MOTOR-CAR SPORT

The first images of the Aprilia Caponord 1200 broke last week but Piaggio has released new details and photographs of the adventure-tourer at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy. Sharing its engine and frame with the Dorsoduro 1200, the Aprilia Caponord 1200 is the latest competitor in the adventure-touring segment, albeit with limited off-road aspirations. The closest competitor to the Caponord 1200 is probably the  Ducati Multistrada 1200 . Both models are equipped with 90-degree V-Twin engines, ABS, traction control, multiple ride modes, adjustable windscreen, hand guards and optional semi-active suspension. The Caponord’s semi-active suspension (named Aprilia Dynamic Damping) reads data from wheel sensors and calibrates damping for changing conditions in a similar “ skyhook ” concept  as the Multistrada. ADD is available in Aprilia’s Travel Pack which also includes cruise control, color-matched panniers and center stand (bags and stand are also a...

The  International Motorcycling Federation   (FIM)  has released an updated list of motorcycles homologated for the 2013  Superbike ,  Supersport , and  Superstock  racing season. Notable additions include the new  BMW S1000RR HP4 , the  MV Agusta F3  and the Superbike-spec  Ducati 1199 Panigale R . To qualify a production-based racebike for FIM homologations, manufacturers have to meet certain production thresholds. Manufacturers must first produce 125 units ahead of a homologation inspection. After that, manufacturers have to produce a minimum of 500 units by June 30 and 1000 units by December 31 of the current year, and a minimum of 2000 units by the December 31 of the following year. Production counts include both ABS and non-ABS versions of the same model, and at least 250 units of each version have to be produced. Production models must also be available for sale in either the U.S., Europe or Japan by the end of Ap...