Two exciting new Piaggio Group bikes have been previewed ahead of the Intermot 2014 motorbike show.
The Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally is a heavily upgraded version of the popular adventure bike, focused more on long-distance touring and light off-road riding.
There is a 24-litre fuel tank, spoked wheels – with the front one now 19in – a taller, wider windscreen and a metal engine guard. There is extra LED lighting for better illumination in dark areas off the beaten path.
Its technological highlight is Aprilia Dynamic Damping, an automatically adjusting variable-suspension set-up using complex algorithms to analyse and respond to the road surface.
The bike will also come with ride-by-wire technology and three riding modes for different conditions and riding styles.
It will go on sale early next year.
Also at Intermot 2014 will be the Moto Guzzi V7 II, described by the firm as “the new generation of a legend”. It will be made available in three styles: Stone, Racer and Special.
The classic Moto Guzzi look is augmented by a four-degree engine tilt towards the front, which improves the aesthetics and gives more knee room.
A new six-speed gearbox has closer ratios, the clutch has a softer and more even action and the footpegs are 25mm lower for better comfort.
The Special wears unique graphics inspired by the 1975 V750 S3, the Racer has lower handlebars and a chrome fuel tank with a leather fastening strap and the Stone is a 1970s-inspired machine that will be the “standard” bike.
Moto Guzzi dealers will start to receive stock in November.