Aprilia introduces a new version of the already popular and super technological Caponord 1200 that breaks down the boundaries of paved roads to become even more transversal and suitable for any trip. Caponord Rally originates from the technical expertise of Aprilia, who reconfirmed its leadership in 2014 as a unique and victorious Italian brand, taking both world championship titles in the World Superbike, increasing the number of wreaths in the Manufacturer from Noale's collection to 54. A challenge that doubles in 2015 with Aprilia's commitment to both MotoGP and WSBK.

Aprilia Caponord Rally official video

New spoked rims with 19" on the front, new hard panniers, new engine guards, supplementary LED lights. The new Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally is more eclectic, more protective, more comfortable, super equipped. The high performance of the twin-cylinder is a perfect match for the exceptional chassis features typical of all Aprilia bikes as well as the technological content such as ADD, the patented semi-active suspension system that automatically adapts calibration based on road surface and riding style. Interaction between the rider and his or her mount is further guaranteed by the A-MP system which interfaces with the smartphone world, an area where Aprilia and the Piaggio Group are on the absolute cutting edge.

After introducing the Caponord 1200, the perfect crossover for any type of road use, at the top of its category for technical content and chassis quality, Aprilia offers a version capable of pushing beyond the limits of paved roads, where travel turns into adventure. Introducing the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, a splendid representative of the global bike, just as suited for daily commutes as for fun and long range touring, not only on asphalt.
Caponord Rally originates from the technical expertise of Aprilia, who reconfirmed its leadership in 2014 as a unique and victorious Italian brand, taking both world championship titles in the World Superbike championship, increasing the number of wreaths in the Manufacturer from Noale's collection to 54. A challenge that doubles in 2015 with Aprilia's commitment to both MotoGP and WSBK.
The names “Caponord” and “Rally” are evocative for Aprilia: the first was introduced in 2001 with the ETV 1000 Caponord, patriarch of an advanced interpretation of the street enduro concept, boasting distinctive elements such as the dual beam chassis in aluminium and the 998 cc 98 HP twin cylinder engine, both clearly sports derivations. Aprilia has historically associated the term “Rally” with the most adventurous and offroad models (including the 2002 ETV 1000 Caponord Rally Raid), bikes dedicated to travel in its purest and most savage connotation, ready to take on any type of terrain.
Then, like now, Aprilia's motorcycle technology was top shelf: the proverbial ability to build exceptional chassis is joined by exclusive expertise in electronics, thanks to the experience gained in top level racings, which has always been at the centre of research and development of Aprilia solutions which are then used in factory models. Ride-by-Wire, ABS, ATC, ACC and ADD are the active electronic control systems for safety and riding pleasure that Aprilia has fine tuned for the Caponord 1200 Rally, combined with a modern and technological V2 powerplant with top notch torque and power characteristics as well as a standard-setting chassis architecture.

EXCEPTIONAL STANDARD EQUIMENT
In introducing the new Caponord 1200 Rally, Aprilia's main focus was to offer an exceptional package of standard equipment. The Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally standard equipment includes:

• Electronic Ride-by-Wire accelerator with triple maps (Sport, Touring and Rain) that can be selected by the rider.
• Two-channel ABS (can be disabled).
• ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) adjustable to three levels (can be switched off).
• ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping), a system capable of "reading" the road, recognising the rider's riding style and automatically adjusting the suspension set up.
• ACC (Aprilia Cruise Control).
• Pair of new panniers covered in aluminium.
• Adjustable oversized windshield.
• Hand guards.
• Tubular side guards and engine guard.
• Pair of supplementary LED lights.
• Spoked wheels with 120/70R19 (front) and 170/60R17 (rear) tyres.

