Adventure bikes and Aprilia are two non-synonymous terms. The company’s last over-1,000cc ADV (Caponord 1200) bowed out in 2017, and there has been no replacement ever since. But with the segment hotter than ever, is it time for the Noale factory to step back in the ring? Well, we think so, and so does popular designer Kar Lee. So using the skills he has mastery in, the designer has imagined Aprilia’s new flagship adventure bike. It takes heavy inspiration from the existing V4 lineup, which also explains its new moniker—the Aprilia Caponord V4.
The Aprilia Caponord V4 Render Takes Inspiration From The Tuono V4 1100
One look at the Caponord V4 render, and it immediately feels right at home in the Aprilia lineup. The fascia comprises the company’s bespoke triple-headlight combination and prominent LED DRLs, just like the Tuono V4 1100. Also present are muscular side panels that boast internal air scoops and a brawny engine cowl down low. A neat little touch is a tinted windscreen, identical to the one on the streetfighter’s Factory variant.
But that’s where the aesthetic inspiration ends. Gander outback and you’ll spot a different tail section. This doesn’t come from the Tuono or RSV4, instead taking inspiration from the 2017 Caponord 1200. Likewise, Kar Lee has kept the exposed trellis chassis unchanged. What’s entirely new, meanwhile, is the underbelly exhaust that neither resembles the modern V4s nor the old ADV. We don’t think it’s something the Noale factory would do, but it surely makes the second half of the bike quite clean.
The Aprilia Caponord V4 Features The Lauded 1,077cc, V4 Engine
As the name suggests, the designer has imagined the new Caponord with Aprilia’s much-appreciated 1,077cc, V4 powerhouse seen on the Tuono V4 1100 and RSV4 1100. If the ADV does become a reality, we’d expect it to boast the same engine tune as the streetfighter with 175 horsepower and 89 pound-feet. This would give it a five-pony edge over the Ducati Multistrada V4 and a whopping 32-HP advantage over the upcoming BMW R 1300 GS. Plus, it’d be a massive jump over the old motorcycle that had a 1,197 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine with 125 horses.
What also should be a leap is the electronics package. The 2017 Caponord was already loaded with cruise control, ride-by-wire, ride modes, traction control, and dynamic suspension. But the new one will surely borrow its electronic suite from the current V4s. The list includes all the above-mentioned bits, plus engine brake control, wheelie control, and a speed limiter. Bonus points if there’s a radar system, although no Aprilia has this as of now.
Elsewhere, the ADV has a trellis chassis and subframe combination, suspended on upside-down forks and monoshock. While the designer has shed little light on this, expect the suspension to be like the Tuono, albeit with more travel. The key difference, however, will be a 19/17-inch wheel combination–a staple of most ADVs.
Interestingly, there’s also an off-road-oriented render. It features an aluminum bash plate, 21/17-inch spoke wheels, and a raised front fender, all aimed to boost its bashing abilities. This makes total sense, considering the ‘17 model also had a rally version, and there’s also a significant market for such bikes (just look at the BMW R 1250 GSA). Not to mention, if the Tuareg 660 is any proof, the rally-spec ADV will tackle any terrain, no terrain, and anything in between easily.
Could The Aprilia Caponord V4 Become A Reality?
With all this in mind, it’s safe to say the Caponord V4 already sounds like an epic motorcycle. But to our dismay, there’s no word on the matter from any official source in Aprilia, or even its parent company, Piaggio. No party has filed any patents or trademarks in this respect, either. So the ADV just remains an idea for now. That being said, now is perhaps the best time for Aprilia to dedicate its resources to whipping up an ADV since its all other bikes are already pretty fresh. Plus, Aprilia’s sister company – Moto Guzzi – is also working on the V100 Mandello Stelvio, which will only help fine-tune the Caponord.
