Aprilia Dorsoduro 900

9th November 2016

Supermoto | 90-degree V-twin | Review  | Specs

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Aprilia has released details of a new Dorsoduro supermoto for 2017. The model first broke cover in 2008 as a 6-speed budget 750 and stayed in production until 2016. A 1200cc variant appeared in 2011 and is still being manufactured.

The new 90-degree, DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin has a capacity of 900cc and plugs the gap left by the middleweight 750. Essentially deploying the same 92mm x 56.4mm 750cc Dorsoduro motor, the 900 has increased the stroke to 67.4mm. The horsepower has been rated by Aprilia as 95 @ 8,750rpm with 60lbs-ft of torque @ 4,500rpm. But note that the smaller capacity 750cc engine was rated (by Aprilia) at 92hp.

So what's happening?

Well, it's simply that the range of exaggeration has been narrowed. Therefore, under the new reporting regime it means that the 750cc engine was probably around 75hp. Either way, the torque curve on the 900 is claimed to be flatter giving more consistent power delivery as opposed to unwelcome rev band peaks and troughs.

The new bike, which is (arguably) a fresh challenge to the Ducati Hypermotard 939, has three riding modes (Sport, Touring and Rain). A new Ride-by-Wire throttle has also been developed. Other features include traction control and switchable ABS.

The front fork is an inverted 41mm Kayaba with 6.3-inches of travel which is matched by 6.3-inches of travel at the rear, with adjustable damping. The fork is adjustable for pre-load and rebound. The steel and aluminium trellis frame is much the same. But new and lighter 3-spoke wheels have been introduced (120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17). Brakes are 4-piston radial calipers up front acting upon 320mm discs, with a single-piston caliper at the rear acting upon a 240mm disc.

As for instrumentation, Aprilia has introduced a new colour TFT screen which can be upgraded with the factory's multimedia whatsit.

There's no colour option. You either buy black with a red frame, or black with a red frame. And if you've got shorter legs, you've probably go no business riding a supermoto; the seat height on this is around 34-inches, which is the same as the seven-fifty's saddle.

Naturally Euro4 compliancy is a given.

And the price? No details yet, but the 750 was ticketed at just shy of eight grand. We'd expect this one to be slightly higher at maybe £8,200 - £8,500.

 

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