The Aprilia Tuono has rightfully become one of the maxinakeds most loved by the public. A saga that began more than two decades ago with the launch of the Tuono Mille RSV-R Limitedafter the brand’s first attempt to put a model of this type on the market, creating a Streetfighter kit for the Falco. Furthermore, the Noale firm presented that model in a limited edition that, in principle, would only have 200 copies, although in the end there were a few more.
Aprilia Tuono RSV-R Limited: Maxinaked body, Superbike soul
Perhaps this is the best way to describe the first Tuono in history, the RSV-R Limited. Basically, because the people at Aprilia didn’t think much about taking what at that time was the arrowhead within their model range, the RSV Mille, and converting it into a high-performance naked with just making a few simple changes to it. ergonomic and aesthetic terms.
The result could not be better or more efficient, taking into account that the model continues to be a benchmark within the maxinaked category today. Although initially it was planned to launch only 200 copies in a special and limited edition, most of the sources consulted speak of a final figure around 235 units between 2002 and 2003.
All of them equipped with the well-known 997 cc BRP Rotax V-Twin 60º engine, capable of delivering a maximum power of 126 HP at 9,500 rpm and 101 Nm at 7,250 revolutions. To spice up the mechanical compendium, the Tuono RSV-R Limited included as standard, as detailed by the friends of Iconic Motorbikes:
“Ohlins suspension front and rear plus a steering damper, OZ rims, carbon fiber bodywork, matte Diablo black paint on the tank, Aprilia Racing exhaust with EPROM chip, seats covered in an exotic Kevlar-based fabric, chassis sliders and an exclusive gold color for the chassis and swingarm (or as the Italians called it, «opaque metallic gold«).”
We have now learned of the existence of a copy of this exotic mount for sale in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. To tell the truth, it is advertised on the well-known Ebay ad portal. With just 3,700 miles traveled, less than 6,000 km, and as its current owner explains very briefly, this Tuono RSV-R Limited is in “excellent condition and well maintained.”
With a starting price of $6,500, approximately 6,200 euros, coherent offers are accepted for it. A unique opportunity to get a very special motorcycle, due to everything mentioned above, which is already part of the living history of the brand itself. Without a doubt a classic with rising value in the coming years.
