Triumph Speed Triple vs 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4 APRC

Now Ken has sorted the suspension, a second ride is in order. Please note: This is only MY personal opinion based on the fact I HAVE ridden BOTH bikes back to back. So, a message to the keyboard reviewers and journo worshippers out there, if you have ridden both of these bikes I would genuinely welcome your opinions, if you're just trying to justify your purchase, take it to the forums. Cheers.
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#ApriliaTuono #TriumphSpeedTriple #RoadcraftNottingham
Roadcraft Nottingham is a UK motorcycle school which was established in March 1989.
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[@showmethemovie69]

Your bike looks amazing by the way, love all the little details.

[@lamilumag]

nice review! thanks - still thinking about which one to pick as my next one and only - still have to find a place to testride the tuono

[@MISERSTYLE]

God your videos are so enjoyable to watch. Good job man.

[@RowdyGrunt]

What a fantastic review! One of the few I've ever watched the entire way through! I've not had a bike in years, and the last one that I did have was a Duc 999. I'm completely torn between the Tuono and the Triple. I think that you've helped answer that question in favor of the Tuono. Which is a decision I'll happy take because my first Italian bike was a Mille R. Again, great job!

[@showmethemovie69]

You single-handedly sold me on the Tuono. I'm coming from a VFR800 and I can only imagine the difference. I want another V4 and this ones calling to me.

[@lukemege-bikeadventures9712]

Your reviews are really good, very insightful, genuinely the best on the internet! Only a shame you weren't comparing the Aprilia against the Speed Triple R, then it would have been a fairer fight!

[@TheFarmpunk]

Glad to see an update on the original comparison. It helped me choose the Speed over the Tuono. One suggestion: try riding a Speed with an Arrow lowboy system. It transforms the ride.

[@overlander82]

That was funny with Ken and your paddle. I just joined the weak wrists club and got a crampbuster for my FZ6. Making it easier to open the throttle has a side effect of habitually pulling onto the highway in 3rd gear now. Feels good! Like Ken I need to sort my suspension out then cans. Priorities!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thankyou for the positive feedback. They both really are fantastic bikes and you wouldn't be disappointed with either. I love the character and personality of my Tuono and it's perfect for what I want and always makes me smile, and the sound!...... If a Speed triple came up at the right price, I'd also buy one.

[@DMoots]

Love the vid, was a lovely day here too over in Northern Ireland, was out all day on my gpz500 and loved it :)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks Dave. Nice to get the feedback.

[@dinosoreis1]

Good video bud, I live in Los Angeles and with the traffic here I'm truly glad I got the speed triple it lugs really well and it gives me all the excitement I need on the canyon roads, if I needed more I would have to find it at the track on a bike I wouldn't mind crashing. Talk your friend into getting the 3 into 1 arrow system it aint cheap but the bike feels a lot better when you lose 30 pounds of up high weight.

[@ToastToGo]

Excellent review. I am glad you revisited this comparison. I wonder what would sturdy up the Triumphs front suspension. I know my 919 had a bit of front end wobble as well...but the suspension was just utter crap.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks buddy. You can see why I bought one based on a photo! lol. It still excites me every time I ride it. By the way, one of my instructors is a golf pro teacher which helps him be an excellent bike instructor too. He helps out Nick Faldo in seminars etc.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. I think Ken might have the solution with different fork springs but it was MUCH better on fast bumpys than last time.

[@lamilumag]

by the way! :) i put down an order for the speed triple R this week! this bike is really ahead of the normal one but unfortunately i couldn't compare it to a tuono, because there's almost no aprilia dealers in my region in austria and they didn't have a demo bike... but i'm 110% sure it's the perfect bike for me - very very easy to ride - felt like a fish in the water on that machine! keep your great videos coming - maybe you can find a dealer to testride and review more bikes! ;)

[@MotorbikerTom]

The reviews you have been doing of the Tuono and The Speed Triple are better than MCN's! We get to see what it rides like on the road and get genuine opinions. Keep them coming :)

[@SrJFK]

Love to see a review of the Ducati street fighter 848. It's gorgeous and now with the fewer bhp, it's appears to have the perfect combo for city and track.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Congrats on your purchase, if it's anything like the standard 1050, you're gonna love it (by the way, Ken turned up with a brand new pair of Arrows fitted to his Triumph, they look and sound awesome!)

