Italian travel enduro bikes: Aprilia Caponord versus Ducati Multistrada 1200 S

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

The two Italian travel enduros in the test

Two Italo bikes like ICEs: fast and comfortable at the same time. Pragmatic, but aesthetically designed. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo or Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS, who is the better travel athlete?

The Germans travel solidly in the Intercity-Express, the French relax with pleasure in the TGV, the Japanese travel in the Shinkansen. And the Italians? Do they even have an express train? Yes of course! Frecciarossa is the name of the travel express. A name with a melody means nothing more than red arrow when translated. What all these express trains have in common: They are lightning-fast and extremely comfortable at the same time. But why take the train when you can have this wonderful combination on the road? After Ducati has now too AT.prilia an all-purpose athlete in the program. The two players are not red, but who is most likely to compete with the Frecciarossa? So do you swap a bench for an armchair, fresh air for an air-conditioning atmosphere without hesitation? And the journey is just as quick and comfortable as on the train?

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

The two Italian travel enduros in the test

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo will no longer contest the two-wheeled domain of sporty all-purpose weapons alone. The new Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS started in the Travel Pack version to at least imitate the national top dog. The Aprilia scored well in the top test. But is that enough against the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo? This finally drives up with huge suitcases and top cases, engine protection bars, main stand, additional headlights, heated grips as well as tires designed for tours (all standard).

First discipline: dry exercises

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS and Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo in the test.

An Italian head-to-head race in five disciplines. First of all: dry runs for horse and rider. Jacking up on the standard main stand requires a lot of muscle for both. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo does not play to its somewhat wiry construction with 252 kilograms compared to the 264 of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS (both including side cases), it needs just as much momentum or strength to hoist. Once jacked up securely, you can take a seat.

On the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo you sit a tad more relaxed than on the sister models because of the comfort seat and the handlebars that are two centimeters higher. The Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS shows that ergonomics can be even more comfortable. A dignified feel-good feeling is the order of the day. An ICE seat doesn’t make you feel more comfortable either. However, sporty natures will find the more aggressive, somewhat more active seating position on the Duc. That fits the philosophy of the red, uh, gray.

Enduro

Premiere Aprilia Caponord 1200

New travel enduro from Aprilia

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Driving report Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS

The new travel enduro from Aprilia

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Top test Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS Travel Pack

Swing with me

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Second discipline: starting, listening, applying gas

Both mopeds are powered by a 90 degree V2 engine. The starter of the athlete from Bologna initially had to struggle to get the 145 hp engine to run. This strenuous sound when you press the button leads to the fear that the battery will run out of extremely power. The Desmo four-valve engine in the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo doesn’t start until the fourth tough turn of the crankshaft. Then the engine room tumbles a little bit bumpily for a few seconds until it has settled down to idle speed.

The lady from Noale only behaves differently to a limited extent: Even if her starter has no trouble bringing the V2 engine with 121 HP to life, the drive also turns unevenly for a while until the speed remains constant.

In return, the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS immediately shows off with a full blow from the rear silencer, making it really tough – thanks to the exhaust flap control. Tea Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo also has this, but the pistons of the Testastretta do not pump quite as powerfully. While driving, even loud suction noises overlay your heartbeat.

Enduro

Travel enduros in comparison test part 1

Travel enduros with 19-inch front wheels tested

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Comparison test of travel enduro bikes, part 2 – Sporty 17-inch fun bikes

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport

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Enduro

Travel enduro comparison – grand finale

BMW R 1200 GS in comparison test

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In contrast to the conventional clutch of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS, the anti-hopping clutch of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo requires very little manual effort. But there is an indecent problem with her in the gearbox. Sometimes the gears don’t engage properly, sometimes the shifting process needs bodybuilders’ feet. A powerful clone is more the rule than the exception in higher engine speeds.

Enduro

Top test: Ducati Multistrada

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring

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motorcycles

Endurance test interim balance of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S

Ducatis Tourer in the 50,000 km endurance test

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Tourer

Endurance test Ducati Multistrada 1200 S

Final balance after 50,000 kilometers

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The ride-by-wire system on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 is more sophisticated

12th Pictures

Pictures: Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

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In all other mappings, the system reacts more gently to changes in the throttle position; in urban mapping, the power is also reduced to 100 hp.

