Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 gets traction control & ABS - 'fun and safe'

Traction control and ABS makes Aprilia’s new Dorsoduro 1200 the most sensible and safe of the big supermotos – bikes that are traditionally utterly mental.

• Read the Aprilia Dorsoduro review

MCN sneaked a ride on Aprilia’s new Dorsoduro in October but, though finished, the bike didn’t have the UK-spec three-stage traction control (ATC) system or ABS that’ll be standard on UK models. The bike I’m riding now does.

Designed to rival the Ducati Hypermotard Evo and KTM990 SMR, the Dorsoduro 1200 is powered by a brand new, Aprilia-built 130bhp, 1197cc V-twin engine and comes with the latest evolution of Aprilia’s ride-by-wire system and three adjustable power maps: Rain, Touring and Sport.

Compared to its more flamboyant rivals, it’s not a big supermoto that’s straining at the leash to wheelie or wants to change direction at the blink of the eye. It’s on the heavy side too. On the flip side, the lazier steering and weighty feeling makes it stable on fast bumpy A-roads, a usual supermoto bugbear. The powerful motor has a broad spread of power and it’s nice and roomy for tall riders. If Aprilia fitted some wind-protection and storage, it would make a brilliant sports tourer, to rival to the superb KTM990 SMT.  

THE FACTS
Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 £9799
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1197cc (106 x 67.8mm), 8v, 90° V-twin
Chassis: Steel trellis/cast ali mix frame. Cast aluminium double-sided swingarm. Fully-adjustable Sachs forks (43mm) and rear shock.
Brakes: Front: 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial calipers. Rear: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper.
Power: 130bhp @8700rpm
Torque: 85ftlb @7200rpm
Contact: uk.aprilia.com