Aprilia Caponord 1200

Another year, another contender in the large-displacement adventure-bike game of thrones. The undisputed king of the segment, the BMW R1200GS, wears the crown. Beemer’s benchmark bike just keeps taking on all comers – and continues to bat down each and every challenge, as in our 2012 Adventure-Tourer shootout. This year brings a reincarnated Aprilia Caponord to the game, initially unveiled at EICMA 2012.

 Based on the aforementioned Dorsoduro 1200, which we loved during our 2011 review, the Caponord has the underpinnings for a great long-distance machine. Throw in the hard panniers, RSV4-inspired styling, ABS, traction control, multiple ride modes, adjustable windscreen, hand guards, and semi-active suspension (aka Aprilia Dynamic Damping) and the technology-laden Caponord is sure to be a contender for the A-T crown this year.

We’re glad to see Aprilia jumping on the A-T bandwagon in a big way. But it faces some stiff competition for top honors. "Since its introduction the Ducati Multistrada has been in a class by itself,” says Content Editor Tom Roderick. “This new Caponord, with semi-active suspension, looks to finally give the Duc a run for its money."

In regards to the Beemer, Associate Editor Jon Langston remains skeptical. “Knocking the GS from the top of the heap has proven impossible thus far. It’ll be interesting to see how well the new Caponord measures up – not only to the GS, but against the other contenders.”

Source : http://www.motorcycle.com/ – By : roy Siahaan/Staff