The competitor clearly has to give up in the chapter on responsiveness. The Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS shines with an excellent rear derailleur, short distances and extremely smooth engagement of the gear pairs. But the almost nasty use of power when carefully pulling the cable needs to be optimized. The throttle response is too direct even in touring and rain mapping, even though they have been tailored to a quieter driving style. Sports mapping makes this property even worse. In addition, the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS is annoying when coasting with constant travel jolts in the range of 3000 to 4000 turns. The Multistrada’s ride-by-wire system is clearly more sophisticated.

Third discipline: travel and gliding

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS and Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo in the test.

The V2 drive of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS, which delivers up to 108 Newton meters, does its work smoothly and does not burden the driver with tingling vibrations. With these fat pistons (the stroke-to-bore ratio of the two engines is identical), this is no easy matter. The driver of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo is shaken a lot more. Despite the double ignition installed in the 2013 model year, the engine room of the Ducati still rattles properly across the entire engine speed range.

With a total volume of 54 liters, the side cases of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS are significantly narrower than the 73-liter boxes of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo. However, if you want to pack more than a peer of underpants and a toothbrush for the big tour, you will quickly reach your limits with the Caponord. That makes sense. It’s a shame that not even a normal full-face helmet fits in the suitcase. Those who value it must invest in an optional top case. This is already on board with the counterparty (additional 48 liters).

If you like to travel together, you should check before starting your journey with the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo that there is enough space for the partner’s legs on the rests. The case is limited from the rear and the driver’s legs and feet from the forehead. You have to come to terms with it compared to the capo. A little less space before the start of the holiday not only suits the swimsuit outfit, but also the puny payload of 178 kilograms including suitcases. The Aprilia saddles at least 18 kilograms more.

Tourer

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring – old against new

Multistrada now with semi-active chassis

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Fourth discipline: accelerating, bending, electrifying.

28 Pictures

Pictures: Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

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MOTORCYCLE Market: Used Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS Travel Pack

MOTORCYCLE market: Used Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

The Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS is a little behind. Your trademark is stress-free gliding. It can hurry quickly from curve to curve, but compared to the Skyhook suspension of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo, its semi-active suspension is more suitable for leisurely tours. Despite a slight handling advantage, she prefers a more rounded driving style. The Dunlops, which tend to stand up, do their part. The not quite as powerful and even rear wheel performance fits into this picture.

If you are still in a hurry, the speed should not drop below 6000 revolutions. Then the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS sweeps through the ground and puts you in a good mood. But be careful! If you approach it too obliquely, you have to expect the center stand and rear silencer to touch down. The latter can be mounted in two positions (the lower position is necessary for attaching the case). The lean angle only improves the higher position minimally.

tires

Tire test 2013: 6 touring tires 120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17

Touring tire test 2013

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Enduro tires in the 2013 tire test

Six pairs of enduro tires in size 110/80 R19, 150/70 R17

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Buy wheels and tires at markt.motorradonline.de

The fifth discipline: braking

Disciplined five: braking. Both the Conti (Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS) and the Bosch ABS (Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo) leave a good impression. The Bologna athlete’s brakes are a bit sharper, but can be precisely dosed. When riding with a pillion, the Caponord will cause the rear wheel to lift and wedge out. Otherwise, both delay at a very high level.

There remains one last chapter: the prices for the express tour. At 16,190 euros, the Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS is no bargain. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo even costs 20,635 euros. In return, it offers the better touring and sports motorcycle and can compete with the Frecciarossa without any problems. But one thing is also certain in the end: The Aprilia is also preferable to any train journey.

44 Pictures

Pictures: Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

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Pictures: Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

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Pictures: Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS against Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

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Semi-active chassis in comparison

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Aprilia: The fork is electronically adjustable in the damping. With the Ducati you can choose from five levels (soft to tight) – of the mapping.

The Italo ladies both glide over the asphalt with a well-functioning semi-active chassis working in the background. The systems adjust the rebound and compression damping of the fork and the shock absorber – the spring elements in Aprilia and Ducati come from Sachs – within milliseconds via solenoid valves to the current driving condition.

The aim is to keep the motorcycle stable and safe at all times, i.e. with sufficient damping, without compromising comfort. In order to achieve this goal, both manufacturers took a very similar, albeit different, path. The sensor system on the Caponord consists of a pressure sensor in the fork, a potentiometer between the rear frame and the swing arm (both sensors measure the compression and rebound speed and the spring deflection), the ABS modulators (deceleration) and the ride- by-wire system (Acceleration).

