Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 First Ride [motorcyclistonline.com]
UFO:
Quote
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 :leghump: :drool:
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.
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