Aprilia Tuono (2003)

353 real MOT outcomes analysed • 87.1% first-time pass rate

2003 Aprilia Tuono

CarHunch analysed 353 real MOT records for the 2003 Aprilia Tuono. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 353 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2003 Aprilia Tuono passes its MOT first time at 87.1%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, which is a solid result for a 20-year-old sports bike. However, one in five of these machines have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a genuine safety concern worth investigating thoroughly on any used example.

These Tuonos show relatively modest mileage for their age—averaging just over 19,000 miles—suggesting they've been ridden sparingly or carefully stored. Expect around 1.8 failures and 5.4 advisories per test, meaning minor wear items crop up regularly but major structural issues are uncommon; always request the full MOT history and have a specialist examine the brakes and suspension before purchase, as these components matter most on a performance bike.

The 2003 Aprilia Tuono passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (87.1%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
87.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
20.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.8
Over 13.6 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
18k
Middle half: 13k–24k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 87.1% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 353 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 353 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 68.3%
Exhaust noisy
Tyre wear 67.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 37.4%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Headlamp aim too high · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 25.2%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 10.9%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose
Suspension & steering 6.9%
Rear suspension bearing has slight free play
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 353 Aprilia Tuono cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2003 Aprilia Tuono

Based on MOT data from 353 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 20.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 352 87.1% 1.8

Colour Breakdown

Based on 4,563 Aprilia Tuono vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 30.1%
1,373
Silver 22.4%
1,020
Grey 15.9%
725
Red 12.4%
567
White 10.5%
478
Blue 5.3%
242
Yellow 2.5%
113
Orange 0.6%
26
Multi-colour 0.4%
19

Mileage Distribution

Most 2003 Aprilia Tuono vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

18,309
typical
13,021
low mileage
24,388
high mileage

Half of all 2003 Aprilia Tuono vehicles fall between 13,021 and 24,388 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 13,021 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
13,021–24,388 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2003 Aprilia Tuonos sit.
Over 32,923 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2003 Aprilia Tuono — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 53% of 2003 Aprilia Tuonos are still active.

119 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 53% of the peak remain.

223 119 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

13.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.8
Avg failures per vehicle
5.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Aprilia Tuono: All Tuono years → Which year to buy? →
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Aprilia →

Compare with another model

See how the 2003 Aprilia Tuono stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?