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Top test Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS Travel Pack

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Top test: Ducati Multistrada

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring

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The information is processed in the ADD computer (Aprilia Dynamic Damping) and the corresponding command is sent to the servomotors in the chassis components. The Aprilia uses an algorithm that represents a combination of the “Skyhook” principle and the “Accerlation Driven Damping” principle. Contrary to Aprilia’s first statement (see top test in MOTORRAD 11/2013), the basic adjustment of the damping cannot be changed. Only the loading setup can be adjusted four times (driver, driver with pillion passenger, with or without luggage). A novelty: The corresponding adjustment of the preload of the shock absorber is carried out by an electro-hydraulic servo drive underneath the seat.

The Ducati has four acceleration sensors. The two on the fork leg and swing arm measure the changes on the unsprung part of the motorcycle, those on the fork bridge and the rear frame measure the changes on the sprung part. Acceleration and deceleration are determined by a longitudinal acceleration sensor of the traction control and the ABS system. AT computer fed with this information determines the required damping from this. Tea algorithm used is based exclusively on the “Skyhook” principle, in which an imaginary fixed point above the motorcycle serves as the basis for the calculation of the damping adjustment. The goal of both semi-active chassis: to keep this fixed point stable at all times. In the case of an undulating road surface, for example, the damping is at best adjusted so that the fixed point remains at the same height despite the bumpy road surface. With the lady from Bologna you can also determine the level of damping (soft to tight) from five predefined characteristics.

Test results

Great handling despite outdated tires. The Aprilia stoically pulls its course.

MOTORCYCLE scoring

 Max. Points  Aprilia  Ducati Overall rating  1000  684  695
Price-performance note  1.0  2.6  3.7

Test results

1. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo
Great idea! With a powerful engine, huge suitcases, good but sporty ergonomics, the Ducati manages the balancing act between travel and express travel. If only it weren’t for the high price.

2. Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS Travel Pack
Respect! The ladies and gentlemen in Noale have really worked hard. A lot of comfort, combined with nimble handling, bring the Aprilia close to the preppy competitor.

Technical specifications

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS and Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo in the test.

Aprilia Caponord 1200 ABS Travel Pack Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo engine 
type design Two-cylinder four-stroke-
90 degree V engine
Two-cylinder four-stroke-
90 degree V engine
injection Ø 52 mm Ø 64 mm
coupling Multi-disc oil bath clutch Multi-disc oil bath clutch
(Anti-hopping)
Boron x stroke 106.0 x 67.8 mm 106.0 x 67.9 mm
Displacement 1197 cm3 1198 cm3
compression 12.0: 1 11.5: 1
power 92.0 kW (125 PS)
at 8000 rpm
108.8 kW (148 hp)
at 9250 rpm
Torque 115 Nm at 6800 rpm 125 Nm at 7500 rpm
landing gear
frame Steel tubular frame,
Motor supporting
Steel tubular frame,
Motor supporting
fork Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm Upside-down fork, Ø 48 mm
Brakes front / rear Ø 320/240 mm Ø 320/245 mm
Systems assistance SECTION SECTION
bikes 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17
tires 120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
Tires Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier II,
rear "MT"
Pirelli Angel GT,
forehead "K"
Dimensions + weights
wheelbase 1555 mm  1530 mm 
Steering head angle 63.0 degrees 65.0 degrees
trailing 127 mm 110 mm
Front / rear suspension travel 170/150 mm 170/170 mm
Seat height ** 855 mm 840 mm
Weight with full tank ** 264 kg 252 kg²
Payload ** 196 kg 178 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 24.0 / 5.0 liters 20.0 / 4.0 liters
Service intervals 10,000 km 12,000 km
price 15.903 euros 20,290 euros
Additional costs 287 euros 345 euros
MOTORCYCLE readings
Top speed * 240 km / h 245 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h 3.7 sec 3.3 sec
0-140 km / h 6.0 sec 5.2 sec
0-200 km / h 13.1 sec 10.1 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h 4.3 sec 4.1 sec
100-140 km / h 5.1 sec 4.3 sec
140-180 km / h 6.2 sec 4.9 sec
Consumption highway 5.5 liters / super 5.4 liters / super
Reach country road 436 km 370 km

* Manufacturer information; * MOTORCYCLE measurements including side case; ** without top case

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