THE BIKE: ITALIAN DESIGN, SLEEK BODY

Aprilia Caponord Rally still life



Aprilia introduces the definitive bike, perfect for any occasion, the new point of reference for form and function, where the personality so typical of Italian design is combined with a sleek body. Like every Aprilia, its sportiness shines through clearly in the main stylistic traits, immediately noticeable in the triple headlight, by now the distinctive mark on all late model Aprilia bikes. The overall shapes were drafted during the numerous wind tunnel sessions which led to finding a perfect balance between a highly compact form, optimum aerodynamic penetration and excellent protection from the wind. Guaranteeing maximum comfort for rider and passenger are the new oversized windshield which can be easily adjusted in height, the hand guards and the particular profiles of the sides, designed for minimum protrusion but protective at the same time. The adventurous style of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally is completed by the new metallic tubular side guards and the brand new guard under the engine. The pair of supplementary LED lights is also new, contributing to an increase in riding safety, especially in low visibility conditions.
One of the most important aspects for a bike dedicated to accompanying riders on the longest and most demanding trips is the riding position. Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally provides riders of any height with an erect and relaxed position, the result of specific ergonomics studies in search of a dominant position that would not be tiring during long trips with perfect control over the bike and a sporty ride on road and in light offroad riding, even upright. The saddle has a particularly comfortable cushion and is just 840 mm off the ground, giving the rider total control over the vehicle when stopped. A lowered saddle is also available as an accessory to further reduce the distance from the ground. The passenger accommodations were also given particular attention: the portion of the saddle, large and flat, is separate from the rider's seat and shaped in such a way that prevents sliding forward, guaranteeing optimum comfort in any riding situation, while the ergonomic grab handles provide a firm and comfortable grip. “Rotational” technology allowed a thin walled nylon tank to be realised with great freedom of shape, favouring a reduction in weight. This way the lateral dimensions were reduced to a minimum and cater to the perfect leg position for the rider. The 24 litre capacity guarantees long range travel with a full tank.
The design of the Caponord 1200 is completed by its new side panniers, elegantly covered in aluminium and each with a 33 litre cargo capacity. Once mounted, the lateral dimensions are very contained; this result also contributes to the adoption of an exhaust system with a low mounted silencer. The panniers practically adhere to the profile of the tail fairing (total dimensions are only 920 mm) and do not create a nuisance for the passenger, making for an easy climb on board and a comfortable ride. If the panniers are not fitted, the silencer is height adjustable, giving the vehicle a more aggressive look and increasing ground clearance in turns.

PHOTO GALLERY

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CHASSIS ARCHITECTURE: EXCLUSIVE SEMI-ACTIVE SUSPENSION ADD
The layout of the frame is a mixed structure, made up of a trellis in high resistance steel tubes connected to a pair of die cast aluminium plates. This exclusive and well tested configuration allows a perfect balance of weights to be achieved, as well as optimum torsional and longitudinal rigidity values, characteristics that give the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally standard-setting qualities for handling and stability at high speed. The new steel rear subframe ensures extreme solidity for trips with a full load, while the lateral positioning of the shock absorber, which connects the frame to the aluminium swingarm, is useful for providing the right amount of space for the exhaust manifold, leaving the unit far from heat sources in a position which favours any adjustments that may be required. The new spoked wheels – with 19 inches on the front – shod with versatile tyres suited for any terrain that bring any destination within reach, no matter what type of road surface you need to tackle.
Making the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally even more versatile is the sophisticated ADD semi-active suspension system (covered by four patents), capable of detecting the rider's riding style, the amount of cargo loaded and the road surface conditions to adapt the set up automatically and in real time. This is an exclusive patented by Aprilia and based on its extensive experience in the field of electronic solutions that the brand from Noale has gained by winning top level competitions like the Superbike championship where Aprilia has been crowned world champion seven times in five years and the current title holder in both the manufacturer and rider championships.
On the front the Brembo braking system provides a pair of floating 320 mm steel discs and monoblock callipers with 4 pistons and radial connection. The rear mounts a single piston floating calliper that grips a 240 mm disc. An advanced two-channel ABS system which can be disengaged completes the standard equipment. The use of a 19” front wheel required a general revamping of the chassis with changes made to the offset and new suspension calibrations compared to the Aprilia Caponord 1200. This means that the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally is extremely precise in turns, holding the line perfectly, and extremely stable at high speeds.

