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Aprilia Dorsoduro Test Continue

Aprilia Dorsoduro Test Continue

Author: Josh
Date: 2012-06-06
Josh was test driving the Aprilia Dorsoduro and having startled himself with its exceptional abilities he discovered an element of his test ride, which he reveals below, continued from last week.

"At one stage I even discovered that I had pulled off from standstill in second gear, oblivious to my error until I looked down to the trick Matrix instrument panel which displays the current gear selected, among other interesting things. As mentioned, for a big bike, it handles corners with uncanny ease. Powering up one of my favourite stretches, Fields Hill, was an absolute blast, thanks to the excellent Sachs suspension.

Speaking of the suspension, I was thoroughly impressed by how well they handled all the situations I threw at them, from skating around bends, to potholes, to speed bumps, nothing would deter them from performing exceptionally. Stopping power is provided by Brembo 320mm floating discs, with 4-piston radial callipers at the front and a 240mm disk single piston at the back, both fed by metal braided hoses for that extra oomph. The ABS collaborated with the oomph in harmony to give you that extra piece of mind, while the ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) delivered more reassurance when powering out of the corners. Another advanced feature is the triple engine map, with Sport mode (my favourite), Touring and Rain, allowing you to choose the setting that best suits your current riding situation. It even transforms into a mobile gym! Well, when you are foolish enough to ignore the petrol light that has been screaming "Feed me Seymour!" that is. The result of this foolishness, was having to push the last 200 metres to work. As I said, mobile gym! The Dorsoduro is not the most frugal when it comes to the flammable stuff; then again you don't exactly buy a Ferrari because you want to save the rain forests and endangered Mongolian goats.

So, in conclusion then, why did Aprilia build this monstrosity of a two-wheeled transportation device? With some tweaking Aprilia could have launched it in the far more popular and lucrative adventure touring market, not the supermoto market as it now stands. Well, the reason behind this bold move was that Aprilia were worried that it's name was getting fuzzy, that people no longer knew what Aprilia stood for. They wanted to send a clear message by unleashing the Dorsoduro upon us unsuspecting mortals that they are about cutting edge technology, sport, excitement and fun. Did they accomplish this undertaking? You'll just have to decide that for yourself by taking one for a test ride."

Call East Coast Motorcycles on 031 566 3024 to arrange said test ride. Or just rock up at their showroom at 10 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge.