The first images of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 broke last week but Piaggio has released new details and photographs of the adventure-tourer at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.
Sharing its engine and frame with the Dorsoduro 1200, the Aprilia Caponord 1200 is the latest competitor in the adventure-touring segment, albeit with limited off-road aspirations. The closest competitor to the Caponord 1200 is probably the Ducati Multistrada 1200. Both models are equipped with 90-degree V-Twin engines, ABS, traction control, multiple ride modes, adjustable windscreen, hand guards and optional semi-active suspension.
The Caponord’s semi-active suspension (named Aprilia Dynamic Damping) reads data from wheel sensors and calibrates damping for changing conditions in a similar “skyhook” concept as the Multistrada. ADD is available in Aprilia’s Travel Pack which also includes cruise control, color-matched panniers and center stand (bags and stand are also available separately.)
The engine is an 1197cc V-Twin claiming 128.1 hp at 8500 rpm and 85.4 ft-lb. at 6500 rpm, giving it different tuning than the Dorsoduro 1200′s engine which claims 128.8 hp at 8700 rpm and 84.6 ft-lb. at 7200 rpm. Gear ratios have also been changed for higher top speed and better low rpm manageability compared to the Dorsoduro. Ride-by-wire throttle control enables three ride modes: Sport, Touring and Rain, while both ABS and the three-level traction control system can both be disengaged.
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