Aprilia 1200 CAPONORD 2016

After a long absence, the Caponord is back in the Aprilia range. The genre has been in turmoil for some time, each manufacturer has a large trail-GT in its range, and the firm of Noale was one of the last to be devoid of it.. For its return, the Caponord has become 1200 and radically changes from its first chapter, dating from the turn of the century.

By putting them side by side, we immediately notice that the first version (2001 -> 2008) and the current one have absolutely nothing to do with it. Chassis, engine, trim, everything is different. The 1200 is much sexier and more slender, with an RSV4 face that is still popular (although we would have liked this trail to have its own visual identity). It also seems much sportier and for good reason, its niche will be that of big character trails, like a Ducati Multistrada. Cousin Stelvio (Guzzi and Aprilia both belong to the Piaggio group) taking care of the GT domain, the Caponord has a more athletic image.

To design the Caponord 2, Aprilia did not start from a blank base. Most of the technical chapter comes from the 1200 Dorsoduro, with its mixed frame aluminum plates / tubular steel trellis, the swingarm with double branches, the lateral rear shock absorber (here it gains a separate cylinder) and the large twin of 1197 cm3 . This base acquired, the Caponord had to provide a much more comfortable equipment than the steep side of the Dorsoduro. With more substantial handguards, a half-fairing topped by a manually adjustable windshield, a handlebar better suited to driving and a two-part saddle of more welcoming size, life on board presents itself in appreciable auspices. . The rear loop is reinforced to support suitcases and luggage.

The big twin sending 130 nags on the big SMV, the Caponord releases roughly the same potato – just 5 hp less. However, with more flexibility and a less voracious appetite. To this end, the injection has been revised as well as the air box and the gear stages. The breath will also benefit from an exhaust of good volume, whose design is modeled on that of the RSV4.
Radial brake calipers, inverted fork, ABS and anti-skating with 3 disconnectable levels, but also triple injection mapping (Sport, Road, Rain) – these elements of the Dorsoduro are used on the maxi-trail.
Long-distance road requiring more devotion, Aprilia also grafts a cruise control and especially electronic suspensions on the Travel Pack version. Coming from Marzocchi, the suspensions are called Aprilia Dynamic Damping and react according to a process very close to the Ducati Skyhook (supplied by Sachs). Four types of factory settings are available – Solo, Solo with luggage, Duo, Duo with luggage – and the onboard control unit electrically adjusts the hydraulics according to the pilot’s choice.
On this version "premium", complete with a central stand and 29-liter side cases.

Standard or Travel Pack, the 1200 Caponord enjoys much more autonomy than its close cousin Dorsoduro. 24 liters of fuel take place in the tank, when you can only embark 15 liters on the supermotard. It is almost certain that we will be happy to drive this machine, with its sporty genetics and the engine as full as it is playful…. once we have passed the delicate exercise of getting on board. At 840 mm high, the saddle will not be the most accessible on the market (even if we stay far from the 890 mm of a KTM 1190 Adventure R).

The maxi-trail seen by Aprilia smells more of sport than the adventurer. It should reconcile the dynamism of the Dorsoduro with the backpacker spirit of a big modern trail. The equipment is present, at the level of the competition, but will not push the R 1200 GS from its ground. The 1200 Caponord is clearly targeting the Ducati Multistrada and Benelli Tre-K customers. Good point for attracting customers, its price is particularly aggressive in its basic version. The Caponord with semi-active suspensions and a whole technological refinement is less affordable. But still almost 5,000 euros less than the designated rival: the Ducati Multistrada S.
The 1200 Caponord is listed at 13,599 euros.
The 1200 Caponord Travel Pack with ABS and ADD is listed at 15,149 euros.