It takes a lot to make a term like "naked" any sexier, but Aprilia has managed to do exactly that with its latest "naked bike," the new Tuono V4R. A beast of a machine (that looks sort of like an insect), the Tuono is based on the RSV4, but ditches the bodywork for a two-kilogram weight savings and a better view of the 1000cc DOHC V4 engine, which produces 162 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of tire-smoking torque. But the Tuono isn't just about grunt. In fact, it's one of the most sophisticated naked bikes on the market, and it's coming to the United States towards the end of next year.
Keeping all the twist and shout in check are the Aprilia Performance Ride Control and advanced traction control systems. The PRC is a three-position wheelie control system with programmable launch control that employs more accelerometers and gyroscopes than an Apple Store, allowing a little wheelspin out of the corners and offering eight modes that are adjustable right from the handlebars. The traction control, meanwhile, can automatically optimize itself according to the tires you've fitted. Yeah, that's pretty sophisticated. Pretty sexy, too, and you can check it out in closer detail in the high-resolution image gallery below.
