Test ride Aprilia Tuono & KTM Super Duke - the results are in

**Kendog** · 14th August 2007, 20:49

I had today off work so went to TSS to arrange some new tyres for the wifes bike. They said they could fit them right then and Fergus had offered a couple of bikes to test ride, to good a deal to turn down.

I had half an hour on each bike so did the Hutt-Haywards-Inlet route. It was drizzling and the road was damp, plus I am a cautious rider so neither bike got pushed to the limit.

Bike 1
2007 Aprilia Tuono
This bike is pretty much a RSV-R with upright flat bars. I loved riding the RSV-R and also loved riding this. The engine is beautiful and the brakes are out of this world. For an upright bike it also had pretty good wind protection as well.

Bike 2
2007 KTM Super Duke
Oh my god. This bike is something else. The moment I was moving I was loving it. I felt compelled to ride faster and throw it into corners. So much fun and so enjoyable. This really is a hooligans bike

So, how do they stack up against each other?

Looks:
Clear win for the Aprilia, love the look of these. The KTM is....unique to say the least.

Comfort:
The KTM was better for me, it just felt right. I did notice engine vibration in the foot pegs on the KTM, but not on the Aprilia.

Enjoyment:
The KTM easy. I rode the Aprilia first and really enjoyed it but the KTM really does have an 'X' factor.

Engine:
V twins really are a different ride. Each time I try them I am sure I like them more and more. The Aprilia was silky smooth with power everywhere. The KTM wanted/demanded more, always encouraging you to go faster. I did have some jerky issues when trying to ride down the Haywards towards the Hutt and also when doing 60k in town. A close win for the Aprilia.

Sound:
Both bikes are V-twins so have that nice deep sound, but I preferred the KTM.

Handling:
Both felt very stable round corners, but the KTM wins, it was always willing to go further and really did inspire confidence that it could go further.

Brakes:
I love the Aprilia brakes, touch them and you stop. The KTM are damn nice as well but didn't have the same direct feeling.

Price:
KTM is $1,000 less. That should be just right for some after market exhausts.

So out of my 8 criteria the results are:
KTM 5
Aprilia 3

As always everyone has different tastes and may disagree with everything I have said. Riding a bike is the only real way to know if you like it or not.

Thanks TSS, once again you guys rock.

**sinned** · 14th August 2007, 20:54

Thanks for the heads up on these bikes. I rode the Moto Morini at Motormart today. Really loved it but need to compare with these two.

If you haven't tried the Motor Morini the demo is being returned tomorrow or sometime soon.

**madmal64** · 14th August 2007, 20:57

Damn good write up!
Hmm I need tyres... oh well off to TSS
Kerry better get those bikes ready!
Love to try the KTM I have heard lots of good things about them & sounds like you found that they are a bit of a fun factory on wheels too.