Eicma 2012 – Aprilia Caponord 1200: the bike for every occasion

After having shocked the world of naked sports with the incredible Tuono V4 R and having created the best superbike of the new millennium, the very fast RSV4, Aprilia aims to leave an indelible mark also in the road enduro segment, achieving the ambitious yet exclusive goal of obtaining a perfect balance between sport and comfort. He is born Caponord 1200, the perfect motorbike for every occasion. Handy and agile in the city, thanks to an advanced and light chassis, fast and fun in extra-urban situations, thanks to its sophisticated electronic management and the performance of the very generous twin-cylinder engine, very comfortable for the rider and passenger in tourism, thanks to particularly refined ergonomics and for the excellent protection from the air, thanks to the study of the shapes carried out in the wind tunnel.

Caponord is not a new name for Aprilia: the first ETV 1000 Caponord, presented in 2001, represented an evolved interpretation of the road enduro concept, boasting unique distinctive elements such as the double-spar aluminum frame and the 998 cc twin-cylinder engine 98 HP, both of markedly sporting origin. Over ten years have passed and in the meantime Aprilia's motorcycle technology has made giant strides: to the proverbial ability to build exceptional chassis, absolute expertise in applied electronics has been added, thanks to the experience acquired in racing at the highest levels, which For Aprilia they have always been the maximum center for research and development of solutions which are then used on series models.

Proof of this are the power and above all torque characteristics of the 1200 V2 engine, completely revised to offer the maximum in terms of power output and driving pleasure. The needs and desires of motorcyclists have also changed, as they have never been so attracted to the global motorbike, i.e. the motorbike capable of providing great satisfaction in any condition of use. Caponord 1200 aims to be the meeting point between the new needs of motorcyclists and the technological capabilities of Aprilia.

THE MOTORBIKE
The typical personality of Italian design combined with a slender body: these are the first characteristics of a long series that distinguish Caponord 1200. Form and function find a point of contact. The sportiness clearly shines through from the stylistic features: the distinctive "look" of Aprilia also characterizes the Caponord 1200. The numerous sessions in the wind tunnel have designed the shapes of the fairing and the height-adjustable windshield, to ensure the best aerodynamic penetration, with a particular pay attention to the essential protection of the pilot and passenger from the air. To ensure maximum comfort in tourist use, the hand guards and the particular profiles of the side panels are used, designed to be minimally invasive but offer ample protection.

The same concept characterizes the Caponord 1200 chassis: the new Aprilia has a frame made of steel tubes and pressed aluminum plates, a true modern sculpture worthy of being left exposed. The mixed structure guarantees the right rigidity and the essential characteristics of stability and precision required by every Aprilia, allowing Caponord 1200 to rise where the competition stops, i.e. in sport riding. The perfect balance between sport and tourism is an alchemy that only those with profound know-how like Aprilia can create.

The upright and relaxed driving position is the result of specific ergonomic studies, in search of a dominant posture, yet not tiring during long journeys; the saddle, embellished with fine red stitching with a racing flavour, has a particularly welcoming cushion and is placed just 840 mm from the ground, allowing riders of all heights to always have maximum control of the vehicle when stationary. The passenger accommodation has also been the subject of particular attention: the portion of the saddle, wide and flat, is separated from that of the rider and has a shape that prevents sliding forward, guaranteeing excellent comfort in every riding situation, while the handles grips allow for a firm and comfortable grip. The "rotational" technology has allowed us to create a nylon tank with reduced thicknesses and great freedom of shapes, benefiting from lightness. In this way the lateral dimensions are reduced to a minimum and
they favor the perfect positioning of the pilot's legs on board.

