Aprilia 1200 Caponord ?

[flip]

Any of you guys have any experience with the Aprilia 1200 Caponord? I stopped in at a bike shop yesterday and looked at a used Caponord. It was raining so I didn’t take it for a test ride.

For quite a while I have been looking for a traveling bike with good leg room to replace my Breva 1100.

I had thought a Yamaha FJ09 or whatever the new model name is would be my next bike but after demoing one, I couldn’t stand the buzz handlebars on it

I’ve kinda narrowed the list to 1200 Caponord or a Stelvio. Not entirely ruled out are Triumph 1050 Tiger, V Strom, 900 Shiver(new ones are relatively cheap and I love my 750 Shiver) and maybe even a Mana. I lust after some of the newer MV Agusta’s but the almost non-existent dealer network scares me away from them.

[CT Dharma]

Never owned a Caponord but had a Futura, Dorsoduro and a Tuono. All great bikes with a great motor, never had any problems with any of them.

[Devildog]

Lots of YouTube video reviews...they are worth watching. Lots of thumbs up, but like many modern bikes the complexity of the electronics put me off buying one.

[NWrider]

I have a 2016 Caponord Rally -- Other than a brake master cyl recall, it's been very reliable, powerful, smooth running and has very good suspension.  The cruise control is a bit finicky to operate, but that's about it.  The dealer I bought from is no longer in business, so warranty issues or repairs will be an issue if something goes wrong.

[SLDMRossi]

No...Warranty issues are NOT a problem. That's a Legal obligation between you and Aprilia. It has nothing to do with the Selling Dealer...any Dealer is obligated to support your Warranty. If you get any grief, tell the Dealer you're going to contact the State DMV.

Steven Rossi
CT-RI MGNOC State Rep.
East Haddam, CT

[inditx]

Had both, the Caponord was a sports touring bike, not at all off road imho
The Stelvio is a much better all around bike and has shaft drive not chain

[keener]

I have never owned a Cap but have had the pleasure of riding one for three weeks on a tour , nice motorcycle good power and adequate midrange power .
I also would suggest a Kawasaki 1000 Versys for you to check out , test ride.. amazing smooth motor and for touring especially two up , huge midrange and easy on the price when you buy used or base new.
Both bikes handle well have decent brakes and are sport touring mounts as in pavement .
I went with the Versys but the Caponard was always a contender .

[Scud]

Get yourself a ride on a Stelvio before you decide. I'm quite fond of mine.

[SLDMRossi]

You might be surprised how well-rounded a new V85 TT is. Runs down the road quite well, but a little smaller and lighter to maneuver around...

SR

[flip]

Thanks for the input guys.

[NWrider]

Steven Rossi
With all due respect -

It is an issue if there's no longer a dealer.   My bike is out of warranty so the warranty wouldn't affect me but it would for someone looking to buy a new left over model.   Finding someone competent to work on it warranty or not with a PADS system is also a problem -- can't even reset the service light on the Aprilia as the ECU is locked -- need the dealer tool.

[flip]

Get yourself a ride on a Stelvio before you decide. I'm quite fond of mine.

I test rode a Stelvio a few years ago and liked it ok.

[flip]

You might be surprised how well-rounded a new V85 TT is. Runs down the road quite well, but a little smaller and lighter to maneuver around...

SR

They are right cute but I really don’t want to down grade in power.

[Huzo]

I’ll have the front guard off yours if you don’t want it..
Would go well on my V85..

[SLDMRossi]

Obviously, if the bike is out of Warranty then the Dealer question takes on a whole new meaning.

SR

[smdl]

After riding my Stelvio for about a year, I happened to sit on a Caponord at a rally, and really liked the feel of the bike's ergonomics.  When I got home, I set up a test ride of the Aprilia, fully intending to replace the Stelvio if I liked it.  However, when I rode it, I was very surprised to find myself... underwhelmed.  There wasn't really anything wrong with the Caponord, but it just seemed boring, and utterly lacking in character.  So, I decided to walk away and think about it.

I had ridden the Stelvio to the dealer with the intention of talking trade-in, and when I got on it to head back home, it just felt immediately alive and interesting and right, in comparison.  Since then, I've never looked back, and I've grown to love the Stelvio more and more as the years have passed.

Your experience may vary, but I'd strongly recommend riding both bikes before making a choice.

Good luck!

Shaun