[@secretspyfrog]

I've spent the afternoon looking through your video's and I've found them fantastic. Hiw about a video about riding with a pillion?

[@cornish_boy6235]

I've got a 2011 speed triple ATM and am really tempted to get a tuono v4! Lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Took it out for a spin again today and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. :-D

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

It's a good point. It also makes the power delivery a little smoother.

[@ianroberts8171]

Last 24 hours been having a go on speed triple se whilst my sprint st was serviced/mot'd etc. Must say it is bloody great. Handling/engine/gearbox all fab. Really enjoyed it. It was 2013 model and overall I loved it.

[@shaneweightman]

ive just bought a 1050 ,,traded my 06zx10r for it 11 plate ,, I only weigh 11 stone and it doesn't change direction as quick as the kwak ,,,but didn't hear you once mention what tires the bikes were running on ,,mines not on the metzlers ., but pirrellis corsa thanks shane warks

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Good point. I know a guy with one, will ask if he wants to swap for a while. I think it's transmission lash so will tighten my chain just a little bit more to see if that helps too.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That's a really good way to describe it. Cheers.

[@SickChips89]

Top vid again mate. and i have to agree with you. The Aprilia kicks ass!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You wouldn't be disappointed with either. They're both excellent.

[@ttattx]

I was wondering if you were to put on some new cans on the speed triple, which would you choose? I just purchased a 12 speed trip R and know that it's a common complaint that the stock cans are limiting. Thanks for your input! Keep up the great work on the videos, I feel like I'm a better rider even while sitting on my sofa!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I've never had any of the problems reported with mine although I hear it happened with some other riders. I've sorted the low speed fuelling problem out by using Shell Avanced unleaded and disconnecting the exhaust flapper valve which was only put there for noise reasons. I do agree though, if it's your only bike and you do more town work, the Speed Triple is the right choice. Thanks for your comment. :-)

[@overlander82]

No one with a speed triple is going to look at their headlights the same way again :) Your bike looks so much meaner.

[@yamimk]

great video review on the Tuono and the speed triple i did 380 miles in one day on my ZX9R back in Aug no how you feel about hard seat.

[@reptilemadman1994]

on the raven r1 addition, is it illegal to have the akripovic exhaust systems on in the UK?

[@gabe321]

Hi, just wondering does Aprilla let you do your own maintenance or do you have to take it to the dealer to keep your warranty?

[@mercylessx]

nice vid again mate, i saw your review of the bm 1200 gs on mcn was it really that bad , a lot of guys say they're good.

[@showmethemovie69]

I'm doing the sprocket change regardless, can't wait to start riding! I have a feeling it will be a bit of an adjustment from a VFR800! (I think they sorted that kick of the VTEC eventually, I had a 2008 and didn't notice it at all).

[@Hrothgar66]

Hello!! Just had to ask about the suspension difference between the Triumph and the Tuono. Does your Tuono have the Ohlins front end or all around? Did the Triumph have Ohlins all around? I think either way both are fantastic Motorcycles, just wish I could have test ridden both here in the U.S. Thanks for the great Video and all ideas and imputs on both bikes!

[@BlitsBB]

have you ever tried the BMW k1300r, I'm not sure whether I should go for the Speed triple or the K1300r.

[@HereComeDatFriz]

Haha oh wow. That road you go down past Cotgrave I travel down weekly to my Grans in Cropwell Butler. Had no idea it was a popular biking road, but I totally understand why. I love it! Funny seeing it from a different riders view. Noticed someone you're with has a 2011 CBR600F. What do they think of it, out of interested?

[@northeee]

some great roads round cropwell and langer gets better if you go up to the castle and some nice pubs at redmile on the way. and i like the black paint job better than red for me

[@showmethemovie69]

Is the sprocket change that much of a difference!? I've read that several places now and haven't spoken to anyone personally about it, but what exactly is the difference?

[@ianroberts8171]

Why is it twitchy? Speed triples are suppose to handle. Has been played about with previously and reset properly?

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

I like good handling and occasional kneedown and wheelie, but have to honestly say my Tuono scares me silly sometimes and it's unpredictability makes any progress in my biking skills near impossible ! Thats why i'm thinking about Speed Triple or Street Triple!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Ken sold the Triumph so doesn't need it now but thanks for the recommendation. The Tuono is still a little harsh but handles beautifully.

