For the 2017 model year, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 gets an upgrade to 900cc, making it the 2017 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900. Aprilia says that the new 896cc 90° v-twin engine is a stroked out version of the 750cc motor (from 56.4mm to 67.4mm), which allows Aprilia to meet Euro4 emission standards while also giving the Dorsoduro 750 a much-needed upgrade.
Despite the 150cc increase in displacement, the 2017 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 makes only an additional 3hp, with peak power now set at 95hp at 8,750 rpm.
While that change in horsepower is underwhelming, there is somewhat better news to be found in the torque curve, which sees a 6 lbs•ft torque increase, for 66 lbs•ft at 6,600 rpm.
Aprilia says that the torque curve for the Dorsoduro 900 is flatter than that of Dorsoduro 750, and at all rpm points higher. That is at least modestly reassuring.
The throttle is handled by a new ride-by-wire system, which Aprilia says gives a smoother throttle response – addressing a common gripe made by Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 riders (and motorcycle journalists). For bonus points, the new ride-by-wire system is over a pound lighter than the previous system.
A three-level traction control system has also been added to the 2017 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900, which can also be shut off. A dual-channel ABS system from Continental has also been fitted, which too can be disabled.
Other changes include a new set of Kayaba front forks, which has preload and rebound adjustment. Only preload adjustment can be made to the rear shock suspension.
The wheels on the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 are nearly 5 lbs lighter than its predecessor, thanks to a new split-three-spoke design.
There is not word yet on US availability or pricing, though we do expect the Dorsoduro 900 to replace the Dorsoduro 750 here in the USA in Spring 2017.
Overall the upgrade should help Aprilia keep a horse in the maxi-motard race. We would expect the 2017 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 to be priced cheaper than the Ducati Hypermotard 939, and possibly even cheaper than the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto.
Straddling those machines on spec-sheet, that means the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 could be a smart pick between the three, especially if Aprilia has exorcised some of the demons from the Dorsoduro/Shiver platform.
Regular A&R readers will know my love of all things supermoto, so it goes without saying that we can’t wait to swing a leg over this updated machine.
Source: Aprilia
As always, Asphalt & Rubber will be covering all the new bikes debuting at EICMA this year. Be sure to follow our coverage for the most recent news and photos.
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