Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord: review, history, specs

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'Aprilia ETV1000'
Manufacturer
[[Aprilia]]
Also called ETV1000 CapoNord, ETV 1000 CapoNord, ETV1000 CAPONORD, ETV 1000 CAPONORD, ETV1000 Caponord, ETV 1000 Caponord
Production 2001 - 2013
Class [[:Category:Adventure motorcycles|Adventure]] [[Category:Adventure motorcycles]]
Engine
liquid-cooled, four-stroke, V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore / Stroke 96.5mm x 96.5mm
Compression ratio 10.4:1
Top Speed 124 mph (200 km/h)
Horsepower 98.03 HP (73.1 KW) @ 8250RPM
Torque 72.28 ft/lbs (98.0 Nm) @ 6250RPM
Ignition digital electronic ignition with tsi (twin spark ignition) with two spark plugs per cylinder. ignition timing integrated in the injection control system. diac (dynamic ignition advance control) electronically controlled ignition timing.
Spark Plug NGK DCPR9E '02-07
Battery YUASA TX14-BS '02-07
Transmission Gear box: 6-speed, manual

Final Drive: chain

Clutch: wet multi-disc, manual
Suspension Front: 50mm Marzocchi telescopic fork
Rear: Sachs adjustable monoshock
Brakes Front: dual 300mm discs, 2-piston caliper, ABS
Rear: single 270mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS
Front Tire 110/80-19
Rear Tire 150/70-17
Wheelbase 60.79 inches (1544 mm)
Length 90.91 inches (2309 mm)
Width 34.49 inches (876 mm)
Height 56.54 inches (1436 mm)
Seat Height 32.28 inches (820 mm)
Weight 473.99 pounds (215.0 Kg) (dry), 215.0 kg (wet)
Fuel Capacity 6.6 Gallon (25.00 Liters)
Competition BMW R1150GS
Triumph Tiger
Suzuki DL1000
Cagiva Navigator
Manuals Service Manual

Reviews ·


The Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord was a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder Adventure motorcycle produced by Aprilia between 2001 and 2013. It could reach a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). Max torque was 72.28 ft/lbs (98.0 Nm) @ 6250 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 98.03 HP (73.1 KW) @ 8250 RPM.

Engine

The engine was a liquid cooled liquid-cooled, four-stroke, V-Twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. A 96.5mm bore x 96.5mm stroke result in a displacement of just 998.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive

The bike has a 6-speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis

It came with a 110/80-19 front tire and a 150/70-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via dual 300mm discs, 2-piston caliper, ABS in the front and a single 270mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS in the rear. The front suspension was a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Sachs adjustable monoshock. The ETV 1000 Caponord was fitted with a 6.6 Gallon (25.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 473.99 pounds (215.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 60.79 inches (1544 mm) long.


Aprilia ETV1000-1
Aprilia ETV1000
Aprilia ETV1000
Aprilia ETV1000
Aprilia ETV1000

The large-capacity trail-styled bike market is a lucrative one in Europe, and Aprilia's entry is certainly distinctive. The large twin-headlamp fairing follows the quirky design brief of the rest of the firm's bikes, while providing good weather protection. The familiar RSV Mille-based engine has been re-tuned to produce 73kW (98bhp) rather then the 97kW (130bhp) of the donor bike, providing a flatter, less peaky power delivery, more suited to relaxing progress. The unusual 'Double Wave' frame is very stiff, and long-travel suspension soaks up the worst bumps. Like most big-bore trailbikes, the Caponord is mainly aimed at touring use, so it has a large 25-litre (5.5 gal) fuel tank, spacious pillion accommodation and a large, comfy dual seat.


Caped crusader

Aprilia's big-bore dual-sport contender, the Caponord, is yet another brilliant take on the genre - you'll go places you normally wouldn't dream of. AMT's Mark Fattore investigates.

