2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 first ride: 'the start of a new era'

MCN Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves is in Italy riding Aprilia’s new Dorsoduro 1200. This is what he has to say so far:

“This isn’t just any big supermoto, it marks the start of a new era for the Italian firm.  The new Dorsoduro is powered by a brand new, 90-degree V twin 1200cc engine which we think will power a new adventure bike and Shiver-type roadster in the future.

“With a claimed 130bhp it has the legs on the Ducati Hypermotard and KTM 990SMR on paper but on the road the Dorsoduro 1200 is a lot less manic. The power is very friendly and the bike is very easy to ride.

“The UK bikes will come with traction control and ABS as standard although our test bike didn’t have these electronic goodies. It does have the three-way riding modes, though for Rain, Touring and Sport. From what I can tell so far, Touring is the best mode – Rain is too soft and Sport is too aggressive.”

For Michael’s full report check out Motorcycle News next Wednesday