PRESS RELEASE
APRILIA SMV 750 DORSODURO
Copyright free road test report from Rob Hoyles
Motorcycling isn’t what it used to be. Up until quite recently, this fair island was one obsessed with huge headlines when it came to choosing our bikes.
Massive horsepower and ludicrous top speeds ensured bike sales in the UK and so long as it looked a little bit similar to a race bike, we’d queue up to buy it. Well not any more.
Aprilia isn’t the only manufacturer to realise that the times they are a-changing but their latest bike to hit the showrooms, namely the curiously named SMV 750 Dorsoduro, is the absolute epitome of what every red-blooded rider enjoys about motorcycling – the pure fun of riding.
The majority of bikes these days are toys. Aprilia make no bones about it, the Dorsoduro is a plaything to be enjoyed and while their constant ‘Play Hard’ subliminal slogans, constant use of the word ‘fun’ and glitzy presentation left us in no doubt as to their perceived customer (a swarthy, well-stubbled, gym-addicted male with a model girlfriend, designer penthouse flat and vast expendable income), riding the bike left me in no doubt as to the versatility of their latest machine.
Aprilia’s knowledge when it comes to handling is second to none and it has to be said, the Dorsoduro is a very easy bike to ride whatever the pace thanks to some choice components. High quality suspension and brakes give a fast rider feedback and confidence and a novice rider reassurance.
The engine’s power delivery can be tailored to suit a rider’s needs by way of a handlebar-mounted switch that allows the rider to scroll through three injection maps, each with its own very individual character. ‘T’ is for touring with a silky smooth delivery, ‘R’ is for rain with a soft-as-silk, super-safe power delivery below 6,000rpm, while ‘S’ is for sports, unleashing the full 92bhp with a raspy bark from the stylish twin exhausts. I like to call this the ‘fun button’ as that’s exactly what it is.
Despite this emphasis on fun, there are more than a few sensibilities built into the package including a useful onboard computer that will tell you everything about your journey you’re ever likely to need to know, including average speed and fuel consumption. The turning circle is incredible, the seat isn’t nearly as uncomfortable as it looks, visibility from that tallish perch in traffic is superb and in ‘T-for-touring’ mode it’s an ideal commuter, belying the fact that it’s a twin with a smooth delivery and a general ease of use. In fact it’s probably one of the best town/commuter bikes available to get you through the daily urban grind with a ‘fun button’ as standard for playtime at the weekend.
And that’s not even the best bit. You don’t need to be swarthy, well-stubbled or gym-fit to enjoy one – in fact, you don’t even need to be Italian or live in a penthouse. You just need a bike licence and £6469.
For brochure and dealer information call 01293 823891 or visit www.aprilia.com/uk
Technical Specification
Price £6469
Engine 749.9cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90˚ V-twin
Power 92bhp @ 8750rpm
Torque 60lb.ft @ 4500rpm
Weight 186kg
Frame Steel trellis with aluminium sections
Front suspension 43mm USD forks, adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rear suspension Sachs Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping
Front Brake 2 x 320mm floating discs, four-piston radially-mounted calipers
Tyres 120/70 ZR17 font, 180/55 ZR17 rear
ENDS
30.05.08
For further information contact:
Miles Taylor, Marketing and PR Manager, Aprilia UK
Tel. 020 8290 8800
Email. miles_taylor@aprilia.it
For alternative high-res copyright free images contact:
Shirley Pattison, Promark PR
Tel. 01293 823891
Email. enquiries@promarkpr.com
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