Aprilia Dorsoduro 900: A Thrilling Supermoto Experience with Some Caveats
The Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 offers a unique supermoto experience, boasting confident handling and exhilarating performance. This review delves into its features, ride quality, and overall value in comparison to rivals.
**Pros: **
- **Big Capacity Supermoto: ** The Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 presents a distinct choice in the supermoto segment, providing a spark of attitude that sets it apart from its rivals.
- **Confident Handling: ** While not ultra-agile, the Dorsoduro 900 instills confidence while navigating bends, thanks in part to its traction control and strong ABS-backed brakes.
- **Exciting Performance: ** The V-twin engine delivers a smooth ride, with constant torque throughout the rev range. The lowered gearing compared to its sibling, the Shiver 900, enhances its responsiveness.
- **Competitive Pricing:** The Dorsoduro 900 comes at a more affordable price point than its Ducati Hypermotard 939 competitor, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
**Cons:**
- **Mixed Reliability Perception:** Although build quality appears strong, Aprilia continues to grapple with a reputation for unreliability, though no major issues are reported for the Dorsoduro 900.
- **Limited Dealer Network:** Some owners have reported difficulty finding reliable Aprilia dealers, which could impact maintenance and support.
- **Niche Product:** The Dorsoduro 900 remains a niche offering, catering to enthusiasts seeking a unique riding experience; it may not appeal to a broader range of riders.
**Ride & Brakes:**
The Dorsoduro 900 offers confident handling through bends, aided by traction control and strong ABS-backed brakes. The suspension is adjustable to mitigate the rocking sensation characteristic of supermotos.
**Engine:**
The V-twin engine delivers smooth performance and constant torque across the rev range. Lowered gearing provides a more engaging ride than the Shiver 900, with pleasant throttle response and light clutch action.
**Reliability & Build Quality: **
Build quality seems sturdy, yet Aprilia still contends with a reputation for unreliability. While no major issues are reported, potential buyers should consider owner reviews and the limited dealer network.
**Value vs Rivals: **
The Dorsoduro 900 is priced competitively to undercut its main rival, the Ducati Hypermotard 939. It also competes with the more budget-friendly Yamaha MT-09.
**Equipment: **
The Dorsoduro 900 offers three-stage traction control, ride-by-wire throttle with three power modes, and a color dash. Additional features like smartphone connectivity are impressive, although not exclusive in this class.
**Owners' Reviews: **
The owner reviews highlight mixed experiences with the Dorsoduro 900:
- **Pros: ** Some owners appreciate the engine's performance, ride quality, and overall capability. The bike's unique appearance garners attention, making it a great option for city riding and posing.
- **Cons: ** Other owners report discomfort on longer rides due to the seat and criticize the bike's weight and handling compared to true supermotos. Reliability concerns, rusting parts, and issues with certain components have also been mentioned.
**Conclusion: **
The Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 stands out as a distinctive supermoto choice with confident handling and exciting performance. While it wrestles with concerns about reliability and dealer network, its competitive pricing and unique appeal make it a solid contender for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling ride. Potential buyers should weigh these factors and consider their preferences before making a decision.