Aprilia Tuono 1000 reviews

As mentioned in my review of the BMW Rockster I own 6 bikes, from sport to touring. The Tuono is quick and exciting and not for a beginner. I have driven and owned bikes like the ZX12R etc and even though the Tuono has a bit less power it is still explosive in the higher revs. The rear shock however was replaced by me as I could not get full traction at all times. I adjusted the suspension every which way but the stock shock wouldnt cooperate. The Ohlins which replaced it did the trick. Still cheaper than going for the "limited" edition Tuono R. It is the only "naked" bike so far that the sport riders dont look down on:) Show less

One week into ownership of this Tuono R and I am extremely happy. Everything about the bike is different than what I've been riding for the last 30 years (mostly Honda and Yamaha sport bikes and one Norton). The bike looks like no other, the only bright item is the Ohlins front forks, everything else is a very subduded matte finnish; understated yet pleasing to the eye (well, my eye anyway). Sitting position is very comfortable with the press of wind against one's chest only noticable at speeds in the 80 MPH plus range and helmet buffeting just doesn't occur at any speed. Handling is one of this bike's strongest assets as it's very forgiving, allowing quite a lot of "mid corner" adjustment. After only a few turns I began to feel very confident and agressive, and soon realized I was having a great time! The Brembo brakes are just the best, the fronts are very progressive and it's easy to apply just the right amount of force. We've only gone 350 miles together, so the RPM has been limited to 6500 (Okay, it did accidently get to 7500 eight or ten times), but the power is awsome. Not the "light switch" sudden power of the R1 I have been riding but power that builds (quickly) and makes powering out of curves so much easier. The "slipper clutch" works great and allows "no brainer" downshifts; they are smooth every time no matter what the engine RPM. Bottom line is; this bike is fun to ride, and it's very easy to ride agressivly. I will report back after several thousand miles but at the moment I am very pleased with this great machine. Show less

Break-in on the Caponord is accomplished in two phases. The first 600 miles restrict you to 5000 rpm, and avoiding full throttle operation. The second phase (to 900 miles) allows occasional full throttle and an rpm restriction of 6250. During both phases, steady speeds are to be avoided, and full use of the transmission is encouraged. Brakes are not required to be babied after the first 60 miles, but normal caution should be exercised as they complete bedding in. With 1100 miles, I still consider the bike to be a first rate machine! It has not disappointed me in any category. The engine vibration that I mentioned in my first report has largely disappeared. The excellent transmission has only gotten smoother. The brakes are awesome - especially the front. Handling of the bike is superb, and power delivery just keeps a big grin on my face. The seat could stand some improvement - butt burn at about 100 miles - but I can say that about every stock seat I have ever ridden. I am not sure how I am going to rectify that yet. I have the hard side bags on my bike - and they are quite large, attractive, and weather proof. The rear seat can be removed to reveal a much larger cargo area for a tail bag or duffle. Add a tank bag, and a solo rider can move his belongings... :) I have seen claims of top speed in the range of 135+ mph. I believe that the claim is an accurate one. However, it is the all around utility of this bike that sets it apart, no the ability to go fast. I am happy to recommend it with no reservations! Show less

Although I loved my Ducati ST2, I couldn't resist the chance to upgrade to this futuristic beauty (illusion red) that I have had my eye on since its introduction. I wasn't disappointed, quite the contrary. All of the high-tech features like four-valve head, single swing arm, digital information center, spot-on electronic ignition, etc. etc. place this bike well ahead of the others in it's class. I also own a VROD which can't be beat for pure pizazz, but I'd choose the Futura for touring. The ergos are perfect for me (5ft 10") including the comfy seat and the great windshield that gives just the right amount of wind protection without taking the fun out of the ride. The avant-guard, stealth styling and the bright red paint get almost as many stares as the VROD. The versitality of the 6-speed gearbox allows precise control in all riding venues. Fourth and fifth around town and sixth on the highway. I've owned many Harleys and all kinds of Japanese bikes and, I must say, I loved them all. I just love this one a little more than the rest. Aprilia is here to stay.I give it a 10. Show less

I love this bike... and so does my favorite passenger for the excellent seating ergonomics, the INCLUDED hard bags, the 8,000 miles with NO problems, the great wind protection, the way it attracts all sorts of favorable comments from a wide range of riders AND non-riders (it's a people magnet and a great way to meet new people), it's daring but not weird styling, excellent suspension for the pothole riddled roads I often have to ride, it's great fit and finish.... and more reasons. I don't want to bore you, just go buy one. Show less

Excellent wind protection and luggage capacity. Very smooth powerful engine. Questionable workmanship (paint, assembly work, etc.) Dealer network few and far between. Tires wear out quickly. Show less

