Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 2009 — Specifications

When Aprilia decides to enter the supermotard segment with something other than a cross-mechanic steroid-fueled machine, it results in the Dorsoduro 750. Born in 2008 and refined for the 2009 model year, this machine shares its V-twin with the Shiver, but Aprilia reworked the mapping to boost mid-range revs. The result: 92 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and, more importantly, 82 Nm of torque available from 4,500 rpm, a powerband that perfectly aligns with the supermotard philosophy — plenty of engine, no need to rev high to get sensations.

This positioning is clever. On one hand, the smaller 660s like the Yamaha XT-X do the job in the city but remain too tame for those seeking visceral sensations. On the other, the Ducati Hypermotard and the KTM 950 SM play in a different league, heavier and more demanding. The Dorsoduro 750 settles in between with its 186 kg dry weight, or 212 kg fully fueled: it’s not a featherweight, but it’s consistent with the displacement and equipment. The 870 mm seat height will select riders by stature, and beginners are better off moving on: the V2 twin with ride-by-wire is not patient with light touches on the grips. The Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 A2 did not exist at the time, and with 92 unbridled horsepower, it's easy to understand why this machine targets an audience that has already digested a few licenses and a few seasons of riding.

The technical specifications hold their promises on paper, but it’s the execution that truly convinces. The steel trellis frame with bolted aluminum plates—directly inherited from the SL 750—offers calibrated rigidity and precise handling. The 43 mm inverted fork with 160 mm of travel works in conjunction with the aluminum swingarm to provide sharp steering without excessive nervousness. The Brembo radial brakes bite with authority, the petal discs do their job. The Pirelli SuperCorsa tires in 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 clearly indicate that this machine is not intended for Sunday rain rides. Regarding Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 reliability, experience reports on the 2009, 2010, and 2011 models point to some questions surrounding the electronic management and the heat generated by the V2 in summer, a point to monitor on a used Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 before purchase.

The design is worth stopping for. The gold rims with Y-spoke design, the under-seat exhausts with their side vents, the cam cover caps, the fork head with braided hoses: all this forms a coherent and aggressive ensemble, signed Italy. This is a far cry from the tame lines found in Japanese bikes in this segment. The Factory version pushes refinement even further with additional paints and finishes, but the standard series at 8,849 euros in 2009 already left nothing to be desired visually. The absence of passenger footpegs is not an oversight: it’s a statement of intent. This machine is selfish by design, tailored for the rider alone, for corner exit slides and urban accelerations that deserve new tires.

On the used market, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 2010, 2011, and up to the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 versions are negotiated within variable ranges depending on the condition and Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 accessories added by successive owners. A good condition Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 decal kit is often worth seeking out to identify machines that have been carefully maintained. The general opinion on the Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 remains positive for those who know what they are looking for: a supermotard with character, attitude, and an engine that knows how to make itself heard. Not a universal machine, but a motorcycle that delivers on its promises to those who accept its conditions.