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THE ENGINE: ADVANCEND V-TWIN CYLINDER
The Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally is powered by the latest evolution of the Aprilia V-twin already successfully installed in the Caponord 1200. The Italian V-twin cylinder boasts extremely advanced construction technology and a careful study of internal fluid dynamics aimed at improving combustion, decreasing friction and maximising performance. The 1200cc Caponord Rally engine benefits from a series of improvements and refinements in terms of settings, timing and electronic control. The natural developments of this twin which have taken place over time allow more progressive and responsive power output to be obtained even at low engine speeds (to the advantage of comfort) as well as enhancing riding pleasure thanks to high torque values, at the same time improving fuel economy.
The general specifications of the Caponord 1200 Rally engine are:

• Twin cylinder 90° V;
• Performance: max power 125 HP at 8,000 rpm; max torque 11.7 kgm aT 6,800 rpm;
• Triple map Ride-by-Wire technology (Sport, Touring, Rain);
• Highly oversquare bore/stroke ratio which is highlighted by the sport attitude and increases the amount of power generated from a low RPM;
• Double overhead camshafts driven by a mixed chain/gear valve timing system and four valves per cylinder;
• Twin spark ignition for fluid and full power output;
• Speed density type electronic fuel injection with two throttle bodies and double multi-hole injectors for each throttle body;
• Stick-coils integrated in spark plug boots;
• Three-way catalytic converter with double oxygen sensor;
• Hydraulically operated clutch;
• New resonator at the exhaust to improve the torque curve, especially in the engine mid-range.

A child of the experience Aprilia has gained in racing, which has resulted in an amazing 54 world titles in just a few years, the ultra compact twin cylinder from Noale is a work of Italian art even from an aesthetics point of view. Credit for this goes to the great efforts of the engineers in imagining an ultra modern engine where the data transportation system travels through a CAN line which has the benefit of decreasing the amount of electrical cables needed. The 690W current generator is capable of powering the various electrical accessories in the rich options catalogue without any problems.

