It may seem like ancient history now, but naked/standard style motorcycles used to be available only with severely detuned sportbike engines and, at best, mediocre suspension and brakes. Of course, that era is over and today motorcycle enthusiasts have extremely high performance naked bikes available for purchase.

There are naked bikes that make more peak horsepower, but the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100 has much more than enough horsepower and torque for just about any rider. For 2026, in the US market, Aprilia has revised the Tuono with a new 1099cc V4 engine. This engine is a slightly different version of the V4 found in an Aprilia RSV4 superbike.

In the Tuono, the engine puts out a claimed 180 hp at 11,800 rpm and close to 90 pound/feet of torque at 9,650 rpm. Healthy figures, indeed, in a motorcycle that has a claimed curb weight of 465 pounds (with a full tank of gas).

We tested the Factory version (there is a Standard version that lacks some of the features found on the Factory model, including, notably, the Ohlins Smart Suspension System). This includes a standard steering damper. I could write a book about the adjustments available on the Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi–active suspension system found on the Tuono Factory, but I won’t. Let’s just say this. You can choose pre-configured settings for different riding conditions, from cruising on the highway to attacking a racetrack. The system can adjust automatically based on your riding conditions and aggressiveness, but you can also switch it to manual mode and select damping and various other settings based on your preferences. Once you set a manual setting, those settings are not active, but remain unaffected by your riding.

Sophisticated electronic aids abound on the Tuono Factory. How’s this for a list? Working with a six–access IMU, utilizing Aprilia Performance Ride Control (a–PRC), the bike features cornering ABS, traction control with selectable levels, wheelie control, slide control, engine brake control, a quick shifter, launch control, pit speed limiter, and cruise control.

Stopping this beast are radial-mount Brembo calipers squeezing two huge 330mm floating front disc brakes, and a rear brake with a 220mm disc.

For 2026, the Tuono factory gets winglets (see the photos) and a tail fairing, which Aprilia states are derived from its MotoGP experience. We can’t tell you how these work, because we didn’t have a MotoGP rider on board (although we did do a track day– see below).

Sitting on the bike, you note a 5 inch color TFT display with great legibility that helps you navigate all of the available suspension settings and other electronic rider aids. The ergonomics are moderately aggressive for a naked bike. Fairly high pegs (for ground clearance) and lower bars compared to most other nakeds tell you this is a serious performance machine meant for aggressive riding and big lean angles.

You can see the styling in the photos. Only the Factory version gets this multi-color, dynamic graphic treatment. We like it.

We also like how the Factory Tuono 1100 rides. Well, let’s revise that a bit … we should say we love how it rides. This is the same bike that has won open-class naked bike comparison tests for years, which is improved for 2026. Aprilia didn’t mess up a good thing.

On the street, not surprisingly, the engine performance can be vast overkill, if you choose, but also a smooth, usable transportation device. Nevertheless, having this much power and torque available in a relatively lightweight package makes you feel like a Marvel Superhero, of sorts. This engine doesn’t just have a screaming top end, the torque in the lower mid-range and up as you roll on the throttle is impressive. Some might say breathtaking.

The handling is just as impressive. The chassis, including the frame, are derived from the RSV4 superbike. The feeling you get as you push hard on the Tuono is remarkable stability – almost a calm. At the same time, the bike is ready to change directions when you want to send signals through the wide handlebars that provide good leverage.

This is a “naked” motorcycle that features a mini-fairing and windshield that provide decent wind protection at higher speeds. This is a welcome feature that keeps, for instance, wind pressure off your chest on the highway.

At a trackday, we were easily able to dial in stiffer suspension settings using the Ohlins’ system that presents an involved, but usable (once you figure it out) menu on the dash. At the track, the Tuono displayed the same stability and confidence-inspiring grip we found on the street. Other journalists have noted the excellent feedback from the tires on this bike, particularly the front, and we heartily agree.

Indeed, the bike is so smooth, and so stable, we moved the throttle response to a more aggressive setting on the track. In addition to the Sport, Tour and User modes available on the Standard Tuono, the Factory model offers Race and Track settings that allow the rider to customize numerous performance parameters.

These changes brought the Tuono alive in a way more appropriate for aggressive track riding. At the track, of course, the wind protection was particularly valuable and appreciated.

The brakes do not include the latest-and-greatest Brembo calipers, but we really didn’t notice any deficit. Aprilia must have carefully selected the pads used with the front calipers, and braking was both powerful and with good feel.

The standard quickshifter worked flawlessly, matching revs as you shifted up and down the six-speed gearbox.

The Ohlins electronic suspension not only offered almost infinite adjustability, it offered smooth, quality damping, both on compression and rebound. If “stiction” is the word used to describe the reluctance of a fork to move up-and-down and overcome the inertia of the fork seals, the Ohlins fork on this bike seems to feature almost zero stiction. The movement of the fork feels organic, almost liquid.

Negatives? We weren’t completely happy with a couple of things. First, for casual street riding or distance touring, the footpegs were a bit too high, and the bars a bit too low. Taller, older riders will notice this most, and the ergonomics frankly benefit aggressive riding – certainly one focus of this Factory Tuono. Additionally, one tradeoff for the incredible stability is a slightly higher effort navigating the bike through a series of tight curves.

Overall, this is a fantastic motorcycle that can serve as a versatile mount – able to perform excellently at a trackday, and ideal for the weekend carving of canyon roads, while still capable of day-to-day reasonable comfort for commuting and touring.

U.S. MSRP is $19,999. Take a look at the Aprilia website for additional details and specifications.

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