1. For 2017, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 is available in the standard RR ABS and the Factory ABS edition. The Factory gets upgraded suspension, tires and graphics. Both were updated with cornering ABS, a quick shifter with clutchless downshifting, cruise control, and a TFT display.

2. The main difference between the 2017 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory and RR models is the Factory’s Öhlins suspension, and you can tell the difference immediately. The Factory, which also arrives with the stylish Superpole graphics, provided more chassis feedback while lapping COTA, especially during the quick transitions at turns 3-6, and also the tight corners heading onto the track’s two long straights. The RR’s Sachs suspension still provides a planted feeling, but it can’t compare to the Factory’s Öhlins setup.

3. Besides suspension and graphics, the other major difference is the tires. The Factory arrives with the super-sticky Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires—the same that arrive on the RSV4 models—with a 200/55 out back. The RR gets Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires with a smaller, but still massive, 190/55 out back. The Supercorsa tires were obviously the preferred choice due to traction at COTA, and provided endless traction at serious lean. As expected, the RR’s Diablo Rossi III were super greasy after a day of thrashing them, which assisted in testing the traction control settings.

4. Just like the RSV4, the 2017 Aprilia Tuonos arrive with an eight-level traction control system that is adjustable while riding via easy-to-reach toggle switches (one for thumb, other for index finger) on the left control. While piloting the RR on worn and slippery tires, I was able to easily turn up the TC to reduce tire slippage, even at full lean angle on COTA’s longer turns. There’s no need to close the throttle; just click it through until you find the desired setting, including off. Due to the difference in tires, my preferred setting while at pace was level 4 on the RR, and the less-intrusive level 1 on the Factory.