Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 Retro Review: Timeless Italian Character

It was a sunny April day in 2008 when I landed at Rome's airport. As always with Italian press launches, expectations were a mix of hope for the best and bracing for the worst. But this time, things were set to be different. The Dorsoduro 750 was waiting for me—a motorcycle destined to redefine the line between Supermoto and Naked Bike.

I still remember the moment when I first laid eyes on the black test bike. Next to it stood a version adorned with gold rims and red design, which instantly captivated me—until the event manager guided me towards the stock version. Yet even without the accessories, the Dorsoduro exuded a unique presence. The finely crafted frame, distinctive swingarm, and thoughtful lines immediately signaled: this was no ordinary motorcycle.

The 750 V-twin engine was already familiar to me from the Shiver, but in the Dorsoduro, the engine's remarkable refinement stood out. The ride-by-wire throttle with three distinct mappings—Sport, Touring, and Rain—was a groundbreaking innovation at the time. With 92 HP and 82 Nm, the power hit that sweet spot between everyday usability and riding excitement. What particularly impressed me back then was the engine's elasticity, allowing you to effortlessly tackle an entire mountain stretch in the same gear.

15 years on, it's clear that the initial skepticism towards the ride-by-wire throttle was unfounded. Forum reports from owners highlight the system's remarkable reliability. However, over the years, some typical weaknesses have emerged. The water pump tends to leak after about 40,000 kilometers, and the secondary chain requires more frequent adjustments than comparable models.

The community has given the engine surprisingly high marks. Initial concerns about the electronics proved unfounded—quite the opposite, in fact. The mapping was further improved through updates over the production period. Maintenance intervals of 10,000 kilometers are practical, although the valve clearance check every 20,000 kilometers on the V-twin is somewhat more involved. A commonly mentioned criticism is the small 12-liter tank, which necessitates frequent fuel stops on tours.

The price trend of the Dorsoduro 750 presents an interesting trajectory. After the initial depreciation, the market stabilized between 3,500 and 5,500 euros, depending on condition and mileage. Well-maintained examples from the first series have even seen a slight increase in value—a trend commonly observed with characterful Italian motorcycles.

What began as a daring venture into a new segment has proven to be a farsighted development. The Dorsoduro 750 was ahead of its time in many respects. Its electronic engine management, which is now standard, worked remarkably well even back then. The balance between everyday usability and sporty performance is still convincingly achieved by the Dorsoduro 15 years later.

Who is the Dorsoduro 750 the right choice for today? Those seeking a characterful motorcycle with modern technology, while steering clear of the mainstream, will find an intriguing candidate here. Its manageable power, forgiving nature, and well-balanced chassis make the Dorsoduro appealing even for returnees to motorcycling. However, one must be willing to embrace Italian temperament—and plan for regular fuel stops.

Looking back, I have to smile: the initial skepticism at the Rome airport was completely unfounded. The Dorsoduro 750 has proven to be astonishingly timeless—both in its design and technical concept. A true character machine in the best sense, enriching the fast-paced motorcycle world with a fascinating dimension.