Piaggio has unveiled two 2011 models in advance of the opening of the official “new models season,” which begins this October at Intermot. One comes from limping Moto Guzzi, the second from Aprilia.
Moto Guzzi has developed yet another variation on the V7 Classic theme, a V75-powered middleweight that mimics the lines of the legendary early 1970’s V7 Sport. Technically, the V7 Racer only introduces a new conventional 40mm Marzocchi fork and Bitubo shocks. The real allure is the daring graphics, which feature a red-painted frame, swingarm (like the first production run of the old V7 Sport) and wheel hubs. The original-style gas tank is polished and chromed. Clip-on handlebars, a mini fairing, aluminum foot controls machined from billet and a solo seat with old-style tailsection with numberplates complete the package.
Supermoto for the street: In addition to a three-mode “ride-by-wire” throttle system, the 2011 Dorsoduro 1200 will have ABS and traction control.
The new V7 Racer brings back strong, nostalgic memories. It’s a beautiful bike but has no performance advantage over the V7 Classic and Café Classic. The 48-horsepower air-cooled V-Twin, bolted-together double-cradle frame and related wire-spoked wheels shod with cross-ply tires and a single front disc brake are the same. An optional “Legend Package V7 Racer” will be available and include an Arrow exhaust system and a special helmet.
Now, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is another story. It’s a radical new model powered by a 106 x 67.8mm, twin-spark evolution of the compact, light and modern Piaggio/Aprilia four-valve-per-cylinder, 90-degree V-Twin. Power is conservatively announced at 130 hp at 8700 rpm, with 84.9 ft.-lb. peak torque at 7200 rpm.
The chassis appears to be a natural evolution of the Dorsoduro 750, which was well-suited to the power and torque delivered by the original engine. The fork is a 43mm inverted Sachs unit. The German specialists also supply the piggyback-style, cantilevered shock. Braking is by Brembo, with top-class 320mm rotors pinched by radial-mount calipers.
From a styling and graphics point of view, the Dorsoduro 1200 appears to be a nicely refined evolution of the 750.
