Thunder for the circuit: Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory - no "Tirol Bike"

Until now, Aprilia's "Factory" versions were only available for the RSV4 and Tuono V4 1100.

Thunder for the circuit: Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory - no "Tirol Bike"

Until now, Aprilia's "Factory" versions were only available for the RSV4 and Tuono V4 1100. Now the entry-level model Tuono 660 can also be adorned with this addition. And with all that is behind it, the factory dress suits her very well. It can sometimes be a bit louder than permitted in Tyrol.

Such a model kit is a fine thing. If you have enough engine and transmission versions, it is enough to reach for the shelf and an additional variant is already generated. This is how Aprilia proceeded with the new Tuono 660 Factory: The 100 hp engine from the RS 660 is responsible for the drive in this version. However, the translation was slightly shortened in favor of better passage.

There is also the large edition of the driver assistance systems, in which all possible vehicle data is recorded by a six-axis sensor. As with the RS, there is also cornering ABS. Aprilia wants 11,000 euros, 400 euros more than for the Tuono 660, from customers for the factory version. And because that's a lot of money, the buyer also gets a quickshifter in return.

The Aprilia developers were able to impressively reduce the noticeable weakness in torque, which the RS 660 shows around 6000 rpm, by reducing the final transmission by six percent. The Tuono 660 Factory, also with 100 hp instead of the 95 hp of the basic Tuono, has a much more linear power development. It is restrained in the lower half of the speed, but shows its performance class at the top. The twin turns so light-footedly that on the race track you keep coming back to the limiter, which is active at 11,500 rpm. The sound is convincing - the crankshaft offset of 270 degrees makes the engine sound like a V2. However, the Tuono 660 Factory is not a "Tyrol bike": The stationary noise of 96 dB (A) during a cold start on Sunday morning probably does not please the neighborhood.

The chassis of the Tuono 660 Factory is fully adjustable and meets all the requirements of this vehicle category. In any case, the driving test, which was limited to the racetrack, shows that the smallest of all Factorys can be folded in the hands of racetrack experts up to the grip limit of the excellent Pirelli Supercorsa and that the lean angle, which is 2.5 degrees more generous than the basic Tuono, can be fully exploited. The slightly longer swingarm ensures better traction in extremely forced operation and the plus in leaning comes from the use of the RS footrests. The brake system with four-piston radial calipers is beyond criticism.

The Tuono 660, which weighs only 183 kilograms, has lost another two kilograms in the Factory version. Aprilia has replaced the normal battery with a rechargeable battery with lithium-ion technology. Of course, two kilograms are more or less not immediately noticeable, but it is noticeable that the Tuono 660 Factory is one of the motorcycles that feels particularly light. The quickshifter, which is not standard on the basic Tuono, also does an excellent job in the factory.

The complete electronic equipment with a six-axis sensor and thus also cornering ABS, which is provided in the factory, is an absolute must for such a sporty naked bike. In terms of driving assistance systems, Aprilia offers no less with the small Tuono than with the Tuono V4 1100, which is really not a matter of course. The wheelie control is of course more of theoretical value: In view of 100 hp you have to consciously want to let the front wheel rise.

The colorful TFT display with its five driving programs also has a lot to offer: there are two special modes for sport use on circuits, while commute, dynamic and individual are intended for the road; in the case of the latter, all factors can be freely selected. The offer of the control center is more than plentiful and reaches the level of the large Tuono V4. In terms of clarity, the Tuono display - as is generally the case with Aprilia - still has room for improvement.

In view of the qualities of the Tuono 660 Factory, it is not surprising that dealers have so far not been able to detect any excessive demand for the basic Tuono. Apparently, the previous package was not attractive enough for potential customers. In the meantime, with even better spring elements, full electronic equipment including quick shifter and cornering ABS, the desire should increase significantly.

The 400 euros more for a factory is money well spent. Now the Tuono 660 appears as "round" and pays tribute to the Aprilia brand. Conversely, of course, this means that the basic Tuono 660 will probably only be able to make a career as an A2 version. Anyone who owns an A driver's license should see no reason against buying a Factory. The bottom line is the exclamation "Thunderweather!" It just goes with the model name Tuono, which means thunder in German.