Aprilia Tuono V4 APRC vs Triumph Speed Triple 1050. Review

Me and my friend decided to swap bikes and give a comparison between the two with interesting results. Also bear in mind I have fitted the Mana 850 risers to the Tuono which has raised the bars 1 inch and bought it back 1/2 inch so it's a little more comfortable.
Roadcraft Nottingham is a UK motorcycle school which was established in March 1989.
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[@Sportmotogear]

Thanks for doing the review. I can't wait fir the new Tuono to arrive in the State.

[@BIKERMETOO]

Excellent video Russ...keep 'em coming !!

[@BikeMeAustin]

Great comparision/video/review! Really enjoyed it, thank you.

[@phillipjknight]

Nice review as i am looking at the two bikes now.

[@Premises187]

Great video! Was interesting hearing the strengths and weaknesses of the two.

[@Thermoman69691]

Am so so so pleased you both voted for the Tuono:-) The sound from that v4 is a monster! Fantastic review and in a way better then a MCN video as you are looking at these two bike for the day to day users. Thumbs up and thank you for posting :-)

[@ricktonge]

Cracking review. Two of my fav bikes.

[@enntense]

Wow! I did not know that! this puts this back on my list for new bikes I have been looking at! Thanks for the tip! I'm pretty much waiting at this time to see if the Ducati streetfighter gets the 848 geometry and possibly a bump to the 1198 motor. Barring that the RSV seems like the way to go . Thanks again for that info.

[@joehands1624]

ah cool cool looking forward to seeing it man, nice video keep it up

[@56yqc]

Great review, keep it up!

[@aninverse]

If the front end kicked around like it did on that triumph, I'd be pulling it over or at least telling the other rider I wasn't happy riding at certain speeds. Lovely comparison review Russ

[@Blahde]

Thanks for that gents. Awesome stuff. I would have neither at this point in time (new rider) but I really like the Triumph for the reasons you gave. 1 Bike, good all rounder etc. Thanks again.

[@danny170390]

Nice ride in to Cromford. Great roads around here! :)

[@78918903]

Super Guys...Nice Vid...18mn and did not even feel it. I have a Tuono (and just came back from a 2 days track in Abu Dhabi with California Bike School also driving a brand new Tuono with The Aprilia Racing Lebanese Team) and i do feel that the Triumph might be better in town and as an all rounder. Ur Vid was just gtreat and answer most of my questions. I think i might just get both ... if i can and that'll be the best ;-)) Thx again.

[@Persil68]

Nice Vid !! I tested the V4 Tuono last year then tested the 1050 and 675 a week later (as well as the new z1000sx) as i was looking for a replacment for my V2 Tuono . The first was the Z1000 and although comfortable and nice to ride turned into a bouncing betty when pushed and was pretty dull and very linear . I took it back after 30 mins . Next up was the Tuono . Within the first 5 mins i was hooked .. So quick .. gearbox was sublime and handled like it was on rails .

[@lunamo80]

really great vid compare! thx for making it

[@Gazfixify]

Yes i don't mind the transformer styling myself. My 4yo would also love it too. My tank pad thingy currently is bumblebee :) Once i get my full R license in November, i'll be looking to trade the gladius in for either the S3 R , or the Turono. Need to see a Toblerone in the flesh yet.. no dealers here, 400km away. I found you can love a bike to bits on the net ,tube and mags, but not so much in the flesh.. of course then there is the actual riding too. I enjoy your vids, Thanks for that.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thank you. I've done that with some bikes over the years I can tell ya! lol. This wasn't that bad, I was only comparing it to the rock solid feel of my Tuono.

[@Polarbaer46]

Oh those bikes are so lovely! Here in germany you would say: Saaahne!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@AMPJ08 ...Thanks for the feedback. I hear the Diavel is sweet. Let me know what you think of it.

