I've got a test ride of the new DVT 1200S on Thursday. I currently have a 2014 Aprilia Tuono. Love the bike, but could do with a bit more practicality in my life. It'll be interesting to see just how different the two bikes are. The missus doesn't know I've got it booked so I'm half hoping I don't like it. Must be strong...
Quite Ironic, I was just looking at Aprilla web site, just as well no dealers close to me lol, just love the Tuono V4 1100 RR Factory Look forward to your thoughts
Well, had the test ride today. It's difficult to really get a feel for the bike after just one hour, but it's certainly a great bike. It's not faultless and I came across the issues you guys have already done a great job of documenting: scratches on dash, false neutrals, catching high beam switch, awkward side stand, buffeting from screen - BUT i really enjoyed riding it. In the limited time I had I felt the Tuono is certainly more involving - the throttle reacts instantly and fires you on, the ROCK hard seat and firm suspension mean you'd know if you ride over a gnat's cock and the steering is scalpel sharp. The gearbox is ultra smooth, so clutchless changes are easy. The MTS on the other hand has got silky smooth suspension that felt great, the gearbox needs you to be much firmer in selection, switches are better quality, the mirrors work though but were a bit vibey at times, and the engine is not as reactive. TBH I think I was riding it wrong. I guess you have to alter you're style for the v twin. That's where more time on it would have helped. I'm not used to having a screen. The Tuono's is about the size of a cow's tongue. I definitely felt I was being buffeted so would probably prefer a smaller screen. I like the bike, but I think the dealer would have to let me have more time on it before I could take the plunge. Wish I could afford to have both!
Bear in mind the tuono has sports bike running gear incl close ratio box Did yiu try it in sport mode? The throttle picks up real quick like an on/off switch then
Did the last half hour in sport mode and it does make a difference. I'm really impressed with the bike, just need a bit more time on it to really get to see what it's like. I can see why you guys are protecting the dash though. That needs sorting out.
Just did cadwell with a mate on his tuono and me on my gixer 1000. Ok he has modern tech and I just have a 10 yr old litre bike, and he and the bike must weigh 50 kilos less, but those tuonos dont have shift! Certainly quicky than a multi in a straight line
My pal just sold his Tuono, it was a missile !! Differently quicker than the Multi but its not for me I'm happier with the Multi
I agree. My mate has a Pikes Peak MTS and on the roads he can progress as quick as me, if not a tad quicker. Track days are a different matter, but for the real world (and our crumbling roads) the MTS is the way to go. You guys have made a great choice, and I hope I can do the same. If you haven't tried a V4 Tuono I'd recommend having a demo though - they really are a good laugh. I just don't get why Aprilia think a plank of wood is adequate for a seat though. It really is hard. The MTS seat took some getting used to though, as it's almost pointing down towards the tank.
I took one out the other week. I liked a lot about it but I wouldn't trade mine in for a new one. I thinking my multi doesn't have the feel you get from my Daytona (I know they are different bikes for different riding) and I think there is even less feel thought the DVT. It's a great tool but I think it's loosing it's raw feel. Don't get me wrong though that smoothness down low is brilliant but I like my lumpy twin which I feel more connected to the road with. Let the hating begin lol.
No, true that. It is still an awesome bike. The gadgetry is awesome too. Plus looks good. Just don't like the loss of feel.
Bradders If I recall you like to hold in gears and rev, it will be right up your street I do think there is certainly a loss of urgency lower down the rev range, but that is would you would expect from a DVT engine. I actually fun High mode in all Touring Sport and Enduro, (I have set Enduro to be a more aggressive, slightly higher preload than touring, harder on all settings, inbetween sport and touring that I have lowerd) to give a more instant throttle response at lower revs, although I have only done 750 miles and not had first service yet, maybe things will change a little with a more miles on the clock. My sort of biggest disappointment is the lack of engine breaking at lower revs, on the old you shut throttle, and you just lose speed fast, I tend to find the newer one runs on more, and hence I seem to be breaking more coming into corners But end of the Day what makes me smile the most is every time I have to stop, and put my feet on the ground Big Grin. So much more confidence at slow travel
I took the new dvt and bmw s1000xr for a test drive before deciding on the the 2012 model. I just liked how raw the engine on the older model felt and I really liked the feel from the ohlins suspension. The thought of having to wait a few months for a bike to arrive also had a say in my decision.
What did you think to the S1000XR? I enjoyed the MTS but wouldn't mind having a test ride on the XR before I decide.
The s1000xr is an amazing bike I just didn't find it as involving. It's fast but you end up sitting so high up in the revs like a sports bike. It buzzes a lot and I didn't fancy that on a long journey. I was just left a bit disappointed and not ready to part with my money. Take one for a spin you might like it.
I'm with you on the performance of the engine. I took one out and tried all sorts of riding styles and settings and I found it (for want of a better word) sluggish. I currently run a 130bhp V4 honda crosstourer and the Honda felt much quicker, had more mid range and is silky smooth in comparison. I said to the dealer the multi didn't feel like a 160bhp motor and he just said it's a totally different engine to my Honda and deliveres the power in a totally different way. Love the look of the Multi but it coughed, Spluttered, vibrated and shook and although I really wanted to like it, I was left feeling underwhelmed. Still a drop dead gorgeous bike though!
The point of variable valve timing is that at low revs and small throttle openings, the valve timing is "soft" and the engine is in effect in a low state of tune. Perhaps that is what you mean by "sluggish". At high revs and big throttle openings, it transforms into virtually a highly-tuned superbike with sharp reactions and all the power you could want. That's VVT for you. Lots of riders have reported that Ducatis don't "feel quick" - until they look at their speed, or lap times. It's not at all surprising that you found the Honda "felt much quicker".
