Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 First Ride [motorcyclistonline.com]

[UFO]

They say: "Ferociously fun!"
We say: "As long as you push the right buttons..."

My first impression of the new Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 was not what I was expecting. It functioned well in all respects and was quite quick and wonderfully controllable, but as we motored away from the bike's launch base in southern Spain, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. The engine wasn't hitting with the brute force I'd hoped for, and when I tried to wheelie it the traction control intervened in a way that seemed wrong for a big supermoto.

Looking down at the tidy data display, I noticed I was riding in Touring mode and that the ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) was set to the highest of its three levels. I dabbed the appropriate buttons to switch into Sport mode and turn off the traction control, and voila, the Dorso was instantly transformed into a thunderous, hard-charging hooligan. It wasn't remotely sensible anymore, but it sure was fun!

To be honest, "sensible" is not an adjective that you'd expect to use when describing a supermoto. After all, most of the breed combines an upright, barely protected riding position with an impractically small fuel tank, unnecessarily long-travel suspension and a seat best suited to basketball players.

Those drawbacks haven't prevented supermoto streetbikes from gaining a strong following, and after the popularity of the Dorsoduro 750 it's easy to see why Aprilia decided to make a big-bore version. The inspiration for Aprilia's 1197cc powerplant is equally easy to comprehend. The engine's 106 x 67.8mm dimensions are virtually identical to those of a certain rival Italian marque's DOHC, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin. At least the newcomer has the decency to operate its eight valves via conventional methods rather than belt and desmodromics.

Read the entire first ride here:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1103_aprilia_dorsoduro_1200/index.html

[Rincewind]

I'm excited to see the new 1197cc Aprilia engine in production.  130hp and 85 lbft torque sounds pretty nice.  Let's see it in a Shiver GT.  

[falconati]

I want one, but I need to ride it against the Ducati offerings again.  Ultimately I'm more likely to purchase the one with less maintenance costs.

[Rincewind]

Awesome new video of the Dorsoduro 1200  

[Rincewind]

Finally there is some additional press on this bike.  It is like it has snuck in under the radar, which can't be good for sales.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/10/2011-aprilia-dorsoduro-1200-md-ride-review/

Unlike most supermotards, it is blessed with a comfortable seat wide enough for longer rides.  Despite the size of its motor, it changes directions easily and the wide bars offer a familiar flickability.

Finally, the Dorsoduro 1200 is an eye-opener, both literally and figuratively.  Crack the throttle, in either the touring mode or the sport mode, and any similarity with dirt bikes or other supermotos disappears quickly … even suddenly!  This motor is not only extremely powerful, it is ultra-responsive.

...

In the end, if you have the skills the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 can be an extraordinarily capable, entertaining ride. Practical?  Not really, but that isn’t the point of this machine. Between the tiny bikini faring and the hand guards, it offers a bit more comfort at high speeds on the freeway than other supermotos, but that is about as practical as this bike gets. No, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is really more about adrenaline and overkill. Remember adrenaline and overkill?  Not PC, but it has its place.

The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is available at a U.S. MSRP of $11,999. Visit Aprilia’s web site for additional details and specifications.

[Reddog*]

I would really like to see this motor in a Caponord style machine.

[zigzag]

Man I like this. Can't get over how much fun my new to me Falco is. I'm sold on Aprilia. At the moment of course.

[Croak]

Shiver 1200 should be interesting, nice street fighter alternative to the super high tech (and expensive) Tuono V4.  

[bmwone]

Shiver 1200 should be interesting, nice street fighter alternative to the super high tech (and expensive) Tuono V4.  

+1

[R Doug]

I would really like to see this motor in a Caponord style machine.

My thoughts exactly.  I would like to see an adventure touring bike done on that platform to complete with the Multi and planned new 1200 KTM.  The Dorsoduro looks wicked fun.  Well done Aprilia!  

[Rincewind]

Awesome new video of the Dorsoduro 1200  

The new 2012 MY Video also features horses as analogy.  My favorite part was at 0:22 as the front wheel hovers while cresting a hill.  I'd sure love to ride one of these big Dorsoduros.

[Rincewind]

http://youtu.be/F4wjtPkFPvg

Hooligan riding starts at 1:00.  

My "local" Aprilia dealer is expecting the new Dorso 1200 shortly.  They never ordered the 11 model, waiting to see the market response.  

[Croak]

The powerplant is a hoot, and I'm hoping they put that mill in a Shiver as a viable alternative to the new Tuono.

Much as the new V4 Tuono is a technical masterpiece, I still prefer a twin.  Motards just don't work for me, styling wise, and I don't ride dirtbikes (I sat on a dirtbike once, in 1978).