I bought this bike in early December 2001 and it is now 01/22/02 and I have 1,300 miles on it. I have to say that it is an awesome bike all the way around. This is my second street bike. My first, which I still own, is a 2001 Bandit 1200S with 12,000 miles on it and although I do/did like the Bandit, it served it's purpose for me. I realized that the type of riding I like is Sport Touring. The Futura is so unique, full of character, and I think it looks great with or without the standard hard luggage. Speaking of looks, I get the all the time on this bike. I bought it in silver (stream gray). This bike might cost twice as much as the Bandit, but I'm learning why that is. It has much better brakes and suspension, which is very apparent. There is little dive or squat when braking or accelerating. The suspension is stiffer for hard cornering at my skill level yet soft for the straight road. The engine is unique for me as I was coming from an inline four. I really like how the V-Twin feels and sounds. The fuel injection is really perfect for sport touring. I'm finding this out riding in the Texas Hill Country up and down hills and around twistys. The fuel injection is constant and smooth for really precise control. The handling is great too. The bike feels really planted and has increased my cornering confidence at low or high speeds. My Futura came equipped with Metzelers and so far I have no complaints. The torque from the engine is great too and there is plenty of it in all RPM ranges. Wheelies are easy on this bike. The bike feels so well balanced and with the torque, lifting the front end off the ground doesn't feel out of control. Wind protection is even better than a 2000 VFR as I have ridden and compared the two. Gas mileage is good as well. I can ride pretty hard and go about 180 to 200miles. The fuel injection really helps in that area. The display looks good and is easy to read, especially at night with the blue backlit illumination. I really like the ambient temperature gauge as well. It helps in judging the temperature you are riding in and what to wear to stay comfortable. The seat and headlights are probably the best out there. The seat is so comfortable that it became apparent to me the other day that I haven't even noticed it on long rides. The headlight and high beams are really well designed. They show so much of the road without blinding oncoming traffic. The bike also has a PARKING position on the ignition which leaves the rear tail light lit and a dim front bulb lit for rear or oncoming traffic to see at night if you are parked or stranded on the side of the road. The bike is nothing short of awesome for a sport tourer in my opinion and it seems to be changing for the better the more I ride it. It has good reviews in all of the ones I've read with only a few justifiable negatives. The only competitors are BMW, the ST4, and the new VFR. Scratch BMW off since they cost so much, they are heavy, and have engine surging problems. The problem I see with the ST4 is with the ergonomics, the initial price, and price of maintenance. Long rides on that seat and seating position doesn't look comfortable and it costs more than the Futura all the way around. The 2000 VFR is a great bike that I have had a chance to ride but I think the Futura edges it out in a few areas. The new 2002 VFR is cheaper and offers ABS and hard luggage that will probably be under or match the Futura in price. The VFR is a Honda, which was a consideration of mine for reliability and manufacturer support, but I just wouldn't be happy with a RED bike that Honda always offers the VFR in. Even if Honda offered it in another color I wouldn't have any regrets. The Futura's uniqueness fits me better and it performs so well. Aprilia really seems to be focusing on the U.S. market and coming up with really great bikes. It also helps to have a good dealer. My dealer is Mototek in Round Rock, Tx. and they have been good to work with and they only sell Aprilia. I feel like I have a good place to go when a problem or concern arises. I'm convinced that Aprilia will have good support for my bike with the way they have been coming out with consumer bikes. I have a feeling that I'll be keeping this bike for a long time. I'll add another review after my next big ride. Show less

I've (like most of you out there) have had many types of bikes. Started riding when I was 16 which was...well many years ago. This is my favorite bike. Handling is very stable, the turn in is a little slow but if you hang off a bit it responds nicely. The engine has been very good, fast but without the high pitch and tension that goes with a motor that needs high rpm. The trans is smooth....after the motor warms up to 150+ degrees. Below that neutral is hard to find. Brakes = plenty. I enjoy it on the backroads and have been to 3 track schools (Reg Pridmores CLASS) at Grattan and Mid Ohio. Performance = you should see my smile! Reliability has been good too. The looks get attention from riders, bikers and the general public too, this is a fine looking machine. The only bad thing is the winter in Michigan makes the break too long. I'll be ready for pipes, a chip and air filter in the spring. Any suggestions from other Falco surfers? Ride quick & safe. Show less

I can't say enough about this bike. My friend has a GSX-R 1000 (who doesn't). I have ridden his bike. Has a lot more power higher in the rev range, but I am not a rev kind of guy. I love the rich pure pounding in your face raw torque of a good sport twin. Oh, it's like an orgasm on a bike. This bike has sport and sensibility all together. I have had a problem though. The kickstand light switch has broken. Dealer is ordering parts. Other than that the bike is perfect. I have 8200 miles of fun and planning on putting tons more. See yall Show less

I have owned 4 bikes in the last 8 years of riding. I have owned a Honda Interceptor, Ducati 900 SS, Suzuki Hayabusa, and Yamaha R1. This bike beats them all. I couldn't believe it when I had my R1. I thought that bike was untouchable. Fact is, the Falco stomps the R1. Of course the R1 will whip around a track a little bit easier, but not out on the street. The V-twin is perfect. Honda and Suzuki couldn't get it right and my Ducati I had, used to stall and have constant maintenance needs. This motor is a lot more powerful than the Duck. This bike handles beautifully. It is almost like all the bikes I have owned in the past have come together to form this perfect machine. That is really why I bought it because I expected that and it is everything I expected. The power has a perfect powerband a lot more exciting than any of my Japanese bikes. The handling is spot on, the brakes are beyond all of my previous bikes (brembo Baby!) even though the Duck had them, these feel better. I gotta tell ya, I have 14,558 miles as of this past weekend. Not a single problem. I had the kickstand part replaced already. No biggie. This bike gets better and better every time I ride it. Last year I toured over to California and back up through Arizona. Very comfortable! I am planning to go East this year. haven't quite decided. Good luck out there picking a bike, I know how time consuming it all can be to say well this bike does that well and that one is great in that area. Just get a Falco. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah, one more thing. I have had more chicks interested in this bike than any of my others (the Italians know how to make em) and ya know I'm 28, not a bad looking guy, but have a girlfriend. Too bad. Just have to go surf some Asphalt. Later! Show less