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ELECTRONICS: SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY RIDE-BY-WIRE
Aprilia was the first to believe in Ride-by-Wire, the electronic accelerator and the result of a sophisticated technology introduced for the first time in the sport motorcycle world in 2002 with RS Cube and on factory bikes as early as 2007 with the Shiver 750. The efficacy and reliability of this system have been taken to new heights on the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally. The RbW system dialogues perfectly with the engine ECU, managing the power in the best possible way at each point of the power output arc in order to have jerk-free manageability at low RPM, extreme responsiveness at medium RPM and exemplary spurts at high RPM. An efficient engine also provides the indisputable advantage of optimising fuel economy.
The triple mapping (Rain, Touring and Sport) that the rider can even select while riding, lets you have a bike with three distinct personalities, capable of instantly adapting to any possible condition and preference. All the rider needs to do is close the throttle and press a button to choose the desired setting.
SPORT: maximum performance with responsive and direct power output, to satisfy a sporty riding style.
TOURING: the maximum power expressed is the same as the Sport mapping, but output becomes more fluid and suitable for daily riding or touring.
RAIN: power is limited to 100 HP in order to guarantee maximum control and safety in conditions of poor grip. ABS and traction control (ATC) (which can both be disabled) are included as standard equipment on the Caponord 1200 Rally. The two channel ABS system is specifically calibrated for the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally version. The particularly fine calibration allows the rider to make the most of chassis potential in sport riding, without ever being invasive, even in the most intense braking operations, whilst still guaranteeing maximum safety on slippery surfaces. ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) is the exclusive patented traction control system derived from the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (aPRC) system on the extraordinary RSV4, designed and fine tuned by Aprilia to get maximum grip out of any type of surface, able to provide the rider with great riding confidence, simultaneously increasing safety. The 3 control settings, specifically calibrated for the demands of the Aprilia Caponord 1200, can be adjusted based on different riding styles and asphalt conditions:
Level 1: for a pure sport riding experience, intended for good fun.
Level 2: suitable for the city and touring and in general to manage the engine's performance on any route.
Level 3: ideal for safety taking on difficult situations such as low grip surfaces, staying in complete control.
ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping) is dynamic semi-active suspension system developed by Aprilia and protected by four patents, the reference point in motorcycling on a global level where technology, efficiency and reliability are concerned. Once again Aprilia has proven to be on the cutting edge of electronics applied to bikes thanks to a latest generation suspension system that manages to increase safety, comfort and riding pleasure.The ADD system measures the energy transmitted by bumps on the road surface to the bike and adjusts the hydraulic fork calibration and shock absorber in real time to minimise accelerations on the frame and consequently optimise comfort. To achieve maximum performance at any fork and shock absorber operating frequency, ADD uses a patented “comfort oriented” algorithm which combines the principles of the well known skyhook and acceleration driven damping algorithms.
In addition to comfort, rideability is also enhanced and safety is increased thanks to further software strategies which are tied directly to the rider's actions. In fact, the system recognises the riding phases (acceleration, throttle release, braking, constant gas) and adjusts the basic fork and shock absorber settings thanks to yet another patent which allows specific hydraulic calibration curves to be defined within the adjustment range.
The high precision of the system is entrusted to a selection of sensors which are derived from the automotive world and which, in addition to guaranteeing absolute reliability, allow the fork and shock absorber extension speed to be measured with maximum accuracy. In this field Aprilia has patented a unique solution for measuring the fork extension speed: using a pressure sensor. In the electromechanical calibration suspension systems already available on the market, the rider presses a button on the handlebar to activate an electric motor which changes the suspension set-up. In the Aprilia ADD dynamic semi-active suspension system, on the other hand, all the rider has to do is ride without any concerns of selecting one setting or another.
At the rear a built in piggy back shock absorber is used, electrically adjustable in spring preload to 4 predefined positions, indicated by specific icons on the digital instrument panel: rider only, rider with passenger, only rider with panniers and rider and passenger with panniers. Aprilia system patented exclusive and then the automatic preload control mode for the spring. Once this option is selected the system is able to detect the bike's load by itself (weight of the fuel, rider, passenger, luggage, etc.) and automatically adjust preload to the optimum value for correct balancing of the bike. The ability of ADD to perfectly copy even the smallest imperfection of the road surface, thereby guaranteeing the best possible tyre grip, also allows the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally to achieve exceptional braking distances, unheard of on the competition's bikes.
Aprilia Cruise Control allows the desired speed to be set and maintained even on uphills and downhills, without touching the throttle control. The system disengages automatically if the rider touches any of the brake/clutch Cruise Control commands and is very useful on long motorway routes because it helps save fuel and makes the ride less tiring.
The instrument panel that equips the Caponord 1200 Rally is fully digital: The full LCD combines the speedometer, rev counter, total and two trip odometers, fuel level and coolant temperature. There is also a selected mapping indicator (S,T,R) as well as the shock absorber electric spring preload indicator. The engaged gear is also indicated, as well as the ATC level adjustment and heated hand-grip operation (available as a separate option).
The range of indicator lights on the side includes the fuel reserve warning light and the ABS, ATC and ACC activation/deactivation indicators.

AVAILABLE COLOUR SCHEMES. The Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally is available in one of three completely new matt colour variations: giallo Dune, grigio Safari and verde Army.

Aprilia Multimedia Platform connects your smartphone to your vehicle
In 2012 the Piaggio Group was the first manufacturer in the world to create a system which allowed the vehicle to be connected to a smartphone (and consequently to the web), thereby transforming it into an additional tool capable of providing an exceptional amount of added information compared to what is already provided by the factory instrumentation. This innovative application, currently the only one of its kind in the motorcycle world, is also available for any late model Aprilia bike. The link between the vehicle and the Internet is called A-MP, Aprilia Multimedia Platform, making travel safer and more convenient. This is a window to the future which lays the foundation for a new way of looking at communication on two wheels.

