Look at what I got to ride today
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MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
yeah, lots to like.
The powerband: Very similar to the 'hawk but with more of it (137hp at the wheel on this modded one) and over a wider range. Although it's a 60 degree V, counter balancers make it about as smooth as 'hawk. This bike has more radical gearing so keeping the front wheel on the ground in 1st is impossible at anything approaching 1/2 throttle. Seriously, I never ridden anything that wheelies this easy. He's probably going to change it.
Brakes. Brembo radials are incredible. Running around town, it seemed I only needed to place my forefinger on the lever for basic stopping. Very, very strong.
Looks. Well, it's just oozes "trick".
Dislikes:
Riding position. Pegs are full on sportbike and had me cramping in my knees and hips within the first couple of miles. This is too bad since the superbike bar like I added to both my VTR and VFR is extremely comfy.
Wind protection: Very little. After 75mph, it's gets a bit..... windy.
Exhaust: LeoVince Ti pipes are too loud without the silencers and interfere with boot heels. And although it's a twin, it's a 60 degree and just doesn't sound as good as our 90's.
Suspension: it's setup/valved for the owner who's about 80+ lbs heavier so it was WAY too stiff for me. Not the fault of the quality items tho'.
The powerband: Very similar to the 'hawk but with more of it (137hp at the wheel on this modded one) and over a wider range. Although it's a 60 degree V, counter balancers make it about as smooth as 'hawk. This bike has more radical gearing so keeping the front wheel on the ground in 1st is impossible at anything approaching 1/2 throttle. Seriously, I never ridden anything that wheelies this easy. He's probably going to change it.
Brakes. Brembo radials are incredible. Running around town, it seemed I only needed to place my forefinger on the lever for basic stopping. Very, very strong.
Looks. Well, it's just oozes "trick".
Dislikes:
Riding position. Pegs are full on sportbike and had me cramping in my knees and hips within the first couple of miles. This is too bad since the superbike bar like I added to both my VTR and VFR is extremely comfy.
Wind protection: Very little. After 75mph, it's gets a bit..... windy.
Exhaust: LeoVince Ti pipes are too loud without the silencers and interfere with boot heels. And although it's a twin, it's a 60 degree and just doesn't sound as good as our 90's.
Suspension: it's setup/valved for the owner who's about 80+ lbs heavier so it was WAY too stiff for me. Not the fault of the quality items tho'.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,864
From: Fort Wayne, IN
I've been looking at one of those for my next bike. I usually get something new (used actually, but new to me) every 4-5 years. I've had a VTR for over 7 years now. That's an indication of how much I love the big twin, so for something else to even have a chance really speaks about how much I like the Tuono.
My issues with it:
1) No dealerships within 100 miles. Where would I get parts?
2) How dependable are they? I'm spoiled by my Hondas.
3) Will Aprilia be around for a while? They are always declaring bankruptcy.
4) How do I come up with that kind of money?
I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it...
My issues with it:
1) No dealerships within 100 miles. Where would I get parts?
2) How dependable are they? I'm spoiled by my Hondas.
3) Will Aprilia be around for a while? They are always declaring bankruptcy.
4) How do I come up with that kind of money?
I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it...
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 155
From: in front of you
I've been looking at one of those for my next bike. I usually get something new (used actually, but new to me) every 4-5 years. I've had a VTR for over 7 years now. That's an indication of how much I love the big twin, so for something else to even have a chance really speaks about how much I like the Tuono.
My issues with it:
1) No dealerships within 100 miles. Where would I get parts?
2) How dependable are they? I'm spoiled by my Hondas.
3) Will Aprilia be around for a while? They are always declaring bankruptcy.
4) How do I come up with that kind of money?
I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it...
My issues with it:
1) No dealerships within 100 miles. Where would I get parts?
2) How dependable are they? I'm spoiled by my Hondas.
3) Will Aprilia be around for a while? They are always declaring bankruptcy.
4) How do I come up with that kind of money?
I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it...
first of all, my experience is with an 02 mille r. pretty much the best year and offering. lets just say i got "lucky" that i know a guy at honda pretty well. the po traded for a repsol 1krr preorder.
back to the topic:
1) the best place to get aprilia parts is online as the dealers have little stock if none at all on most items. ex: be prepared to wait 1.5 months for a SLAVE CYLINDER. bad, huh?
2) not very, higher compression motor; nothing equals a honda
3) i wouldn't be very concerned with that
4) trick yourself out all over town :-)
now here's my question:
how does this compare to the mille r?
Thread Starter
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MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
I really wouldn't necessarily say better but it was certainly fun while it lasted.
The 'hawk is more comfortable on the legs, much better wind protection, and 1/2 the price (assuming retail of the last year available). Is the Tuono twice the bike, IMO no. The one I rode was even higher at around $15k with ohlins, marchesini's, full ti exhaust, etc., plus a lot more.
Now that would make an interesting project: take a brand new VTR and pump an additional $7-8 grand into it! Puts pinky finger to mouth: Bwah, bwah-hah-hah, bwah-hah-hah-hah-hah!!!!!!!!!
The 'hawk is more comfortable on the legs, much better wind protection, and 1/2 the price (assuming retail of the last year available). Is the Tuono twice the bike, IMO no. The one I rode was even higher at around $15k with ohlins, marchesini's, full ti exhaust, etc., plus a lot more.
