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14 FOCUS
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THE WEEK 02-06
FOCUS 08-33
COMMENT 34-37
BUYING & SELLING 39-70
EVENTS 71-73
SPORT 74-84
APRILIA CAPONORD LAUNCH
PLAYING THE SMART CARD Aprilia’s new ultra-sophisticated Caponord 1200 could be the dark horse in this year’s adventure pack
ADAM CHILD
Senior Road Tester
michael.neeves@motorcyclenews.com
A
s the biking audience matures, demand continues to increase for adventure bikes. Ea rly la st yea r Triumph launched its new Explorer which took the coveted MCN road test class crown in 2012. But since then Ducati has launched its new ‘skyhook’ Multistrada, the first to come with true semi-active suspension, while both KTM and BMW have introduced new models which have grabbed the MCN headlines. KTM’s all-new Adventure comes in two guises – a standard, 19-inch front wheel model and the more off-road
WHAT’S THE STORY? Aprilia’s all-new Caponord 1200 seems to have it all with Sachs semi-active suspension more advanced than the Ducati Multistrada’s, the same power as BMW’s all-new GS, and more. But it costs considerably less than both the Ducati and BMW: £10,599 for the basic model and £12,290 for the full spec ‘Travel Pack’ version. Does the smart money go on the Aprilia? biased ‘R’ with a 21-inch front wheel. BMW, meanwhile, has also launched a new R1200GS – its most important bike in recent years, they admit – which also comes with semi-active suspension amongst a host of updates. Even Triumph has another newcomer with
a tweaked Tiger Sport. All the while, there’s been one more newcomer in the background. Until now, Aprilia’s new Caponord has gone almost unnoticed – which is a mystery considering its impressive spec. On paper it appears formidable, capable of being the leading bike in this segment, especially when we consider price. The full spec ‘Travel Pack’ version, which includes the ADD, Aprilia Dynamic Damping (semi-active suspension), is £3000 less than the Ducati equivalent and also cheaper than a comparable BMW GS. Not only that, but the Aprilia’s suspension is more advanced than both the Ducati and BMW, and our short test ride showed it’s very impressive, especially when ridden two-up. I’m really taken aback by how good the new semi-active suspension is. Even in cold, very wet conditions, the suspension changes were noticeable. Unlike the Continued over
20.03.2013 WEDNESDAY
15
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16 FOCUS Ducati and BMW systems, Aprilia’s semi-active suspension, ADD, adjusts pre-load on the rear automatically. If you add a pillion into the mix the system measures the extra weight, then calculates and compensates by adding pre-load. It’s so clever it will actually reduce the pre-load as weight is reduced when you burn fuel from the large 24-litre petrol tank. If your other half loves shopping for shoes and sneaks a few pairs into the panniers without you noticing, the Caponord will detect the extra weight, recalculate and add more pre-load if required. How clever is that? Like the BMW and Ducati, the Aprilia system also adjusts compression and rebound damping on the move to improve comfort. However, if you start riding aggressively the system changes the suspension to compensate and to make the ride sportier. It knows you are riding aggressively by the amount of torque requested, throttle position, speed, rpm, wheel speed, and gear. It’s all very clever - and it works. This is no gimmick. Unfortunately, we had very poor weather during our test in Sardinia including torrential rain with rivers running across the road in places (see video on www.motorcyclenews.com). The result of that is that I can’t tell you how the Aprilia suspension will perform in the dry, riding aggressively with big lean angles. However, in the wet the ride quality was very impressive. The comfort is excellent – it’s more like a luxury touring model than a ‘Street Enduro’ as Aprilia likes
One of the most impressive bikes I’ve ridden for comfort and ride quality. The rear is a magic carpet of smoothness Adam Child
Caponord’s single side-mounted exhaust can be raised when the panniers are removed to increase ground clearance
