Aprilia SMV 750 DORSODURO 2013 — Specifications

When Aprilia decided to make a serious push into the supermoto segment, the Noale brand didn't send a draft. They released the Dorsoduro, and to say the least, the message was received loud and clear by the competition.

The 90° L-twin 750 cc engine is the heart of the project, and it deserves a closer look. Borrowed from the Shiver with a revised fuel map to beef up mid-range performance, this twin produces 92 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and, more notably, 82.4 Nm of torque from just 4,500 rpm. These figures speak for themselves against a Ducati Hypermotard or a KTM 950 SM, both sitting squarely in its crosshairs. Ride by Wire manages throttle input electronically, which tempers the hard-hitting nature of an engine built to deliver its power with brutality. On paper, the Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro has little to envy from its Italian or Austrian rivals, and that's precisely where things get interesting.

The chassis carries over the steel tubular trellis frame from the SL 750, bolted to two aluminum plates, and the assembly delivers a rigidity that is as reassuring as it is demanding. The 43 mm upside-down fork travels 160 mm, as does the rear monoshock. Dry weight comes in at 186 kg; fully fuelled, it climbs to 212 kg, which remains reasonable for a machine of this size. The seat height of 870 mm will immediately filter out shorter riders, but those looking for a credible road supermoto don't usually ride in slippers. On the braking side, the two 320 mm front discs gripped by radial four-piston calipers do the job with conviction. The 12-litre tank demands a certain discipline on long rides — another way of saying this machine is not aimed at touring riders in search of range.

What truly strikes you is the coherence of the design. From the gold spoke wheels to the underside-mounted exhausts with their sculpted outlets, from the blood-red cam covers to the petal discs, everything has been conceived so the eye doesn't know where to stop. The frame is visible, almost staged, and the swingarm has the profile of a competition component. Fitted with Pirelli SuperCorsa tyres, the machine makes no secret of its sporting ambitions. This is not a stage costume — it's a genuine statement of intent.

The target audience is clear. A beginner won't be finding their bearings on a Dorsoduro — the seat height and available power confirm that. Nor is it for the long-distance touring enthusiast, the tank being what it is. On the other hand, the experienced rider who wants a machine capable of stepping out at the slightest opportunity, of playing with the front end through tight corners, and of cutting a striking figure in a category that is often aesthetically disappointing, will find here a companion built to measure. The claimed top speed of 200 km/h places this 750 in a credible road-going register, well beyond the pure urban toy category.

For those wondering about pricing, the Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro was listed at €8,499, placing it in a bracket consistent with its direct rivals at the time of its launch. A price justified by the build quality, the level of equipment, and a visual identity that stands clearly apart from mass production. That said, 12 litres of fuel does mean stopping often. Which, on a machine like this, may not be such a bad thing.