There is a strong pedigree in the dualsport class these days, and Aprilia's ETV1000 Caponord - named after Scandinavia's North Cape - is right amongst it. Why, it's full of cunning, opportunism and daring - melded with just a touch of larrikin. On that premise, you'd think that the Caponord and its dualsport cohorts - the BMW R1150GS, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom and Cagiva Navigator - would be able to infiltrate the Australian psyche just a little more than they have been able to thus far. Sure, the class is not moribund, but it's not a cause celebre either, with sales best described as moderate next to their sports bike siblings.

I, for one, hope the relationship between the big trailies and the buying public has reached a nadir, because I reckon the Caponord represents the antithesis of sports bike riding - the ability to head to a rustic pub deep in the bush, complete with compliant suspension, long-haul fuel range, plenty of leg room, weather protection, great ergonomics, 50 Liters of pannier capacity, and adequate accommodation for a beloved. And arriving at a destination without having to repatriate your arse to a local masseuse for attention before you can sit down for dinner.

That's just the off-road side of the equation too. Offer some blacktop on the riding menu, and the Caponord still continues to be a treat; it sacrifices little in the cause of being an all-rounder.

With its liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 60-degree V-twin, a derivative of the widely-acclaimed RSV Mille powerplant, providing the firepower, it's possible to gain some serious lean angle on the 'Nord, certainly enough to start scraping the panniers! That feeling of sideways movement is accentuated by the high and wide handlebars, but the pannier shenanigans do bear testament to just how far the Caponord can be pushed.

Tipping the scales at 265kg fully-fuelled, the Caponord certainly doesn't fight in a lightweight division, but is thereabouts compared to the opposition. What the bulk means is that it's a bit top-heavy for performing U-turns, but at speed it's all 'can-do' from the massive aluminum beam frame; just pitch it in and the bike stays where it should, 100 percent of the time.

With the engine (our test unit was fitted with aftermarket Staintune pipes) producing the bulk of its torque between 4000rpm and 6500rpm - up around the 9.1kg-m mark - the V-twin is busy where it counts, which means that tap-dancing through the sweet-shifting six-speed doesn't have to be a constant grind. Saying that, the bike does rev all the way to the 9000rpm redline.

At 100km/h, the bike purrs over at around 3700rpm, which means that well over 300km is possible from the 25-litre tank at sensible highway speeds. Pillion appointments are top notch on the Caponord, with solid pegs, massive grabrails and a comfy perch. But before the pillion gets comfy, get to work on the preload via the remote adjustment know, especially if off-road work is going to be on the agenda.

All in all, the Caponord is not going win a MotoGP or major desert race, but if you're after something in time of need, you can't go past it. Sure, it is a few dollars more than most of its dual-sport contemporaries, but at $18,799 ($19,802 with panniers and tank bag) it still represents a lot of high-quality bike for the buck.

Review

For a company who has managed a name for themselves by producing title-winning racing machines, the last thing anybody expected was a utilitarian sport-tourer.

The more conventional Futura seemed destined from the start, but Aprilia's new CapoNord has turned some heads. What's an Aprilia doing this far off the beaten path? Approaching the bike at first, it's easy to think its allegiance falls along the same lines as BMW's R1150GS. Looking much like something out of a Cagney space flick as penned by Hunter S Thompson whilst in the midst of a Jimson Weed escapade, the Aprilia cloaks itself in duds best described as "angular." That may be a polite way of saying "ugly," but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

It looks every bit the adventure-sport-tourer, though its trump card lies more in the touring than sporting, or even adventure for that matter. That is, unless your idea of adventure means never leaving the paved road. In fact, on Aprilia's own web site, this bike is listed as a touring bike, right alongside the Futura. The Pegaso, with its more dirt-oriented nature, finds itself in another slot, far from the CapoNord. In this particular line of street-biased touring work, however, the Aprilia is hard to fault.


From the angular bodywork and frame to the external oil-level tube, it's easy to see that a lot of thought went into Aprilia's CapoNord.

