2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 First Impressions

Our European Correspondent Tor Sagen is in Sicily, Italy, this week testing the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200. We’ll have a full review coming up but first here are Tor’s first impressions.

I’ve just finished testing the updated version of Aprilia‘s Dorsoduro 1200. On paper Aprilia has merely upgraded a few things and, as such, it isn’t the most interesting new motorcycle of 2012.

The upgrades include new Aprilia wheels that are said to be nearly 6 pounds lighter than previous models. This reduces unsprung weight, and I felt their effect during my test – the “new” Dorsoduro is more responsive than ever. A new front mudguard, a less-bulky exhaust heat shield and a new license-plate holder shaves an additional 300 grams.
The Dorso’s 1200cc V-Twin is also a little bit more powerful than before, although the reasons why aren’t revealed in the tech specs. The improved engine-management system allows for even smoother operation than before, but Sport mode is still very fierce, so Touring mode is preferred in most riding scenarios. The 2012 Dorsoduro 1200 is just as fun as before but now it handles better and responds better to throttle input. More in my full review.

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2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 Review: First Impressions

By Tor Sagen