Niall's Spin: 2006 Aprilia Tuono R

Click to read: Aprilia Tuono R owners reviews, Aprilia Tuono R specs and to see the Aprilia Tuono R image gallery.

'TOO FAST, TOO furious' are the words the Aprilia uses to describe its latest streetfighter. Thankfully it's neither, or customers might be thin on the ground at UK dealers.

This is the only naked 'fighter that is truly a superbike in disguise .The sit-up-and-beg riding position means you can cruise the high street in comfort, but get your head down behind the clocks and you can stay with any of the competition - at least up to 100mph.

Fortunately this latest Tuono doesn't look like an RSV that's been in an accident. From the neat nose cowling down to the belly pan there's much more attention to detail in every department. The engine has huge torque and likes to rev but you have to be careful in tight, slow corners since first gear is quite high and the throttle response snatchy low down.

Handling is accurate and the radial brakes will stop you in an instant - or even quicker if you fancy a stoppie. Wind resistance apart, the riding position is ace on long or short journeys, my only complaint being I kept hitting the horn instead of the indicators, which only ever happens on an Aprilia. If I ever get in the position where I'm looking to buy a bike the Tuono R would be close to the top of my list.