responses from ten separate Dealers. If it arrives next week - great surprise! If not, it'll be that much sweeter when it finally shows. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. :)

[WarBaby]

I hope your Dealer is correct...............mine's still saying April-Mayish. You'd most likely get ten different responses from ten separate Dealers. If it arrives next week - great surprise! If not, it'll be that much sweeter when it finally shows. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. :)
I understand. Who knows? I spoke to three dealers. One said he didn't know because Aprilia doesn't communicate well. Another said he knew they were in-country but didn't know when they would arrive at his dealership. Mine said what I posted above. At least two of them assert that Tuonos are in the USA.

[oneadamjerry]

Warbaby,
Congrates! I don't think you will be disappointed in the performance.
I bought an new Tuono in April of 03, which now has almost 18K on the clock.
That said, I am not sure it will solve your back problem.
Setup properly, the suspension is firm, as a sportbike should be.
Although you are sitting more upright, you actually have more weight on your back than a busa.
The good thing is you can soak up the worst bumps with your legs.
Just my 2cents, coming from an old guy with a bad back.
Good luck
Jerry

[WarBaby]

Warbaby,
Congrates! I don't think you will be disappointed in the performance.
I bought an new Tuono in April of 03, which now has almost 18K on the clock.
That said, I am not sure it will solve your back problem.
Setup properly, the suspension is firm, as a sportbike should be.
Although you are sitting more upright, you actually have more weight on your back than a busa.
The good thing is you can soak up the worst bumps with your legs.
Just my 2cents, coming from an old guy with a bad back.
Good luck
Jerry
Thanks for your input. I'm ready for it. As many bikes as I've had through the years, the thrill of a fine, new bike never diminishes. The upright riding position should be good. It was leaning way-forward that got to my upper back/neck. When it arrives, I'll disappear for a few days of break-in at Deal's Gap and, of course, pics and a ride report will follow...! :D