Aprilia ETV 1000 CapoNord

Flexibility and ease of use for 360° touring. A versatile motorbike, that rides with the ease of an enduro, but which is capable of offering the performance and comfort of great touring bikes.

From these basic premises Aprilia has developed and created a motorcycling concept which can be added to its other attractive high-powered motorbikes, working towards completion of the range.

APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord opens a new chapter for the dynamic Italian motorcycling company, with a motorbike that differentiates itself clearly from the remainder of the Aprilia sports production, although fitted with the prestigious and high-performance 1000 cc twin engine. The ETV 1000 is a new motorbike in terms of its dimensions, characteristics, type of use, style of riding and positioning.

In this case, it is not a question of an extreme product for super-sporty clients - performance here is not measured in lap times. Research into extreme technology, or greater horsepower, is totally secondary or merely functional, in comparison with parameters such as aerodynamic protection, ease and comfort of ride, fluidity of output and usability of the motorbike.

With ETV 1000, Aprilia comes out of the area of supersports in order to enter into that of the twin engine maxi trail for touring. The result is a motorbike with personality, a series of special characteristics, and a new and modern identity composed of flexibility, comfort, safety and fun.

A MOTORBIKE FOR TOTAL TOURING, WITH THE ADDITION OF PERFORMANCE AND POWER, TO BE SHARED WITH A PASSENGER, AND FITTED WITH TOP BOXES, SIDE BOXES AND TANK BAG. IT IS A VEHICLE THAT, IDEALLY, ALLOWS YOU NEVER TO STOP, TRAVELLING WITH THE MENTAL TRANQUILLITY THAT ALLOWS YOU TO CONTINUE GOING EVEN WHEN THE TARMAC FINISHES.

HOWEVER, THE ETV 1000 CAPONORD DOES NOT FOREGO SPORTINESS: IN ITS LINE, THE EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF THE TECHNICAL CHOICES, THE PLEASURE OF RIDING, THE PERFORMANCE. LET'S NOT FORGET THAT SPORTINESS AND APRILIA PRODUCTION ARE INTIMATELY INTERRELATED AND, PROBABLY, INSEPARABLE.

The design idea that guided the development of this motorbike was this: to create a bike capable of offering unique and innovative technical solutions, able to guarantee performance and power at the top of its category, assisted by the normal impeccable Aprilia mechanics, flexibility, comfort and safety.

The powerful and high-performance twin engine has been profoundly modified (with respect to the engine fitted to the RSV 1000) so as to make it suitable for use in touring.

Ergonomics, rider and passenger comfort, and aerodynamic protection were the guiding lights in the development of the engine, so as to allow even the longest of trips without tiring either the rider or passenger. The carrying capacity was carefully studied to offer the maximum possible versatility.

The mechanics, with the innovative and exclusive frame in aluminium beams, besides being a distinctive and exclusive element, support and gratify even the most sporty riding in absolute safety. The suspension guarantees great stability and comfort and adapts easily to all conditions of use.

The design of the APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord is modern, sporty and refined, but not futuristic or extreme. It is therefore a motorbike that is destined to last over time, where the functionality of the choices made never leads to elements of "over-design".

Thus we see that the shape of the fairing and the wide windshield with direction indicators built into the hand guards has the precise scope of guaranteeing perfect aerodynamic protection to the rider and passenger. The central body of the motorbike (in particular the tank/frame area) was designed and optimised in order to allow the perfect integration (and protection) of the rider. The slender, streamlined sides contribute to making the rear part of the motorbike narrow and small, even with the side boxes mounted; all of which goes to aid the bike's manoeuvrability in traffic and the optimisation of its aerodynamic flow.

As is Aprilia tradition, the entire motorbike has been thoroughly tested in a wind tunnel so as to eliminate turbulence and guarantee the aerodynamics and the optimum protection for both rider and passenger.

The ETV 1000 CapoNord can count on the performance, reliability, compactness and lightness of a 60° V twin engine, extensively modified in comparison with the version that is fitted to the super-sports Aprilia road models, so as to make it not only suitable, but ideal for non-extreme touring use.

The result of these modified objectives and important updates is therefore an extremely fluid and elastic engine, with a regular power output and a torque curve that is exceptionally flat and linear.

Light and compact, the 60° V twin engine maximises the pleasure of riding for the rider, combining perfectly with the mechanical characteristics and handling of the new APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord.

The bike therefore features all the technical characteristics that have already made Aprilia's V990 famous and much appreciated.

