The 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 uses a new 90-degree V-Twin and Sachs suspension.
Fans of high-performance, oversized supermoto bikes will be pleased with the introduction of the 2011
Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200. The Italian motorcycle maker has created an all-new bike for the so-called “maxi-motard” category. With the Dorsoduro 750 introducing Aprilia riders to the fun street segment, Aprilia simply boosted the output and gave the most power-hungry something to gnaw on. There is now a very robust offering in the large-displacement supermoto category as the Dorsoduro 1200 joins the
Ducati Hypermotard 1100,
KTM’s 990 Supermoto and
BMW’s HP2 Megamoto.
The Dorsoduro 1200 uses a 90-degree V-Twin. Each cylinder uses four valves, a dual overhead cam and twin-spark ignition. Riders can control the output with three preprogramed settings (Sport, Touring, Rain). Sport mode gives hard-hitting access to the full power spread of a claimed 130 horsepower (at 8700 rpm). Touring also uses maximum power, but acts to smooth the delivery. Rain cuts back to 100 horsepower for better ridability in low-traction situations. Fuel is served up from the four-gallon fuel tank and into the oversquare cylinders with ride-by-wire throttle and fuel injection via dual throttle bodies.
With so many ponies on tap the Dorsoduro 1200 needs brakes capable of hauling itself down to legal speed limits. Radial four-piston Brembo calipers squeeze down on dual 320mm floating discs up front and a single 240mm disc and Brembo single-piston unit covers the rear. ABS and traction control are available as additional options. Photos have the bike shod in 17-inch Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tires.
The chassis reminds of the SXV with a two-tone arrangement of alloy with cast aluminum lowers and a tubular steel trellis frame on the top half. Front suspension is a 43mm Sachs fork that is fully adjustable with 6.3 inches of wheel travel. Sachs also suspends the rear end with a severely raked shock that is side-mounted on the right. It too is adjustable for preload, rebound and compression and allows 6.1 inches of rear wheel travel. Having the shock side-mounted allows room for the exhaust pipes to sweep upward into a pair of massive undertail cans.
The bike comes with the smallest wind screen, just enough to protect the digital display with analog tach. Narrow wrap-around handguards help keep riders’ hands protected from wind and rain and protect the hydraulic clutch and brake levers in the event of a crash.
There is no pricing information available yet for either the Glam White or Competition Black.
Follow all the exciting new motorcycle releases on our EICMA Milan Bike Show page and watch the official Aprilia video below.