[@insaneRideOuts666]

amazing review, on amazing bikes! you two both do a better job than mcn bike reviews lol keep em coming

[@stevesedge4259]

hi, Thanks for your reply. What technique did you use to get the bolts out? like to know before i start. steve.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I love the look of the zed thou but haven't ridden one...yet :-) Agreed on the Tuono sound, in real life it's spine tingling.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Persil68 That was interesting, hearing your views on the bikes too. Thanks for your input. :-)

[@ianroberts8171]

Was the suspension set up as per factory setting? The speed triple is supposed to handle very well. Curious

[@stevesedge4259]

hi Roadcraft, i am looking into changing my handlebar risers to a mana 850 too. Please can you tell me does the tuono top clamp from the tuono v4r fit the mana risers. otherwise it would be a help to know what i need to do the job...my aprilia dealer is scratching his head with ignorance. thanks.

[@Mapother78]

You may have been asked this before but what camera and audio recording equipment do you use?

[@judotaffy]

Thanks for the great review. I live in coventry not too far from nottingham. I'm really interested in the Aprilia Dorsosuro 1200 for my next bike. I have a honda hornet 600 currently which is my first bike since passing my test 12 months ago. Have you ever ridden the dorso 1200?

[@mrbrunse]

Perfect Vid! i would ride both! Triumph for chillout, Tuono for freakout :-)

[@HolyMoleyJoelyPoley]

@RoadcraftNottingham How many miles do you get out of a tank on the Tuono?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@BikeMeAustin ..Thanks for the positive feedback. :-)

[@bigcreator]

amazing bikes, good video, have you ever reviewed/ridden a bandit 1200?

[@schoarama87]

i also got the new speed triple but now i must try the aprilia :D damn

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Thermoman69691 ..Thanks for the kind words. The sound of the T STILL makes my hair stand up on end! Who cares if I get 30 to the gallon when I do it, it's a sound symphony!

[@enntense]

Hey just an FYI, one thing many articles have not mentioned. I went to the showroom and sat on a RSV. They have put an upright handle-bar on it but they did NOT lower the pegs compared to the superbike, this gives a VERY tight seating position. That was the deal killer for me.

[@ToastToGo]

Very very good comparison video. I absolutely love the V4 sound. It's just monstrous. I really loved it on my VFR, and find myself wanting to hear that sound the more I ride my F4i. Does anyone offer a more comfortable seat for your bike? I think if you got an aftermarket seat for added comfort, you'll fall in love with your bike even more.

[@Ultra54able]

I laughed at your mention of the tail tidy going on the Triumph. What's the point when you have to run that those billboard size license plates?

[@cashstore1]

I just got through watching both of the videos. I was looking at buying a speed triple, and also was considering an Aprilia. Not sure what bike I want now.

[@mrnicktoyou]

Good video. I have just bought a Z1000 and would be interested to see how that compares. The sounds of that Aprilia V4 beats everything though.

[@joehands1624]

hi is this just the standard speed triple? because the speed triple R is slightly more sporty with better suspension, brakes etc

[@Kurventiger]

Very nice video, thanks a lot!!! I just did my license this year and started on a Monster 796. Very nice authentic bike, loads of character and a wonderful sound! But I have started to look for something a bit more powerful ...:-)) I have tried the Speed Triple and I can just agree. It's a very good bike, comfortable, smooth, easy to ride, but also so boooring ... You simply don't hear or feel anything when you hit the accelerator .. I will test the Tuono the moment the rains stops ...:-))

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

It's sunny out there today, think I need to drag it out for the first play on it this year, I've missed it. :-D

[@Micke65]

Nice review ! Tuono V4 got that you cant explain .. it got it :) Swaped with my m8 Ducati streetfighter 1098 s and the tuono is so refined in compairson , just brakes and lowend grunt was better on sf in my book .

[@betoski]

loved the intro XD

[@yanmills]

Good video, the wife is going to try out the tuono, streetfighter, speed triple & ktm 990 super duke. Do you think the tuono will be a good up grade from a millie rsv1000 with tuono top yoke and bars ? She is looking for her next dream bike.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@GavilandoraMaxima ..I don't notice the seat so much now and on the track it's not an issue. I agree with the Triumph comment too.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Persil68 I just can't see it (and am open to persuasion) but can't see how mortals like you and me would benefit from "lighter wheels" and different shocks and brakes to the superb ones it already has on. Do we need to save 2 secs a lap at Silverstone? Nicer looking wheels yes and carbon, yes, etc. My Akro sounds great so i bought it, higher bars, more comfy so I bought them, everything I've done has a marked advantage on looks, comfort or sound. Help me understand. lol

[@KHBiker]

Is that up near Matlock ?

