Aprilia Caponord1200ABS

[samfrank]

I know this is a Guzzi site but.....anyone have any info on the Caponord 1200 Travel Pack?
 Going to check one out this week at a "local" dealer. It's a 2015 demo with 350 miles at what appears to be a good price. Any and all info greatly appreciated!
Sam

[twowings]

Best go here for your research:

http://caponord.com/

[samfrank]

Thanks so much!

[jbell]

AF1 Racing in Austin show 2 2015 used Capos at just under $10k in inventory.  AF1 has a pretty darn good reputation.

[leafman60]

Motorcycle Consumer News did a shootout a few months ago that pitted the Capo Nord against the BMW 1200RS and a Japanese bike.  The Capo Nord seemed to be the pick.  A big bang for the buck.

I've ridden one and I liked it. Smoother than a Guzzi but still had some VTwin character.  Haulin-butt bike too.

Maintenance will be much more involved than a Guzzi, though.

[alanp]

I agree with leafmans comments.  I test road one and really liked it.  I have been thinking about a slightly more powerful replacement for my 650 vStrom and this was the top contender in terms of the package; twin cyl., loads of zip, great handling, comfortable, decent looking, and "different". 
I would have bought one except I saw a number of issues on the forums regarding the dreaded "red triangle".  Many folks complained of having the warning, and it seemed that most of them never really figured out what the problem was.  I might be able to overlook this if it hadn't been the same basic issue with my 2007 Norge, which ultimately became my reason for giving up on it. The local dealers don't know what to do about it, and I just can't go there again.  I love being able to get on the Suzuki, push start, and ride anywhere without a second thought.  The Suzuki is completely dependable and I am convinced that Japanese bikes are just better in this regard.   

[jacksonracingcomau]

I rode one with travel pack
Obvious when I tried to get on, big hard bags far too high & wide, put there by fashion designer not motorcyclist, like a lot of modern stuff, what everyone knew 50 years ago now a mystery to current crop, so they put speed warnings when loaded, d'uh.
Anyway apart from obvious handling/ aerodynamic issues with bags there, it's nearly impossible for "normal" people to get a leg over them, perhaps they expect you to get on on the sidestand, not for me but def not for missus, guess they don't believe we travel 2 up either.
Then as I left shop, dropped off curb onto road one bag fell off, nuff said about that issue.

What I wanted to test was fancy semi active suspension, I left in rain dealer had RAIN mode on, was pretty compliant, bit mushy, later in day I went for TOURING (I think that's #2 ) this was good but when I hit SPORT it changed susp completely, no longer capable of pot holes.
But engine in Sport felt like it was working properly, the other modes like it was being strangled, hard to go back once you've felt it right.
I always thought bikes had a "power" controller, we used to call it a twistgrip
Sad bit is you can't have engine that works without getting rock hard suspension.

So came home in Touring to get her idea on suspension but although far better than my well worked Wilbers on the ol dunger, everything that no longer hit her from underneath now hit her in the head. Again 50 years ago no-one would think of putting passenger a foot higher than rider.
Windshield raised made no difference, was just plain uncomfortable for her, and remember this is OZ, I'd hate to try going fast on Euro or US motorway

But they sell so some people must like them, for me it needs a rethought seat, electronics that allow more adjustment (or less, best engine best susp would do). Most important is bags in right place so you'd have to move (ugly)exhaust.

All from perspective of old couple, been travelling on 2 wheels a long time, spoilt perhaps. Nothing modern comes close to what we need, every step forward has several going backward.

[leafman60]

I had a 2006 VStrom 1000 for about 2 tears. I ohlinized it and leo vinced it but it was still a boring bike for me that never seemed "special." I sold it before the dreaded and expensive valve adjustment.

Japanese adherents, I understand. I can't criticize you for your choices.  I just haven't captured the character I like with what seems like a sanitized appliance.

On the Capo Nord front, my biggest hang up is with the complication of the engine layout. I am spoiled by simple valve adjustments on the Guzzi and no adjustments on the H-D.

[pete roper]

I had a 2006 VStrom 1000 for about 2 tears. I ohlinized it and leo vinced it but it was still a boring bike for me that never seemed "special." I sold it before the dreaded and expensive valve adjustment.

Japanese adherents, I understand. I can't criticize you for your choices.  I just haven't captured the character I like with what seems like a sanitized appliance.

On the Capo Nord front, my biggest hang up is with the complication of the engine layout. I am spoiled by simple valve adjustments on the Guzzi and no adjustments on the H-D.

Well, we can agree on something.  I think the Cappo is the most boring bike I've ever ridden and is an utter pain in the arse to work on. I'd rather feed my privates through a paper shredder than be forced to ride one any distance.

Pete