to call its new bike. Speed humps, road imperfections and small potholes almost disappear, to the point that it’s almost surreal. Even deliberately hitting potholes at speed didn’t jolt the suspension or cause any discomfort. Around town, small speed humps were taken at 30mph and were hardly noticeable with the active suspension working overtime. This was amplified further with a pillion – gliding over small speed humps and potholes as if they weren’t there. There would be
a slight jolt through the bars in very extreme cases, but then the rear would follow and simply glide over. There was no jolting, no bucking, it was very smooth, level and stable. In short, the Caponord is one of the most impressive bikes I’ve ever ridden in terms of comfort and ride quality. It feels like the rear is on a magic carpet of smoothness. Even slowly dropping off a kerb didn’t cause any discomfort. You’ll never have a pillion complain again – well, maybe not. It’s just a
shame we didn’t get to push the limits of the suspension in the dry. The front 43mm Sachs forks are also semi-active – constantly changing the compression and rebound damping but not pre-load, which is conventionally pre-set by the rider. The amount of adjustment compared to the standard model is huge. The ADD system can have more than seven times more adjustment in compression and rebound and, remember, it only takes a fraction of a second to change from maximum to
How the Caponord compares to its rivals The new Caponord is available from next month. The basic model costs £10,599 and Travel Pack version £12,290 Traction control Electronic suspension ABS Fuel maps Power (bhp) Tank capacity (litres) Weight (kg) Front wheel size (”) Price (£)
Caponord 1200 (Travel Pack)
BMW R1200GS
KTM 1190 Adventure
Triumph Tiger Explorer
Kawasaki Versys 1000
Ducati Multistrada
Triumph Tiger Sport
Yes Yes Yes Yes 125 24 228 17 12,290
Yes Yes Yes No 125 20 238 19 11,395
Yes Yes Yes No 148 23 230 19 12,595
Yes No Yes No 135 20 259 19 11,199
Yes No Yes Yes 116 21 239 17 9,599
Yes Yes Yes Yes 150 20 224 17 15,550
No No Yes No 123 20 235 17 9,599
minimum. Again, it was a shame the conditions were so poor because we couldn’t really test the front suspension to the maximum. You can feel the front react to road imperfections like the rear, but it doesn’t have that magic carpet feel – you still get a small jolt in extreme circumstances. However, it remains mightily impressive. In many ways it feels like BMW’s Telelever system as it lacks dive compared to conventional forks, which in turn means it lacks a little feel. But like the BMW system it’s all about trusting the front end and tyre contact. Personally, in the tricky conditions, tip-toeing around for grip, I’d prefer a little more dive and feel. It will be interesting to see how the rear suspension performs in the dry. The incessant rain also meant I didn’t get a chance to let the new Caponord stretch its legs. At low speeds the big V-twin was a little snatchy below 3000rpm – such as around town in second gear. In higher gears, or as the revs increase above 3000, it does smooth out. Aprilia are quoting 125bhp from the 1197cc, liquid-cooled V-twin, and the spread of torque is lovely. It also sounds good from the single, side-mounted exhaust, which can be raised when you remove the panniers to increase ground clearance. There are three different engine maps: Touring, Sport and Rain, which can be changed on the move via the
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THE WEEK 02-06
FOCUS 08-33
COMMENT 34-37
Right: Comfort is akin to a luxury touring model’s. Semi-active suspension meant road imperfections were hardly noticed. Below: Torrential rain during the test prevented us from assessing how the Caponord performs when ridden aggressively, or at extreme lean angles
start button and come as standard. Rain mode limits power to 100bhp which is more than enough to have fun, and in the tricky conditions was still enough to get the traction control working if you’re brutal enough with the throttle. The traction control system also comes as standard. There are three different traction control modes but they can’t be changed on the move, which is a little annoying. As the road dries out you have to pull over and select neutral before changing the level of electronic intervention. Thankfully, unlike other systems, when you turn off the key it does save your last setting which I prefer rather than going back to a safe mode. You can switch the traction off entirely and a small symbol illuminates on the dash to warn you. Don’t forget: if you switch off the traction control and turn off the key, it will still be switched off when you return to the bike and start riding once again. Mode Three is the most intrusive (ideal for the rain), Two is less intrusive, and Mode One is for perfect sunny days with lots of grip. And on the subject of grip, an ABS system also comes as standard, and is excellent, not too intrusive - and can also be switched off. An adjustable screen is standard, although it can’t be changed on the move. Cruise control is standard on the Travel Pack version and a welcome addition although once the speed is set
