While it took a few years for the Europeans to truly trump the Japanese when it comes to pure sportsbikes, in the naked class our continental cousins have led the way for some time. Japanese output in this arena was always a compromise too far for our liking. Only very recently have they taken the ‘sports’ side of naked life seriously, and even then some can’t help but rein themselves in.
This is one Euro campaign worth following over Summer...
PIC: ASDESIGN, GAWLER
But the Europeans? Nah, their product has always had a sporting slant included in the deal. And the leader of the pack has been Aprilia by doing what we really want when it comes to a sporty naked – simply ripping the fairings off a pukka sportsbike. This means that when it comes to what we favour, it’s always taken something extra special to knock the Tuono (of whatever vintage) off the pedestal. KTM managed it with its first SuperDuke, but since the arrival of the V4 Tuono rivals have been close, ish, but never once enjoyed the pleasure of lighting the victory cigar.