Heres a list of performance modifications, ideas & good general information for your Tuono V4.
No need to read the whole thread as this 1st post is updated with new info. But feel free to ask questions or add ideas & suggestions.
Performance Mods.
1. Slip-on exhaust.
Eg: Werkes GP, Leo Vince, Austin Racing GP2, Akrapovic etc. Add great sound & a little performance. 2-6hp at best.
Its best to optimise fuel & ign if you install a pipe. The race map or ECU is the cheapest and currently best way to improve fueling. Remember, fuel & stock maps sometimes differ between countries, & generally speaking a slipon or full system will make the V4 faster & feel smoother, especially with the race map.
NOTE: The 'Aprilia' Akra exhaust is more expensive than buying the Akra elsewhere. But the "Aprilia" Akra from an Aprilia Dealer also comes with a code to unlock your ECU & load the RACE map. Buying the Akra separately doesnt give the code so to get the remap you have to buy race ecu as an extra cost.
Aprilia Akra comes with RACE ECU unlock code. The NON Aprilia Akra has no code so standard mapping.
'Core' the stock pipe. Its simple & will give performance gains similar to a slip-on while maintaining the standard look. Either remove the Cat from the entry to the slipon. or cut that bit of pipe off & replace with a clean link pipe. Note: the perforated core in the stock pipe actually tapers down in size. Ie, the pipe is wider where the gasses enter the muffler & narrower on exit. This is not ideal for max hp as gasses are expanding as they cool. It may make the bike quieter? But none the less it is a cheap way to get a free flowing exhaust.
2. Performance Air filter.
DONT buy the RSV4 filter. It doesn't fit the Tuono V4! But the 2004-2010 RSV1000 filter DOES FIT. (go figure!)
The RSV4 filter can be adapted to fit using RSV4 parts 13:* 858877 & *17 : 858878 from rsv4 airbox
3. Race ECU.
Your warranty will NOT be void as it is an Aprilia accessory. It is a std ECU but is loaded with the non emissions regulated race map.
The Tuono & RSV4 have the same ECU, but different maps).
Use it with free flowing exhaust.
Buy ECU for $800 or get your existing ecu remapped by AF1 for $400. Buy the Akra slipon or full system and you get the race map upgraded into your stock ECU (Making it the same as the RACE ECU). Your local dealer may also be able to upgrade to the RACE map if they know the secrets.
The RACE mapping changes parameters such as fueling & timing & throttle response PLUS the ride-by-wire parameters that manage acceleration & engine braking effects. Flapper is also disabled and can be removed (servo included). But only remove the servo if you have RACE map. See Flapper mod further down. Fuel economy appears to be better with race map as well.
The 3 modes of Road, Sport & Race are retained, but with better mapping etc. Your warranty is NOT void with the race map.
4. Air Fuel custom map.
Power Commander 5 PCv or Bazzaz? Similar end result & with use of a dyno & a good tuner you can get an excellent custom map for your bike & its mods.
Remember, the tuono only has half the number of injectors as the rsv4. So don't buy the rsv4 pcv or you will spend way too much $ & its not an easy fit. Tuono v4 pcv is available. Also check RapidBike tuning module as it is like PC but also can adjust timing, which PCV cant. With RapidBike unit a RACE ECU may not be needed at all at timing can be adjusted..
PCv and Rapid Bike also has the Auto Tune module & it enables you to create "on road" custom maps & to tune the bike & create the maps yourself. This can be better than custom maps if done right & certainly cheaper. It also enables you to remap 'free' if you make changes to the bike.
5. Flapper Valve in the exhaust.
Its in the end of the headers where the slip-on attaches. Its for noise reduction rather than midrange. Removing the stock muffler does not remove the flapper as it is in the headers. Disable it by simply disconnecting the cables at one end. This is a 10 min job. Gives better sound & arguably better performance. Try it, if you don't like then reconnect the cables. But you will like it.
If you have the RACE map you can remove the servo. If you do this with the stock map you get service warning lights
6. Intake & Airbox mods?
Don't know of any yet, but it is a tiny airbox. Can't remove the lid unless you find somewhere else to put the ecu and there is fuckall chance of that as there is no room on the bike..
Unlike the RSV1000 you can't remove the top of the air box and modify to get more airbox air volume because there are lots of electronics on the lid of the airbox.