With no ugly framework, the Caponord looks just as good with the panniers removed as it does with them on Adam Child you can’t increase or decrease your speed with the touch of a button like you can with the BMW system. If you opt for the Travel Pack you also get colour-coded panniers which are easy and idiot-proof to open and remove. Thankfully, there isn’t any ugly framework holding them on, so the Caponord looks just as good with the panniers removed as it does with them on. You also get a centre-stand with the Travel Pack, but not on the standard model. Handguards come as standard and not only add to the styling but help keep your hands warm and dry. It’s just a shame the heated grips are only an optional extra, considering
BUYING & SELLING 39-70
EVENTS 71-73
SPORT 74-84
20.03.2013 WEDNESDAY
17
Five minutes with... ANDREA RICCI IAMINO, ELECTRONICS SYSTEM MANAGER
Q. What parts does the Caponord share with other Aprilias? You mentioned the wheels are RSV4, are the calipers also RSV4? Is the engine identical to the Dorsoduro bar the altered throttle bodies? A. The engine is similar to the Dorsoduro, same bore and stroke, but the fuelling is different. The throttle bodies are smaller – 57mm to 52mm. We also have double injectors and twin spark for better torque and smoother fuelling. The frame is similar but with a different rake and trail, different rigidity to the Dorsoduro and the subframe is all new to take the strain of the added weight with a pillion/luggage. Wheels are the same as the RSV, cast wheels the same as the R version. The calipers are the spec below RSV4, but still very good.
the cold conditions we encountered on test in Sardinia. The adjustable screen isn’t half bad at taking windblast away from your head and upper body. You’re very much sitting in the bike rather than on it, which should mean great wind protection on longer journeys but does mean the distance between the seat and pegs is shorter than expected. I didn’t find it cramped (I’m 5’7”), but taller riders may suffer. We’ll test the comfort more thoroughly in our long distance group test in the coming weeks. Switchgear is standard Aprilia stuff: including an indicator switch that lacks any feel and a mode button that feels toy-like. However, the clocks are functional, easy to read, and boast a gear indicator. The mode button allows you to scroll through the menu, mpg, trip, clock, etc. The starter button changes the fuel mapping and two buttons on the actual clocks allow you to change the traction, ABS and suspension settings, but remember, only while stationary. Everything is reasonably easy to use and straightforward after some simple instructions. Just remember: the symbol R means rain not race, and T means touring not track. I’m still undecided on the looks and appearance. One colleague has described it as “looking like it’s been driven through the ugly forest and hit every tree on the way” which, to my Continued over
Q. How is ADD (traction control) different from Ducati and BMW systems? Why not use Skyhook? A. I’m not sure which system they use for sure but we have active preload on the rear, which I believe they don’t, and we measure air pressure in the forks. We don’t use potentiometers or any other mechanical measurements in the front. The BMW GS uses a servo to change the pre-load like turning a manual preload knob, we use oil pressure. There is nothing wrong with ‘Skyhook’ technology. It’s been around since 1974 and is good for measuring low-speed frequency. Our system uses a combination of that and our own methodology, acceleration-driven damping which is better for measuring high speed frequency. We use a patented ‘comfort-orientated’ algorithm which combines the principles of Skyhook and acceleration-driven damping algorithms to create ADD. Q. Does the Caponord have a lean angle sensor, and if not, why? A. It’s not needed, this isn’t a performance bike. We think they’re for sports bikes and racing.
