Aprilia SMV 750 DORSODURO 2010 — Specifications

When Aprilia decides to take on the supermoto segment with real displacement, the result is something quite radical. The Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro doesn't try to have it both ways: it arrives with its 750 cc 90-degree L-twin, its predatory looks and 92 horsepower at 8,750 rpm, planting itself where no one at the brand had yet dared to go. Between the overly tame Pegaso Strada and the SXV 550 reserved for riders who know what they're doing, there was room for an accessible, responsive and credible supermoto. That gap is filled here with a distinctly Italian brand of brutality.

The engine is borrowed from the Shiver, but remapped for its new role. The 82.4 Nm of torque arrives from 4,500 rpm, which fundamentally changes the character of the machine. Where the roadster version plays the all-rounder, the Dorsoduro fattens up mid-range response for a more surly, more immediate temperament. The ride-by-wire manages transitions without smoothing out the bite. With a bore-stroke ratio of 92 x 56.4 mm and 11:1 compression, the twin pulls hard at the top without losing its muscle down low. Compared to a heavier and pricier KTM 950 SM, or a Ducati Hypermotard that plays in a different budget league, the Aprilia finds a compelling window of opportunity. And for those who find a 660 XT-X a little too forgiving, the Dorsoduro represents a qualitative and sensory step up that's hard to ignore.

The chassis doesn't disappoint. The steel tubular trellis frame connected to two aluminum plates delivers well-judged rigidity, with an adjustable 43 mm inverted fork and 160 mm of travel at each end. The 186 kg dry weight remains reasonable for such a well-equipped machine. The radial Brembo front brakes — twin 320 mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers — sit firmly in sporting territory without being excessive. The Pirelli SuperCorsa tires in 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 confirm that Aprilia is not targeting Sunday leisure riders.

The Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro is also a matter of presence. The design doesn't leave anyone indifferent: the gold wheels with Y-spoke design, the sharp geometry of the swingarm, the exhaust pipes tucked under the seat with their lateral outlets, the red cylinder head covers reminiscent of certain renowned Italians. The overall package exudes a visual coherence that's rare for a production machine. It feels like a design studio that had a genuine idea in mind, not just a brief to fill. The 870 mm seat height isn't aimed at smaller riders, and the 12-liter tank demands a degree of discipline on longer trips, but the Dorsoduro never claimed to be a GT.

Launched at €8,999, the question of positioning resolves itself fairly quickly. Those wondering what the Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro costs on the used market will find well-maintained examples ranging from €5,000 to €6,500 depending on mileage and year, which remains consistent with the level of performance on offer. This supermoto is aimed at the intermediate to experienced rider who wants a sharp machine for everyday use and the ability to have fun on twisty back roads without it becoming a punishment the moment the road straightens out. Not a machine for beginners, but not an unmanageable competition beast either. A characterful Italian — controllable, and reasonably honest about what it promises.