Description
Additional photos of this Aprilia Tuono Racing are available here for your perusal.
Unveiled in 2001 at the Bologna Motor Show, the Tuono (Italian for “thunder“) was introduced as a naked sibling to the impressive RSV Mille. Everyone knows the Tuono Factory now – it’s a constant winner of standard bike comparisons – but the precedent for a top-level Tuono was introduced to the world via a very limited-production (we’ve heard estimated between 200 and 220) called the Tuono R Limited or the Tuono Racing.
The stock Tuono was impressive in its own way, but the only-for-2003 Tuono Racing took it to the next level with high-end components including OZ wheels, Brembo radial calipers, and Ohlins suspension (forks, steering damper, and shocks).
All of the bodywork was carbon fiber.
There was also a full factory kit which included a carbon fiber front fairing with number plate/headlight delete.
Longer carbon fiber belly pan with built-in oil catch tank (first photo is the original belly pan, second is the longer kit version).
Mesh taillight cover.
Reverse-pattern shifter and race chip.
Finishing off the kit was a titanium exhaust can.
According to this review on Motorcyclist, just 50 made it to the United States.
The seller of this example (VIN: ZD4RPC0583S000065) acquired it from the original owner approximately a year ago.
During that time, he has put on approximately 200 miles. The odometer now shows 6,521.
Recent maintenance includes the 6,000 mile service, oil/filter change, brake/clutch fluid flush, fork oil/seal change, fuel injector cleaning/flowing, and new rotors.
6/6/20 Update: We got a question about why this low-mileage bike has new rotors, and the seller explained it as follows:
“I replaced the disks as there was a bit of a pulse. Didn’t seem right to try and sell it that way so I replaced with new factory spec Brembo disks, purchased through AF1. I don’t believe that the bike was ever tracked or abused. I didn’t get to track this one and the guy I bought it from didn’t seem like a track rider at all.
On a forum I read this week, rotor buttons can become clogged, brake dust residue etc., and can bind and in turn give the feeling of a warped rotor. I still have the take offs for inspection and can be included with the sale. New pads are on their way too.”
Here are a couple of forum thread from the seller that the next owner may appreciate:
Cleaning the Disc Rotor Buttons
Stock Front Brake Rotors made Perfect for $0.00
Aftermarket upgrades include a new Oberon clutch slave cylinder as well as a Sargent seat.
Cosmetic issues are minor – we note some staining on the engine cowl and scratches on the short, non-kit bellypan.
The long kit bellypan has a scratch on the front edge from being loaded on a trailer.
There are also some scratches on the right front fender and general marks from use. Please look through the photo album up top to verify the condition – don’t hesitate to let us know if you need photos of anything in particular.
There are no mechanical issues to note and it runs great. The seller is letting it go as he has more bikes that he uses and this one mostly sits.
The sale includes the “use + maintenance book”, “Kit Tuono Racing” operating instructions, and two keys.
One of the rarest Aprilias ever built, this Tuono Racing rides as good as it looks. Whether you want it to display or to ride, you won’t be disappointed.
