Aprilia 750 Dorsoduro test

A virile super-moto
In Italian, ‘dorsoduro’ means ‘hard back’.
It usually applies to someone who is tough and strong…not the kind of person who is easily won over by this kind of motorbike, however sporty and aggressive it might be.

 The new Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 is a powerful supermoto which is intended to appeal to those with a taste for something strong and spicy. It’s a recipe that we’re putting to the test on the roads of Italy – the home of inventive cuisine and characterful motorbikes.

Statics

Much of the Dorsoduro’s appeal is down to its contemporary use of plastics and its simple, stretched lines. It features a whole host of top spec equipment and a high quality of finish.

Like you would expect from a supermoto bike, the Dorsoduro is original. For example, its unique rear shock absorber mounted to the right of the frame. And its stainless steel trellis frame with horizontal alloy bars.

The cast alloy radius arm is quite technical in its design. Hosting a single Sachs shock, it’s fully adjustable.

The 43mm diameter inverted fork can be adjusted for varying levels of compression. At the centre is a 17 inch alloy wheel, plus a Wave double disc brake. The discs are gripped by four-piston fixed radial callipers. They’re powerful but remain easy to manage – the brakes on this bike are nigh-on perfect.

The engine is a brand new 750 cc V Twin unit. Water-cooled, with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, it develops 92 horsepower at 8750 rpm.

 The exhaust has a catalytic converter, and there’s a large silencer underneath the seat. The sound it produces is fitting for a sports bike, while not being too loud.

The dash and handlebars have been carefully designed. The handlebars themselves are conical-shaped, with fully-adjustable controls and a fully-featured dash. Also worth noting that there are three injection maps selected using the right-hand controller.

Right, enough talking, on to the road…

The riding position is instinctive, and the Dorsoduro is a relaxing ride. From the first few metres, it feels light and precise, with little time needed before you feel right at home. The intermediate Touring mode is well suited to town riding, with plenty of power.

But it’s outside the town that the Dorsoduro really comes into its own. It especially excels on twisty roads. With its wide tyres and efficient suspension, the slight softness of the fork is easily forgiven. This is a bike that gives the rider plenty of enjoyment. Switch to the Sport mode and there’s a whole load more character to be unleashed. The throttle is electronically linked to the injection and responds rapidly when asked to provide power. The bike sticks to the ground, and is lively and instinctive. The Dorsoduro is good fun, but not quite as violent as it would like you to think.

The suspension responds well when it is asked to perform, even on the bumpiest of roads. It doesn’t take long for you to feel ready to go on a roadtrip – the limiting factor is perhaps the relatively small 12 litre fuel tank. We could quite easily spend a whole day playing with this bike through these corners. It’s great fun on the brakes, and there is plenty of power throughout the range.

The Aprilia Dorsoduro is a real success. Starting at 8850 euros, it’s not out of place vs its competitors when it comes to price, either, especially given how well equipped it is. This is one that could leave the established leaders in the class running for cover!