[@Persil68]

@RoadcraftNottingham im interested in the factory (assuming they do one ) for the extras . given the v2 history im guessing it will have all the bells and whistle i would probably fit the the aprs . i doubt it would be any faster going by the history of the v2 just draped in carbon and ohlins and lighter wheels

[@Hinckley_Biker]

Great vid, really good viewing. I am currently running a ZX9R F2 and after years of Kawasaki fours I fancy a change, I think the Aprilia could hit the spot, only thing is I read tales of woe regarding fuel consumpsion, 25mpg? How are you finding the running cost? PS That V4 sound is amazing . . .

[@ToastToGo]

If Ken is selling/sold his Speed Triple...does he ride a different bike more often or does he just not ride much anymore?

[@dynamoog]

mmh...nice review mate! i´m actually thinking of either buying a new speed triple (maybe the R-version?), or getting a v4r. at the moment i own a speed triple 2006. also tried a streetfighter 848. very handy & funny to ride, but i the end i missed the triple-punch from the bottom. how´s this with the tuono? i guess you also have to really push it hard. definetley gonna go for a ride this season the that v4-beast. ;)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Did she try the Tuono then? If so, what did she think of it?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks for that, interesting. I agree on the fuelling bit for sure, it doesn't like being below 35MPH. I just found the riumph didn;t excite me and I bought the Touono 'cos I was getting bored of motorcycles. As a commuter and for comfort factor (even though I'm used to the T seat now), the Triumph wins....I like that it looks like a transformer so there! lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks, A lot of Triumph owners called me "Biased" in my opinions, even though I said if I had to own only one bike, it would be the Triumph! lol. I suppose people want to justify their purchases and this is only my personal opinion. I really liked the Triumph and now Ken has sorted the suspension, I'll be riding it again very soon. :-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@bigcreator I've ridden the 1200. Nice all round bike. A little heavy but if you're over 5 feet 8 you'll be fine.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@ToastToGo Thanks. I'm sorta used to the seat now but if one came along I'd probably try it to be honest. Good job the Tuono is just a toy really. :-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@judotaffy... I haven't ridden one but my friend, when looking for a Tuono test rode one and hated it. He then bought the Tuono. May be best get a ride 1st. I'd be interested in hearing what you think of it. Russ

[@lamilumag]

+ @roadcraftnottingham - you seem very experienced so i'd like to hear your opinion: how essential is abs for quite (intermediate-) experienced riders (including trackdays - but not yet one of the really fast ones) :) ? - i think it can save your ass in very difficult braking situations when it gets dangerous, but somehow it takes out a bit of the fun as well - whats your suggestion?

[@ryukey5355]

Mallory Park might be nice for the Tuono if you feel like giving it the beans, as its not a mega fast circuit so you wont just be overtaken so much by the 1000cc super-sports. But it depends if you want to flog around such a lovely bike. That is the paradox of the Tuono :P

[@Micke65]

Hi . regarding risers ...there is another way if you want to have an even more upright ridingposition conpaired to stock .. Rizoma Conical 22-29 Aluminium Styre MA005 black is more bend towards you ... I use it . Just an tip if you dont mind :)

[@REDSIX]

Why didn't you take the bikes out to the twisties!?

[@ShamanWS6]

@Smackmanii : The brakes on the RSV4 I rode (same as on the Tuono) are stronger than my race setup on my Suzuki. Which is why I'll be investing in Brembos, lol

[@hetisjechillerboyjwz]

you actually said the gearbox is the best ever on a motorcycle, does that mean that you don't have to use the quickshifter?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You can buy adjustable pegs now lowering the foot position by 2 inches. In every review I've seen the Tuono kills the ST, even the Street Triple R lost out. I can see why though, the Tuono has an amazing feel to it. Ken's selling his Triple now, doesn't use it much.