The 24 liter capacity guarantees travel of over 300 km on a full tank of fuel. The design of the Caponord 1200 was conceived right from the start considering the panniers as an integral part of the vehicle: this, together with the choice to adopt the layout of the exhaust system with low silencer, made it possible to significantly reduce the overall dimensions. The 29 liter panniers, once installed, remain particularly adherent to the profile of the tail (the total size stops at just 908 mm) and do not create any disturbance to the passenger, facilitating getting on board and driving comfort. Aprilia has also thought of sports purists: the silencer is adjustable in height, in case the panniers are not mounted, giving an even more sporty and aggressive look. The set of panniers in the same color as the bodywork, included in the very rich catalog of original Caponord 1200 accessories, does not require additional brackets and attachments
additional ones, thus leaving the cleanliness of the motorcycle line unchanged, when not installed.

AVAILABLE EQUIPMENTS
Caponord 1200 comes with a wealth of standard equipment, which includes, among other things:

• Ride by Wire system
• Three engine maps, Sport, Touring, Rain
• ABS (can be switched off)
• ATC (can be deactivated and adjustable on 3 intervention levels)
• Adjustable windshield
• Handguards

The Travel Pack trim level adds:

• ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping)
• Cruise Control
• Shock absorber with built-in piggy back, electrically adjustable spring preload in 4 defined settings (rider only, rider and passenger, rider only with panniers, rider and passenger with panniers)
• Pair of panniers in the same color as the bodywork
• Central stand

These last two details are also available in the very rich catalog of accessories for standard Caponord 1200 customers.

CYCLING
Caponord 1200 was born on the technical basis of the sporty and effective Dorsoduro 1200, the reference fun-bike in the sector; however, given the different uses to which the two motorcycles are suited, the chassis of the new Aprilia has been extensively modified. The frame layout always includes a mixed structure, formed by a trellis of high-strength steel tubes connected to a pair of die-cast aluminum plates. This exclusive and tested configuration allows for perfect weight balance and optimal torsional and longitudinal rigidity values.

The chassis has been profoundly revised, in search of new references for the segment in terms of handling, without neglecting the high standards of stability at high speeds that the powerful twin-cylinder is capable of achieving. The new rear subframe ensures extreme solidity when traveling with a full load, while the lateral positioning of the shock absorber, which connects the frame to the aluminum swingarm, is useful for giving the right space to the exhaust manifolds, leaving the unit far from the heat sources, in a position favorable to any adjustments. Caponord 1200 features a manually adjustable shock absorber in spring preload and hydraulic rebound damping and a fully adjustable USD fork
(extension, compression and spring preload) with 43 mm stanchions, embellished with shell-cast feet. The very light aluminum wheels, both 17 inches, derive from those fitted on the very sporty RSV4 and help reduce the gyroscopic moments of the unsprung masses to a minimum, to the benefit of handling. The rims fit tires created and developed specifically for this type of motorbike; thanks also to the generous section of the rear one (190/55), they are able to accommodate the rider in the most extreme bends, as well as ensuring maximum grip on slippery surfaces. The particular tread groove offers the further possibility of tackling light off-road routes without risk, in search of a type of adventurous tourism. The Brembo braking system features, at the front, a pair of 320 mm floating steel discs and 4-piston monobloc calipers with radial attachment. At the rear there is a 240 mm disc and a single-piston floating caliper. An evolved one
Two-channel switchable ABS completes the standard equipment.

THE ENGINE
Caponord 1200 shares the same exceptional engine base as the Dorsoduro 1200. The Aprilia twin-cylinder boasts very advanced construction technology and a careful study of internal fluid dynamics, aimed at improving combustion, reducing friction, maximizing performance. The engine has been the subject of important revisions, both of software and hardware, in order to obtain a more progressive delivery starting from low revs (for the benefit of comfort) and to enhance driving pleasure thanks to even higher torque values ​​( for the benefit of enjoyment), while improving fuel consumption.

The general characteristics of the Caponord 1200 engine:

• 90° V-twin;
• Performance: max power 128 HP at 8.500 rpm; max torque 11,8 kgm at 6.500 rpm;
• Ride by Wire technology with triple mapping (Sport, Touring, Rain);
• Strongly oversquare bore/stroke ratio which underlines its sporting temperament and increases the fullness of the delivery starting from low revs;
• Misaligned cylinders for less transversal bulk;
• Double overhead camshaft distribution controlled by a mixed chain/gear system and four valves per cylinder;
• Twin spark ignition for smooth but full delivery;
• Speed ​​density electronic fuel injection with two throttle bodies and micro-nebulization injectors;
• Pipettes with integrated stick-coil coils;
• Three-way catalytic converter and double Lambda probe;
• Clutch with hydraulic control.

