new aprilia high tech supermoto 750

beansbaxter · 04-23-2008, 05:24 AM

2008 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro: More pics and details

First shown at the EICMA in Milan during November last year, the Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro is a high-tech supermoto-style machine that’s fitted with Aprilia’s 750cc, liquid-cooled v-twin. The Dorsoduro uses a high-tech ride-by-wire throttle control system, the chassis is a cast aluminium / tubular steel hybrid and the front brakes have radial-mount calipers.

Specially tuned for the SMV750, the 750cc Aprilia v-twin makes 92 horsepower at 8,750rpm and 82Nm of torque at 4500rpm, which seems just about adequate for a bike that weighs 186 kilos dry. The fuel-injection maps are available – sport, touring and rain – and throttle response has been tweaked specifically for each setting. In fact, with new electronics and other tweaks, the Aprilia v-twin is said to be better behaved than ever.

The SMV750 is fitted with a 43mm USD fork at front, and an adjustable monoshock at the rear, with 160mm of suspension travel at both ends. The suspension has been set up for sporty riding on the street, which means it’s probably at least reasonably firm, and won’t pitch or dive too much under hard braking and acceleration.

Weight distribution is 50:50 front and rear, which can only help things on the handling front. Plus, the long-ish saddle lets the rider move around a bit and get really comfortable on the bike on longer trips. Overall, the SMV750 Dorsoduro looks just about all right, but we don’t know if the Aprilia will be able to take on the competition – the KTM 990 Supermoto and the Ducati Hypermotard to name just two.

For pricing and other details, visit the Aprilia Dorsoduro website.

Source: Faster