Aprilia to discontinue the Dorsoduro 1200

At Rs 17.87 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) this Italian import from Aprilia has not made a great case for itself. This supermotard is now finding itself facing the axe due to non-performance. The product is being taken off production globally.

Bringing it into India, in a market where there is no scope for supermoto as the segment is still at a nascent stage. So growth, if any in this non-existent segment is nil. Luckily for KTM, they withdrew their charge quite early on in the race realising the pitiful global market scenario. KTM discontinued the 950 SMC and the 990 version to focus more on the adventure business. Smart move, we say. As the market trends show a leaning towards the adventure and explorer segment.

Here's what the Supermoto spec sheet looks like in brief. Powered by an 1197cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, the Dorsoduro 1200 has close to 130bhp and 115Nm to use up. This motor is mated to a six-speed transmission. In terms of technology, the motorcycle had ride-by-wire system, three-way traction control, ABS and three riding modes.

In India, as we mentioned earlier, the bike did not stand a chance due to its price and the motorcycle type. The bike eventually was sold on order basis. For that asking price now, you could get the Triumph Explorer and the Diavel. Both these products have brand name and reach going for them despite their high prices and so order books here present a much happier picture.

Now with the Dorsoduro 1200 going off the line-up, what will happen to the Dorsoduro 750? Well, let’s wait and watch!