2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro Review

Intro

The 2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is the benchmark for all maxi motard class of motorcycles. The design of the bike uses smooth, sharp lines that give lots of personality to the bike, making it always stick out of the crowd. The finish and trim of the Dorsoduro 1200 offers new levels of supreme finish and trim, power and torque from an engine, and high levels of agility and smoothness that hasn’t been seen before on a twin this size. The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 uses class-winning features such as radial Brembo calipers, a hydraulic clutch, Ride by Wire engine modes, an on board computer for setting bike options, and a very powerful engine supported by an agile suspension.

The Dorsoduro 1200 is powered by a 90 degree, 1200cc, V-Twin engine that pumps out a massive 130 horsepower at 8700 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 7200 rpm. This is a substantial amount of horsepower and torque which means it is not made for the new or beginner rider. It demands respect and knowledge of how to handle it. The Ride by Wire system has three riding options, setting the engine at various configurations to give optimal performance. The Sport mode releases the full 130 horsepower, essentially riding with no mode on. This mode means you ride at the bike’s full potential, full power, no traction control and a beastly throttle response. The Touring mode is similar to the Sport mode in that you get all the power the engine has to offer however there is an option of traction control with this option. The Touring mode also controls the amount of torque the bike has at lower rpms and then gives more at the higher end. The Rain mode reduces the horsepower to 100 and maximized the traction control.

The suspension is very agile and responsive which is very beneficial with a bike that pumps out nearly 130 horsepower. The bike also uses signature Brembo brakes to stop this power house and the optional anti-lock braking system helps make riding in town or on mountain roads that much safer.

This is a very fun and powerful bike to ride and if you are looking for something that offers the upper limit of horsepower and handling in a maxi motard motorcycle, then the 2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 may the bike for you.

New For 2012

  • Signature Aprilia four-stroke, liquid-cooled, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), V-Twin engine with 1200cc of displacement, producing 130 horsepower at 8700 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 7200 rpm.
  • The rider has an option of three riding maps, Sport, Touring, or Rain. The Sport mode gives the rider the full potential of the bike with no limits, the Touring mode delivers the power from the engine much more smoothly and in a fluid manner with some traction control while the Rain option increases the grip of the road by decreasing the horsepower and maximizing traction control.
  • A modular, tubular steel frame the houses a Sachs suspension with upside down forks in the front with 6.3 inches of travel and a fully adjustable twin sided swing arm in the rear with 6.1 inches of travel in the rear.
  • Brembo hydraulic four-piston calipers with a two 12.6 inch discs in the front and one Brembo hydraulic single-piston caliper with a 9.4 inch disc in the rear give just the right amount of braking power as to not induce spin outs due to excessive bite. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) does limit rider control but does make for safer riding should you need it

2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro Specs

  • Model: Dorsoduro 1200
  • Engine Type: Liquid cooled, four-stroke, longitudinal 1200cc V-Twin
  • Bore and Stroke: 4.17 inches and 2.67 inches
  • Compression ratio: 12.0:1
  • Valve Train: DOHC
  • Induction: Integrated engine management system with triple map Ride by Wire Throttle management
  • Ignition: Digital electronic ignition with injection system
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 35 miles per gallon (mpg)
  • Brakes (Front): Dual Brembo four-piston hydraulic calipers with 12.6 inch discs
  • Brakes (Rear): One single-piston hydraulic caliper with one 9.4 inch disc
  • Suspension (Front): 1.7 inch Sachs upside down fork with fully adjustable compression, rebound damping, a preloaded spring and 6.3 inches of travel
  • Suspension (Rear): Aluminum twin sided swing arm with one Sachs shock absorber with fully adjustable compression, rebound dampening, a preloaded spring and 6.1 inches of travel
  • Wheelbase: 60.2 inches
  • Rake: 27.3 degrees
  • Trail: 4.6 inches
  • Seat Height: 34.3 inches
  • Curb Weight: 466 pounds
  • Tires (Front): Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires 120/70-ZR17
  • Tires (Rear): Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires 180/55-ZR17

Accessories

  • The 2012 Aprilia Shriver comes in two colors, Competition Black or Glam White. These two colors are in addition to red body panels, yielding a black and red or white and red bike.
  • The 2012 Aprilia Shriver comes in an available ABS model that increases braking power, shortens stopping distance, and increases safety while braking but that comes at a price

Key Competitors For The 2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro

  • Comparable make/model (up to five)