2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 Review | MC Commute

It’s another commute with Zack! As usual, please feel free to suggest a bike you want to see featured here. If we get enough comments, we’ll do our best to send him home on that one next.
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It’s no secret we’re always trying to get our staff to work a little harder. Especially the ones who always seem to have too much to say. “Write it down!” we always shout at each other. Zack Courts is a classic case, always arriving to the office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he’s riding. Anyway, it’s always too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights that we thought might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts.
So we strapped a camera and microphone to his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of his talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.
Full story here: www.motorcycli...
This bike by the numbers:
Base Price: $10,999
Displacement: 896cc
Claimed Weight: 485 lb. (220 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 3.17 gal. (12L)
Seat Height: 34.2 in. (870mm)
Measured Horsepower: 83 @ 8990 rpm
Measured Torque: 56 lb.-ft. @ 6060 rpm
Click here to read Zack’s review of the Aprilia Shiver 900: www.motorcycli...
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[@LutherFPV]

i'd love to see a mc commute of the Husqvarna 701 supermoto

[@xzistpo]

+1

[@wholesome4028]

dobbi luther saw one of those in person for the first time recently at my nearest dealer, such a beautiful bike

[@LutherFPV]

Daniel Baldi, yup absolutely gorgeous!

[@Buccafurno]

+1

[@bradkizer9961]

As always another great review. Thanks!

[@Schlum99]

Love the look of this bike, but the weight and small tank are somewhat of a deal killer.

[@jedr.3494]

Can you please do a video that features a new updated 2018 Suzuki gsx-s 750!?!?!!

[@kwahoo5746]

For rest of the world: 36 MPG = 6.5 litres per 100km

[@LLG47]

Adik that is pretty poor, I wonder why.

[@officebear4637]

Ahahah my car uses up less than that.

[@LLG47]

Taylor St. Pierre I feel like you can get a bike that wheelies, and can do at least 50mpg+

[@Chris675R]

well, it's better than the 2008 model. Mine needed 8-9 litres, that's a range of 120-130km per tank. But on a motorcycle I don't care about fuel consumption, it's about the experience

[@haphazrds250]

For the rest of the world: 36 MPG = terrible

[@deanspencer7519]

KTM 790 please, What do you think?

[@afletra]

performance is a let down, but...damn, I really like how it looks. pretty handsome bike!

[@GETUPANDGO]

Agreed!

[@iTxip]

Thats Euro4 for you, bigger heavier more muffled exhaust and no actual extra power

[@afletra]

@iTxip I think it's not just about Euro4 because a lot of Euro4 bikes out there can have a relatively compact muffler and maintain their power. it's just maybe aprilia make this bike this way. I think the dual/double undertail muffler also have a significant effect in this, that's just a really inefficient design, thus never been used to any modern performance motorcycle (i.e sportbike, superbike) anymore.

[@iTxip]

I had a 2010 shiver with the Euro3 muffler, took it off for dual Arrow cans, 9.5Kg (20+ pounds) of weight loss right there, the newer more restricted can will be even heavier. Now I have a tuono factory, twice the power, twice the cylinders, less weight and +1000000 eargasm every single time I open the throttle

[@jerryx2000]

iTxip hey man I hope you have the 1100. Isn't the power too much? Any issues with the bike?

[@AakarshanB]

Waiting for vitpilen mc commute. Probably soon?!

[@vq37vhr12]

Aakarshan Bhagat duke 690

[@AlphaRoom1]

Yes but Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen too

[@AakarshanB]

Vq37 VHR i know they're basically the same motorcycle but imo duke 690 doesn't look half as good as the vitpilen. I would get the vitpilen over the 690 anyday even with the overpriced tag and watching Zack riding it around like a hooligan would make the day for most of us.

[@AlphaRoom1]

There is a video with ari reviewing it.

[@angry_z_rider4275]

They are hanger queens man. My buddy had his 600 miles was in the shop 5 times not counting servicing. Traded for a z900

[@GIGABACHI]

Good work, Mr. Zack👍. Lovely bike but a tad heavy. My worst gripe about it's the minuscule fuel tank. It needs at least 4.5-5.0 gallons to make it a daily. Even tho it's a 900 WHY DO ALL Aprilias get HORRIBLE fuel economy ? 😣

[@82phalanX]

The sound with an aftermarket pipe fitted is epic..

[@dmasterson12]

cringed when you said 485 lbs.

[@vq37vhr12]

D_ Baggington supermoto should be 250lb max

[@ElvisRocking1]

said who?