[@Persil68]

@RoadcraftNottingham i would have put more but limit on the messages hehe . i tried the 1050 and the 675 and although comfortable i was disapointed by the 1050 and found the 675 more fun . Had an hour on each and if i had to buy one the 675 was my pick of the 2 . but as soon as i got back on my tuono its a much better bike than both .. and the v4 better still . just another 3 months before i order mine .. or will i wait and see if they bring out a factory !!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

lol, the top clamps fit straight onto the Mana risers. The bolts underneath are threadlocked in and are hard to get out, have fun! :-)

[@78918903]

By the way i use my Tuono everyday and i'm on ze road all day. And Beirut is a crazy city to drive in. But it's just perfect. Those high handle bar allow to see pretty far and u still can give a go at it @ anytime to feel the bike ;-) With the AKRA on it believe me, the road becomes mine :-) Just put it on 5 traction control cause the road are slippery as hell and off i go ;-) Triumph are getting here in a few month and i'm eager to test it ;-) Thx again for great vid ;-)

[@lamilumag]

I've moved to a R1200GS from a K1300r for sanity reasons - till then i'm bored of motorcycling - i will be changing the GS soon and i'm really looking at the tuono as well as at the triple - i liked the triple when testriding it but it didn't quite grab my by the balls as my old k1300r did. looking forward to testriding the brilliant looking and sounding tuono - expecting a lot of fire in its heart :) there's been rumors it will come with abs by mid 2012 - anyone knows about that?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yes, the R wasn't released then. Looking for someone who has one who would like to help do another one.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Cheers buddy. Both great bikes but for mental grin factor the Aprilia wins. You'd love it. :-)

[@ShamanWS6]

I ride to enjoy the ride, and every smile means a lot to me. It'd have to be the Tuono, but only because having ridden the RSV4 I know the experience is truly something, a bit like it wants to slip its leash and ravage the horizon. It feels overpowered and that's from a guy with a pro superbike that requires race fuel that would stomp the Aprilia, but you'd *never* guess that from a ride and its the feel that makes the ride special.

[@donmurphy9497]

For the Aprilia - Add a 2016 gel seat, bigger front sprocket and handlebar riser and you have a perfect bike. Looks are subjective, but as an industrial designer I find a lot of effort was made by Aprilia to give a sense of speed even when sitting still. It has sweeping lines, the polished aluminum draws your eye, rather than the tank. And I think that was purposeful... Knowing it is built for speed not fuel economy:) buy one, and you will never stop smiling

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@140fairsrd Thankd for the compliment. Let me know what you decide.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Sportmotogear ..It'll be WELL worth the wait, trust me! As soon as they arrive get a test ride on one. Start with it in Road mode, then change to sport, you WILL swear when accelerating! lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@AMPJ08 ..Excellent! I Iove the look of them. You'll have to do a video review and send me the link. :-D

[@markgr1nyer]

Try taking a worn out cbr125 up black rock....did it once never agin lol, that chippy where you stopped in the yar is good though ;) I won't comment on the bikes because i'm a big triumph fan purley for the burble :)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks, I actually got better fuel consumption at Donington race track! lol. It IS crappy at between 29 and 35 mpg but I didn't buy the bike for fuel consumption....LUCKILY! lol It sounds fantastic doesn't it? The mic doesn't pick up how amazing it really sounds. :-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Persil68 lol, fair enough. I think for me it would be to say I have an exclusive-ish factory. We're all creatures of exclusivity I suppose. Nice chatting to you :-D

[@ShaftDrive]

Nice to see actual riders that are making reviews on a couple of great bikes , other then your typical Motercycle-Usa or MCN. I have an RSV4 and the girlfriend wishes it had the Tuono rear seat haha.,, oh next time leave out the cheesy UFC commentary at the start LMAO

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@hetisjechillerboyjwz Some of the time I don't use it. The only time I mess up and realise it's got one is when I come from my Pan 1100 to it then pre-load the gear change lever, it just changes. That usually happens at least once each time I ride it lol. Even without using the quickshifter it's so smooth and light.

[@sjdj408]

I just wish Ken were miked up to hear his opinions a bit easier, BTW the Tuono is the winner in my book.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@ShamanWS6 ...and I smile A LOT when riding it! ;-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

The right allen key and patience, half turn out, 1/8th turn back in.