First of all, the gear ratios vary in order to increase tractability at low speeds and better exploit the power of which this powerful, highly oversquare 90° V-twin engine is capable. The change to the final drive ratios helps to raise the maximum speed, thus allowing the engine to rotate at lower speeds during motorway travel, saving fuel and increasing comfort. Son of the experience acquired by Aprilia in competitions, which has yielded 51 world titles in just a few years, the ultra-compact twin from Noale is also an Italian work of art from an aesthetic point of view, thanks to the efforts of the engineers invested in imagine a very modern engine in which the data transport system travels through a CAN line which has the advantage of reducing the quantity of electrical cables present. New is the 690W power generator, more powerful, capable of powering the various electrical accessories included in the very rich catalog of options without problems.

ELECTRONICS: THE MAXIMUM OF SOPHISTICATION AND RELIABILITY
Aprilia was the first to believe in Ride by Wire, the electronic accelerator, introduced on the Shiver 750 already in 2007, the result of highly sophisticated technology, once reserved only for racing bikes, which helps the rider get the most of performance from the motorcycle. On Caponord 1200, the level of effectiveness and reliability of the system has reached its peak. The RbW communicates perfectly with the engine's electronic control unit, managing the power in the best possible way at every point of the delivery range, to have jerk-free handling at low revs, great readiness at medium speeds and exemplary reach at high speeds. An efficient engine also offers the undeniable advantage of optimizing fuel consumption.

The triple mapping (Rain, Touring, Sport) which can also be selected while racing by the rider, allows you to have a motorbike with three very different characters, capable of instantly adapting to every riding need. The pilot simply has to close the throttle and, by pressing a button, decide what type of configuration to use.

SPORTS: maximum performance, with prompt and direct delivery, to support an attacking drive.

TOURING: the maximum power expressed is the same as the Sport mapping, but the delivery becomes more fluid and suitable for daily driving, as well as touring.

RAIN: power is limited to 100 HP, to ensure maximum control and safety in non-optimal grip conditions.

ABS and traction control (ATC) can both be deactivated and are standard on the Caponord 1200. The two-channel ABS system has a particularly fine calibration, which allows the chassis' qualities to be fully exploited in sports riding, without ever being invasive, not even in more intense braking, while still guaranteeing maximum safety in the event of slippery surfaces. ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) is the exclusive traction control system, derived from the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) of the extraordinary RSV4, designed and fine-tuned by Aprilia to obtain maximum grip on any type of surface, capable of giving the pilot great confidence in driving while simultaneously increasing safety. The 3 control levels are adjustable depending on the different types of driving and asphalt conditions:
Level 1: for an absolutely pure sports driving experience, all fun and
adrenaline.
Level 2: suitable for the city and touring and in general to manage the great engine power on
any route.
Level 3: ideal for safely dealing with difficult situations, such as low funds
grip, maintaining total control.

Caponord 1200 is also available with the Travel Pack set-up, which includes ADD, Cruise Control, central stand and side panniers. ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping) is the brand new dynamic semi-active suspension system developed by Aprilia and covered by patent, the point of reference in motorcycling worldwide for technology, effectiveness and reliability. After APRC, the highly sophisticated "package" of electronic systems that equips the RSV4 and Tuono V4, once again Aprilia proves itself to be a pioneer in the field of electronics applied to motorbikes, presenting the suspension system that
uses automotive components to guarantee maximum reliability: a look towards the future thanks to its wide development possibilities and diversified applications. The system measures the energy transmitted to the vehicle by the roughness of the asphalt, recognizes the driving phases (acceleration, throttle release, braking, constant throttle) and adapts the suspension calibration in real time, to maximize comfort and maintain the motorcycle setup. All this is possible thanks to the exclusive patented method that combines the principles of the skyhook and acceleration driven damping algorithms - well known in the car world - allowing maximum performance to be achieved across the entire frequency range of the fork and shock absorber. In electromechanically calibrated suspension systems, already present on the market, the rider, by acting on a button on the handlebar, activates an electric motor which changes the suspension setup. In Aprilia's dynamic ADD semi-active suspension system, however, the rider has to do nothing but ride.

