Aprilia Caponord 1000 Service Manual (2004-2007)

Aprilia introduced the Caponord 1000 in 2001 as its large adventure-touring motorcycle. It was powered by a 998 cc, 60-degree V-twin related to the engine architecture used in Aprilia's RSV Mille, but configured for the different demands of a touring and adventure motorcycle. The Caponord combined the V-twin engine with a six-speed transmission, electronic fuel injection, an aluminium twin-beam frame, long-travel suspension and 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

For 2004, Aprilia substantially updated the Caponord. The revised motorcycle received changes to its styling, suspension and braking system, while retaining the basic 998 cc V-twin platform. One of the most important additions was an available anti-lock braking system developed with Brembo and Bosch. The ABS could be switched off by the rider, an important feature for a motorcycle designed to be used beyond normal paved-road touring.

The engine remained a liquid-cooled, DOHC V-twin with four valves per cylinder. In the factory manual it is specified at 998 cm³ with a 97 × 67.5 mm bore and stroke and a 10.4:1 compression ratio. Depending on version, the manual lists output figures of up to 86.5 kW (118 hp) and 96.5 Nm. Power was delivered through a hydraulically operated wet multi-plate clutch, six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

The Caponord was designed around long-distance capability. Its 25-litre fuel tank gave it substantial touring range, while the 50 mm upside-down front fork provided 175 mm of travel. Braking was handled by twin 300 mm front discs and a single rear disc, with ABS available on the updated models. The motorcycle also retained wire-spoke wheels with tubeless tires, using a 110/80 R19 front and 150/70 R17 rear combination.

The 2004 update represented the mature version of the original Caponord platform. It combined the distinctive V-twin engine and aluminium chassis of the earlier motorcycle with revised suspension, braking and available ABS, making the later Caponord 1000 better suited to the increasingly competitive large adventure-touring class. The Caponord name would later return on the substantially different 1,197 cc Caponord 1200 introduced in 2013.