Once the free app has been downloaded, the Bluetooth pairing of the smartphone to the vehicle allows the various options to be viewed and easily modified to the rider's preference: speedometer, rev counter, but also instantaneous engine power and torque, lean angle, longitudinal acceleration, instant and average fuel consumption, average speed and battery voltage are just some of the features that can be accessed. A-MP stores all the travel information and allows it to be studied in depth at a later time on your computer or, new for the MY15 release, directly on the smartphone’s display. It also contains the operating and service manual for your vehicle.

2014 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally



To enhance aesthetics, functionality and riding pleasure
The touring and adventure vocation of the Caponord 1200 Rally is emphasised by a full range of accessories which Aprilia has developed specifically for this model to enhance the technical characteristics, functionality, aesthetics and riding pleasure.

• Approved Arrow Exhaust: titanium slip-on silencer with bottom in carbon; sporty look, impressive sound and maximum performance on the road.
• 52 litre top box kit with aluminium finish: this spacious top box can hold two flip up helmets. The body is made in fibreglass reinforced technopolymers; the cover is in aluminium.
• Internal bag kit for top box and panniers: the internal bags are made to have the same shape as the panniers and the top box that hold them. They are fitted with handles and shoulder straps for easy carrying.
• Light luggage rack: in laser cut anodized black aluminium, this is the ideal base to secure small bags.
• Offroad footpegs kit: the serrated surface of these pegs provides maximum grip even in offroad conditions.
• Rear brake foot lever pedal: this is made up of a wider contact surface and is fitted with a clutch cover guard. Ideal for offroad use.
• Oversize base for side stand: this guarantees a more stability for the side stand, especially on soft surfaces.
• Engine oil cap: made in anodized black billet aluminium.
• Frame/swingarm pin cover kit: this kit has two caps elegantly made in billet aluminium which cover the holes on the frame where the swingarm pin is.
• Clutch cover guard: this is made in sturdy laser cut stainless steel.
• LED turn indicators: these guarantee a higher brightness level and consume less energy.
• Aluminium mirrors: these are approved for street use and made from billet aluminium with scratch-resistant finish.
• Billet brake and clutch levers: made from a single block of aluminium, these allow the rider to adjust the distance from the handlebar, improving ergonomics.
• Brake fluid and clutch oil reservoir covers made form billet aluminium, these add that technical and sophisticated style that is so popular among demanding bikers.
• Heated hand grips: this is an extremely useful accessory for those who love riding even in the most extreme temperatures. They can be adjusted to three settings which are shown on the instrument panel display.
• Saddlebag: this is positioned on the passenger portion of the saddle and uses a nylon base fitted with side pockets that the backpack hooks onto. Once the backpack is removed, the base can be left mounted on the bike without compromising passenger comfort.
• Tank bag: Extensible bag with practical pockets and a carry handle, fits onto the specific tank cover with quick release clips and an adjustable fastener. Includes rain hood.
• Satellite antitheft kit: this is able to track the position of the bike so it can be found in case of theft.
• A-MP installation kit: this is made up of the Bluetooth control unit and the relative connecting cables.
• Bracket and holder for the most common smartphones.
• Installation-ready bracket for a GPS navigator.
• Electronic inertia antitheft kit: this can be easily installed on the vehicle as the dedicated wiring harness is installation-ready. Its features include: built-in engine lock and motion sensor.
• Indoor vehicle cover: this is custom cut with painstaking attention to detail. It protects from dust, scratches and small bumps.
• Tyre repair kit: specific spray to instantly repair and inflate tyres.

