When Aprilia unleashed the Dorsoduro 1200 back in 2011, it landed with a thunderous promise: the “Ultimate Maximotard.” Packing a massive 1197cc V-twin into a supermoto-inspired chassis, it was pure Italian audacity on two wheels. Over a decade later, its legend persists – but does it truly deserve the crown? Forget the spec sheets; let’s dive deep into what real owners and years of experience reveal.
Where “Ultimate” Shined
There’s zero debate about the Dorsoduro 1200’s engine. Owners consistently rave about its raw, visceral power delivery. As one Rider said, switching to Sport mode unleashes a “thunderous, hard-charging hooligan.” With 130 horsepower and a mountain of midrange torque surging from 4000 rpm, acceleration isn’t just quick; it’s an event.
Professional reviews like Ultimate Motorcycling lauded its “full and rich feel,” a significant leap over the smaller 750cc version. This is pure, unadulterated V-twin exhilaration – the core of its maximotard appeal. It doesn’t just go fast; it feels ferociously alive, constantly egging you on.
Handling the Heft
Maximotards aren’t featherweights, and the Dorsoduro 1200 owns its presence. Claiming a dry weight of 467 lbs, it carries more bulk than rivals like the flickable Ducati Hypermotard 1100. Owners and reviewers note that while the wide bars offer leverage, it feels surprisingly “nimble and willing” at pace; however, its weight becomes apparent when pushing hard on tight, technical roads.
The long-travel suspension, designed for stability at speed, can feel a “bit vague” when ridden aggressively. It demands firm inputs to corner, a trade-off for its high-speed composure. It handles well for its size, but pure supermoto agility isn’t its forte.
Tech Tango Advanced (When You Got It)
For its era (2011-2015), the Dorsoduro 1200 boasted impressive tech: Aprilia’s APRC suite featuring Ride-by-Wire with three modes (Sport, Touring, Rain) and Aprilia Traction Control (ATC). Sport mode unleashed the beast,
Touring smoothed things out (same power, softer delivery), while Rain mode was often dismissed as too gutless. ATC, derived from Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike, was praised (on Level 1) for being confidence-inspiring without being intrusive.
This tech wasn’t consistently available. Crucially, North American models often missed out on ABS and multi-level ATC entirely – a significant blow for a bike marketed as a premium, high-performance machine.
Owners on forums like ApriliaForum.com have discussed troubleshooting ATC/ABS failures and even disabling systems for a “ride free of electronics.” Changing modes required closing the throttle and waiting, a clunky process mid-ride. The potential was high, but execution and availability were inconsistent.
Where “Ultimate” Stumbled
This is where owner voices become crucial, and the narrative gets complex:
- The Reliability Question
One Rider shared, “The Aprilia can’t be trusted for reliability.” While not every bike is a lemon, a pervasive sentiment points towards “checkered reliability.” Reddit threads mention electrical issues (like ATC/ABS failures triggering error codes) and a general need for more attentive ownership than Japanese rivals.
The “Italian bike” stereotype of passionate performance paired with temperamental mechanics sadly finds traction here. A significant recall for a defective brake master cylinder further dented confidence. For many, this is the single biggest factor undermining any “ultimate” claim.
- Practicality Pains
Owners universally shared the “absolutely awful” fuel range. That tiny 15-liter tank paired with a thirsty V-twin often means hitting reserve before 100 miles – a major buzzkill. Wind protection is minimal. While some found the tiny flyscreen surprisingly effective up to ~80 mph, sustained highway riding is a battle against fatigue. Many owners invested in larger aftermarket screens (Givi, Puig) and luggage solutions, tacitly admitting the stock bike’s touring limitations.
- The Demanding Nature
Owners often describe the Dorsoduro 1200 as a demanding machine. It rewards experienced riders who embrace its raw power and character but can frustrate those seeking plug-and-play dependability or easy touring. Maintenance can be more involved and costly than average. One member detailed significant work just to upgrade the stock lights. It’s a bike that asks for commitment.
So, does the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 deserve the title “Ultimate Maximotard”?
For riders who crave that V-twin punch and a bike dripping with character and who are prepared to manage its quirks, it absolutely can feel like their personal ultimate machine. The passion in some long-term owner reviews is undeniable.
Its significant weight blunts agility compared to lighter rivals. Its cripplingly short range and lack of weather protection severely limit versatility. Crucially, persistent reliability concerns and the inconsistent availability of key tech features across markets are fundamental flaws that clash with the concept of “ultimate.”
The Dorsoduro offered an aspect of ultimacy in its engine but fell short of delivering a comprehensively polished, reliable, and practical package worthy of the undisputed title. Its legacy is one of fiery passion, not flawless supremacy.
