ETV1000 Caponord (2001 - 2008) review

A big trailie home for the impressive V-twin motor. Like the Futura, the Capo’s comfy but isn’t the best built Priller. Rally Raid model has panniers.

Longterm Review

So the cold weather's with us, and you know what? I couldn't care less! Why? Because for the first time in my motorcycling life, I'm prepared for it. No more misery for me. The heated grips and muffs have been fitted, and mean that I can still wear summer gloves even in sub-zero temperatures and still have warm, dry hands. And now all I need under my waterproof jacket to keep me warm is a t-shirt, and my lovely new heated waistcoat from Giali - without doubt the best accessory you can buy if you intend to do any serious miles in winter.

To add further to the bike's long distance capability, Baglux has kindly given me one of their colour-matched tank bags with harness, which in conjunction with the Givi top box gives me plenty of carrying capacity. And Magnum Lock's Power chain and Ultimate Disc Lock should ensure that the Caponord's where I left it!

The bike itself is standing up to winter pretty well. Underneath teh layers of salt and road grime the bike is still looking good. The only problems that I have encountered have been a punctured rear tyre at 10,000 miles (replaced with the excellent OE Metzeler Tourance), a second set of worn front pads (replaced with OE Ferodo), and both rear bulbs blew just before my dark and wet journey up the M1!

The engine doesn't appear to be quite as smooth at low revs as it used to be, but then it is a couple of thousand miles since the service light came on, so I guess I should get that done soon, which will no doubt sort it out. But in the meantime I'll just get on with riding it - whatever the weather.

Giles Butcher - Feb '04

A big trailie home for the impressive V-twin motor. Like the Futura, the Capo’s comfy but isn’t the best built Priller. Rally Raid model has panniers.

Longterm Review

So the cold weather's with us, and you know what? I couldn't care less! Why? Because for the first time in my motorcycling life, I'm prepared for it. No more misery for me. The heated grips and muffs have been fitted, and mean that I can still wear summer gloves even in sub-zero temperatures and still have warm, dry hands. And now all I need under my waterproof jacket to keep me warm is a t-shirt, and my lovely new heated waistcoat from Giali - without doubt the best accessory you can buy if you intend to do any serious miles in winter.

To add further to the bike's long distance capability, Baglux has kindly given me one of their colour-matched tank bags with harness, which in conjunction with the Givi top box gives me plenty of carrying capacity. And Magnum Lock's Power chain and Ultimate Disc Lock should ensure that the Caponord's where I left it!

The bike itself is standing up to winter pretty well. Underneath teh layers of salt and road grime the bike is still looking good. The only problems that I have encountered have been a punctured rear tyre at 10,000 miles (replaced with the excellent OE Metzeler Tourance), a second set of worn front pads (replaced with OE Ferodo), and both rear bulbs blew just before my dark and wet journey up the M1!

The engine doesn't appear to be quite as smooth at low revs as it used to be, but then it is a couple of thousand miles since the service light came on, so I guess I should get that done soon, which will no doubt sort it out. But in the meantime I'll just get on with riding it - whatever the weather.

Giles Butcher - Feb '04