got the same results with the air cap system and it’s far cheaper and easier with fewer mechanical parts. In back-to-back testing the air cap system was just as accurate, giving enough data for this type of bike. This is the first bike to measure the air pressure in the front fork and we have a patent on the system. Q. Will the suspension need to have extra servicing? A. No, the parts we use originate from the automotive industry which are tested to extremes. The forks can be serviced as normal. Q. Does the maximum and minimum slip within the traction control alter depending on gear? A. No. It could on a more advanced system, but it’s not needed for this type of bike. Q. How do you determine maximum and minimum slip? A. Slip occurs when there is a difference between front and rear wheel speed. When the rear tyre slides on the power it’s because it’s spinning faster than the front wheel. We have a calculation which allows a little slide, then acts when the difference between both wheels increases further. For example, in setting three, the most intrusive mode, the system is activated when the difference is 7%, then acts again at 8%. No matter how much torque you request the system won’t allow the rear wheel to spin more than 8% more than the front. In mode two, it’s less intrusive, 9-10%, and in mode one, 11-12%. At the minimum slip we close the butterflies; once past the maximum we reduce the spark advance, but we never totally cut the fuel as this wastes fuel, affecting mpg and it can damage the catalytic converter in the exhaust, too. Q. Finally, is it a true active suspension system? A. We say it has ‘active functionality’ on the rear. [Big smile.]
Q. Why have different modes which change pre-load, when it can change automatically? Also, in automatic preload mode what happens at the front? A. It’s all down to personal taste. We believe the automatic mode is the most efficient preload setting. However, some customers may prefer lots of pre-load. When you add it changes XCi tiopre-load consed tismolore velonly eum the iliquat et rear, not the front.odolortie Pre-load in the wis dionsec tetuero consectem front fork in the right fork only, volenibh euisisalit illutatum ventleg ipisisl ex and has to be changed manually exerci eniam, consed tat. Gait praestrud tie likevulluptatio a conventional bike.wisissim Our system con erit luptat vullam, changes and rebound in vel utetumcompression nonulla ad ex eumsan hent alisthe left leg.facidunt ip et ipsummy secte facilfork dolore Q. Why not use potentiometers to measure fork travel like race teams do on competition bikes? A. We tried this with a prototype but
Automatic preload will even take account of the weight of your fuel
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18 FOCUS mind, is a little harsh but it’s not the best looking bike to come from the Aprilia factory.
Verdict It’s a shame the weather was so poor because it prevented me evaluating the new Caponord fully. But I can say the ride quality and comfort from the ADD suspension is class-leading. Over bumps and imperfections it’s so good it’s almost alien-like. I’m really taken by how good the suspension is – especially the rear over bumps and potholes. Considering the bike’s sporting potential, the active suspension is one of the best setups I’ve
Aprilia has thrown a very interesting bike into the adventure mix. If I were BMW or Ducati I would be concerned Adam Child
Win a Yamaha
ever experienced in terms of comfort and ride quality. Yes, the clever suspension is grabbing the headlines – but that’s not the full story. The ABS is excellent, so is the traction control and the different fuel maps via the fly-by-wire are a nice touch and all come as standard. The 1200 V-twin feels strong, the dash and switchgear is straightforward and although it’s not the prettiest bike it certainly isn’t the ugly duckling of the adventure market. I’m looking forward to testing the Aprilia in the dry so I can confirm how the semi-active suspension will perform when you’re attacking corners with peg-scraping angles of lean. The Brembo setup looks strong – but we couldn’t test the brakes to their full potential in the wet. And the engine feels muscular – but I only passed 100mph once or maybe twice in a 90mile ride because the road conditions were so bad. We need more dry miles to give you a full verdict. But our wet ride does highlight many strong points, the main being the amazing active suspension. And, more importantly in many ways, the Caponord is considerably cheaper than its competition. Aprilia has thrown a very interesting bike into the mix. If I were BMW or, even more so, Ducati, I would be concerned about the new Caponord. I can’t wait for our exclusive group test to find out which bike comes out on top.
New Aprilia Caponord in detail…
Semi-active suspension provided classleading comfort and ABS, traction control and fuel mapping is the icing on the Caponord cake
The name means ‘Corporal’ in Italian but Aprilia’s cracking adventure bike should be a general with all that it’s got going for it. Just cast your eye over this spec…
THE FACTS APRILIA CAPONORD 1200, £10,999 (£12,290 TRAVEL PACK) Engine: Liquid-cooled, 1197cc (106 x 67.8mm), DOHC, 8v V-twin. Six gears, chain-drive. Power (claimed): 125bhp @ 8500rpm Torque (claimed): 85ftlb @ 6500rpm Chassis: Tubular steel frame with aluminium side plates, unboltable tubular steel subframe, cast aluminium swingarm Suspension: S achs 43mm inverted forks, fullyadjustable. Sachs single rear shock, fully adjustable Weight (claimed dry): 2 14kg (228kg Travel Pack) Front brake: 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston calipers. Standard ABS Rear brake: 2 40mm disc with Brembo single-piston caliper. Standard ABS Front tyre: 120/70 x 17 Rear tyre: 1 80/55 x 17 Fuel capacity: 2 4 litres Seat height: 840mm Contact: w ww. ukaprilia.com Available: April
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THE WEEK 02-06
WHAT’S NEW?