7. Velocity Stacks?
These are the intake funnels inside your airbox. No news on these yet.
8. Block off Plates.
Used on the RSV4. Info and gains TBC
9. Supercharger.
Hmmmmm. Now we're talking. Wishful thinking and No one has done it that I know of, but it makes your willie twitch just thinking about it.
10. Gearing
How could I forget such an obvious & cheap mod. Dropping your gearing ratios will give more drive and acceleration. Front sprocket is 16 stock. Drop to 15. This also lengthens wheelbase a fraction. Alternatively leave front alone & add 2 teeth to the rear. Similar effect on performance & as it shortens the wheelbase she may be even easier to wheelie if you are so inclined. You dont need to break the chain. Just remove the rear wheel and replace the front sprocket.
With 15/42 you can still achieve 268kph (165+mph). So you won't lose top speed, but will gain in acceleration.
I didnt notice any increase in fuel use.
BTW, both front & rear sprockets are the same as the old V2 Tuono & RSV1000 so you can replace with them.
11. Suspension upgrades.
This is a great way to help improve your speed in the corners... where it matters! An Ohlins or similar rear shock is a good upgrade. Forks are crap really, so getting them revalved is a good and cheap option.
I had the Sachs forks & shock revalved & it transformed the bike. Bloody awesome. Just make sure your suspension guy knows his stuff. I used Robert Taylor In NZ and the results where excellent. It is now compliant and comfortable to ride, yet better controlled and has improved handling.
Ohlins forks from the RSV DO fit the tuono. But rsv4 ohlins forks have better internals. However, if going to ohlins the fork diameter is not the same as the sachs. So you must get the LOWER triple clamp from the ohlins equipped rsv4. You can't use rsv triple clamps as the offsets are different. You wil also need to make or buy a little adapter to hose the traction control sensor. And easy mod though.
The sachs forks have good potential. Revalved gives excellent results.
The sachs shock is not height adjustable but it is easy to rebuild with ohlins internals. So if you are happy with the bikes turn in then just get a revalve done. I did... great result.
My tuner put the Sachs shock on a shock Dyno and here are some facts as I recall them (I will get specs and figures). 1. The spring is NOT progressive like some on the RSV4. It is single rate (which is better). 2. There is WAY TOO MUCH low speed compression. 3. there is too much high speed compression. 4. rebound rates are... cant remember actually
Incidentally, some time at the California Superbike School or Ron Haslem school etc will also improve those cornering speeds and lap times.
12. Replace the wheels with Oz wheels off the rsv4 our the rsv or Tuono. All years. But later years are lighter. Perfect fit.
Swap the brake rotors over & the aprc sensor plates. Easy.
Note... when using RSV Oz wheels the rear sensor for aprc that sits on the swing arm needs to have a 1mm washer put under its securing bolt. This moves it 1 mm away from the sensor plate, otherwise it will rub on it & cause fault codes & traction control problems. If you forget to put the washer in and traction goes weird then turn traction control off till you get back from your ride.
13. Raised Screen.
MRA. $99 Nice screen with simple lines.
Puig. Is the ugliest bastard you have ever seen. (mother-in-law aside!) Looks like a transformer
Aprilia OEM touring screen is excellent but US$199.
Bar Risers
The Mana risers fit straight on and raise bar 1" & back 1
LED Indicators
Look great but NO resistor is needed as the ECU controls the flashing
Some General info.
The RSV & RSV4 wheels do fit the Tuono V4.
If the spanner shows up on your dash don't panic. It appears prior to the service being due.
If SERVICE shows up then get the bike in at your earliest convenience.
If URGENT SERVICE appears... Well... Its obviously fucking urgent, so get to a shop really really fast before it blows up!
CALIBRATION. You need to ReCalibrate after changing sprockets or Tyres
Go into Menu screen on dash, scroll to Calibration, select by pressing mode button. Ride off & into 2nd gear. Screen shows "calibrating". Maintain a steady speed of 42kph (24 mph), +/- 2kph (1.25mph) for 10-20 seconds-until the calibrating screen automatically turns off & goes back to the regular screen. Now stop & turn off bike for at least 30 seconds. Then turn on, ride off... Recalibration complete!
What more can you guys add & I'll update this original post. And here is my bike with LEDs, ventura rack, Workes pipe, Race ECU, Oz wheels and other stuff
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Originally Posted by stu_h
