Niall's Spin: Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord
Even though the Capo may have a few negative points, it fares well in positive things too. But wrongly ignored or rightly dismissed? Niall Mackenzie finds out.
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Wrongly ignored or rightly dismissed? Battered senseless with the ugly-stick but a rapid and capable bike, the Capo has plenty of plus points. You get a reliable, powerful V-twin engine that makes the R1150GS and even the R1200GS look mediocre, as does the gearbox, official panniers and headlights.
Handling's relaxed yet nimble, although heavy/two-up riders may want to swap the fork springs and oil (Hyperpro work well). Brakes are effective. Seat height's incredibly low for a big trailie making it an easy bike to handle, plus an even lower version is available as an option. It's a moderate stretch to the bars though so it's not quite fit for Frodo-stature folk. Weight is a modest 215kg.
Aprilia's 1000cc 60-degree V-twin is in its lowest state of tune here. It's reliable and even the valves rarely need adjusting. Coils can fail but Renault ones (part number 8200380267) work fine and are cheaper and easier to get hold of than genuine Aprilia items - available from breakers (try 16-valve Lagunas and Meganes). Even if a coil does fail, each cylinder has two so the bike'll probably just run rough - you should be able to continue fine.
There are more minor niggles though - plastic fuel line connectors break (Aprilia do a metal replacement), the brown electrical blocks melt (replace or cut them out all together), charging can be slow (a wiring mod solves this), spoke nipples rust and parts supply is slow. It's a bike you can buy and spend a few months sorting the little problems to get it exactly right for you. Do that and you'll be rewarded with a rapid machine that's fun to ride and capable almost anywhere except off-road. And considering the price tag that makes the Capo one of the best buys on the used adventure-sports market.
- Key ID '05 onwards bikes had sticky-out indicators and optional ABS.
- Walk away from Overpriced dealer bikes - new ones are available for around £5500.