Though touring is its thing, the Capo' lets you know, right from the off, that it has no intentions of replacing your stately Gold Wing. Rather, its stance suggests something a bit less pretentious. Rugged looks aside, the CapoNord's ergonomics fit the touring template almost perfectly. With a reasonable seat hight, good location of the foot pegs and decent padding, your butt and feet are happy. The reach to the bars is pretty short, and one long-armed test rider thought the Aprilia could use a bit more room in this area. For most people, however, the ergonomic package is hard to fault -- as is the motor.


At the bottom of the too-stiff forks are excellent brakes. Above it all, the fairing's styling drew mixed reviews, though nobody questioned its effectiveness.

The 996 cc motor is one of, if not the absolute smoothest twins we've yet to sample. At freeway speeds, the V-twin lets you know it's down there, though it never intrudes. Throbbing away, it sends signals to your brain to stimulate various pleasure-sensing nerves while neatly isolating potentially offensive ones. And as our dyno numbers show, the motor has a decent amount of power tucked neatly between the frame's not-so-tidy-looking welds. Checking in with 86.2 horses and 57.6 foot-pounds of torque, the bike puts all of its available power to the ground.

From as low as 2,000 RPM, it's safe to grab a handful of throttle and expect instant acceleration in any gear. The fuel-injection is good and motor never disappoints. Then as the revs rise, things get a bit more frenetic as the motor revs past 5,300 RPM and builds steam as more horses come to the fore. It's only when the 9,000 RPM redline nears that things get a bit vibey and the Aprilia urges you to grab another gear, a chore that is easily accomplished thanks to an extremely-slick transmission and smooth clutch.


Using the same basic instrument cluster as the Futura, the CapoNord gives you all the info you need.

Best results were achieved by keeping the motor between 4,500 and 8,000 RPM. As with any good touring rig, there's no need to rev the motor unless you're either (wrongly) aggressively passing somebody and can't afford to grab another gear. Or maybe you're like us and just like to see "what happens if..."

Though its looks are quite a departure from the norm' the CapoNord's handling traits are pretty much as you'd expect them to be, judging the book by its cover. The upright seating position combines with the leverage afforded by the relatively wide, in-your-lap bars, to allow relatively quick changes in direction. The bike is a tad top-heavy, though this perception rapidly disappears as you lay the bike further on its side, allowing it the chance to settle mid-corner. It tracks straight and holds a line well, exhibiting a decent mix of agility and stability.


High-mounted twin mufflers make room for the same excellent hard bags as found on the Futura. Passenger accomodations are roomy.

When the road gets a bit choppy, however, the CapoNord's suspension begins to unsettle the chassis a bit. Even on well-used chunks of freeway, the suspension feels as if one end is working against the other. This is especially true of the front forks which allow no provisions for adjustment. The rear shock feels more composed and even allows you to season its pre-load and rebound damping to taste. This forces you to further focus on the ill-feeling forks, praying they'll somehow inherit some lighter-rate springs, though you'd settle for a handful of rebound damping to slow things down for the time being.

Though annoying on the freeway, this trait became a serious disturbance on twisty bits of back roads that are less than cue ball smooth. This is a shame when the rest of the bike -- from the excellent brakes to the smooth motor -- make the rest of the ride such a pleasant experience. The stiff front end doesn't allow much weight transfer to the front tire, allowing it to stay light and become skittish when the pace escalates. A representative from Aprilia reiterated that our machine was a European pre-production unit, and the bike that goes on sale here in the United States may have different springs or damping rates. We can only cross our fingers and hope.


Where the fun usually stops, the CapoNord just keeps on going. All-day comfort combines with all-around usability to make this a serious contender for the adventure-touring crown.

On the other side of the coin, in the CapoNord's favor, there's the issue of wind-protection. Aprilia has done their research here as the Capo' does an admirable job of keeping its rider out of the breeze. The only thing any of the testers wished for was a pair of hand-guards to fight of cold triple-digit breezes, though others admitted they mourned the omission of heated grips on our particular test unit.