• longitudinal 60° V twin engine (short and compact, it may be positioned in the optimum manner within the frame), with four valves per cylinder timing and double cam shaft in the cylinder head, controlled by a mixed chain and gear system;
• electronic fuel injection system, completely modified and updated
• CDI type ignition with sparking of the air-petrol mixture by the TSI (Twin Spark Ignition) system, using two spark plugs per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by the engine's integrated control system which also controls injection (completely different with respect to the unit that is fitted to the RSV 1000)
• dry crank case lubrication using a second recovery trochoidal pump and an external oil reservoir (as well as a radiator located in front of the engine). With the dry crankcase system, the engine block can be more rigid and compact than with a "wet crankcase" system, totally eliminating the risk of poor engine lubrication during sudden acceleration/declaration, falls, or wheelies;
• mixed gear/chain timing: the pair of gears (one for each timing chain) in the engine block enables the size of the cylinder heads to be reduced.
• This motorbike again features the exclusive Aprilia patents:
• the AVDC (Anti-Vibration Double Countershaft) double balancing countershaft system
• the power-assisted hydraulic controlled clutch covered by the PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) patent to control rear wheel bounce during sudden deceleration.

The extensive modifications carried out by the Aprilia technicians have allowed the team to:

• optimise the power output and achieve a torque curve that is the flattest possible
• lower the maximum power output
• optimise the engine for use of the motorbike in touring, while remaining brilliant and pleasant to ride as only a high-performance twin engine can be.

These then are the substantial modifications that characterise the APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord:

• new pistons (modified in the design of the crown) and new configuration of the combustion chamber so as to reduce the compression ratio to an optimum level (10.4 :1) for a fluid and constant output of the engine torque, in particular at low revolutions
• new cam shafts, with a different profile that is designed to increase the torque at low running speeds and make higher power available at low revolutions
• new throttle bodies with a diameter of 47 mm. (51 mm. on the RSV). Here again, this change is aimed at optimising the fluidity and output of the engine torque and the power at low revolutions, while at the same time increasing the maximum value of the torque itself
• Sagem electronic fuel injection system (Denso on the RSV) and new injectors. The Sagem electronic control unit is the most advanced currently available, with an engine shaft position sensor that reads the position every 10° of rotation. This allows greater control over the engine itself, which translates into a greater fluidity of functioning especially at low revolutions. Also new is the tick-over control, which is now automatic with retroaction (the starter lever no longer exists). The new injectors (also Sagem) allow polluting emissions to be reduced (now well below the legal limits) and have a patented system (Sagem) for controlling the flow of fuel injected
• Different injection mapping for the two cylinders so as to optimise combustion in each cylinder
• the electronic control unit is capable of recognising the manoeuvres of acceleration and release of the throttle command. It varies the parameters of fuel injection and sparking of the air-petrol mixture, so as to have the most fluid output possible (Dynamic Ignition Advance Control)
• New intake and exhaust systems, tuned to offer the greatest torque possible at low speeds. The intake pumps are now 70 mm (as opposed to 50 mm in the unit that is fitted to the RSV 1000) and the primary exhaust tubes have been modified
• The generator has been improved both in terms of the inertia (to regulate the torque and therefore have a more "fluid" and elastic engine) and the electrical power (to respond to the greater demands for energy coming from the powerful front headlight assembly and to support the 12 volt external socket and possible accessories)

The engine of the APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord delivers 98 HP (72 kW) to the shaft at 8,250 r.p.m. (measured with ECE correction) and a maximum torque of 9.68 kgm (95 nm) at 6,250 r.p.m.

APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord is the first and only trail motorbike in the world fitted with a perimeter frame consisting of a double beam with variable geometry (Double Wave Aluminium Beam). The frame is made of extrusions boxed in aluminium alloy, coupled with cast parts in aluminium and magnesium alloy. It guarantees the highest torsional rigidity coefficient in its category.

The frame design has been carefully studied in order to concentrate the masses optimally close to the centre of gravity and allow the rider to be perfectly accommodated (the shape in the front part contributes to eliminating turbulence and the aerodynamic "weight" of the rider's knees and legs).

The rear swingarm, again built of aluminium and magnesium alloy, has a cast shell-shaped central section with extruded arms and forged terminals. It represents the best possible solution for an optimum relationship between lightness and torsional rigidity. The design is also aimed at achieving the best possible weight/rigidity ratio.

The exhaust system uses two mufflers made entirely of stainless steel (a guarantee of long life and the capacity to maintain their characteristics over time). The exhaust is a "2 in 1 in 2" with an overall volume of approximately 11 litres.

The position and volume of the terminals was determined after in-depth aerodynamic and ridability analyses. The technical solution chosen guarantees important technical and functional advantages:

• it guarantees the equilibrium of the motorbike;
• ensures low noise levels;
• does not generate irritating turbulence at high speed;
• allows for a narrow and compact engine at the rear, which is extremely practical and functional for mounting the side boxes
• is in accordance with EURO 1 standards without requiring a catalytic converter.