4
FOCUS 08-33
COMMENT 34-37
BUYING & SELLING 39-70
EVENTS 71-73
SPORT 74-84
20.03.2013 WEDNESDAY
19
Dorsoduro, but refined and remapped to give more midrange. The throttle bodies are actually smaller, and the four-valve heads have twin injectors and twin sparks. Maximum power is a quoted 125bhp at 8250rpm and maximum torque is 85ftlb at 6500rpm. Aprilia also claims the new engine is 20% more fuel efficient.
1 2
1197cc V-twin is similar to DorsoduroÕs but remapped to give more midrange
5 3
4.FUEL MAPS Aprilia was one of the first to use a ride-by-wire throttle in 2007 with the Shiver 750. It enables Aprilia to have three different engine maps on the new Caponord. Sport for maximum power and response, Touring for maximum power again but with a softer response and Rain which limits maximum power to 100bhp.
5.SUSPENSION FAILSAFE The cruise control (top button) doesnÕt allow your speed to be varied once set
1.MULTI-MEDIA PLATFORM The Caponord is iPhone-compatible with a built-in USB socket and Bluetooth. By downloading an Aprilia Caponord app you can store the bike’s data, like wheel speed, rpm or the amount of traction control intervention and also watch this
information live as the Caponord has a top yoke bracket to accommodate your iPhone. With the data from your phone, you can also record lean angles, brake and acceleration and record your route, then re-run your last journey to your mates down the pub. It will highlight your gear, wheel speed, lean angle, traction control
intervention – all the information the bike’s brain uses.
2.TRACTION CONTROL The ATC system (Aprilia Traction Control) is specific to the Caponord but developed from the APRC system on the highly acclaimed RSV4. It uses information from the two-
channel ABS to monitor wheel speed. Level One is for sports riding, Level Two for touring and Level Three for tricky conditions, such as very wet roads.
3.ENGINE The 90° 1197cc V-twin is very similar to the engine used in their
All the electronic semi-active suspension components have filtered down from the automotive industry which means they’ve been tested for a huge amount of miles. But if the suspension fails, safe modes have been factored into the design. If the auto pre-load fails it will lock on the last setting. If power fails and the semi-active suspension can’t work, it reverts to its maximum setting. With no power, the suspension feels solid.
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YOUR DAILY ADVENTURE. NEW APRILIA CAPONORD 1200. 1200. READY TO ESCAPE?
Ogni giorno una nuova avventura ti aspetta. Preparati a viverla con la nuova Caponord 1200, l’ultima nata di casa Aprilia che rivoluziona il mondo delle grandi enduro stradali: tutto il comfort che hai sempre cercato, per viaggiare da solo o in coppia, insieme a tutta la sportività che solo l’esperienza Aprilia Racing ti può garantire. Caponord 1200 ti sorprenderà con la sua ciclistica evoluta, il potente bicilindrico 1200cc, e l’esclusivo equipaggiamento elettronico di serie: Ride by Wire multimappa, Traction Control su tre livelli, ABS disinseribile e, nella versione Travel Pack, il nuovissimo sistema dinamico di sospensioni semiattive ADD, Cruise Control e, per la prima volta su una moto, l’ammortizzatore dalle regolazioni completamente automatiche. Per tutti i viaggi che devi ancora intraprendere ma anche per le tue avventure in città, con Aprilia Caponord 1200 la libertà non ha confini. Dove vuoi arrivare oggi? opendoor.aprilia.com
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15/04/13 12.16