Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 2017 — Specifications

Imagine a supermotard demanding an 870 mm seat height and boasting the proportions of a heavyweight fighter. The Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 doesn’t seek to seduce everyone, and that’s precisely what makes it endearing. In 2017, the Noale brand revives its garage machine, refocuses it around a 900 cc twin-cylinder, and entrusts it with a clear mission: to nip at the heels of the Ducati Hypermotard on its own turf.

The V2 is at the heart of the matter. Italian engineers maintained the bore at 92 mm but extended the stroke to 67.4 mm, increasing displacement from 750 to 900 cc from the bottom of the engine, where it really counts. Torque climbs to 90 Nm available from 6200 rpm, a 9% gain over the old block, and power follows with 95 hp at 8750 rpm. For a machine weighing 212 kg in running order, this is more than sufficient to reach 200 km/h in top speed. This twin breathes better thanks to a revised Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 exhaust system to meet Euro 14 standards, without stifling its character. Limitability to 35 kW also opens the door to A2 license holders, which remains a solid commercial argument in this segment.

Electronics have moved in without complex. Three-level switchable traction control, three engine maps Sport, Touring and Rain, a 550-gram lighter ride-by-wire throttle, Marelli 7SM ECU: consulting the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 technical specifications gives the impression of reading the roadmap of a much sportier machine than that of a patched-up competition supermotard. The 4.3-inch TFT screen completes the picture, with smartphone connectivity as an option. The mixed aluminum and steel trellis frame was already solid; it remains unchanged. However, the inverted fork gains 450 grams over the previous generation, and a new pair of rims further subtracts two kilos from the scale. Dual-disc brakes with radial four-piston calipers and ABS do the job without discussion.

What divides opinions on the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 is precisely the consistency of the project. The restyling is limited to more aggressive colors inspired by the RSV4, a black swingarm, and red valve covers. Those who hoped for a redesigned silhouette will be disappointed. The machine looks identical to the 750 it replaces, and it’s understandable that discussions on Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 forums regularly return to this lack of visual audacity. An aftermarket Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 decoration kit will be the solution for those who want to personalize the machine without waiting.

Overall, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 is aimed at an experienced rider who wants a machine usable on a daily basis without sacrificing handling sensations. The 12-liter tank recalls that it is not designed for long, non-stop crossings, and the price of 9399 euros clearly positions it at the high end of the segment. On the used Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 market, it remains a solid option for those seeking a distinct character without the compromises of large trail bikes. Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 reliability is correct for an Italian machine of this era, provided the chain is maintained and original Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 accessories are monitored rigorously. Faced with the Hypermotard, it plays the card of versatility and sophisticated electronics rather than pure spectacle. It’s a defensible, and not the least interesting, choice in the segment.