Long-term test: Aprilia Caponord Rally (Introduction)
Although bike maker Aprilia might be better known for its sportsbikes – after all, it does have around 300 MotoGP race wins and seven Superbike titles to its name – it has also managed to clinch nine off-road titles. And it’s the latter that brings us to the latest addition to our two-wheeled long-term fleet. The bike is named for the North Cape (Nordkapp in Norwegian) in Norway, a landmark that’s considered the northernmost point in Europe.
Our dual-purpose test unit is the Rally version, which includes a host of additional equipment for the daily as well as the adventure rider. In terms of safety, there’s a two-channel ABS system, ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) with three settings as well as ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping).
In terms of practicality and comfort, cruise control is a great luxury on the open road, while the side panniers (which we’ve not yet fitted) should prove very handy on longer trips and commutes.
There are also hand and side guards that protect the lower- front fairings. Meanwhile, the LED lights – as well as the Army Green colour scheme – add to the off-road appearance and the multi-spoke wheels are perfect for off-road riding.
Between your legs is a 1 197 cm3, 90-degree V-twin liquid-cooled engine. It develops 92 kW at 8 000 r/min and 115 N.m at 6 800 – that’s more than enough power! The first ride on a new long- term motorcycle is always an exciting one and the Caponord didn’t disappoint. Heading north on the N1 towards Paarl, followed by a right turn to Stellenbosch and Somerset West, I found the ride quality good and the seating position perfect.
As the engine had already racked up more than 2 000 km, I wasn’t holding back and used the full rev range as often as possible. The twin-cylinder unit revs eagerly and will do so all the way to the rev limiter at 9 000 r/min. However, we have found that, at town-bound speeds, the engine tends to stutter if you select one gear ratio too high. The result is that, in slow turns, you have to down gear to first.
At higher speeds, wind buffeting was initially a problem, but at one of the stops along the route I simply moved the screen to its top position, which quickly eliminated the problem.
Over the course of the next six months, we will go on several adventures and put the bike as well as the accessories to good use. Question is, in a market dominated by BMW’s GS and KTM’s Adventure range, where does it fit in? Initial impressions are of a bike that offers a perfect sweet spot.
Current mileage: 2 656 km
Average fuel consumption: 7,03 L/100 km
We like: strong engine
We don’t like: engine stutters at low revs