aprilia dorsoduro...opinions, thoughts, experience

[k_cotter]

hey all, my brother is looking at picking one up this week, ive kind of been trying to talk him into looking at some other bikes before he jumps on that but his heart seems set...was wondering what ppl here think of the bike and if anyone has/ owns one and what his/her experience

thanks for any input everyone

[STFU]

750 or 1200? I had my heart set on the 750 when they came out,then I test rode one... Very nice bike, excellent fit and finish. Did everything well, super stable, inspired a lot of confidence (especially on rough back roads and corners with bumps). It was very comfortable and solid. Stock exhaust sounds amazing, aftermarket even better.
I thought the engine was very refined and the throttle was very responsive and clean. My major complaint was it seemed a little a tame (down on power) bottom end was pretty just not there. I think the engine really shines better in higher RPM, but I didnt ride it too much there.
This was solidified for me when I went back to the dealer and hopped on a Hyper, that bike did everything that I was looking for (except preserve my wallet). The Duc was more explosive and had a more aggressive seating position and ride.

[reiobard]

no direct experience with it, but Aprilia makes a solid power plant and that bike looks like a hoot!

[k_cotter]

He's looking at the 750. Thanks a bunch for the input.

[whynot]

There was a discussion here a year or so about this. I just did a web search for "dorsoduro hypermotard comparison test" and found a bunch of results, like
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fe...6/viewall.html

... maybe check those out for some info.

When I was looking at them, a few things came up, like do you want chain drive or belt drive to cams, liquid cooled or air cooled, and what is the fuel capacity/range. Along with how it sits and feels. I felt like the Hyper was a 'way forward, up on the tank, elbows out riding position, I preferred the Dorsoduro.



hth,

Kurt

[venk25]

No direct experience. However, I've been reading about them and I like what I read. Is your brother planning to pick up used? Because, 2012 Dorsoduro 750 is not sold in the US. I've checked with Seacoast and also confirmed directly with Aprilia USA. And, when i checked a couple weeks ago, Seacoast didn't have any leftovers or used. I haven't come across any private used listings in this region either (not that I was exhaustive...).

2012 Dorsoduro 1200 will be sold, but don't think they've started showing up yet. And, Seacoast had 1 2011 leftover.

On another note, I heard from Wagner that the 2 MA dealers (3rd is a scooter only dealer) are dropping Aprilias - meaning, they are not going to sell new Aprilias - not because of motorcycles or their quality, but because of issues dealing with Piaggio, the parent company

[03Worc9R]

Yep. Wagner in Worcester has dropped aprilia.

BUT, they continue to sell "Indians". I would love to know how many of those things they really sell.

[venk25]

OP, just curious, what did your brother end up doing? Did he get one?

[k_cotter]

He actually went with the shiver instead