La Capo Comanda (The Capo[nord) Rules)

Allow me, first of all, a thanksgiving celebration. (I know it’s a bit early, but hey...)
I give thanks for Italian moto-designers
For engineers and wind tunnel specialists
For internal combustion engines and 4 valves per cylinder
For DOHC and dual spark-plugs
For ADD, ACC and ATC and above all for ABS

I give thanks for the guttural growl emanating from the rear of my bike
From that device that Spanish speaking people have the nerve to call “Silencer”

Glory be to refine hydrocarbons with minimal alcohol intrusion
And for the twisties that connect Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Coming home to NJ from the dealer in PA with the new Caponord was a mystical experience.

Second, I want to share some lingo, for those who are not familiar with Italian moto-conventions and etiquette, I shall be referring to these names often.
• The owner of an Aprilia is called “Aprilista” (same as a Moto Guzzi owner is called a “Guzzista” and a Ducati person is called a “Ducatista”)
• If your Aprilia is a Caponord, then you are also a “Caponordista”
(in English we are just called “Capo-nuts”)
• As you know “Capo” means Cape (as in North Cape or Cape Cod) but it also means Boss, which is great, because the Caponord rules.

And rule she does big time.

While the ride home from PA was a bucket full of fun, this morning I took the Capo to work – 56 miles of the winding Central Jersey jungle (Rt. 287 North to Rt. 80 East) towards New York.

My jaw muscles ache from the ever enlarging grin on my face throughout the entire 59 minutes of the trip. The seemingly endless reserve of torque of the Capo allowed me to overtake any number of half-asleep cagers and educate some rather aggressive drivers on the nuances of mass vs. acceleration and other laws of physics as they apply to motorcycles when compared to … well … anything else.

Wow, the Capo leans willingly (no chicken strips on these tires…) holds a line steadily and shows no hesitation in any gear at any speed; all with the vibration-free finesse of a polished and head-turning beautiful machine.

What you heard about the Caponord is true, the Aprilia Dynamic Damping (ADD) is fantastic and makes a bumpy road feel better maintained than the reality of state budget allow. Couple that with the auto traction control and a potent set of Brembo breaks, assisted with unobtrusive ABS, and you have a confidence inspiring ride even in the demanding environment of Northern New Jersey.

I haven’t quite figured out the fuel economy situation yet. The fuel level indicator is at the last bar, but the odometer marks only 101 miles – I should be good for 200 on a tank. Maybe the dealership did not fill her up all the way. More on that when I refuel later today.