Aprilia Dorsoduro 750, 2009
The APRILIA DORSODURO 750
Developed in close collaboration with Aprilia Racing (the department of Aprilia responsible for thirty-seven world titles), the Dorsoduro 750 combines the best technology from the worlds of supersports and racing supermotards. The result is a distillation of performance and technology, a special, extreme, and elite motorcycle that is capable of elevating its rider to motorcycling excellence.
The lightweight, agile, and powerful Dorsoduro 750 is driven by a new generation of engine incorporating the most advanced technical solutions found on any bike of its kind. Thanks to advanced electronic engine management, Aprilia's compact 90° V twin delivers superb performance, well beyond the reach of its rivals. Specific power is 122.6 HP/litre and maximum torque is 82 Nm at only 4,500 rpm.
As you would expect from Aprilia, the chassis is unique in the supermotard segment. Having achieved amazing results on the super-specialist SXV, Aprilia's mixed trellis and aluminium frame is now one of the most distinctive features of the Dorsoduro, giving it the sort of directional control, responsiveness and precision the competition cannot hope to achieve.
Despite its essential design, the Aprilia Dorsoduro boasts the highest level of components, technical equipment and finish. Four piston radial calipers, wave discs, a hydraulic wet clutch, adjustable front and rear suspension, Tri-Map ride-by-wire engine management and a Matrix instrument display with on-board computer are just some of the many items that make the Dorsoduro unique.
The features of the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 in greater detail:
" 90° V twin engine with four-valve heads, double overhead cam and liquid cooling;
" tri-Map second generation ride-by-wire technology;
" electronic fuel injection with the latest generation injectors;
" mixed gear and chain timing drive;
" modular steel trellis and aluminium alloy frame for extremely light weight and high torsional rigidity;
" aluminium alloy swingarm with laterally offset monoshock;
" fully adjustable 43 mm upside down fork;
" radial front brake calipers combined with 320 mm wave discs
" also available in a restricted 25 kW version
" latest generation Continental two channel ABS
The DESIGN: CONCEIVED TO THRILL
The minimal and aggressive bodywork of the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 adds the perfect finishing touches to the advanced motorcycle technology that forms the basis of its design. The Dorsoduro 750 is built around the rider. That is why, on this radical, daring and sporting machine everything contributes effectively to maximum riding pleasure. Plastic body panels have been reduced to a minimum for this very reason. As with top competition machines, anything that does not improve performance has been eliminated. Only the place for a number has been left to emphasis the bike's close ties with the world of racing.
The middle of the bike, the area most important to rider movement under competitive riding conditions, shows just how compact this design really is. The Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 is incredibly slender and agile and enters into instant symbiosis with its rider. Only a few metres on this amazing machine are enough to feel completely at one with it. Aprilia's design team have achieved this impressive result by giving the Dorsoduro a long, flat seat, derived directly from the world of racing, allowing the rider to find the most effective position at all times.
The sleek, compact tail houses a twinned exhaust, a solution that not only gives the bike a mean, aggressive look but also achieves perfect symmetry and ideal weight distribution. The hand guards are derived from those of the SXV supermotard and, despite their streamlined look, offer effective protection against accidental impacts with the control levers.
The ENGINE: A STATE-OF-THE-ART TWIN
Numerous improvements have been made to the Aprilia 750 cc, 90° V twin engine, which now features mapping specially developed to bring out the Dorsoduro's aggressive character.
Improvements have been made to various areas of the 749.9 cc engine with its bore and stroke of 92 x 56.4 mm. As a result the electronic and mechanical content of this V twin engine sets new standards not only for engines of this size but for many far larger units too.
The electronic engine management on the Dorsoduro 750's engine leads the field in technology and performance. The Dorsoduro features a second generation electronic throttle with Tri-Map selectable triple mapping.
Three performance modes, Sport, Touring and Rain, can be selected from a switch on the handlebars (with the throttle closed for safety reasons). The Dorsoduro changes its character radically, depending on what mode you select. Sport mode gives you aggressive instant power; Touring mode gives you a smoother action, better suited to relaxed long distance riding; and Rain mode gives you ultimate safety slippery surfaces.
The Tri-Map electronic throttle also means smoother, more consistent power thanks to more accurate and precise throttle control based on parameters including engine speed, gear selection, air flow, throttle position and temperature.
Whatever mapping you select, the engine is always ready to deliver the best possible performance in terms of acceleration and rev range, giving you an amazingly satisfying and entertaining ride.
The exhaust is made entirely from stainless steel. The collector pipes meet in a single silencer under the seat before splitting again into two tail pipes. The large volume of the exhaust system also aids engine breathing and boosts efficiency.