In the grand scheme of things, the only other bikes in existence that fill the same odd niche as the Capo' are Triumph's Tiger and BMW's R1150GS. There is, of course, Suzuki's new V-Strom which takes aim at the same group the CapoNord intends to persuade, but we won't be seeing that bike until at least March.

In the meantime, this market segment continues to grow, and the new CapoNord from Aprilia is a serious contender in it -- a strong effort in a do-it-all touring bike from a company that started out in racing but is ending up in our hearts.

Specifications

Make Model Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord
Year 2001-02
Engine Liquid cooled, four stroke, longitudinal 60°V twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity 997.6
Bore x Stroke 97 x 67.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.4:1
Induction Fuel injection
Ignition / Starting Digital electronic, two spark plugs per cylinder / electric
Max Power 98 hp 72 KW @ 8250 rpm
Max Torque 9.88 kg-m 97 Nm @ 6250 rpm
Transmission / Drive 6 Speed / chain
Frame Wave Twin Beam in box-type aluminum-magnesium alloy, highly-resistant removable steel rear subframe
Front Suspension 50mm Marzocchi hydraulic fork. 175mm wheel travel.
Rear Suspension Aluminum alloy swing arm, progressive linkage. Sachs hydraulic shock absorber, rebound and preload adjustable. 185mm wheel travel.
Front Brakes 2 x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre 110/80 VR19
Rear Tyre 150/70 VR17
Seat Height 820 mm
Dry-Weight 215 kg
Fuel Capacity (res) 25 Liters. (5L)
Consumption average 16.2 km/lit
Standing ¼ Mile 12.1 sec / 179.2 km/h
Top Speed 219.2 km/h

2003

2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray
2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray
2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray
2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray
2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray
2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray
2003 Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord in Gray



2001 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

2001 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2001 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2001 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2001 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerplant paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can reach a maximum power output of 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.

This machine has been designed to tackle even the harshest terrain, as well as proper tires are equipped, as well as provide a smooth ride on paved roads, even at highway speeds. Standard features include a high-end suspension package, a Brembo braking system with dual front disc brakes, and can be fitted with accessories such as a rear trunk and side panniers.


2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2002 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord has, at its heart, a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse paired to a six-speed manual transmission and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.

This adventure machine is suitable for both paved and unpaved roads, and mainly addresses those riders who want to fully explore their surroundings. It boasts standard features such as a telescopic front fork, dual shock as a rear suspension, dual front disc brakes, a dual seat, a small windscreen and a comprehensive instrumentation panel.


2003 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

2003 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2003 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2003 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2003 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2003 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque. It comes standard with a telescopic front fork, dual front disc brakes, an adjustable monoshock as a rear suspension, a chain final drive, laced wheels, and a small windscreen.

This machine is suitable both for paved and unpaved roads, and addresses a wide variety of riders, but mainly those adventurous who want to explore every corner of their surroundings.


2003 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid

2003 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid 2003 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid

The 2003 MY Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can reach a maximum power output of 98 horsepower and 95 Nm of torque.

This machine is suitable for the more adventurous of riders, being able to cope with paved and unpaved roads, alike. It comes standard with a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic fork in the front, an adjustable Sachs monoshock with Aprilia Progressive System (APS) as a rear suspension, dual front disc brakes, improved ergonomics and hand guards.


2004 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid

2004 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid 2004 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid 2004 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid 2004 Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid

The 2004 MY Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid is an all-purpose machine, capable of tackling both paved and unpaved roads, as well as allow the rider to take longer trips. At its heart lies a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 98 horsepower and 95 Nm of torque.

This machine boasts a high-end suspension package, composed of a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic fork in the front and a Sachs adjustable monoshock with Aprilia Progressive System (APS). Also, features such as the hard, lockable side panniers, the dual front disc brakes, laced wheels, small windshield and dual seat allow it to go further, and faster than ever before.

