09-03-2015, 04:16 AM
(09-03-2015, 03:53 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Andy ( ok NOT Mike lol) ... Obviously fun to ride..but what about reliability, prats availability, dealing with Aprilia on warranty work etc? That's what I meant by ownership experience. I have a buddy that just traded in his Tuono for a Suzuki V strom 1000. He said the Tuono was fun of you were railing it, but basically only if you were railing it. He said his bike had some elect gremlins when new, but they got it sorted out. The nearest dealer to me is 2 1/2 hours away.
Reliability is good so far but needless to say the Honda will most likely be more reliable, easier (and cheaper) to maintain etc. The key with Aprilias is to have a good (and preferably local) dealer; that could make a huge difference. Some Tuonos (V4R) have experienced a few minor issues such as tank expansion (due to ethanol in gas) and stator burning out, but there are already known fixes to those problem that's not too pricey. Plus all covered under the two-year warranty.
Someone on the Aprilia forums already has 50K miles, which really is not a lot, but so far so good. The V4's only came out a few years ago.
It's the nature of the beast; it's Italian, super high performance, exotic etc. But the reliability is still pretty good considering. Again, the key with these bikes is all about dealer network.