Top 5 Problems with Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

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The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is a renowned motorcycle that has carved a niche in the adventure sports category. 

Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 Problems

However, like any machine, it’s not without its share of issues. So, in this article, we will cover the most common problems and provide you with solutions.

Let’s begin!

Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 Problems

Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 problems are starting issues, electric starter motor stalling, cold start problems, general warning light issues, rev limiter, and shift light adjustments problems.

1. Starting Issues

The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is known to have occasional starting problems, particularly when the engine is cold. 

This may manifest in issues with the electric starter motor, or the bike not maintaining the minimum RPM. 

One potential solution to these problems is to verify the condition of your battery. A weak or dying battery can make it challenging to start your bike, especially in colder conditions. 

You can check the battery’s voltages using a multimeter, it should be 12.6 Volts when the bike is off. 

If the voltage drops significantly when trying to start the bike, you may need a new battery.

Related: Aprilia Caponord 1200 Problems

Another common cause is faulty spark plugs. If they are worn out or dirty, it can result in poor ignition. 

You can try removing and inspecting the spark plugs. If they are black or oily, it is advisable to replace them. 

If they are dry, but look worn or have a large gap, consider replacing them as well.

Lastly, issues with the bike’s idle speed or fuel/air mixture can cause the bike to stall or have trouble maintaining minimum RPMs. 

You might need to adjust your bike’s idle speed or the fuel/air mixture. For this, check the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended settings and adjustment procedures. 

2. Electric Starter Motor Stalling

This issue can lead to your bike taking longer to start, or in severe cases, not starting at all. 

Often, this problem can be related to the bike’s battery losing its charge, especially when the motorcycle has been idle for a few days.

One solution to maintain a strong battery charge is to invest in a trickle charger

A trickle charger slowly charges the battery, maintaining its health and ensuring it’s always fully charged when you’re ready to ride. 

This small investment could save you a lot of trouble, especially if you don’t ride your bike regularly.

Another possible solution is to check the condition of the starter motor itself. If it’s worn or damaged, it may have trouble turning over the bike.

Replacement parts are readily available and can be installed with a bit of mechanical know-how and the right tools.

Lastly, if your bike is regularly sitting idle for extended periods, it might be worth considering a change in habit. 

Regular use of the bike will help keep the battery alive and the starter motor in good shape. 

3. Cold Start Problems

Some owners of the Dorsoduro 1200 encounter difficulties starting the bike during cold temperatures.

One solution to this problem is to use a motorcycle engine heater or block heater. These devices help to warm up the engine before you start it. 

Another method involves enriching the fuel mixture in the carburettor. During colder temperatures, the air-fuel mixture can often be too lean to start the engine efficiently. 

By manually adjusting the choke or enricher, you can increase the amount of fuel in the mixture, aiding in a smoother start. 

Battery health also plays an essential role in cold starts. Ensure your battery is fully charged and well maintained, as colder temperatures can diminish battery performance.

Lastly, using high-quality engine oil designed for cold temperatures can also assist with cold starts. 

These oils contain specific additives that keep the oil from thickening in colder temperatures, ensuring smooth operation of the engine. 

4. General Warning Light Issues

If you’re noticing that the general warning light on your Dorsoduro 1200 stays illuminated after a ride, it could be related to your engine’s temperature. 

High engine temperatures could trigger the warning light. This could be due to a variety of reasons, often linked to the cooling system.

Firstly, there could be an issue with the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, the engine may overheat, causing the warning light to flash. 

You should confirm the coolant level in the reservoir and top it up if necessary, ensuring to use of the right type and mixture.

Secondly, the radiator could be blocked or damaged, impeding its ability to dissipate heat. 

So, visually inspect the radiator for any visible blockage, like leaves or debris, and clean it carefully without damaging the fins.

Lastly, the thermostat or water pump could be malfunctioning. These components are crucial for regulating engine temperature, and their failure could result in overheating. 

Unfortunately, these are harder to diagnose and fix at home, as they require disassembling parts of the engine. 

However, signs of malfunction could include unusual engine noise, coolant leaks, or the engine overheating quickly after starting the motorcycle. 

5. Rev Limiter and Shift Light Adjustments

The motorcycle comes with a pre-set shift warning light programmed for the initial run-in phase, but post this phase, adjustments are necessary to ensure optimal performance.

The rev-limiter is a crucial component that prevents your engine from operating outside of its capabilities, thereby safeguarding it from potential damage. 

To adjust the rev limiter, you’ll need to access the bike’s digital dashboard. 

Navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu, select the ‘Rev Limit’ option, and adjust the number of RPMs at which you want the rev limiter to kick in. 

Remember, you should set it according to the motorcycle’s top RPM limit as stated in the user manual. 

On the other hand, the shift light informs you of the ideal time to shift gears for maximum efficiency and power. 

Again, to adjust this, access the ‘Settings’ menu, select ‘Shift Light Indicator’, and set it to light up at your desired RPM. 

This setting might take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect spot for your driving style and conditions.

Top speed of the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

The top speed of the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 is 217 kilometres per hour.

Mileage of Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

The Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 offers a mileage of 18 kilometers per liter. This means for every litre of fuel, it can travel up to 18 kilometres.

Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 Technical Specifications Chart

Specification115 Nm / 11.7 kg-m / 84.8 lb-ft @ 7200 rpm
Make ModelAprilia SMV 1200 Dorsoduro
Year2013
EngineLiquid-cooled
Capacity1197 cc / 73.0 cu-in
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.8 mm
Cooling System2 into-1 exhaust system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and lambda probe
Compression Ratio12.5:1
InductionIntegrated engine management system. Injection with Ride by Wire technology control of the throttle bodies
IgnitionDigital electronic, integrated with the injection, two spark plugs per cylinder
StartingElectric
ExhaustAluminium alloy swingarm Piggy-back design Sachs hydraulic shock absorber with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
ClutchMultiple discs in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Max Power96 kW / 130 hp @ 8700 rpm
Max TorqueSingle Ø240 mm, single-piston calliper, metal braided brake pipe
Transmission6 Speed
Final DriveChain
Gear Ratio1st 14:36 / 2nd 17:32 / 3rd 20:30 / 4th 22:28 / 5th 23:26 / 6th 24:25
FrameSingle Ø240 mm, single-piston calliper, metal braided brake pipe
Front SuspensionØ43 mm Sachs upside-down front fork with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
Front Wheel Travel160 mm / 6.2 in
Rear SuspensionSingle Ø240 mm, single piston calliper, metal braided brake pipe
Rear Wheel Travel155 mm / 6.1 in
Front Brakes2 x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs. Radial calipers with four pistons
Rear BrakesSingle Ø240 mm, single-piston calliper, metal braided brake pipe
WheelsAluminium alloy
Front Tyre120/70 -ZR17
Rear Tyre180/55 -ZR17
DimensionsLength 2216 mm / 8732 in, Width 905 mm / 35.6 in handlebar, Height 1185 mm / 46.6 in at instrument panel
Seat Height870 mm / 34.2 in
Dry Weight212 kg / 409 lbs
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.17 gal
Average Consumption5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km/l / 40 US mpg
Standing ¼ Mile11.5 sec
Top Speed230.2 km/h / 143 mph


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