I have test ridden both the S4R and the Tuono. On power, the Tuono seems to be much more spunky. It's weight balance is not up front as much, with a more upright seating position, so mono-wheeling is more prevalent. It feels like it has 15 more ponies under your seat.
Handling wise, the Tuono has telepathic steering. If you think right, the bike goes right. Very light and wonderful. The Ducati needs input. I would imagine the Ducati to be more stable at speed, but this is conjecture on my part.
For fun I would have to vote Tuono.
Quality of construction I vote Tuono.
Wind protection I vote Tuono.
Maintenence costs I vote Tuono. (gotta be less than desmo!)
Smoothness I vote Tuono.
Unique factors I vote Tuono. (Haven't seen one EVER out on the road!!! ( I am in San Diego , too!)
Some drawbacks , and why I would buy an S4R instead:
The Tuono is tall. I am 6 ft and feel a stretch to the ground.
The fixed fairing on the Tuono gives me a weird sensation, when the bars move I expect everything to move. It ain't a true naked bike.
The S4R is freaking beautiful.
This is a tough one. They are both fab bikes. One thing is for sure: for some reason, the test ride on the Priller sticks in my mind as one of those uniquely sensual experiences. It is very special. The Ducati is very conventionally competent.
Regards,
Rideon
Handling wise, the Tuono has telepathic steering. If you think right, the bike goes right. Very light and wonderful. The Ducati needs input. I would imagine the Ducati to be more stable at speed, but this is conjecture on my part.
For fun I would have to vote Tuono.
Quality of construction I vote Tuono.
Wind protection I vote Tuono.
Maintenence costs I vote Tuono. (gotta be less than desmo!)
Smoothness I vote Tuono.
Unique factors I vote Tuono. (Haven't seen one EVER out on the road!!! ( I am in San Diego , too!)
Some drawbacks , and why I would buy an S4R instead:
The Tuono is tall. I am 6 ft and feel a stretch to the ground.
The fixed fairing on the Tuono gives me a weird sensation, when the bars move I expect everything to move. It ain't a true naked bike.
The S4R is freaking beautiful.
This is a tough one. They are both fab bikes. One thing is for sure: for some reason, the test ride on the Priller sticks in my mind as one of those uniquely sensual experiences. It is very special. The Ducati is very conventionally competent.
Regards,
Rideon
