The Caponord family grows

Aprilia Caponord 1200

Aprilia’s versatile Caponord has been steadily finding favour in the highly competitive market segment that calls itself “adventure/touring”.

And while few of us will ever test the capabilities of this growing clutch of motorcycles, which, if called upon, could transport you to the end of the earth and back again in comfort and reliability, this design trend is the most practical thing to come off the drawing boards in recent times. The formula is straightforward; relaxed, comfortable riding position, long travel suspension, dual purpose tyres, plenty of luggage carrying capacity, a tourqey, responsive engine, top-notch brakes, weather protection, and reliability. Just like an Ariel Square Four café racer isn’t. When we tested the then-new Caponord 1200 back in 2013, we marvelled at the degree of sophistication in the electronics department; here we had semi-active suspension (Aprilia Dynamic Dampening) which automatically adjusts the rear suspension pre-load for such things as a pillion passenger or luggage – event altering the ride characteristics as the fuel load drops. This very smart system also works out if you start blasting through the corners by kicking not the ‘sport’ mode, and the system conducts the same adjustments to the 43mm Sachs suspension at the front end as well. Then there’s the engine modes, in a choice of Touring, Sport or Rain mapping, which can be altered by the rider while on the move. The engine shifts from a docile 100 hp up to an aggressive 125 hp, according to your needs and mood. For 2105, the Caponord family has grown to three separate models; the Strada, Touring and Rally versions. All three share the composite chassis that utilizes a steel tubing trellis with forged aluminium sections, massive 320mm front discs with radiallymounted monoblock 4-piston calipers on the front, with a single piston rear caliper on a 240mm disc. The entrylevel Caponord is the Strada which has a very attractive ride-away price of $20,000.00. Available in either black or red, the Strada has an adjustable windshield, fully adjustable front and rear suspension, ABS, traction control, and a ride-by-wire throttle. Next Cap off the rank is the Caponord Touring, in either red, black or silver, with colour-matched panniers. It has all the features of the Strada, plus the Dynamic Dampening and cruise control. At present Aprilia is offering a genuine colour-matched top box and heated hand grips at now extra cost, for a ride-way price of $23,000.00. For the more adventurous types, the Caponord Rally is the go. Visually, the spoked wheels set this model apart, with a 19-inch item up front and a 17-incher at the rear. A substantial aluminium guard sits below the engine to ward off anything the terrain can throw at you, tubular steel rails around the panels to minimise damage when bush bashing (or falling off), supplementary LED lights and the full suspension/ride/throttle/brakes electronic kit. Available in either yellow or Safari Grey from April 2015, the Rally will set you back $24,000.00 ride away. The original Caponord 1200 was good value. Now with three models to choose from and new low pricing, it is seriously worth consideration.

MAX.POWER

MAX.TORQUER

TRANSMISSION

FUEL CAPACITY

BRAKES

SUSPENSION