The Naked Bike that combines performance, comfort and everyday fun

Performance, comfort and everyday fun seem like a perfect oxymoron. After all, balancing these three things is quite difficult. However, if there’s one motorcycle segment that can balance this out, it’s Naked Bikes. The intention was always for these to be more usable versions of performance sports bikes, with an emphasis on fun and everyday skills.

Sure, modern nudes have increasingly focused on the pursuit of tithes, but if you look closely at the segment, you’ll still see some feisty street fighters. We’re talking about one such machine that offers V4 performance, sport-tourer-like comfort and commendable everyday capabilities. Let’s dive in.

The Aprilia Tuono V4 combines performance, comfort and everyday fun

Price: $16,399

Since liter class bikes are at the top of the performance food chain, we’ll stick with this one. And in this segment there are many names that can promise comfort and everyday pleasure. Our choice here is the Aprilia Tuono V4. Why, you ask? Well, because it has one of the best horsepower-to-price ratios in the industry. At the same time, usability is a key area of ​​focus, unlike other super-nakeds that try to act as a track weapon first and a racing bike second. Bonus points because the pack here is pretty fresh, thanks to the recent updates from just a few months ago.

As for alternatives, I think of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP. It offers insane value for the money, thanks to its sub-$11,000 MSRP. At the same time, you get some high-quality bits from Ohlins and Brembo. However, the electronics are quite basic for this segment, and the engine is detuned in the US (by about 25 hp). Moreover, we would choose a V4 engine for everyday fun over a fancy inline-four any day.

The Yamaha MT-10 also deserves a shoutout. It has a spicy crossplane inline-four engine that comes very close to the V4 character. At the same time, the MSRP of less than $15,000 means a solid dollar-to-asset ratio. The biggest disadvantage, however, is age. This is essentially a ten year old motorcycle with no major updates since then. The only notable change came in 2021, when Yamaha tweaked the design, but everything else remained largely the same.

The Tuono V4 has more power than ever before

2025 brought a major update to the Tuono V4. The 1,077cc V4 engine has now been enlarged to the 1,099cc engine seen in the RSV4. There are also new 52mm throttle bodies. These things promise an increased output of 180 horsepower and 89 pound-feet. These figures place it head and shoulders above its similarly priced rivals such as the BMW S 1000 R and Yamaha MT-10.

Low-end grunt and linear performance help increase usability

Daily riding on a liter bike is difficult, especially when it has such a powerful engine. Yet Aprilia has ensured that you don’t have to wring your neck to have fun. The power curve is predictable and linear to provide plenty of grunt from the off, and it also doesn’t run as hot as its rivals. A six-speed gearbox with a two-way quickshifter makes city driving even easier.

Upright ergonomics and a windshield make the Tuono V4 ideal for highway commuting

In typical naked fashion, the Tuono V4 puts you upright in a riding position. The tushy goes on the wide perch, the feet rest on the metatarsal pegs and the hands go on a flat tubular handlebar resting on risers. Comfort is further increased by the standard windscreen. Although smaller than the previous model, it still looks more usable than the Yamaha MT-10. Meanwhile, its rivals like the BMW S 1000 R and Honda CB1000 Hornet SP don’t even get a windscreen.

An aluminum chassis and adjustable suspension form the basis

Once you’re past the commute and the weekend is approaching, you’ll find that the Tuono V4 also promises a ton of driving fun. This is thanks to the RSV4-derived chassis, which consists of an aluminum twin-spar chassis, 43mm USD forks and a monoshock. The suspension comes from Sachs and is fully adjustable (preload, rebound and compression).

These go hand in hand with 17-inch alloy wheels with dual 330mm disc brakes at the front and a 220mm disc brake at the rear. Brembo M50 calipers provide the bite at the top and should be enough to lose speed quickly. One minor drawback, however, is the curb weight of over 460 pounds. This, along with the 32.9-inch seat height, can become a problem during tight and slow maneuvers.

Life with the Tuono V4 is easier than ever thanks to its modern features

In addition to overall comfort, the Tuono V4 is equipped with a range of modern features. You get eight levels of traction control to get things going, along with wheelie control, engine braking control and cornering ABS with rear lift limitation. There is also full LED lighting and the new fairings with aerodynamic wings provide a breath of fresh air to the design. To top it all off, a TFT instrument cluster has been updated with a new user interface.

If you want more, there are three optional packages to take the experience to the next level. These are:

• Track (additional track driving modes, launch control, pit limiter, launch control and race view mode)

• Comfort (cornering lights and cruise control)

• Race (telemetry details and corner-by-corner feature to dynamically adjust traction control, wheelie control and engine braking settings via GPS)

The Tuono V4 factory brings more luxury for more money

Last but not least, a Tuono V4 Factory is also offered. It brings track-specific electronic aids to the party, along with Ohlins suspension with electronic controls. At the same time, the whole thing is surrounded by a special RSV4-matched Dark Kraken livery. However, all these upgrades increase the price to $19,799.