The Travel Pack includes the shock absorber with built-in piggy back, electrically adjustable in spring preload in 4 predefined positions, highlighted with specific icons on the digital instrumentation: rider only, rider with passenger, rider only with suitcases, rider and passenger with suitcases. Aprilia's Cruise Control allows you to set the desired speed and keep it constant even in the event of uphill or downhill gradients, without the need to act on the throttle control. The system is automatically deactivated if the rider acts on any of the brake/clutch/Cruise Control button controls and is very useful on long motorway journeys, as it helps to save fuel and makes driving less tiring. A perfect ally for clocking up stress-free kilometers on the Caponord 1200.

The completely digital instrumentation that equips the Caponord 1200 is completely new: the LCD panel integrates the speedometer, rev counter, general and two partial odometers, fuel level and coolant temperature. Furthermore, there is an indicator of the selected mapping (S,T,R) and that of the electrical adjustment of the shock absorber spring preload (where present). The gear engaged, the ATC adjustment level and the operation of the heated grips (optional) are also indicated. The series of side warning lights include the fuel reserve,
enabling/disabling of ABS and ATC and Cruise Control (where present).

APRILIA CAPONORD 1200 – TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Engine type Aprilia 90° longitudinal V-twin, 4-stroke, liquid cooling, double overhead camshaft controlled by a mixed gear/chain system, four valves per cylinder
Lead-free petrol fuel
Bore and stroke 106 x 67.8 mm
Total displacement 1197 cc
Compression ratio 12.0 ± 0,5 : 1
Max crankshaft power 128 HP (95,5 kW) at 8.500 rpm.
Max torque at the shaft 11,8 kgm at 6.500 rpm.
Power Integrated engine management system. Injection with management of throttle opening Ride by Wire three maps: Sport (S), Touring (T), Rain (R)
Digital electronic ignition, twin spark integrated with injection
Electric start
2 into 2 system exhaust made entirely of stainless steel with double catalyst and Lambda probe
Generator 690 W/6000 rpm
Wet sump lubrication
6-speed gearbox, gear ratio: 14/37, 18/32, 21/28, 24/26, 25/24, 27/24
Clutch Multiple discs in oil bath with hydraulic control
Primary transmission Straight tooth gears, transmission ratio: 40/69
Secondary transmission Chain. Gear ratio: 16/43
Detachable steel trellis frame connected with high-strength bolts to aluminum side plates. Removable steel rear subframe
Front suspension Sachs upside-down fork, Æ 43 legs fully adjustable in compression, rebound and spring preload. Wheel travel 167 mm.
Rear suspension
Aluminum alloy swingarm.
Sachs hydraulic shock absorber adjustable in rebound and spring preload. Wheel travel 150 mm.
Front brakes: Double floating stainless steel disc Æ 320 mm. Brembo four-piston radial calipers. Metal braided brake hoses.
Rear: Stainless steel disc Æ 240 mm. Brembo single piston caliper. Braided metal brake hose.
Two-channel Continental ABS system and Aprilia Traction Control (ATC).
Lightweight aluminum alloy wheels with three split spokes
Front: 3,50 X 17″ Rear: 6,00 X 17″
Tubeless Radial Tires; front: 120/70-R17; rear: 190/55-17
Dimensions Max length 2240 mm
Max height 1456mm
Saddle height 840 mm
Wheelbase 1565 mm
Trail 125 mm
Steering head angle 27 °
24 liter tank (of which 5 liters reserve)