Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord
These big trail tools have come of age; they’re bitching fun and practical too. Here are 10 of the best big adventure bikes
09. Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord (2001+)
A machine of highs and lows. The good stuff? Superb comfort, awesome grunty and powerful engine, neat handling, low seat, slipper clutch, excellent headlights. Not so good? Common electrical issues, unadjustable and bouncy forks plus a few finish issues including rusty spoke nipples which can be hard to remove. Never a popular machine with the UK bike buying public and indecently cheap when used as a result. It’s a very worthwhile bike but you’ll need to get on an owner’s forum and pre-empt the electrical gremlins. An update in 2003 saw a subtly different fairing, better front suspension and minor tweaks. Rare Rally Raid version available in 2003.
Engine: 998cc, 8-valve, injected, V-twin Power: 98bhp Torque: 71 lb/ft Weight: 215kg Top speed: 140mph