2004 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

2004 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2004 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2004 MY Aprilia Caponord Rally Raid sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque. This machine is suitable for the more adventurous among Aprilia fans, and comes standard with features such as a telescopic front fork, a rear adjustable monoshock suspension, a dual seat, laced wheels, a small windscreen, and a disc-based braking system in the front and in the rear.


2005 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2005 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord is an Italian-built adventure machine, capable of tackling both paved and unpaved roads with ease. It comes standard with laced wheels, a small, fork-mounted fairing with windscreen, a dual seat, passenger grab rails, hand guards, a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic fork, a Sachs adjustable monoshock as a rear suspension and dual, 300mm brake discs in the front, plus front and rear ABS.


2006 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2006 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord has, at its heart, a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse paired to a six-speed manual transmission and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.

This machine has been designed for those riders that enjoy every type of road and even terrain, no matter the conditions. It comes standard with dual front disc brakes, ABS as standard in the front and in the rear, a Marzocchi telescopic fork, a Sachs monoshock as a rear suspension, a dual seat, a small, fork-mounted fairing with a windscreen, plus hand guards.


2007 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2007 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord is a versatile, Italian-built adventure two-wheeler, that is sure to fit the taste and needs for a wide variety of riders. It comes standard with a small, fork-mounted fairing, a small windscreen, hand guards, a dual seat, mid-mounted controls, a high-end suspension package and ABS as standard.

In the tech/engine department, it sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.


2008 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2008 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord has, at its heart, a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerplant paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.

This liter-class adventure machine is suitable both for paved and unpaved roads, and can be equipped with touring-enhancing features such as side panniers and a rear trunk. Standard features include hand-guards, a small windscreen, a dual seat, laced wheels, passenger grab rails, and a high-end suspension package.


2009 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2009 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord is a powerful adventure two-wheeler, suitable for those riders who want to cross all types of terrain in a single sitting. It boasts standard features such as hand-guards, a small windscreen, a dual seat, laced wheels, passenger grab rails, and a high-end suspension package.

In the tech/engine department, it sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerplant paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can reach a maximum power output of 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.


2010 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2010 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque. This machine boasts enhanced off-road abilities, as well as on-road performance, even at highway speeds. It mainly addresses the more adventurous among Aprilia fans, and comes standard with hand-guards, a small windscreen, a dual seat, laced wheels, passenger grab rails, and a high-end suspension package.


2011 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2011 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord has, at its heart, a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.

It comes standard with hand-guards, a small windscreen, a dual seat, laced wheels, passenger grab rails, and a high-end suspension package, composed of a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic front fork and a Sachs hydraulic shock absorber in the rear, plus a Brembo braking system with dual front disc brakes and ABS both in the front and in the rear.


2012 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2012 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord is a liter-class adventure machine, created for those riders who want to explore as much as their surroundings as possible, whether on the road or off it. At its heart lies a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.

It boasts standard features such as hand-guards, a small windscreen, a dual seat, laced wheels, passenger grab rails, and a high-end suspension package, composed of a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic front fork and a Sachs hydraulic shock absorber in the rear, plus a Brembo braking system with dual front disc brakes and ABS both in the front and in the rear.


2013 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

2013 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord 2013 Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord

The 2013 MY Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponord is a powerful adventure two-wheeler, suitable for those riders who are not afraid to get their wheels dirty. It comes standard with hand guards, a small windscreen, a dual seat, laced wheels, passenger grab rails, and a high-end suspension package, composed of a 50mm Marzocchi telescopic front fork and a Sachs hydraulic shock absorber in the rear, plus a Brembo braking system with dual front disc brakes and ABS both in the front and in the rear.

In the tech/engine department, it sports a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc, V-Twin powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 98 horsepower and 97 Nm of torque.


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