[@yanmills]

and that every one has one LOL . Off we go to try out a KTM 990 and all they had at the shop for a test ride was a SMT and she did not get on with that. so back to the Triumph shop and she had a go on the Ducati 848 and fell in love with it. But they did not have on in Black LOL so she came home with a new Ducati 1098 streetfighter s the shop did a brill deal on it and it was not much more than the 848. Ok it is a 09 model but is on a 2012 plate but for the money it was good deal.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@yanmills I've never ridden the bikes you mention so can't really comment but it's a great idea to try them all out. I'd be interested in what she thought, let me know.

[@yanmills]

Hi m8 Sorry so long to get back to you. The wife had a test ride on the Tuono v4 aprc and the sales man put every thing on full and she did not get on with it to well as the sales man was telling her all the bad bit and how it will spit her off if she get to throttle happy. (it was a bit wet but not to bad) he told her she had 30 min test ride. she got back and asked the sales man to go out again and he told her no as 1 test ride a time ? she had a go on the speed triple and found it was borring

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Persil68 I personally believe the only reasons to buy the factory would be 1/ "Hey, look at me, I can afford the factory" or 2/ "hey, my name's Rossi and I can get the most out of my factory" lol. I feel the standard V4 is all us humans will ever need in the real world (including track days) You won't be disappointed. :-D

[@jerryx2000]

do you both still own these bikes?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Both went years ago.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@rljetsetradio We did take in some but didn't upload it.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@ncited Aah, a Triumph owner from the forum I see lol. I feel the same way about the Triumph;s unfinished looks. It's all subjective. The suspension settings were std. on both bikes.I did this review as on my forum, Triumph owners were saying its a better bike than the Tuono. Have a ride of the Tuono which has just landed in the States and when you've ridden both you'll understand and be in a better position to comment. Come back and then let me know what you think Thanks,

[@Persil68]

@RoadcraftNottingham yeah might do but not a lover of the cold heheh ;)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

The salesman needs complaining about. How the f*** can a bike with and 8 program traction control "spit you off"? Put it on maximum setting! and as for not letting her have another try (which proves she liked it)...he needs a serious talking to! Maybe he needed to sell Ducatis. Thanks for getting back to me and I'm pleased she's happy with her purchase.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Ken had a 675 before this. Nice bike.

[@JoshuaHults]

those are both awesome bikes, but ill keep my 675 thank you very much lol

[@exnihilo415]

I have a hard time looking at these two. The Dame Edna headlamps and the Transformer's Bumblebee face just make me look away. That's not a feeling I want with something parked in my garage. My real problem with the Aprilia is the range. Living in the western US being 70 miles between gas stations is not common and living with the Tuono would make me incredibly paranoid. I ended up with the Ducati Streetfighter S. Range is not amazing but it's tolerable.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@ricktonge Cheers buddy, I'd own them both if I could too!

[@Persil68]

@RoadcraftNottingham well atm i have a Tuono R (06) with most of the go faster bits from the factory (mostly the carbon bits ) titanium akros (no baffles) pc3 ohlins rear k-tech modded front suspension tail tidy . r&g on everything pazzo levers etcv etc .. now buying all that new was 6k + where the factory is only 2kish more than the r . plus as bikers we all like bling as long as its tastefull .. and the bonus is i dont get the horrid cheap looking gold frame!!

[@crazynorseman7904]

Wow... RoadcraftNottingham Seriously, this video could have been so much...better, so much more helpful if you took some basic steps to upgrade your audio. It was frustrating losing so much of the review because you were trying to pick up your partners part of the conversations from (apparently) your helmet mike. I was really interested in this particular comparison, but ended up more frustrated then anything.

[@Gazfixify]

Russ, The latest "cycle world" july 2012 magazine in the states had a naked shootout with the turono, S3, SF and Brutale. They liked the Turono the best. In there like & dislikes, they said LIKE 3rd gear clutchless power wheelies (lol) Excelent QS'er for WFO upshifts (full throttle i assume) Excellent ergonomics DISLIKE Looks like it could transform into a camaro at any time ( rofl) Rock hard seat ,easily solved Minor fueling issue