Return of the sports tourer? Well, not quite...

[richtea]

Call me mad, but this new Tuono version has a hint of sports tourer about it:
https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/models/tuono-v4/tuono-v4-4s4v-2021/

It's certainly got the engine for fun, and it's more upright than their racer, plus a hint of a fairing. Maybe more of a K1300R than an S, but at least it's not another adventure bike.

The blurb says it will come with panniers, but knowing the Italians they'll have only have room for a toothbrush, cardit card, undercrackers and a pair of tiny size 7 Ferragamos.

[black-k1]

That does look quite nice.  If they continue to use their old stock of Futura panniers, as they have with their adv. bike, then those panniers are pretty good.

The market for such bikes, with the Kawasaki Z1000SX and the Suzuki GSX1000F etc. has been slowly increasing.

[Matt]

Oh! I always like the old Tuono and this looks quite tasty. But if they pointing it at tourer they're going to have to finally find a fuel sensor and room for a fuel gauge!

And maybe change the name. "what bike you riding now?" "Aprilia E5" "E5? I thought everyone had to make e10 now..."

Oh and Tarmac Grey. Ha! And air scoops on the brakes!

[richtea]

Air scoop brakes? Tch - old hat. I want the 'Higher Right Dutch':
https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/accessories/vehicle-accessories/graphics-design-moto/higher-right-dutch-2h002614/

Oh, and some Windglets:
https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/accessories/vehicle-accessories/performance-moto/windglets-2s001368/

More seriously, I would need a tank bag.
But I did like my pre-BMW Aprilia a lot.

[sudolea]

...
The market for such bikes, with the Kawasaki Z1000SX and the Suzuki GSX1000F etc. has been slowly increasing.

Honestly, I don't know what would make the GSXS1000F a (sports)tourer. Just adding a fairing to the naked GSX-S1000 (and leaving all the rest unchanged) doesn't make the F a (sports)tourer. I'd rather call it a "faired naked". I've just sold my (naked) GSX-S1000, and I would call it dishonourable to the K1300S to even start comparing the GSX-S to the K1300S (and the SX). It's not homogeneous as a bike. Too much of several things, but too little of a well thought-of bike.

It doesn't even have a sporty seat position. And I maybe should actually have started by noting that it lacks hard luggage possibilities (and isn't that one of the first things a sports-touring bike should have ?). So it's arguable that it'd not even be a tourer.

[Phmode]

Never mind the luggage, I couldn't be seen riding a bike at my age with only one Higher Dutch. It would make it look like I was still saving up for the other one 

I mean, come on guys...

[Matt]

Hahaha I always knew I was missing something on my bikes and it was a higher Dutch! Right side to be specific, I've got left side higher dutches coming out my ears.

The GSXS1000, my friend has the faired one. Swapped once for an hour or so. Is my memory right that the suspension is much firmer than the K? As you say, felt like a faired naked. The Z1000SX or whatever they call it now though, felt much closer in comfort of suspension.

Anyway. This Aprilia looks nice, I hope it ends up sub 15 grand. Fricking cheap finance is ruining bike prices! :p

[richtea]

It's £15.5k for the non-factory one, so given Aprilia will probably discount it at some point, you will easily get one for £15k.
Or just wait for Norman Nice-Newbike to sell his in October when it goes a bit chilly. They'll be down to £13.5k by then.

[armstrongracer]

Wait a year, they tend to be bought by wealthy sunny day riders. My neighbours V4 Tuono factory has less than 2k miles on the clock, been unlocked and remapped, has carbon Akro also. It's a 2020 bike and he paid £10k for it in the UK.

[Matt]

Sheesh. And yeah, nearly new please!

Here's what I've not understood yet. The Tuono was a mental pretend naked whatever thing. Now it's a sports tourer? Or have they split into two models?

[Belco100]

The Tuono is one of my favourite looking bikes. Unfortunately it is the size of 125, looks a bit silly with me on it, yet alone two of us with luggage. 

[richtea]

Ah, well, it might be a bit small for me too, it's true.

But the pillion seat isn't going to get used. I'd need to buy a K1600 with a backrest plus built-in wool feeding mechanisms in both armrests to gain a pillion in this particular household.

[Phmode]

I have seen a pillion knitting on a Gold Wing decades ago in France. Mind-numbing activity for itchy fingers.

[Costas]

It's the faster sports toured for sure but with many many issues with engine and clutch.