All Tests – Introductions of the new Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro Factory – First laps on the Dorsoduro Factory

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Baptisms of the new Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro Factory

All Tests - Introductions of the new Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro Factory - First laps on the Dorsoduro Factory

Aprilia presented two of its 2010 novelties in Nice: the new Shiver and the Factory version of its Dorsoduro, which share the same 750 cc V-Twin. Unfortunately, the rain spoiled tests that promised to be convincing. Immersion…

First turns of the wheel on the Dorsoduro Factory

Unveiled at the last Milan Motor Show (read), the Shiver 2010 and the Dorsoduro Factory had made an appointment with the French specialized press in the north of the Côte d’Azur in order to demonstrate their full potential.

Alas, twice alas, hardly the tarmac of the airport of Nice trampled by the valiant journalists that instantly, threatening clouds pile up above their helmets … Site then decides to jump on the Dorsoduro, hoping take advantage of a still dry bitumen to gauge the capacities of this "factory" version.

We know it (read our), the Dorsoduro immediately puts in the "bath": high saddle (870 mm), very wide handlebars and low footrest: the driving position is Supermotard type and is perfectly suited to large riders !

The rider is truly one with the machine: the reservoir – with a thin base and sharp edges – allows the motorcycle to be firmly squeezed and the thighs to be properly wedged while the saddle, which is wide enough at the rear, provides a minimum of comfort.

In this Factory version, the carbon parts of the front part and the red color of the tubular part of the frame raise the pilot’s pride a notch. However, it is a pity that the fit of the new parts is not strictly perfect….

But we quickly forget this imperfection once the twin-cylinder is launched with a simple flick on the starter – which also acts as an ignition switch: the electronic injection takes care of itself to put a slight boost from the first turns of the pistons. , just to awaken the mechanics … and the primary instincts of the biker !

The sound of the two pots, always as pleasant, instantly encourages to take the road and to put gas. Considering the darkness of the clouds posted above our heads, we definitely did not need to be asked !

Despite a clutch a little hard and a twin who is reluctant to go below 2,500 rpm, handling this Dorsoduro is easy. The excellent agility of the front axle, assisted by a good turning radius, allows you to get out of traffic without difficulty.

Launched on expressways, the Aprilia does not lack stability either. Only a few squalls at the end of the day – hellish gusts that generated extraordinary waves on the waterfront! – shook the Dorsoduro by rushing into its hand guards.

We also note with the appearance – much too fast, unfortunately – of rain that these protections will be useful in the event of a fall … but not in bad weather. !

The few kilometers covered on dry roads have just allowed us to confirm the "Fun" potential of this Aprilia. The engine has a very wide operating range – from 3000 to 9500 rpm – and, in the S mapping mode (S for "Sport"), it benefits from a well "tough" character. !

In this case, the slightest rotation of the right wrist, even minimal, results in a sudden rise in speed and a sharp acceleration. So much so that the coolest users – that the Factory version is not a priori – will readily fall back on T mode.

In this T mode (for "Touring", not to be confused with the "Track" mode of the RSV4, it must be followed at Aprilia!), The Italian Supermot ‘gains in approval on small gas openings, while retaining its strong personality when the pilot really wants it.

The last R mode (for "Rain") will appeal to only a small part of the owners of this Factory, the revs becoming far too slow even in the rain. Maybe on snow or ice ?

More generally and regardless of the mode engaged – via a few presses on the starter, engine on but gas closed, even while driving – we must salute the work of Noale engineers who have managed to make their system completely forgotten. ride-by-wire.

ABS, traction control … and 1200 ?

During the static presentation of the new Dorsoduro Factory, the Aprilia staff quickly draws our attention to the fork: "we can guess here the location of a sensor", we bait the French officials, stressing that we can therefore"expect to see ABS soon on the Dorsoduro … And why not a Traction Control system !"After all, the R1200GS, Multistrada and Super Tenere are equipped with it. But to compete with these BMWs, Ducati and Yamaha, Aprilia will also have to increase in displacement. However, the V-twin 1200 is long overdue … to follow !

The disastrous version which fitted the first Shiver is only a distant memory, but we will have the opportunity to come back to it on page 2 with the test of the 2010 Shiver. As for the engine, let us point out that the Dorsoduro Factory remains identical to the "tout-court" Dorsoduro.

The same goes for braking, always so biting, powerful and adjustable at the front. The rear brake on the other hand we were much less excited because the too hard pedal makes the dosage difficult. On our "grumpy" roads, the Dorso ‘Facto’ performed a few more or less controlled rear hunts: caution !

On the cycle side, however, the Factory differs from the standard version by its suspension elements: "its Sachs fork is adjustable in all directions (prestressing and relaxation according to the technical sheet, editor’s note), which is important for this kind of "toy bike", while its rear shock absorber has proven itself: it is the one we offered as accessories on the Dorso ‘ !", summarizes one of the technical managers of Aprilia France.

The soggy bitumen of the Nice hinterland unfortunately did not allow us to verify the merits of its modifications, even if the grip was never faulted despite some significant acceleration and braking given the conditions….

After half a day spent in the company of this new Aprilia, the rider’s buttocks require a little rest – just like the feet, traversed by big vibrations shortly after 4000 rpm…

In 6th gear, this speed corresponds to a speed of 90 km / h, ie the legal cruising speed on the secondary network. The acquisition of rubber coating – available on the official accessory catalog – will not be a luxury.

Available now in all goodies, the Dorsoduro Factory is priced at € 9,849 in its unique "Nero Vulcano" colorway. "But our customers benefit until June 30 from a pick-up bonus of € 600 ", recalls Aprilia France (read) !

Finally, note that the motorcycle is delivered with the set of passenger footrests not fitted and that the regulatory retaining strap is hidden under the saddle. No need of course to try to fit anything under this saddle: the coded key is the only on-board lock !

Matthieu BRETILLE – Photos Fabrice LHÉRITIER and Gerard DELIO

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