The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally has been revealed, and as the name suggests, it’s a variation of the existing bike which looks a little more like it can handle some rallying action.
The main points are spoked wheels with a 19-inch front rim, a larger screen, and protection for the sump, oil cooler and bodywork. Plus some nice aluminium panniers. Basically the bits you’d have fitted first as aftermarket choices if you did decide to take your Aprilia across some fields.
As with all modern adventure bikes, it comes with a load of technology bolted onto the 1200cc V-twin engine. The list includes ride-by-wire throttle with 3 engine maps, traction control, cruise control and switchable ABS. Plus the aDD suspension system to adapt calibration to match road surfaces and riding style.
Rescogs opinion:
We can’t blame bike manufacturers. Speed cameras, bigger and older riders with bad backs and the legacy of Ewan McGregor going camping means adventure and dual sport bikes are a bright spot when sports bikes sell in single figures.
And the Caponord Rally makes sense – if the additional parts are the same quality as the aftermarket options and cost less bought as a package it’s a decent new purchase. But like Honda’s Crossrunner, it’s an evolution which is likely to spend more time taking the long way round to the supermarket than the back of beyond, and existing secondhand examples will often have similar kit already fitted.
It’d still be fun to see our resident rally racer, Feef, take one out and see how long it lasts 馃檪
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