[@AdrianM1k]

That is one nasty giant exhaust you got there

[@Blahde]

Nice one Matey. Best bike....I love em both tbh ;) Yea, it's a cop out! You guys looked like you had a real fun day and THAT is what it's all about. Dame Edna, poor Triumph.... Your mate takes it all on the chin :)

[@theeroom]

does that windshield on the triumph help much?

[@MattFromWork]

YES! The Tuono totally looks like bumble bee. That is bang on!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

The Street Triple 675, although a little soft is an excellent choice too if you like these triples. (I like and rode the white one)

[@CFRGruby]

Going off topic, can someone explain the new EU laws to me that are coming in for bikers, I'm 17 and 18 near the end of July this year and i am already worried i won't pass my big bike test and know there saying I've got until the 19th of January next year to pass or i have to wait until I'm 21 to go for the test, so I could do with some advice? thank you.

[@Gnutimesfive]

What can be done for the seat? I don't want to give up my Street Triple for a Tuono if I can't ride it for hours and hours in a day :)

[@Eldessyth]

i have a cbr125 (07) and i love it, you can fling them about and good fun to ride. the clutch can get a bit sticky sometimes and i would recomend changing the exhaust if you can cos the down pipe doesnt half rust. but for the price of it great little commuter bike and i have had 80mph out of it :). i would definatly recomend to start on a 125 such a good platform.

[@jameswoodsupersport]

which road is this? it looks to be the A46 at around 4.00

[@opmike343]

For the front end, he may want to make some adjustment to the damping and compression damping. A steering damper shouldn't be used to "fix" a twitchiness or handling issue as it would be like putting a bandaid over an underlying problem.

[@bushtucker88]

nice review mate. you do sound like aaron craze from rude boy food.

[@LachlanMelville95]

how do u insure someone else for ur bike

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

That makes sense for sure but if you do that, what are you gonna play on at the weekend. Not everyone's as lucky as me to be able to afford more than one bike. Good point though.

[@lamilumag]

it's just like the standard version but better handling and steering (almost telepathically) - the arrows must be a good choice! i'll get some as soon as my funds recovered a bit :-)

[@R5P205]

I agree, it would be great if Triumph would make a couple of smaller cc bikes!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I owned a couple of the older VFR800s and didn't like them as much as the VFR750, and tried the V-Tec and positively hated that for the horrible kick when the V-Tec kicked in..based on this, if you liked the VFR, you'll LOVE the Tuono, if you 've ever owned a larger 2 stroke, you'll remember how much fun they could be. Remember to disconnect the cables from the exhaust valve for smoother fuel injection mapping in town and drop the front sprocket 1 tooth.(join Aprilia AF1 forum, details on there)

[@josh0963]

Nice video mate - But I would say the last thing you need is a steering damper. If it is wobbling at those speeds and they way you were riding it (i.e. not like a complete nutter) then it's most likely something to do with the suspension setup badly or something else not quite right. A steering damper is not the answer in this case.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Glad you like it, fantastic aren't they? I personally think the brakes are superb, 2 finger braking on the track was all I needed. If you haven't done many miles, maybe they need bedding in or something?

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

Hello :) great video as usual:) i'm just considering swapping my old 03 Tuono for a triumph (675 or 1050) and honestly dont know what to do! My Tuono is hard to live with on a daily basis and very tiring in town.and scary in slow speeds Can you give me your opinion on the matter?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

The Triumphs are better town bikes than the Tuono so it's be a good choice.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

They're magical aren't they? One ridden, always smitten. Have fun! :-D

[@akasa231]

very interesting!!

[@LeeLorrie]

Hi, what as Ken gone for now? The Tuono :-)

[@Micke65]

Hi there Roadman :) Did your friend Ken only drive in R mode or ? I must say ..Thank God for Tractioncontrol , without it tuono would have been really dangerus with its fiersome Power . Did short riding yesterday ..back wheel was spinning like hell when cold .. uhu . and wheelie controll did put my body over the front but it wheelies anyway so thank god for Wheeliecontrol hehe . Going to do an Vid when is less dust and ita warmer. Drive safe ! Cya

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks. Ken's just sold the triumph to get a track bike. He found he doesn't use it enough.

