By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport vs Hyper Naked
Aprilia RSV4 1100 (MY2019-Factory) vs Tuono V4 1100 (ZD4KZ)
Aprilia RSV4 1100 vs Tuono V4 1100: different classes, one choice. Here's how to make it.
You'll feel the Aprilia RSV4 1100 snap into the corner, and it doesn't budge once it's settled on its arc. The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 drops in and keeps talking.
So which one do you buy?
The RSV4 1100 has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Nose ahead: RSV4 1100
The RSV4 1100 pulls a nose ahead on track. The difference is more lean clearance and more feel through the bars. Don't count on it doing the work for you.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: RSV4 1100
The RSV4 1100 nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. What tips it: a sportier chassis. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
The Tuono V4 1100 has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Inches ahead: Tuono V4 1100
Deep into a long ride, the Tuono V4 1100 asks slightly less of your back and shoulders. Put it down to better wind protection and a smoother engine. A small margin, and seat fit can overrule it.
What makes each one tick
RSV4 1100
There's a howl in the RSV4 1100's V4 that keeps building as the revs climb, and the top end rushes harder toward the redline. Hard braking and hard acceleration don't make the braced swingarm and Öhlins suspension squirm. A bump in the braking zone doesn't pull the bike off its line. The rear tire hooks up and drives off the apex.
Tuono V4 1100
Down low the Tuono V4 1100's V4 pulls hard, and it screams up top. On the Angeles Crest Highway, the aluminum frame and swingarm hold steady at speed and send precise feedback through the bars. There's real feel at the lever as the Brembo Stylema calipers bite and haul the bike down. The throttle's reply is instant.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Tuono V4 1100 has the lower seat: 32.5 in (825 mm) vs 33.5 in (851 mm).
- The RSV4 1100 has the lower wet weight: 439 lb (199 kg) vs 461 lb (209 kg).
- The RSV4 1100 makes more peak power: 217 hp (160 kW) vs 175 hp (129 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Call it even on commuting and running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
RSV4 1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Brutally powerful and characterful V4 engine
- Razor-sharp handling and immense stability
Tuono V4 1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Magnificent V4 engine
- Superbike-level chassis and handling
- Top-shelf electronics package
- Excellent braking system
- Exotic Italian character and exclusivity
Trade-offs
- Excessive heat in stop-and-go traffic
- Limited practicality for touring
Known problems to check before you buy
RSV4 1100
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Tuono V4 1100
- Overheating in slow traffic In ambient temperatures above 81°F (27°C), the engine can overheat during prolonged idling or stop-start traffic, sometimes triggering warning lights. Some owners report the need to shut off the engine at red lights to manage heat.
- Dashboard overheating and hot-start issue The digital dash may overheat and temporarily fail to start the motorcycle, particularly after being parked in direct sun or during track use. This has been reported by some owners as an intermittent problem.
- Quick shifter malfunctions Some riders have experienced erratic quickshifter behavior, often traced to a faulty switch assembly.
- Spark plug well O-ring leaks (2021 models) Early 2021 production units had faulty O-ring gaskets in the spark plug wells, causing oil seepage. A redesigned part was implemented later in the production run.
- Minor oil weeps from engine covers Oil can seep from the clutch or alternator covers due to inconsistent sealant application or gasket alignment; usually addressed under warranty.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1077 cc
- Engine
- V4
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 4.9 US gal (18.5 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| RSV4 1100 | Tuono V4 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.5 in (851 mm) | 32.5 in (825 mm) |
| Wet weight | 439 lb (199 kg) | 461 lb (209 kg) |
| RSV4 1100 | Tuono V4 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 217 hp (160 kW) | 175 hp (129 kW) |
| Peak power at | 13,200 rpm | 11,350 rpm |
| Torque | 90 lb-ft (122 Nm) | 89 lb-ft (121 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 11,000 rpm | 9,000 rpm |
| RSV4 1100 | Tuono V4 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 36 mpg (US) / 6.5 L/100 km | 33 mpg (US) / 7.2 L/100 km |
| RSV4 1100 | Tuono V4 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 200/55-17 | 190/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| RSV4 1100 | Tuono V4 1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Option |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
