If you’re looking for a bike at a cheap price, you’ll find the Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord selling for quite low prices online and on second hand marketplaces. New old stock motorcycles can still be purchased for about £5000. And you’ll get a lot of bike for your money. This bike is a big-off road style machine with a 1000cc V-twin engine, combined and a high-tech aluminium beam frame.
Rivals for this Italian-manufactured bike would include the Honda’s Africa Twin and Suzuki’s V-Strom.
Generally, the Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord is a smooth and reliable ride. However, some riders have a few niggles, such as if the bike is ridden hard, it can get quite bouncy. This makes off road ability pretty tricky. The brakes are strong though, and there’s plenty of torque. Riders have praised the slipper clutch, which helps to keep things smooth when you ramp it up.
The specs are pleasing on this bike. You’ll find that items like the remote shock adjuster, fuel gauge, headlights and mirrors are some of the best in the biking world.
This bike does seem to need some regular maintenance to keep it at its best. If you need to replace any parts, like forks, fuel hose connectors or coils, you can pick these up quite cheap online.
Very comfortable. Press rated as excellent. Have toured Europe on it and its extremely comfortable. Seat quality, ride height and bars perfect. Suspension works well on high settingt and soaks up bumps. My nephew is 16st and 6, 2" and he says pillion is great. No problem
Ride Quality
Can be top heavy when fuelled up and with full panniers. Heavy bike overall and easy to drop if unaware but this gives to ride as good as weight helps it stick to tarmac. Required additional adjustable screen to deflect wind if 6' or over. Weight distribution good and corners exceptionally well especially with Manu' recommended Tourance tyres. Suspension excellent and higher settings soak up the bumps better foring front wheel down onto tarmac. Well proportioned sizing making sitting position excellent, forcing rider to sit up straight for commanding views. Handlebars wide to accommodate upright sitting, relieving any back or shoulder/wrist ache. Displays and read outs positioned well and very clear allowing rider to concentrate on road
Build Quality & Reliability
Engine, chassis, frame and ancillaries excellent. Lots of polished aluminium so always looks great and therefore little rust. Italian electrics are poor and can be problematic. Mine has suffered with rectifier, regulator and Stator problems. Additional day running lights sap the 12v system. Stator cannot cope with sat nav, heated bars, phone and ipod on charge along with running lights. Electrics are its Achilles heel. Its headlight is powerful and best in its class.
Engine Rating
Big twin Rotax engine thumps along effortlessly in any gear and cruises politely with plenty of grunt left after motorway speeds. Civilised at lower speed and also at home in city traffic. Clutch system great combing smooth commuting from the 1000 cc lump. The big twin can stretch its legs easily in excess 125mph plus when available on German motorways
Brake Rating
Front brakes are up to the job but often compensate for the lazy and weeny rear brake which does not like to be worked too hard. French Alps for example. Overuse of the rear causes overheating and softening of rear stopping power, causing rider to be more thoughtful about the front brake use. ABS works well and assures rider that its always there even if the rear brake cannot bew bothered!
Running Cost
Electric system needs improving to a sturdier and more capable standard
Overall
Pros Comments
If you don't want to look like all the other GS owners and wish for something a little different, then this is a great value for money machine. For my money I think it looks better and sits higher with a more positive "adventure" stance than the newer 1200 version. I never see other Caponords on my travels but I see thousands of Beemers all identical to the rest. So I enjoy the inquisitive chats from people when they see my machine. I have the largest of Givvi panniers attached at 45ltrs each and overall this makes the bike look huge, but manageable. Touting Italy, France etc is a breeze and even though she is ageing I reckon I have a few more years with her. The down side for me is fuel consumption, a soft poor rear brake and the reliability of the electrics. I am still contemplating replacing the stator. Consequently I am on my second battery.
Cons Comments
Electric system needs improving to a sturdier and more capable standard
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