Aprilia Tuono X adds wings, sheds kilos, takes hypernaked to new level
Aprilia Tuono X harnesses the Italian firm's MotoGP know-how in a featherweight version of its hypernaked; Only 10 available and already sold out
The Aprilia Tuono has gone ‘hyper-hypernaked’ with the launch of an ultra-exclusive ‘X’ model that has sold out within hours of being made available.
The machine has been anticipated since a camo-adorned prototype was spotted testing at Imola by Aprilia MotoGP test rider Lorenzo Savadori, with its credentials firmly demonstrated by the reported 1m 50secs lap times being produced – just 3.6secs off the circuit’s WorldSBK lap record.
“It is the most fun bike I have ever ridden. The mix between comfort and performance is, in my opinion, unique.
“The crazy engine can also be very manageable, for both experts and amateurs, and the aerodynamic package offers incredible stability for a naked. I believe that Tuono V4 X has once again created a new segment."
An exercise in showing what can be done with a bit of fettling, the Aprilia Tuono X – so-called because only ten are being produced – comes after last year’s similarly envisaged Aprilia RSV4 X, which was also developed by MotoGP engineers to give the ageing but still brilliant model a boost.
As such, the Aprilia Tuono X has sprouted some eye-catching wings that appear as though they have been lifted directly from the Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP bike, while weight has been trimmed down to a feather 166kg (dry).
Lashings of carbon, a lighter fuel tank, revised electronics and Marchesini rims all combine to improve the Aprilia Tuono X’s agility, while a racing exhaust and ‘full power’ engine maps assure it will be a pure weapon on track days.
“The Tuono V4 X is spatial,” added MotoGP rider Aleix Espagraro. “I had never tried a bike with high handlebars on the track and I was surprised by the feeling of stability.
“The engine is crazy, but the chassis does not go into crisis, on the contrary: the driving position and electronics make it extremely fun. You can drive it cleanly, but you can also put it sideways. She is a pure sportswoman with a thug side!”
As we say, all ten of the Aprilia Tuono X’s have already been snapped up, making the 34,900 euros price tag a bit redundant, but we’re getting the impression Espargaro and Savadori may have just landed an extra couple for free…