[@chrisaustrian9929]

Got the Tuono APRC just 4 weeks ago. The best bike I ever had. Endless power and perfect road hoalding. Just the brakes could be a little stronger for this extreme acceleration, the ration between acceleration to deceleration is totally diffferent to my former KTM.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Agreed, the damper would probably mask an underlying problem. The suspension was definitely better afer he'd played with it but obviously not good enough. Cheers. :-)

[@sabamacx]

I've ridden both and own a K1300R. It slays the Speed Triple (and I much prefer it to the new Tuono, too).

[@cristianospeedtriple]

I had the Arrow 3 into 1 in my 2010 S3 but it is not road legal here in Italy so I exchange for the high Arrow slip on. S3 loose a lot of power at higher rpms and it is more heavy. Anyway at lower rpms it is more ready

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

My problem is I'm REALLY picky and see things in bikes some others probably wouldn't notice. I've found some people on BMW forums who complained about the same thing and if I'm spending 7k to get something to replace 2 bikes, I'd expect it to be perfect. Might have just been a bad example of this bike but the guy who bought it off me loves it.

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

Thanks for reply! Would you choose the street triple r or speed triple?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I'd test ride them both and see which you prefer. Good luck :-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Some Tuono forum menbers do a few hundred miles in a day with no problems. Someone once said to me "I get bum ache sitting in an armchair watching a movie" I suggest you try one, you may be surprised. I'm used to mine now.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks matey. :-D

[@sjdj408]

was watching another tuono vid where an aprilia APRC engineer called the R mode "rain" mode

[@mercylessx]

we had a good day , ludlow, clee hill , bridgnorth........sunshine , what else does a man need

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Never ridden the k1300r so can't comment. Have you ridden the Tuono too then?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks buddy :-D

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks mate, it's a good job Ken does take it on the chin, he's a big bugger!! His arms are as big as my legs! lol. Either bike would be great,. the Tuono cos it's a happy puppy and has loads of electronic goodies and the Speedy cos it's 2k+ cheaper, more comfy and gives better fuel consumption.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

No, the Akropovic is fully legal. If you remove the baffle (db killer) then it MIGHT break noise laws.

[@JoshTilley121]

I wish Triumph would come up with a 125 version of the speed triple for my benefit.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

It only lowers the revs a little to make the 1st gear less tall, it's normally a really long gear. Doesn't make a massive difference to be honest

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

If it's a YBR125, CBR125 or Varadero125 then yes, I've ridden and love them all. :-)

[@corpie3100]

hey russ guess what i bought a tuono 125!! its soooo awesome

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks, I will. :-)

[@woolstonman]

hes still yet to put some nice cans on tht triple the low mount systems are nice but very pricey would rev so much harder but it would prop make it a bit more jerky down at low speed my hornet seems to but it is carb and the triumph is fuelinjected i think,

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Usually their insurance allows them to ride other bikes not belonging to them third party only but you need to check.

[@sabamacx]

Yes. I'm 6'7 so the Tuono is far more cramped. It's much nicer at town speeds where I found the Tuono surging, and far more comfortable, with the standard BMW sensibilities (touring etc). Shaft drive means just-get-on-and-go riding, no chain to maintain. The engine, while very characterful, however doesn't quite compare to the Tuono's :). It's like a more upright K1200S that you have a video about, but with far more grunt (more powerful engine and geared down specifically for acceleration).

[@Vladdi111]

how has the tuono been as far as reliability and maintenance costs

[@tngchinghwa]

Vladdi111 no issue

[@stew1975]

the speedie is old now, they haven't done any significant changes to for a while, I can see a new revised (not just a facelift) coming soon tuono for me, that's coming from a street triple owner

[@matthewcoulson]

Good video mate, abit of police paranoia at 10:30 im always checking my mirrors after passing police cars :)

[@djjackjones1]

Lost my enthusiasm for Speed Triples now! All that faffing over the suspension, surely should be better set up from the start? As for looks, the Triple needs the fairing removed and a round pair of headlights fitted, Bandit style, look a lot better. And cans of course lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

lol, you gotta admit, the similarity is frightening! ;-)

[@KingCast65]

LOL the FZ1 is a great bike though but not quite in the class of these. I ride a Sprint RS 955i.

[@hetisjechillerboyjwz]

all reviewers (you included) say the Triumph is a better bike for going daily. But if you want to, why would you buy such a fast bike? In my opinion, if you want a bike for work-home going and you should go for a less bhp model. Isn't that true?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

You know, if he don't buy some soon, I'M gonna bloody buy him some!! lol

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Sigh, someone's got to do it Mark (sniff)