The Malaysian big bike market is slowly getting more matured as we get more “bang for the buck” deals compared to just ten years ago. From the 500cc class all the way to the big boys in the 1200cc, theres a bike for you as a beginner or an experienced rider. Yes you read that right, “bang for the buck” deal for a 1200cc bike. Its the Aprilia Caponord.
However, for a bike that was launched about a year plus, it has not made much impact in the local biking scene which is weird given the deal you get with RM85,000. The heart of the machine is a 1197cc 90degree V-Twin, it produces 125hp at 8250rpm and 117Nm at 6,800rpm. Coupled to it is a six-speed transmission with multiplate wet-clutch system.
Punchy at low revs and smooth to operate, this heart of a stallion feels at home on those long highways and B roads alike. You get that nice crisp acceleration through the gears and the throaty inlet sound is complemented with the very sporty exhaust note even though its running on the standard system.
There’s three engine maps supported by a throttle by-wire system, Sport, Touring and Rain. All easy to toggle through and could easily accessed while riding. A 24litre fuel tank lets you clock a good distance before needing to refuel and a cruise control helps reduce wrist fatigue on those long highways.
The next main point of the whole bike is it’s magic carpet ride. The Caponord comes with ADD or Aprilia Dynamic suspension matched to its stiff chassis. Basically after some button pushing sequences for you to set on single or two up or single with panniers or two up with panniers, the bike does the rest automatically.
It reads the terrain and reacts to it fast enough that you wont notice small imperfections on the road but at the same time it is firm enough to let you take a corner confidently without a wobble. Stopping power is ample with twin disc setup up front and single on the rear gripped by Brembo callipers.
Ergonomics on this bike is spot on, the straight up sitting position is comfortable and combined with the plush set, you can be on the saddle for hours before you noticed it.
A low seat saddle means easy reach for most riders but the bike is bulky and heavy the manoeuvre at slow or walking pace. However go slightly faster than walking pace and it becomes very manageable. Though styled like an adventure bike, the Caponord is more of a tourer with an adjustable windscreen and panniers to complete the package.
While the windscreen adjustment needs you to stop to operate as it uses two knobs to be loosen and tighten to move the windscreen up or down, once it is set the windscreen is able to give decent wind protection to the rider. Information display is simple, easy to read and quiet comprehensive.
Two things that I do find slightly on the negative side for the bike is that the clutch operation is a bit on the heavy side even though its hydraulic and engine heat will warm up you legs even while on the move and especially in city traffic.
But thats a small setback compared to what the bike has to offer. Priced at RM85k on the road, again its amazing that not many are on the roads right now as its really a good bargain if you are looking for something that could take you for long distances comfortably.
