Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Factory

As if the regular Tuono wasn't a maddening enough prize for indigent sportbike junkies the world over, Aprilia has announced the launch of a special version of the vaunted naked streetfighter dubbed the 2007 Tuono 1000R Factory.

The new machine will showcase the 60-degree V-Twin motor featured in the 2006 Factory version of the RSV Mille along with similar suspension and carbon fiber upgrades. When former AMA SB racer Alex Gobert evaluated both the Factory and non-Factory RSV1000R for us back in May, he painted a bright picture of the Factory machine's improvements. Expect the limited-edition Factory Tuono to post similar performance increases and become the object of more than one rider's wanton bike lust.

The Tuono Factory's changes start with its engine, which is a direct derivation of the 1000cc longitudinal 60-degree Magnesium Evolution V-Twin which powers the RSV Factory machine. The Factory Tuono's mill features the same 57mm throttle bodies with one injector per cylinder format utilized on the RSV Factory machine and regular Tuono. Exhaust valves grow from 31 to 33mm and the diameter of exhaust downpipes swell as well. These improvements, combined with improved injection and ignition mapping, allow the 60V to pump out a claimed 139 horsepower at the crankshaft, along with 79 lb/ft of torque. This represents a jump of 6 ponies and 4 lb/ft over the regular Tuono. Stay tuned for real-world dyno estimates, as we are testing the non-Factory Tuono at this very moment for an upcoming Streetfighter Comparo.

The ram-air intake system, unique for a naked bike and a prominent styling fixture for the Tuono front end, continues to aid engine performance. The Factory Tuono shares the same hydraulic clutch and PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) system of its non-Factory sibling to divvy out the increased power through an identical 6-speed gearbox. The latest-generation V60 also employs an Anti Vibration Double Countershaft (AVDC) to alleviate vibration from the 60-degree Twin.

 Aside from the tweaked powerplant, the real difference between the Factory and regular Tunonos are suspension upgrades. Just like the Factory RSV, the Factory Tuono discards the 43mm Showa inverted fork for a 43mm Öhlins unit. An Öhlins piggy-back monoshock also displaces the Sachs system out back. Both units are adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping. The suspension upgrade should exhibit the same benefits which Gobert noted in his comparison of the two RSVs, with the Factory Öhlins units starting to pay for themselves when a rider begins to push the envelope out on the track.

This isn't surprising as the Factory machine is purpose-built for trackdays and other high-performance duties. To assist in that regard, the Factory machine can be loaded with mapping for unrestricted exhaust systems. Akrapovic exhaust systems are available as an accessory, with street-legal slip-on silencers and, available starting this January, a complete street-legal exhaust system which still meets Euro 3 emissions. During his RSV Factory test, Gobert took full advantage of the opportunity to test the Akrapovic pipes back-to-back with stock pieces. The Slovenian exhaust upgrade made a noticeable difference in performance to the RSV out on the track, with the slip-ons adding around 5 extra ponies and the full system upping power by 7 horsepower. Expect similar increases to the Akrapovic upgrade on the Tuono. The stock Tuono Factory exhaust locates catalytic converters as close as possible to collector pipes in order to cut down emissions and ensure the exclusive Aprilia meets the Euro 3 restrictions.

The binders equipping the Factory Tuono have not changed from the Brembo Gold radial caliper system adorning the regular machine. A pair of stainless steel 320mm rotors are grabbed by 4-piston calipers up front, while a single 220mm disc in the rear gets pressed by a pair of 32mm pistons. The Factory also utilizes the same metal-braided hoses.

Steering geometry does not change from the non-Factory design either. Forged aluminum wheels replace cast hoops, although the 180/55 ZR 17 rear tires, available as alternatives on the regular model, come standard on the Factory (the two other tire sizes, 190/55 and 190/50, will also be available). The twin-spar aluminum-alloy frame also remains the same, excepting the gold-anodized finish, which, when combined with the gold Öhlins fork, gives the Factory machine a distinctive look - again, similar to the RSV Factory.

After the engine and suspension upgrades, the main difference between Factory and non-Factory is the carbon fiber parts which help lighten the load. The carbon-fiber list includes: side panels, mudguards, belly pan, and spoilers. The cumulative effect is a 8.8-lb reduction in claimed dry weight, down from 408 lbs to the Factory's 399 lbs (Aprilia's claimed dry weight figures do not include the battery.)

Further carbon-fiber upgrades, like guards for the expansion chamber, oil reservoir, and footrests, as well as seat cover, are available as accessories. The list of extra goodies also includes a track-friendly reverse shifter, tank and tail bags, and an anti-theft system to protect your sizable investment. Speaking of which, no MSRP figure accompanies the Factory Tuono's press info, however, previous Tuono Factory was $5400 more than its 2005 counterpart. If the pattern holds, the latest Factory Tuono should ring in somewhere between $18,000-$19,000.