I just might have to look into one of these:
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/bikes/aprilia/on-the-road-aprilia-1200-dorsoduro-1.1263472
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Aprilia builds some pretty extreme motorcycles. The Aprilia 1200 Dorsoduro may be taking that statement to a new level.
The Dorsoduro looks like a cross between a motard and an adventure bike. With a reported hair-trigger throttle, the motorcycle “wheelies every time you sneeze” if the traction control is not engaged.
The 128.7 horsepower engine can be scaled back to some extent by pressing the starter button while the engine is running. There are three available settings. R (rain), T (touring), and S (Sport). The default setting of R still delivers around 100 horsepower, but the traction control helps keep the power fairly linear. The T setting removes power restriction but maintains the traction control. The S setting is reportedly unsuitable for riding in traffic due to the light-switch-like throttle response making for a jerky ride for starts and stops. The S setting is best suited for the track.
The engine is an all-new design 90-degree V-twin built by parent company Piaggio. Radically over-square, the engine has a compression ratio of 12:1. The throttle controls are ride-by-wire and completely electronic.
The traction control system and anti-lock brake system are rider controlled. The anti-locks can be turned on or off and the traction control has three separate levels. Instead of using a gyro, the traction control tracks the speed of the front wheel compared to the rear and adjusts accordingly. This helps greatly when trying to keep the front wheel on the ground.
With a seat height of over 34 inches, only the taller folks will find a comfortable ride on the Dorsoduro. A fully-adjustable suspension does everything but lower the seat.
The Dorsoduro is priced at around $14,700.
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/bikes/aprilia/on-the-road-aprilia-1200-dorsoduro-1.1263472
----------
Aprilia builds some pretty extreme motorcycles. The Aprilia 1200 Dorsoduro may be taking that statement to a new level.
The Dorsoduro looks like a cross between a motard and an adventure bike. With a reported hair-trigger throttle, the motorcycle “wheelies every time you sneeze” if the traction control is not engaged.
The 128.7 horsepower engine can be scaled back to some extent by pressing the starter button while the engine is running. There are three available settings. R (rain), T (touring), and S (Sport). The default setting of R still delivers around 100 horsepower, but the traction control helps keep the power fairly linear. The T setting removes power restriction but maintains the traction control. The S setting is reportedly unsuitable for riding in traffic due to the light-switch-like throttle response making for a jerky ride for starts and stops. The S setting is best suited for the track.
The engine is an all-new design 90-degree V-twin built by parent company Piaggio. Radically over-square, the engine has a compression ratio of 12:1. The throttle controls are ride-by-wire and completely electronic.
The traction control system and anti-lock brake system are rider controlled. The anti-locks can be turned on or off and the traction control has three separate levels. Instead of using a gyro, the traction control tracks the speed of the front wheel compared to the rear and adjusts accordingly. This helps greatly when trying to keep the front wheel on the ground.
With a seat height of over 34 inches, only the taller folks will find a comfortable ride on the Dorsoduro. A fully-adjustable suspension does everything but lower the seat.
The Dorsoduro is priced at around $14,700.
