Auto Concept

Track Test Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

Short Track Test at Pannoniaring with supermoto enduro Hybrid made by Aprilia.

Hybrids are usually robust and loyal companions. You may not have the look of a dog breed, but often combine the positive attributes of several breeds in a creature. The Dorsoduro 1200 is also such a hybrid. And unlike most mutts she even looks good.

In our 1000PS Bridgestone Grip Party at Pannoniaring brought Aprilia Austria crew with a few test vehicles. The Dorsoduro 1200 formed a knowledge gap in my motorcycle know-how and I immediately picked up the part for a test drive. Aprilia man "Hengsti" Hengstberger told me shortly before the great "ZZ" full insurance. ZZ stands for "zsamhaun pay" what the ambition in the saddle but could not diminish.


After the first few meters, it became clear that the great 1200s can not be pressed into a drawer. The engine reminds while passing though a travel enduro, however, depends on the gas a little more aggressive than the aggregate of the touring bikes. The seating position is indeed comfortable, but also more agile than in the saddle of a Bigenduro. Somehow because less motorcycle is the front of the cockpit, in the casing and also in the controls than in the case of a GS or Caponord. On the other hand, the Dorsoduro 1200 but offers a pretty full service: ..........

On the track I put the bike the bar high. They could be compared with motorcycles to travel easily, as a yardstick rather should serve naked bikes. At the beginning I did not catch me at the hard corner entry. This was less tire or on the geometry but rather on the dosage of the voluminous engine. When accelerating, the bike depends only on the clean gas, but when coasting or applying light pressure at the engine makes the occasional stutter which the line messed up a little. But over time I learned to understand the V2 better and managed to savor the benefits of corner exit. The accelerated portion of the corners on virtually Supersport level and some stooping had their hands full with the Dorsoduro. Actually logical - the 1200 CC are not there only to bring to the tax office lush Taxes.


For enduro good enough for a supermoto or a sporty bike but a little too bland to me personally was the front brake. The rear shock absorber at the beginning I was also too soft, but with a few clicks I was able to lie down as a nice setup. On the road, this bike is designed from a really good Kurvenwetzer. But my feeling is that most motorcycle riders here in the German-speaking countries but are more into biederere goods as this hip trip Supermoto. Sure it has practical drawbacks in terms of wind protection, storage space and comfort but on the other hand it makes it even more fun here at the track as a travel steamer.

Annoying and the good overall impression something inappropriate was the circuit. On the track, I was able to still live well, but to find the idling in the pit lane resembled sometimes the search for a needle in a haystack. On the highway, we now need to move soon to schedule a new test. Multistrada vs. SMT vs.. Dorsoduro. Is a fierce duel and Hengstis "ZZ" may then insurance comes into play there.

Extreme, powerful and exhilarating like nothing else in its class, the new Dorsoduro 1200 simply represents the best that a maximotard has to offer a rider in terms of performance, precision and excitement.

Model	Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200
Year	2012
Category	Super Motard

Displacement	1197.00 ccm (73.04 cubic inches)
Engine type	V2, four-stroke
Engine details	Longitudinal 90° V-twin
Power	128.74 HP (94.0 kW)) @ 8700 RPM
Torque	115.00 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM
Compression	12.0:1
Bore x stroke	106.0 x 67.8 mm (4.2 x 2.7 inches)
Valves per cylinder	4Fuel system:    Injection. Integrated engine management system. Injection system with triple map Ride by Wire throttle management: Sport (S), Touring (T), Rain (R)
Fuel control	DOHC
Ignition	Digital electronic, integrated in the fuel injection system
Lubrication system	Wet sump
Cooling system	Liquid
Gearbox	6-speed
Transmission type, final drive	Chain
Clutch	Hydraulically operated multi-plate wet clutch
Driveline	Primary drive: Straight cut gears, drive ratio: 40/69. Final drive: Chain. Drive ratio: 16/40
Exhaust system	100% stainless steel 2-into-2 exhaust system with dual catalytic converters and oxygen sensor

Frame type	Modular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminium side plates by high strength bolts. Removable rear aluminium subframe
Rake (fork angle)	27.3°
Trail	118 mm (4.6 inches)
Front suspension	Sachs upside-down front fork with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload. Wheel travel 160 mm.
Front suspension travel	160 mm (6.3 inches)
Rear suspension	Aluminium alloy swingarm Piggy-back design Sachs hydraulic shock absorber with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload. Wheel travel 155 mm
Rear suspension travel	155 mm (6.1 inches)
Front tyre dimensions	120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions	180/55-ZR17
Front brakes	Double disc. Brembo four-piston radial callipers. Metal braided brake hose
Front brakes diameter	320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes	Single discRear brakes diameter:    240 mm (9.4 inches)
Wheels	Aluminium alloy. Front: 3.50 X 17´ Rear: 6.00 x 17´

Seat height	870 mm (34.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting
Overall length	2,248 mm (88.5 inches)
Wheelbase	1,528 mm (60.2 inches)
Fuel capacity	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)
Reserve fuel capacity	3.50 litres (0.92 gallons)

Starter	Electric
Color options	Black, white