Test: Aprilia 1200 Caponord ABS

But a comfortable and upright position behind a wide enduro handlebar that doesn’t tire even after a few evening rides is not the only trump card, although we must congratulate the Italians for finally creating a touring enduro that truly deserves the adjective “big”. and provides comfort for all who are larger than the average Italian motorcyclist. Aprilia is really betting on its built-in technology, and here comfort is one of the main elements. Caponord has an active suspension that ensures that the ride is always comfortable. The Sachs engineers from Friedrichshafen have taken care of excellent active suspension at the front and an active dynamic damper at the rear. The result is a super-comfortable ride that adapts to riding pace and road conditions. Aprilia successfully continues the tradition of excellent driving performance as the bike rides intuitively and allows the rider to merge with it. But the list of modern technical delights does not end there. 1.197 cc V-cylinder CM with 90-degree cylinders, capable of producing 125 horsepower and 114,8 Nm of torque at 6.800 rpm, can be adjusted to your liking or, again, depending on what is under the wheels. With three programs (sport, hiking and rain), it offers a choice when, for example, it is poured from a cabinet or a large amount of water is poured onto the asphalt. The ride is reliable as the system controls the rear wheel very precisely, which does not slip when accelerating in the rain program. However, simply disabling the electronics is not rough, but gentle enough not to detract from the bike's handling. For a leisurely trip, the best option for running the engine is to travel by car. Under harder acceleration, the rear wheel slip control kicks in quickly, but again, this makes it unobtrusive. For more sporty pleasures, you definitely have no other choice than the sports program, which is unfortunately too sensitive or reacts immediately and does not allow slipping in electronically controlled corners. Well, for those mastering or wanting a very dynamic rear wheel drive ride, there is still the option to turn off all the fuses and they can get stuck in supermoto style corners.

The engine is not the most powerful on paper, but we did not miss more power behind the wheel. The entire motorcycle can ride beautifully at a leisurely pace, but in no way resists the more dynamic riding style.

The strongest imprint that Caponord has left us is its user-friendliness and extremely unpretentious use. Colleague Uros, who is one of the riders who is still getting used to bikes with more than 100 “horses”, enjoyed Caponord immensely and rode completely without embarrassment due to the large size and large range. This is a motorcycle that instills confidence in the rider, and it grows with every ride.

Security is also provided by a two-channel ABS, which can be disabled if desired.

At a price that is mostly 1200 € 14.017 for the Caponord 15.729 ABS, it offers a lot, the equipment is rich, so you don't need anything but a couple of extra side cases. But for those who want more, the dealer also offers a more equipped Travel package (16.779 €) and Adventure Rally for XNUMX XNUMX €.

When we make the final assessment, the decision is not difficult. A very good, really great, reasonably priced touring bike that boasts exceptional driving dynamics and ease, and so much safety electronics that you can ride north even in late autumn. Just turn on the heated levers on the steering wheel and put on the rain cover.

Petr Kavchich

Photo. Sasha Kapetanovich

Face to face: Urosh Yakopich

After walking several tens of kilometers, I realized that there was absolutely no need to be afraid. The engine is extremely versatile and controllable. Good wind protection on motorways allows you to drive quickly without much effort, since the driver hides from the wind (my height is 180 cm), even on winding regional roads I did not have any particular problems with cornering, the motorcycle worked sovereignly (and the driver too). For added safety, the rear wheel's electronic traction control helps open the throttle lever from corners. This gives the driver a sense of traction and can then customize the electronics as they wish.

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS

Technical information

Engine: two-cylinder V90 °, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1.197 cc, injection.

Maximum power: 91,9 kW (125 hp) at 8.250 rpm.

Maximum torque: 114,8 Nm @ 6.800 rpm.

Transmission: 6 gears.

Frame: cast aluminum and tubular steel.

Brakes: Front 2x 320mm floating discs, radially mounted 4-piston Brembo Monobloc M50 calipers, 240mm rear disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS and rear wheel switchable traction control.

Suspension: USD 43mm fully adjustable Sachs active fork at the front, Sachs fully adjustable active shock at the rear, single aluminum swingarm.

Tires: 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17.

Seat height from the ground: 840 mm.

Fuel tank: 24 l.

Wheelbase: 1.564,6 mm.

Weight (dry): 214 kg

Sales: AMG MOTO, trgovina v storitve, doo, tel: [phone]

Price: 14.017 EUR