Motor Bike Expo, the leading European exhibition of custom and special motorcycles, welcomed more than 150,000 visitors during the three-day show at the Verona Fiere exhibition centre (23-25 January 2015). Record crowds flocked to the Moto Guzzi stand, where the knowledgeable public of devotees admired the new models introduced by the celebrated Italian brand for 2015, as well as the selection of astonishing special bikes created on Moto Guzzi bases by leading preparers like Officine RossoPuro, Millepercento and South Garage. Capturing attention in addition to the new Stone, Special and Racer versions of the Moto Guzzi V7 II (the second generation of the best-loved Guzzi) was an extensive range of accessories designed to give each bike a personal touch.

As a tribute to the custom philosophy of the Verona show, the Mandello company presented its own proposals for extreme personalisation of its twin-cylinder models. The base is the newly launched V7 II range, with the three versions Stone, Special and Racer. The bike is completely new at technical level with its new six-gear shift, at ergonomic level with the new position of the engine and footpegs, and at safety level with ABS and traction control.
Another attraction was the Moto Guzzi shop, where visitors were able to buy lifestyle articles from the large catalogue of items available for followers of the eagle brand.

GARAGEMOTOGUZZI.COM: 4 KITS FOR THE V7



Moto Guzzi’s official custom debut is illustrated on the GARAGEMOTOGUZZI.COM website, whose wealth of photos and videos offers visitors an opportunity to explore the world of each style and choose their favourite Moto Guzzi V7 configuration. The web pages of garagemotoguzzi.com are a virtual workshop where the Guzzi biker can configure their V7 to create a unique model, for a digital experience that replicates the exquisitely physical experience of customisation. The biker chooses the parts for their bike on sheets of paper laid out on the counter of a workshop, with sketches, photos and video clips combining to build a truly unique V7.

Mandello has developed more than 60 new details, which the biker combines as they please to configure a unique special. Moto Guzzi offers four kits for four different interpretations of the V7: Dark Rider: a gothic look inspired by nocturnal metropolitan settings; Scrambler: to transform the Moto Guzzi V7 road bike into a two-wheeler with an offroad look; Legend: a “two-in-one” exhaust unit, all-terrain tyres, green fuel tank, mudguards and flanks, for a configuration inspired by the Guzzi heritage; Dapper: a fascinating riding style directly derived from the racing world of the 1970s. Four worlds evolved from a deeply rooted motorcycle culture.



EXTRAORDINARY MOTORCYCLES: AUDACE AND MGX-21



The Moto Guzzi stand unveiled extraordinary bikes, constructed using the largest engine ever built at Mandello. First up, the splendidly muscular Audace, denoted by a circular headlamp assembly, 1400cc 90° V-twin engine and sporty new exhaust unit. The real star of the Moto Guzzi exhibit was the spectacular MGX-21 prototype, the emblematic essence of Guzzi motorcycling know-how introducing new interpretations of the bagger world.

So the Moto Guzzi exhibit at Motor Bike Expo also included cruisers, the most prestigious bikes from the Mandello manufacturer, powered by the splendid 1400cc twin-cylinder. Models on preview included the new Moto Guzzi Audace, dazzling, muscular and bad, with a circular headlamp assembly and carbon fibre mudguard. Another new feature is the dragbar handlebar, which, together with the forward position of the footpegs and different level of the seat, creates a longer, more dominant riding position. The powerful 1400cc 90° V-twin engine (the largest V-twin ever produced in Europe) boasts a new exhaust unit and achieves new vigour at high revs, underlining the rebellious nature of this new animal developed, like all Moto Guzzi motorcycles since 1921, on the banks of Lake Como.
Another great visitor attraction was the spectacular MGX-21 prototype, the emblem and essence of Moto Guzzi motorcycling know-how for the bagger community. A surprising idea that opens up a new approach to touring labelled Moto Guzzi. The MGX-21 picks and mixes from different cultures, but re-elaborates each element into the riding experience peculiar to every Moto Guzzi. A spectacular and extraordinarily evocative 21” front wheel, a new all-embracing mood for the rider but, above all, the legendary ridability of a Moto Guzzi bike.

INFO:
www.motoguzzi.it
www.motoguzzigarage.com