November 24, 2009

2009 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro

If late or feeling lazy, instead of my Wheaties I took Chorizo-and-egg breakfast burrito from Ventura popular restaurant on the way to work. Usually, this indulgence set back $ 4.29. But a new, disturbed the morning, it costs $ 207.29. Difference? Tax delinquents. Avoid mixing caffeine, delays and Aprilia Dorsoduro, or even the kids in blue may come to you, too.

Aprilia released three middleweight V-twin in the United States in 2009: vibration 750 (Rider, December 2008), Mana CVT-equipped 850 (February 2009) and Dorsoduro. Shivering and closely related Dorsoduro, with the same 749.9cc, 90-degree V-twin engine and frame hybrid, which my friends bars to the top of a fat aluminum side members. In accordance with the more aggressive supermoto pictures, Dorsoduro get a different ECU mapping and shorter gearing for quicker acceleration.

Advertisement
The DOHC, four-valve, oversquare machine (92 x 56.4mm bore / stroke) to power up high, with a claimed 92 crank horsepower at 8750 rpm. At 454 pounds soaking wet, in the Dorsoduro midrange sighed. The real fun begins at 8000 rpm and rev limiter kicks in later 2000 rpm, so I'm often moved to live in the sweet spot. As with shivering and Mana, the Dorsoduro has Tri-Map ride-by-wire engine management system. Sport mode unruly and difficult to ride smoothly, and Rain gutless fashion and do not need in Ventura hit by drought, so I left it in Touring mode is more fun.

The shift is notchy and neutral impossible to find until the transmission is completely broken, but the hydraulic clutch lever adapted easily to modulate. Downshifts aggressive lead and rear wheel hop on a voice emerged and above satisfying growl from Dorsoduro style underseat double exhaust. Dual front, radial four-piston calipers give a good power and feel, while a single-piston rear caliper is a timber and screams. Grace notes include a steel braided brake, wave rotor and front lever can be arranged.

Although sharing rake / trail (25.8 degrees/4.3 inch) numbers with a shiver, the Dorsoduro's wheelbase (59.3 inches) is 2.5 inches longer. Rose upright position and wide handlebar motocross provide leverage, but the wheel weight. The result is stability and speed corners with little vibration and a clear mirror. Male 43mm fork sliders and rear shock are adjustable for preload and rebound, and each offers cheap travel 6.3 inches. Dishes out abuse, and the suspension will accept it without complaint.

Dirt bike styling, minimal plastic, hand guards, cleated footpegs and front fender beaklike-and 35.4-inch seat height towering pure supermoto. Aprilia is probably referring to the long, stiff saddle when called Dorsoduro, which means "hard return" in Italian. If the seat is not tame your way Ironbutt, which will be limited. Our test bike an average of 32.5 mpg during mixed, aggressive riding. Fuel capacity is only 3.2 gallons, producing only 104 miles between fill-ups. Low fuel light comes on early and often, with 70-80 miles tripmeter. As fun as this bike is in Twisties, far from civilization business at your own risk.

Behind the sporty, functional flyscreen is large analog tach and digital speedometer is easy to read on the trip. Shift adjusted red flashing lights above the threshold rpm, so I put it just below the rev limit of 10,000. LCD display shows speed, time, Tri-Map, engine temperature, and mode (mpg, average mpg, average mph, maximum mph, travel clock, tripmeter or odometer), plus the settings menu, round, code and language services. Unfortunately, no espresso maker.

With sticky tires and permit virtually unlimited cornering, like a slender Dorsoduro. But the long, heavy machinery requires more effort than should supermoto. Then again, this is a road bike; drivers would buy Aprilia's SXV 5.5. Too little coverage and Dorsoduro offers convenience to secure a place in my garage, especially with a MSRP of $ 9,599. Accessories are available including full line of luggage and various bolt-on pieces, but not required a much softer chairs or larger gas tank. In addition, tax delinquents will bleed me dry.

2009 Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro
Base Price: $ 9,599
Website: www.apriliausa.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 92.0 x 56.4mm
Displacement: 749.9cc
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Wheelbase: 59.3 in
Rake / Trail: 25.8 in. degrees/4.3
Seat Height: 35.4 in
Claimed Wet Weight: 454 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gals., Last 0.7 gal. warning lights
MPG: 90 octane min. (low / avg / high) 30.1/32.5/35.3

Popular Posts