Now that would make an interesting project: take a brand new VTR and pump an additional $7-8 grand into it! Puts pinky finger to mouth: Bwah, bwah-hah-hah, bwah-hah-hah-hah-hah!!!!!!!!!
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,631
From: Montreal
Yep, a VTR with an additional $8K would be a sweet ride for sure. Let's see... high-comp pistons, Stage 1 cams, ported heads, full exhaust, lightened flywheel, RC forks and brakes, RC swingarm, Ohlins shock, carbon fibre wheels, Mario Nava carbon bodywork, and......
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Back Marker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 224
From: Fresno, Ca
I rode a Mille, and that lead to my decision to buy a superHawk. I was actually selling my RD350 cafe bike to a guy that had the Mille and we took a ride together. It was my first time on a full-on Sport bike, and my first ride a V-twin. I instantly fell in love with the growl, and the power. But it was the worst riding position I could possibly imagine. I am on the the shy side of 5' 7" so I could not touch the ground, and it was quite a reach down for the bars. But I knew that if I had the Tuono ergos, it would be perfect. But I could not afford an Italian Motorcycle, so I went with the SuperH. The Hawk is more "user friendly" than the Mille was, and I don't think that it sacrifices anything. This particular example had some good aftermarket stuff on it, so the suspension might have been set up a little better, and the brakes probably had bit more stopping power; but nothing that I would need on the street. I am glad I bought the SuperHawk, and I will keep it for a long time.
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Superstock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 470
From: titusville, fl
And Honda did watch as the other Gods put forth their gifts of twins to the followers: Harley with his pretty rides; Ducati with his sporty, but overly complex, machines; Aprillia and it's confused cylinder angles; the upstart KTM making noises of future V-twin greatness; and all the other underpowered feets forward toys.
And Honda did as always: providing it's true believers with a machine whose worth was great and only to be questioned by the non-believers as was Honda's plan.
And, lo, the true followers were defined. And the others were unable to argue the great SuperHawk though they tried.
And Honda said 'to you of little faith shall I once again show you my might. But, you must still prove yourselves to me or forever be cast into the realm of normal twins. And let me not hear of your displeasure or you will be condemmed to ride inline fours for all eternity.'
And Honda did create the RC in the image of the SuperHawk and send it forth to do battle. And it did perform massive *** kickage. And Honda saw this was good. Knowing there would always be naysayers Honda sat back and allowed it's true followers many years of 'Hawk production to sate their needs and give them the means to show their faith.
Then Honda did give it's faithful the Forum. And all were pleased.
And Honda did as always: providing it's true believers with a machine whose worth was great and only to be questioned by the non-believers as was Honda's plan.
And, lo, the true followers were defined. And the others were unable to argue the great SuperHawk though they tried.
And Honda said 'to you of little faith shall I once again show you my might. But, you must still prove yourselves to me or forever be cast into the realm of normal twins. And let me not hear of your displeasure or you will be condemmed to ride inline fours for all eternity.'
And Honda did create the RC in the image of the SuperHawk and send it forth to do battle. And it did perform massive *** kickage. And Honda saw this was good. Knowing there would always be naysayers Honda sat back and allowed it's true followers many years of 'Hawk production to sate their needs and give them the means to show their faith.
Then Honda did give it's faithful the Forum. And all were pleased.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,315
From: Richmond, Virginia
Makes me want to go watch The Lion , the Witch & the Super Hawk!
And Honda did watch as the other Gods put forth their gifts of twins to the followers: Harley with his pretty rides; Ducati with his sporty, but overly complex, machines; Aprillia and it's confused cylinder angles; the upstart KTM making noises of future V-twin greatness; and all the other underpowered feets forward toys.
And Honda did as always: providing it's true believers with a machine whose worth was great and only to be questioned by the non-believers as was Honda's plan.
And, lo, the true followers were defined. And the others were unable to argue the great SuperHawk though they tried.
And Honda said 'to you of little faith shall I once again show you my might. But, you must still prove yourselves to me or forever be cast into the realm of normal twins. And let me not hear of your displeasure or you will be condemmed to ride inline fours for all eternity.'
And Honda did create the RC in the image of the SuperHawk and send it forth to do battle. And it did perform massive *** kickage. And Honda saw this was good. Knowing there would always be naysayers Honda sat back and allowed it's true followers many years of 'Hawk production to sate their needs and give them the means to show their faith.
Then Honda did give it's faithful the Forum. And all were pleased.
And Honda did as always: providing it's true believers with a machine whose worth was great and only to be questioned by the non-believers as was Honda's plan.
And, lo, the true followers were defined. And the others were unable to argue the great SuperHawk though they tried.
And Honda said 'to you of little faith shall I once again show you my might. But, you must still prove yourselves to me or forever be cast into the realm of normal twins. And let me not hear of your displeasure or you will be condemmed to ride inline fours for all eternity.'
And Honda did create the RC in the image of the SuperHawk and send it forth to do battle. And it did perform massive *** kickage. And Honda saw this was good. Knowing there would always be naysayers Honda sat back and allowed it's true followers many years of 'Hawk production to sate their needs and give them the means to show their faith.
Then Honda did give it's faithful the Forum. And all were pleased.
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MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,052
From: Leander TX!!
Place your hands to the back of the computer and feel his energy...yes, yes, yes,,,,I do beleive in superhawks, I do believe in superhawks....I do beleive in the new Duc 1098...er um...I mean, I do believe in superhawks, duc, hawk, duc, hawk, duc duc duc....damn these demons.....damn them all to Hell!!!! 
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