–Â Aprilia takes WSBK technology to the sport-touring class with new Caponord 1200
—Â By Trevor Hedge
Aprilia has fitted their new Caponord 1200 with a full electronics suite: 3-stage traction control, ABS, semi-active dynamic suspension adjusts the damping as you ride (taking acceleration, throttle and/or brake position into account), ride-by-wire with various engine map (sport, touring and rain) modes and cruise control. Both traction control and ABS can be switched off should the rider choose to.
The one thing that most Aprilia aficionados do crave, is missing; that is a large-capacity engine based on the Italian brands evocative V4 used to great success in World Superbike.
Instead, the Caponord 1200 is powered by a new version of Aprilia’s long running 90-degree v-twin. Itself, still quite an evocative motor and with Aprilia boasting of significant hardware and software improvements it promises to raise the twin to new heights. 125hp @ 8250rpm and 115Nm of torque at 6800rpm the tweaks are also likely to significantly improve the manners of the engine markedly. A 690-watt alternator ensures there are enough amps to power plenty of accessories.
The active dynamic suspension can also be adjusted by the rider. Rear preload is push button adjustable through four pre-set levels, or can be set to adjust itself automatically for the current weight load and the rider can also select their preferred rebound damping pre-set). The inverted 43mm forks can also have their preload, rebound and compression settings adjusted by the rider.
Braking power is prodigious with radial-mount four-piston Monoblock Brembo calipers gripping 320mm discs supported by a 240mm disc at the rear. The ABS system is a two-channel affair and can also be deactivated.
As you would expect with all the extra electronic functionality of the machine, a new instrument panel debuts on the new Caponord 1200 which, in addition to showing the various traction, ABS, suspension and mapping modes, also includes a gear indicator and a fuel gauge to keep an eye on the level in the generous 24-litre fuel tank.
A comfortable looking perch (840mm seat height – optional lower seat) for both rider and pillion includes handguards for the rider and a hand- adjustable screen.
The muffler is adjustable in regards to how it is positioned on the bike depending on whether the 29-litre colour matched panniers are installed, or not. Allowing for a sporty looking higher mount for the muffler when riding without luggage.
One of the most exciting things about the new Caponord 1200 is the impressive $21,990 price (Aprilia originally told us the machine would be $20,990 but have since informed us that the price will actually be $21,990 plus on road costs) Australia is pitching the model at. Especially considering that we are only getting the up-spec Travel pack complete with electronic suspension and panniers as standard.
Available in June in red or grey, the Caponord 1200 boasts an incredible level of technology for the money. I can see some Japanese brands scratching their heads at how the Europeans can bring such full-featured motorcycles to Australia at such competitive prices. Their head offices better sit up and take notice…
- Specifications – Aprilia Caponord 1200
- Engine type Aprilia V90 four-stroke longitudinal 90° V-twin engine, liquid cooled, double overhead
camshaft with mixed gear/chain timing system, four valves per cylinder - Bore and stroke 106 x 67.8 mm
- Total engine capacity 1197 cc
- Compression ratio 12.0 ± 0.5: 1
- Maximum power at crankshaft 125 HP (91.9 kW) at 8,250 rpm
- Maximum torque at crankshaft 11.7 kgm at 6,800 rpm
- Fuel system Integrated engine management system. Injection with two injectors per cylinder and Ride by Wire throttle control with three maps: Sport (S), Touring (T), Rain (R)
- Ignition Magneti Marelli 7SM twin spark electronic ignition integrated with injection system
- Exhaust 100% stainless steel 2-in-1 exhaust system with dual catalytic converters and double oxygen sensor
- Alternator 690 W/6000 rpm
- Lubrication Wet sump
- Transmission 6 speeds, drive ratio: 14/36, 17/32, 20/30, 22/28, 23/26, 24/25
- Clutch Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
- Primary drive Straight cut gears, drive ratio: 40/69
- Secondary drive Chain. Drive ratio: 17/42
- Chassis Modular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminium side plates by high strength bolts. Removable steel rear subframe
- Fully adjustable front Sachs 43 mm upside-down fork. Hydraulic brake in rebound and compression electronically managed with ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping)
- Sachs dynamic rear monoshock absorber. Spring preload and hydraulic brake in rebound and compression electronically managed with ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping)
- Brakes Front: Dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs. New 32 mm Brembo M432 monoblock four-piston radial callipers. Metal braided brake hoses.
- Rear: 240 mm stainless steel disc. Brembo 34 mm single piston calliper. Metal braided brake hose. Continental two channel ABS system and Aprilia Traction Control (ATC).
- Wheel rims Lightweight aluminium alloy with three split spokes Front: 3.50 X 17″ Rear: 6.00 x 17″
- Tyres Radial tubeless tyres; Front: 120/70-R17; rear: 180/55-17
- Dimensions Max. length: 2,245 mm
- Max. height: 1,440 mm
- Saddle height: 840 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,565 mm
- Trail: 125 mm
- Steering angle 26.1°
- Dry weight: 228kg in Australian spec’ including panniers and electronics package
- Tank 24 litres (including 5 litre reserve)
- RRP – $21,990 + on road costs (available June 2013)
