Motorcycle specifications Aprilia1200 CAPONORD 2014 RSV-Trail straight ahead

after a long absence, the Caponord is back in the Aprilia range. With the genre on the boil for some time, every manufacturer has had a big trail-GT in its range, and the Noale-based firm was one of the last to be without one. For its return, the Caponord becomes a 1200 and changes radically.

put them side by side, and it's immediately obvious that the first version (2001 -> 2008) and the current one have absolutely nothing in common. Chassis, engine, trim, everything's different. The 1200 is much sexier and sleeker, with an RSV4 look that still appeals (even if we'd have liked this trail bike to have its own visual identity). It also looks much sportier, and for good reason: its niche will be that of large, characterful trails, like a Ducati Multistrada. With its cousin the Stelvio (both Guzzi and Aprilia belong to the Piaggio Group) in the GT segment, the Caponord takes on a more athletic image.

aprilia did not start from scratch when designing the Caponord 2. Most of the technical content comes from the 1200 Dorsoduro, with its mixed aluminum plate/steel tubular trellis frame, double-spoke swingarm, side-mounted rear shock (which gains a separate cylinder) and big 1197 cm3 twin. With this base in place, the Caponord had to offer a much more comfortable package than the Dorsoduro's steep side. With larger handguards, a half fairing topped by a manually adjustable windscreen, handlebars better suited to riding and a two-piece seat of more welcoming dimensions, life on board is much improved. The rear buckle is reinforced to support suitcases and luggage.

with the big twin delivering 130 horsepower on the big SMV, the Caponord produces much the same power - just 5 hp less. But with more flexibility and a less voracious appetite. To this end, the injection system has been revised, as have the airbox and gear ratios. The breath of fresh air will also benefit from a high-volume exhaust system, modelled on that of the RSV4.
Radial brake calipers, inverted forks, ABS and disconnectable 3-stage traction control, as well as triple fuel injection mapping (Sport, Road, Rain) - these Dorsoduro features are carried over to the maxi-trail.
Since long-distance touring demands more devotion, Aprilia also add cruise control and, above all, electronic suspension to the Travel Pack version. From Marzocchi, the suspensions are called Aprilia Dynamic Damping and react according to a process very similar to Ducati's Skyhook (supplied by Sachs). Four types of factory settings are available - Solo, Solo with luggage, Duo, Duo with luggage - and the control unit electrically adjusts the hydraulics according to the rider's choice.
This premium version comes complete with a center stand and 29-liter side panniers.

standard or Travel Pack, the 1200 Caponord boasts a much greater range than its close cousin, the Dorsoduro. the tank holds 24 liters of fuel, compared with only 15 liters on the supermotard. It's almost certain that you'll enjoy riding this machine, with its sporty genetics and full, playful engine... once you've got past the tricky climb aboard. At 840 mm high, the saddle isn't the most accessible on the market (although it's still a long way from the 890 mm of a KTM 1190 Adventure R).

aprilia's take on the maxi-trail is more sporty than adventurous. It should reconcile the dynamism of the Dorsoduro with the backpacker spirit of a large modern trail bike. The equipment is there, on a par with the competition, but won't push the R 1200 GS off its turf. The 1200 Caponord is clearly aimed at Ducati Multistrada and Benelli Tre-K customers. A good point in attracting customers is the particularly aggressive price of the base version. The Caponord, with its semi-active suspension and technological refinements, is less affordable. But it's still almost 5,000 euros less than its designated rival: the Ducati Multistrada S.
The 1200 Caponord is priced at 13,499 euros.
The 1200 Caponord Travel Pack with ABS and ADD is priced at 15,999 euros.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos