These days, Aprilia is all about new products and mechanical evolution. One of the most tangible manifestations of this remains the RSV4 Factory APRC, a rocket fired by a V4 engine supported by übersophisticated electronics that has already been crowned world champion. So when the Italian manufacturer announces a new model, the press in its entirety naturally gets all hot and bothered.

Its design clearly breaks with the sometimes ho-hum styling of standard sport bikes. (Photo: Aprilia)

As was the case with the news of the new Dorsoduro 1200, a Dorso on steroids, a huge supermotard, or should I say, maximotard. Its design clearly breaks with the sometimes ho-hum styling of standard sport bikes. The plastics, sharp lines and high mudguard set the tone. Visually, this new Aprilia is one impressive machine.

Poised for battle
On the Dorsoduro, you’re perched up there in an upright position, with arms spread wide and hands protected by two big, enduro-style, hard plastic deflectors. The ergonomically shaped 15-litre tank (12 litres on the Dorsoduro 750) allows you to get close to the dash. With my shoulders squared, my hands firmly gripping the handlebars and the engine burbling, I felt ready for battle. But where were my rivals? Oh yeah, it was just another organized testing day at the Supermoto X Fest at Mecaglisse… You see, the adrenaline just starts to pump as soon as you swing yourself up there.

Packing quite a punch
Like the brand’s V4, the V-Twin’s guttural, earth-shaking rumble is very much present, without disturbing rider or passenger. It’s truly gleeful. And performance-wise, the engine delivers everything you expect from a twin-cylinder with this displacement. Smooth, torquey and lively, but not violently so, it spits out its 130 ponies in a civilized manner. Like the 750-cc V-Twin, the beefy 1200 takes orders from Aprilia’s latest Drive-by-Wire technology, which proves precise in all conditions and at all times.

The V-Twin responds easily from 2,000 rpm on and pushes boldly past the 6,000-rpm mark. On the flip side, the heavy engine braking takes some getting used to, though it has to be said that the second generation of Aprilia’s electronic control system does a good job of mitigating its harmful effects when braking. The 6-speed transmission allows for quick and easy shifting, and lever distance can be adjusted.

Smooth, torquey and lively, but not violently so, the V-Twin spits out its 130 ponies in a civilized manner. (Photo: France Ouellet)