[@jayw900]

Right? That's nearly as heavy as my first cruiser.

[@10fantic]

Heavier than my 1290r :(

[@mattstrunk5006]

Vq37 VHR Meh, that bike is packing 900ccs though. If it were a 300 then 250lb might be reasonable. Although it is still 35lbs heavier than Ducati's 939.

[@quelanlancaster1209]

I think it would be cool to see a good solid review of the Yamaha FJ-09. I’ve heard good things and bad things about it, but none of them seemed to be from credible sources.

[@beanburnham01]

Quelan Lancaster I love my FJ-09 and I've fixed everything that people complain about. Ohlins suspension, exhaust with a remap, new screen. For the MSRP it was the best option for me. Is the s1000xr or superduke GT better? Sure but I can't afford those

[@ChronicTHCBlaze]

Mc commute a KTM 390 duke.

[@foil666]

"Weren't supermotos a thing?" Oh boy, that hit me right in the feels.

[@wwdavis8989]

Id love to see you on a triumph rocket III

[@edgeyt1]

Isn't the Rocket being dropped because of Euro4?

[@wwdavis8989]

Ed Wilson no idea on that one i have a 2017 that i love. And would like to see someone who has way more skill at riding than me take it on

[@bolivardigriz8847]

The Rocket III Touring I demo'd a few years back was surprisingly easy to handle for something that heavy. Very predictable, and that torque monster locomotive engine actually helps. If you're practiced at the basics of proper riding techniqe, ie. countersteering, etc. it isn't scary at all. And if it is discontinued, maybe I can get one of my own at a lower price!

[@conradc9700]

Awesome! If you do the Shiver 900, that’d be a great comparison for people who are up in the air about which one they’d want. Love your mc commutes. It’s because of your mc commute, it helped pick the mt-09(fz-09) as my new bike.

[@JasonYergin]

Same here.

[@BlockHead805]

I bought the MT09, but the MC commute vid was very poor.

[@batfitch]

I'd get a hypermotard instead, but a cool bike nonetheless.

[@jakaberdajs4378]

Well this is basicly a hypermotard... Its just by aprilia

[@OAK_MTN]

@@jakaberdajs4378 and half price

[@vasilisvks1448]

No where near the price cost of buying and servicing as a Ducati. Keep in mind not everyone has the same amount of money. Hypermotard is awesome but the dorsoduro is pure value for money as far as I've seen

[@allukoira]

I'd appreciate to see the 2018 mt-07 in mc commute

[@AustenARW]

You should review the white DRZ on the end.

[@michelebianchetti3471]

Try the Shiver!! I'm going to buy one and I really would like to know your opinion!

[@namir1782]

I bought it 2 days ago mate buy it you wont regret it !

[@michelebianchetti3471]

we are youtubers Thank's bro 👊 I'm still a little undecided about the Shiver 900 Vs Mt-07 (I know that they are in different categories but I have to get them restricted due to licence in Europe and they are comparable), they are both good bike's but I can't really decide!

[@Chris675R]

Michele Bianchetti If you still want to ride the same bike after the limited 2 years, definitely get the Shiver. The suspension is way better on the Shiver, also the brakes. Everything is sportier even the ergonomics. The MT-07 is a great beginner bike. But if you have more experience and want to go faster it limits your fun because of the soft suspension and dull brakes. I'm a mechanic at Yamaha/Triumph and lot's of customers traded their MT-07 in for a MT-09 or a Street Triple after 1-2 years.

[@stro8003]

Michele Bianchetti If you have no experiance at all, i'd say go for the mt07. The shiver is a really heavy bike, difficult to handle at low speeds and expensive. If you have the a2 license, i would advise you to get something even smaller, a 400 or 500 ccm bike. After two years, you could upgrade to a better bike than the shiver, which by that time will also be a lot cheaper. Thats my sincere opinion as someone who bought a shiver 750 restricted to 48 hp as a first bike. The shiver is not a good beginner bike at all!

[@Surpriseify]

So abit in the same boat as Michele... But im kinda onboard with the Honda CB650F, 91 hp, 4 cylinders bit cheaper than the shiver (also cool looking), but also abit more than the MT/SV650. I also need to restrict my bike. edit: Also important to say that i am not a beginner rider (whilst still having much to learn as we all do)

[@saidnobodyever711]

How about a Moto Guzzi? Don't remember seeing one on MC commute yet..

