Intermot 2014: 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally
Today at Intermot, Aprilia unveiled a new variant on the Caponord 1200 we first rode last year. Called the Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, it takes the touring-oriented Capo and beefs it up for light off-roading/adventure riding.
The big change comes in the form of spoked wheels, with the front hoop measuring 19 inches, suitable for more off-road-worthy rubber. From there, the touring-oriented panniers seen on the standard Capo are replaced with hard, aluminum-covered saddlebags, better able to cope with the rigors of adventure riding. Crash bars minimizes damage in the inevitable tip-over, while a more robust bash plate helps protect the underside of the engine, too. The Rally model also sees a larger windscreen and supplementary LED lighting mounted on the crash bars, underneath the standard headlights.
The bones of the Caponord Rally remains unchanged from the standard Capo, which is to say it retains the 1197cc V-Twin with ride-by-wire throttle. Electronic throttle application allows for such niceties as cruise control and three power modes to help the rider select the right power application for the conditions. ABS and traction control remain as well (both of which can be turned off).
Lastly, Aprilia Dynamic Damping, which features a completely active rear shock and semi-active fork, first seen on the Caponord 1200 now carries over to the Rally model. With four patents under its belt, ADD is able to adjust the damping rates of both the fork and shock in realtime depending on the conditions. The only thing it can’t do automatically is adjust front preload. The Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally will be available in Giallo (Yellow) Dune, Verde (Green) Army and Grigio (Grey) Safari, all matte, and with a widevariety ofaccessories specifically designed and developed for the Capo Rally.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet and neither has U.S. availability.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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