The 2003 Tuono is the affordable version of the RSV Mille R Tuono, a limited edition series of only 200 that sold out within days of going on sale.
And it's a brilliant bike. Aprilia's 60-degree V twin engine delivers an astounding 126 horsepower - making it the most powerful in its class.
Compared to a traditional sports bike, the Aprilia RSV Tuono is much more agile - and comfortable. The wide, high handlebars give better control and easier, more instinctive riding. The high bars also reduce weight and strain on the arms, making backroads and city streets a pleasure instead of a pain.
Minimal bodywork protects the engine's vitals, but leaves just enough to show through the eye-catching metal mesh grill.
The fairing might be small, but it streamlines the front end and is surprisingly effective. Aprilia claims it performs a fundamental aerodynamic function, creating ground loading and keeping the front end stable at high speeds.
The RSV Tuono engine is tuned for mid-range performance thanks to specially designed intake manifolds and EPROM mapping, optimised to increase the already impressive torque and smoothness. In all other aspects the power unit is identical to that in the RSV Mille. The Tuono also shares its frame with the Mille.
Up front is a 43mm Showa upside-down fork, with adjustable preload, compression and rebound. The rear suspension uses an integrated Boge piggyback monoshock, also adjustable for preload, compression, rebound, and height.
Brembo Gold front brakes with double 320 mm floating stainless steel disks haul the Tuono down from its 160mph top speed. Aprilia use a conventional two-pad system rather than the four pad one used on the Mille supersport. It gives smoother stopping when you start to haul on the anchors, much better for braking on rough road surfaces. The rear brake is also Brembo Gold, with a 220mm stainless steel disk, twin 32mm pistons, and sintered pads.
The Tuono is a real sports bike - but without the full fairing. Watch out if you see one on a trackday.
