Aprilia Caponord 1200 French Alps test - Road test

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The Aprilia Caponord 1200 is a complete motorcycle that combines concepts such as sporty style and comfort. It is suitable for those who want to travel and cover many kilometers in great comfort and possibly together. But it also winks at those who occasionally choose to leave their bags and passenger at home to negotiate turns and tight corners, counting on a semi-active suspension system with extraordinary efficiency. Price? Definitely competitive considering the equipment. 

Sports and tourism. Two souls, one motorcycle: April Caponord 1200.

We tried it between the wonderful roads of the Napoleon Route and the Grand Alpes Route, reaching the Col de la Bonet (2.800 meters above sea level). And we really liked it.

See who sees himself

TheApril Caponord 1200 we found it in the form in which we left it in Sardinia a few months ago, on the occasion of its introduction on the Italian market: in a magnificent form and design. Travel package (with ADD, ACC, cruise control, center stand and side drawers), decorated (in 2014) with a new Scarico Arrowthat when he pushes, he makes a loud voice.

Available on the market 16.500 euroand the base variant costs € 14.100 (with traditional pendants and no suitcases).

125 hp two-cylinder engine capable of everything

EngineApril Caponord 1200 it is always powerful 90 HP, Twin Cylinder, 125 ° at 8.250 rpm and 11,7 kgm at 6.800 rpm of maximum torque.

The perfect engine for this type of bike, able to evoke emotions while riding fast, but with delivery extremely linear and also suitable for classic walking, possibly with a passenger and luggage.

Aprilia who believed first Riding the wires having introduced it in the Shiver 750 back in 2007 - it is equipped with Caponord 1200 Three maps that allow the driver to adjust the power according to the type of driving and asphalt conditions: Sports decisive discovery, in tourism more obedient and in rain – which we had the opportunity to test in almost extreme conditions – very pleasant, with a reduction in overall power (100 hp). 

ADD semi-active suspension, how wonderful

But the real novelty and what surprises you - again, and that's the beauty of it - is the functioning of a completely new dynamic semi-active suspension system (Aprilia dynamic damping) developed by Aprilia and protected by four patents.

How it works? IN ADD system measures the energy transmitted to the vehicle by the roughness of the asphalt e adjusts the calibration of the fork and shock hydraulics in real time to minimize acceleration on the frame and thus maximize comfort.

And not only that: the system it also recognizes the phases of movement (acceleration, release of the throttle, braking, constant throttle) and adapts the basic settings of the fork and shock absorber.

What on the road means: if i want to be strong I just push and the bike “turns” into a sporty bike without having to manually tune the fork and mono calibration; AND if after 10 minutes I want to slow down and walk, this will be enough to reduce the rate and force of braking and April Caponord 1200 it will adapt accordingly to the new pace, offering the level very high comfort on any type of road.

In short, there are no settings to set or change: the bike will do it for you. No wrenches or screwdrivers to carry around. AND fun, dear geeks, this is really insured. Believe me.

Aprilia multimedia platform

April Caponord 1200 can be equipped (optionally for 190 euros)Aprilia multimedia platform (AMP), a software installed on a bicycle capable of communicating with a smartphone via Bluetooth, which can be secured with a special support on the handlebars.

AMP provides the smartphone with a range of interesting information in real time, such as data on average consumption, delivered power,tilt angle and obviously the route and maps thanks to the use of GPS.