[@Chris675R]

I had a 2008 750 Dorsoduro, luckily this model had no ABS, so it was lighter. The exhaust is one of the heaviest I've ever seen. It has 12 kilos (26 pounds)! that is tremendous. Also the weight is pretty high in the bike, since it's a undertail. So the effect on the handling was really positive after replacing the exhausts with a 9kilo (19 pound) lighter one. I really liked the bike, nice v-twin, good sound, beautiful looks, great handling, but the lean angle was pretty limited due to low mounted footrests. That was the biggest flaw in my opinion otherwise a pretty good bike.

[@frankeichhorn7979]

Chris#55 I can't wait to buy one for my A2 lisence!

[@Chris675R]

Frank Eichhorn You'll have lot's of fun with this bike ;-) Also the cliche of unreliable Aprilia's isn't true anymore, they are quite good.

[@oso1165]

Chris#55 no they're not lol

[@Chris675R]

Oso 11 Well if you're not working at a Aprilia workshop this statement is pretty meaningless

[@iTxip]

never had any trouble with the 2 aprilias i have owned, on the other hand i had a Suzuki that was a nightmare. Most of the terror stories you hear are from people with the old 2 strokes without proper maintenance, and some very early models of the V4 engine, the pre-APRC engines. The twins and V4 they make today are proven and tested

[@DuckButter81]

Love this channel!! Every vid is super chill and fun to watch!! Keep up the great work fellas! 👍🏻

[@ChristopherdeKlerk]

Please do a commute with the Dorsoduro 1200

[@jayw900]

I mean, 36 mpg is decent but 80 per tank till the light comes on is crap. Granted i'm used to cruisers but still.

[@JasonYergin]

Yeah.... pretty much anything on two wheels should be able to do better than that.

[@Joric78]

The Dorsoduro series has always been underpowered and overweight compared to other supermoto offerings. Really more of a supermoto styled commuter. No surprise the 1200 morphed in to an adventure bike. I'm sure they are nice enough bikes, but the styling just promises more excitement than the package delivers.

[@jakaberdajs730]

Its a supermotard not a sumo... Big difference...

[@positivelysteve]

Any chance we could get the Guzzi V7 or the Caponord Rally? Love those Italians

[@adithyaravikumar9623]

Please do the shiver 900. To tall for me xD. Keep up the great work Zack :)

[@johna6968]

Great commute as always. Bike looks a hoot but resale value and reliability always concern me with this model

[@E2Moto]

How's the reliability of the Dorso 900? I prefer it over the Hypermotard so far, and it could highly become my 3rd bike (currently own a DRZ400SM and 2017 SV650).

[@Lex4122]

dang that´s heavy o.O

[@lostraordinari2252]

Please do a mc commute with the redshift sm!!!

[@blackbarry]

Nice one as usual. Did you guys ever do the Yamaha XJ6? Am looking to buy one

[@Chazzbeef]

More super moto reviews!

[@chester5276]

I wanna see an Alta commute.

[@DannyRooks]

2018 Commuter Bike Showdown

[@impromptucaferacer]

Ha ha... dorsoduro! In Italian literally means “tough ...back” so basically it could easily translate into "tough ass"

[@heinzmuller1616]

Been waiting so long for this MC Commute

[@SLFYSH]

485 lbs!!! That's 15lbs heavier than a Westrom! Ridiculously unacceptable.

[@harnoorsingh6185]

Review KTM DUKE 790

[@Andreas-x1g]

How do you clutch wheelie this thing . I get it up on first gear only with gas but when I am in 2nd and try to clutch wheelie I just can’t get it up

[@suparnaedke398]

R Nine T Pure please

[@blubaru73]

I'll never get sick of that little snicker Zack does with the whoolies and back ins! Keep it up!

[@andrewdok]

As for the tinny sounding exhaust, if it's the same as the Tuono, the exhaust flap is closed in neutral but once in gear it's open. That could be why it sounds bad in the parking lot.

[@bolivardigriz8847]

I like how you signal your lane changes, Zack! Keep doing these commute videos. It gives me another little thing to look forward to when I'm stuck for career purposes in the Ice Station Zebra conditions of the NJSR.

[@MDHenry4]

Sorry everybody loves the TFT display but black and white or white and black? 1989 called and wants their tac back

[@ImLeuff]

We want to see the Ruckus. Everyone wants to see the Ruckus. (also CRFs)

[@le_kakis]

Awesome variety of bikes on Mc commute! Keep them coming! 👌👌

[@Clipshift_]

Please dont laugh at me... what if this my first bike like ever..? Is it dangerous?

