Aprilia Caponord 1200 leaked

The upcoming Aprilia Caponord 1200 has been leaked at a recent Piaggio dealer conference in Italy well ahead of its official launch, showing the new generation dual-sport tourer in all its glory. The new bike looks to be based on the Dorsoduro 1200 but has the potential to incorporate a range of high-tech electronic riding systems.

Visible at the front is fresh new styling for the cowl, which takes a leaf out of the Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono models and brings the Caponord into the family fold in a design sense.

Aprilia's new Caponord 1200 also features an interesting rear end design with a BMW-inspired rear wheel bikini hugger.

The new big-bore Italian dual-sport tourer will go head-to-head with the likes of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and could find favour with riders looking a unique, sporty alternative to regular tourers. Its upright seating position and flat(ish) bars may also be a drawcard.

If the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is anything to go by, the Caponord 1200 should be good for around 130hp (96kW) at 8700rpm and 115Nm at 7200rpm. The oversquare 1197cc V-twin features a ride-by-wire throttle system, which a trio of riding modes (Rain, Touring and Sport).

While power and torque may change when the bike is launched later in 2012, if the above power figures are a guide the Caponord -- named after Scandinavia's North Cape -- will be slightly down on power compared to its Ducati and BMW rivals - but it could have an ace up its sleeve in the form of advanced electronics.

The 265kg (wet) ETV1000 Caponord sold in Australia from 2001 until it was discontinued in 2006, priced at $18,490. Competitors in those days were the BMW R1150 GS, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom and the long departed Cagiva Navigator. Click here to read a short review and here to check out some of them currently being parted with on the Bikesales Network.