While the Shiver 750 is built to appeal to a broad rider base, the Dorsoduro offers the more hard-core enthusiast the same basic powertrain, modular frame and advanced ride-by-wire Tri-Map selectable performance modes, all wrapped in aggressive supermoto-inspired trim.
Even the dual, under seat exhaust and tailpiece configuration hint of a mantis posterior.
Animal Kingdom comparisons aside, the 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 impressed me as soon as I fired it up. The Dorsoduro's liquid cooled, 4-valve, double overhead cam, 90 degree V-Twin motor let out a crisp, snappy growl that triggered an instant smile.
The bars felt light in my hands, the Aprilia eager to respond.
The 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 is stripped down to essentials and wastes no fanfare with superfluous gadgetry or plastic body parts.
I felt reassured under braking by the 4-piston radial calipers and 320 mm wave discs in the front and was pleasantly surprised by the response of the seldom-used rear brake.
With Aprilia's Tri-Map ride by wire system, I found myself in eager anticipation of how the Dorsoduro's 92 horsepower and 60 ft/lbs torque would translate to my right wrist commands as I journeyed through the local canyons and city streets.
The 2011 Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 is a bike flexible enough to accommodate riders of all levels--as long as they are tall enough that they are not intimidated by the seat height. Dirt riders migrating to the street will be especially drawn to this supermoto motorcycling.
If the seat height isn't an issue, the "Aprilia Dorsoduro 750" is easy enough to handle for the beginner, yet punchy, powerful and nimble enough to satisfy even the upper echelon riders.
It has a Inverted Fork Front Suspension while the Rear Suspension consists of a Twin Sided Swing Arm. The Dorsoduro 750 has Front Dual Hydraulic Disc Brakes and Rear Hydraulic Disc Brakes.