[@franciscomendoza1168]

Excellent report as always Zach. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@253gaming8]

The muffler is so heavy. I switched to GPR race with a cat delete. Plenty of power now and it sounds incredible. Also switched to a DNA air filter. Night and day difference.

[@WStar4Life]

I did the same but with an Arrow exhaust, arrow delete (made for 750 but works and was cheaper than the GPR) and BMC filter

[@trevorchampney3805]

Alta commute, please!

[@Roadified]

Great video. Other than visuals, I wouldn't call this bike a supermoto.

[@Miata822]

That moistens my grounds, or whatever.

[@lazargosic139]

that dash is first thing that will go out, Aprilia and electronics shit combo..

[@jeffbender2180]

lets see a street triple R on a ride please

[@billiondollardan]

87.2 miles might make your commute a bit obnoxious

[@tuyenhoang5546]

A ducati hypermotard can kick this bike's ass all day

[@TubeSocksMalone]

I'm buying a Supermoto soon. I love Aprilia and own Japanese as well but Aprilia is amazing. I do my daily commutes on an RSV4 RF hahaha at any given moment I can go rip in the twisities even on my way home from work.

[@sweeptheleg.]

80 miles between fill ups? That rules out any serious off-road exploring unless you lug a couple 5 gallon jugs in your truck. 485 lbs? If you ride alone like I do you better have strong leg & back muscles if you lay it down. It's a good looking bike but kinda pricey. It's Italian so that's to be expected. But so is anything out of Germany. I would stick to scooters for city commuting, Downside is you can't wheelie a scooter, or can you? Hmm...

[@racineer]

There is absolutely *nothing* supermoto about this bike other than its style. Such an utter pig, nevermind the pitiful power output. To think this comes from the same company that made the insane SXV...

[@racineer]

Really, as I've gotten past the subject of weight, the bike is a total letdown all around. All of the proper ingredients are there... But Aprilia screwed about every detail: Power. Weight. Components. Fuel capacity. Fuel economy. Dull-sounding, boat-anchor exhaust. All of these average (at very best) features-at a premium cost-yet without the reliability and dealer support of similarly underpowered, overweight, average Hondas. Why did Aprilia even bother with this bike?!

[@markmummery]

Brakes are made for Aprilia , by Brembo

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Tiny tiny tiny tiny tiny tiny tiny gas tank. Ridiculous. Speaking of exhaust weight...... for example, the ZX-14R with a full 4-2-1 Yoshi or Twobros drops THIRTY POUNDS.

[@BlueRage]

Multi-moto is what the designer of this bike called it. It's definitely not a supermoto. The weight of it is all down low tho, so it's a great canyon carver and it's natural environment is the twisties.

[@cgoutam120408]

Waiting for Kawasaki 900rs!!

[@JasonYergin]

For sure! I'm really curious about how it wheelies I mean commutes.

[@ricardoabreu69]

Does it have quickshifter????

[@thinkdunson]

worse gas mileage and a smaller tank than the shiver. and the exact same technology setup. it's not the same frame as the shiver... well, at least the rear section is different. you can tell that just by looking at it. and it's not the same suspension setup either. dorso has 6.3/6.3"... shiver has 4.7/5.1" (F/R). i don't know if the rear travel is more on account of the different chassis setup, or if it actually has a longer shock, but i do know it must be a completely different fork in order to have a longer travel. also, i don't know if it's a typo or not, but the stroke for the shiver is listed as 56.4mm, which would make it a 750. i assume they just forgot to change it over from the 2017 model. anyway, i don't know why anyone would buy the dorsoduro over the shiver. from what i can tell, the dorso is not really a supermoto. it just looks like one. and, to me, all the differences seem to make the shiver better suited to commuting. even the shorter travel could be argued as better since you'll probably be touching the ground more often.

[@bobthegamer7868]

Do 2017 duke 390

[@thinkdunson]

but how is the balance, the turn-in, the flickability...? does it feel heavy? also, 90 degree v twins are seriously good about not overheating. my sv650 sprung a leak in the radiator and i rode another 70-80 miles to get home through dfw freeway traffic, and the temp didn't rise at all. i mean, i bought some coolant and refilled it three times, but by the time i stopped for the first refill, it had already completely leaked out, and the temp had stayed rock solid. and i didn't take it easy on the speed or acceleration because i figured i'd see a change in the temp gauge if i needed to pull over and refill. ANYway, my point is, those 90 degree v twins don't have to worry about heat the way parallels do, because the cylinders in parallels are extremely close and literally part of each other. so if you do a lot of commuting, or waiting in lines at the front gate to check onto base, you'll never have to worry about heat with a 90 degree v twin. just something to think about.