In any event, in countries where expressly required by law, or when requested by the client, the engine can be fitted with a catalytic converter. In such cases, the engine does not lose out in terms of performance in comparison with the non-catalysed version and reduces even further the polluting emissions.

The suspension assembly is the same as that used in large racing enduros. The calibrations have however been carried out in order to always guarantee the highest comfort under all conditions, both on paved roads and dirt tracks.

• Marzocchi front suspension with sleeves that are 50 mm in diameter and high wheel travel (175 mm). The Aprilia ETV 1000 CapoNord is the only twin engine trail motorbike to be fitted with a front fork with 50 mm diameter sleeves as a standard feature. The fork in question is directly derived from the forks used in motorbikes and in off-road competition. It guarantees absolute performance, robustness and, above all, high flexional rigidity, which is fundamental for the stability and ridability of the bike (given the length of the fork itself).
• Sachs rear suspension, adjustable in rebound and preload, with APS (Aprilia Progressive System) progressive linkage. The possibility to adjust the rear suspension (by means of a handy and practical external knob) allows the user to adapt the trim of the motorbike to all possible uses, from "full load" to off-road configuration.

The height of the saddle from the ground is extremely reduced (820 mm) in order to allow all types of users a safe and secure contact for their feet with the ground.

Aerodynamic protection is perfect at all speeds, thanks to the large-size fairing, the built-in hand guards and the special conformation of the frame and tank, which shield the rider's knees and legs. Thus, long journeys are possible in total comfort and without tiring the rider or passenger.

The aerodynamics of the motorbike have been studied at length in wind tunnels at the University of Perugia, Italy. As a result, the coefficient of aerodynamic penetration (CX) improves when the rider is on board and in an upright position, as opposed to the motorbike on its own or with the rider in a position stretched out behind the fairing.

The passenger's saddle, if not in use, may be removed. Thus a large carrying surface is created. Even when the passenger's saddle is not present, the glove compartment may be locked, thanks to a special attachment in the lid.

APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord is fitted (as a standard feature) with innovative, exclusive and patented spoke rims (Tubeless Spokes Rim), which allow tubeless tyres to be used. The advantages in terms of active safety are enormous.

The special spoke arrangement of the rims (which also have the external profiles of the channel entirely hollow in order to increase the lightness and rigidity of the rim itself), combined with the new hollow hubs in the centre - shell-shaped casts and with hollow core and wheel spindles of large diameter (25 mm front, 20 mm rear) - allows the achievement of an exceptional flexional rigidity in the wheel unit, which is fundamental for stability in curves at high speeds.

The "touring" dashboard consists of two analogue instruments and a multi-functional digital panel, which is clear and easy to read. The panel indicates: time, environmental temperature, water temperature in the cooling circuit, litres of fuel remaining (both graphically and numerically). The panel also shows (with the word "service") the time at which to carry out a service check-up. A service code shows any possible malfunctioning in the injection (which is also signalled by a special warning light).

Easy visibility is assured by the width of the instruments and by the blue back-lighting (adjustable, with three levels of brightness). As a result, the rider's eyes are not strained and the dashboard of this new Aprilia motorbike is rendered more exclusive and functional.

The components that are fitted to the new APRILIA ETV 1000 CapoNord have been researched to extreme lengths and the highest possible level, and include:

• Brembo "Gold series" brake unit with Freudenberg brake tubing (which ensures performance and characteristics equal to those of braided tubing). Stainless steel double front disk, 300 mm in diameter, and twin pot floating callipers with differentiated diameters of 32 and 30 mm. Stainless steel rear disk, 270 mm in diameter, and twin pot callipers with diameter of 34 mm
• highly resistant removable steel subframe
• "free-form" multifocal front headlight with complex-surface parabolas, made of plastic so as to provide optimum lightness and equilibrium of weight in an area that is critical for ridability. The headlight is adjustable on both the vertical axis (by means of a screw) and on the horizontal axis (by means of a knob located inside the fairing), in an autonomous manner for each parabola. The latter feature is provided in order to fully respond to the needs of a motorbike that may be used for touring and with a full load of boxes and accessories.

Another exceptional feature is the depth and width of the beam, combined with its excellent intensity and homogeneity of illumination. It uses two H4 halogen lamps, 55W in power.

• practical 12 volt socket for interphone, accessories, etc.

Special and specifically-dedicated optional features are also being produced, making this new Aprilia bike even more functional and exciting. A pair of side boxes, a rear top box and a tank bag will shortly be available and will appear in the official Aprilia accessories catalogue.