Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord
Engine size 998cc
Power 98bhp
Top speed 140mph
Insurance group 13
The Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord is an excellent if flawed motorcycle which sells for an indecently low price on the UK new and used markets. It’s a big-off road style machine that works superbly on the Tarmac. Aprilia’s excellent 1000cc V-twin engine combined with a high-tech aluminium beam frame should have made it a class leader but it was marred by soft forks and poor build quality.
Engine: The Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord has one of the best power plants in any big trail-style motorcycle. It may be detuned to about 88bhp at the rear wheel but there’s plenty of torque. The gearbox makes the BMW GSs feel like antiques and there’s even a slipper clutch to keep things smooth when you up the pace. Heavy vibrations means attention’s needed.
Ride And Handling: The primary fly in the Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord’s ointment is the soft, unadjustable forks. The motorcycle gets bouncy if ridden hard. Luggage and/or a pillion compound the situation. New fork springs (Hyper Pro work well) are a cheap, effective solution. Otherwise the Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord is a smooth ride and quite capable of hustling along at a decent pace. Brakes are strong. Off road ability pretty limited.
Equipment: The Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord is well spec’d as standard. Ambient air temperature, remote shock adjuster, accessory socket, fuel gauge, mirrors that work and headlights among the best in biking are handy. Seats and riding positions that match the best touring motorcycles for rider and pillion comfort are a real bonus, too. Aprilia panniers are a cost extra but put many other brands to shame for ease of use.
Quality And Reliability: Fly number two in the Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord ointment. Overall reliability is excellent but there’s niggles. Regulator rectifiers fail – and some just don’t work well anyway – at least replacements are cheap. Coils can fail, fuel hose connectors break, certain electrical connectors melt and spoke nipples rust. Simple pre-emptive maintenance can solve all the above.
Insurance: Insurance group: 13
Model History: 2001: Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord launched.
2004: Minor updates including revised top fairing, uprated suspension and fully floating front discs.
2005: Anti-lock brakes fitted.
Other Versions: Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord Rally Raid: More off-road orientated model with adjustable front suspension, lower gearing, aluminium panniers centre stand and more extras
This article was taken from: Motorcycle News