[@luisregner391]

MC Commute with the Vitpilen please!!! But I also would like to see more videos with small bikes. I'm about yo buy muy first motorcycle, and I would love to see an educated opinion on things like a KTM 390 Duke or a CBR300. Thanks!

[@garycorde994]

I like the concept of this bike, but the execution leaves me a bit wanting. I'm wanting for less weight, more range, more power, less over-the-top styling. Any one of these could be overlooked on their own, but together they add up quickly and leave me wanting for a KTM 790 Duke.

[@jamisongillen]

Why can they not even come close to KTM 990SMR power or torque? Looks great but heavy and small balls... pffft

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Look like you are haveing no problem getting the wheel up. Are you in touring mode at those times? Many of the reviews on this bike say that it not really good for wheelies. What are your thoughts on that? I’m between this Aprilia Dorsoduro and the Ducati Hypermotard. The Ducati edges it out no doubt, but the price difference makes me wonder if it’s worth it.

[@95ducati916]

I am looking at one of these . Dealer gave me 1k off . Is the seat comfortable?? That always worries me ! Also am looking at the Tuono V4 again . Had one already Nd was thinking of another 2018 . This would be my only bike and I am worried about the mileage on the tank

[@recpro7847]

I think I need this bike. I have a Gen 2 Tuono Factory... been thinking about an SM.. kinda heavy, but if I can still get wheelies out of it I'm good. Lil partial to Aprilias

[@AquaLoki]

How to watch a "MC Commute" video > Click on video, skip to 12:00, smile, return to start and watch whole thing.

[@kennh.3321]

Since all those CRFs are sitting around perhaps you could find a CRF 250L Rally for a commute.

[@muertinix]

I love the big supermoto concept but 86hp and 220kg? Wtf was Aprilia thinking?

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

Neat wheelies!

[@robedmunds7163]

36mpg is just a bit too low these days especially for UK gas prices. Why put a heavy exhaust up high makes no sense

[@sergeiyoel9142]

The ktm supermoto is called 690 Smcr, the Duke is a naked street bike. I own the smcr and I love it, it has very good brembo brakes

[@paulgeraghty4566]

i enjoyed the vid many thx - be interested to see how it performs in the twisties - canyons etc given its weight - there were some issues with the 750-apart from the small petrol tank - poor headlamp strength - turning circle- would you say these have been rectified ? thx

[@ludovicosestilli6654]

i m sorry but if you only go for strait streets ...of course the shiver is better.. it s like compare a fish for how good is climbing a tree.......

[@hadybanksgaming1038]

Do a Africa Twin Adventure Sport review and please make a comparison between the normal AT to the AS AT.

[@kingsqueak2221]

The limited range actually stopped me looking at the 750 as well. Super annoying having a small tank cap.

[@gbfrederico]

Bring me a 701, please! Twins are really not a real supermoto bike, it is an extrapolation....

[@parko1965]

Zack for a stock throaty twin sound try the XDiavel S if you can, you won't be disappointed.

[@joakimjaderas5355]

I love the mc commute. I want to see the mt/FZ 10 (sp or not) and the s1000r. And mayby the s1000xr. keep up the good work.

[@ergoelain]

Ninja 650

[@nickcoulter973]

Have we seen Zach on the z900rs yet? I saw one at the dealership yesterday, and I want to know what you guys think of it.

[@clarklimbaugh822]

I would like to see you review the Honda cbr650f or any of those larger 650-ish "starter bikes"

[@strengthbuild]

Two bikes I can't wait to see your thoughts on: the Kawasaki z900rs and the Ducati Scrambler 1100

[@TheBawalumihidito]

Which MC Commute episode did the part of the motorcycle he was riding broke off and he had to fix it?

[@systemicxdesign]

My skydiving instructor looks just like zack with highlights. .

[@Mushu88]

Was gonna get this until I got a better deal on a FZ10, yes performance on this is a let down but it was such a nice ride.

[@Sol_Invictus98]

Would love if you'd review the shiver 900. Think it would be a nice comparison.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

Some reviewer said he didn't think this bike would wheelie easily. Zack had no problem.

[@trentgerein4907]

I'd love to see something on the VMAX. Interesting bike, but it doesn't seem to get a good deal of coverage.

[@gavin6259]

Good work as always Zach. Let’s see a Ducati 950 and bmw 1000xr on the commute

[@طريقالمهاجر]

The video producer will delete the traffic signs and make the traffic connected