S3 versus 07 Aprilia's

[eyeque]

I had a chance to ride the new Aprilia Mille and Tuono this weekend as my dealer had the Aprilia demo truck on site. I traded on 01 RSV Mille for my S3 and I'm a big fan of the Aprilia's. In general, they build a very high quality machine.

New Mille - WOW! Great bike, Olins front/rear are good, radial Brembo's are nice too. The motor is stunning. Handling wise, this is probably the best you can buy. Would I want to ride one all day in congested traffic? No

Tuono - Total *****. first gear is perfect, second gear WAY too tall. By detuning the engine, Aprilia neutered the V60. This bike was really a disapointment.

Riding my S3 after both bikes, I can best describe the S3 as easy to ride. It's almost effortless. It's really enjoyable compared to a v-twin.

[BillT]

There are at least ten current bikes I can think of that one could consider, if looking at the S3. Most of the bike mags seem to pick the Aprilia or KTM.

The only bikes in North America that are cheaper to buy and own than the Triumph are the Japanese.

I think the Speed Triple is the best all around if one looks at cost, styling, performance, and rideability. :-D

Sorry to hear they neutered the Tuono

[Stampy]

Yep, I'm an Aprilia fan as well, But the Mille was just plain hard work round town, Take her out to the open road and she performs like a true thoroughbred, I was a bit put off by the colours on the Tuono Factory, White with a red seat and gold frame with a silver swingarm! Not to my taste though the flat black chequer pattern looks great on the std Tuono. The local dealer is getting a tester in shortly so I'll take it for a ride and compare the S3 to it.

[Butch76]

At the last track day I was at a guy was riding a tuono. I had a chance later in the day to follow him and let me tell you that bike sounds awesome. Never beat a twin for sound. But he never left me behind. Especially off slow to mid speed corners.