RXV450 - RXV550

The design of the new Aprilia RXV 4.5/5.5 model year 2008 owes much to the concept of constant evolution in the name of competition. Experience gained in the Enduro World Championship, which saw Aprilia Racing at the top of the field, plus valuable hints and suggestions from four times world champion Stefan Merriman, the team’s top rider, have enabled Aprilia’s engineers and designer to transfer advances from racing to production. Impressive team work has led to a number of major improvements over the 2007 bike, making the 2008 RXV even more “race ready”, and better equipped to satisfy the demands of professionals and amateurs alike.

Aesthetically, the 2008 RXV looks meaner than ever thanks to new graphics, a two-tone black and red seat, brand new, lightweight racing headlight, and a distinctly aggressive nose. Even the tail light is new. In conjunction with general refinements, these important new details have also led to a significant reduction in dry weight, down by 4 kg to only 113 kg.

A great deal of work has also been done to ensure the sort of ergonomics needed for effective competition use. The new fuel tank blends in better with the overall design of the bike, enabling the rider to shift his weight around more easily. The new handlebars have eliminated the cross-bar and feature more practical and race-oriented controls. The latest RXV makes it even easier for man and machine to blend into one, without any annoying interference from structural parts. The suspension (featuring a 45 mm upside down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear) also incorporates new settings suggested by the team official riders, for improved stability on fast sections and better damping over rough ground.

A perimeter frame envelops the revolutionary, powerful, yet reliable four stroke 77° V twin engine (with liquid cooling, single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain cam drive, 4 titanium valves, and electronic fuel injection). Though now homologated to Euro 3 standard, blistering performance is guaranteed from both engine sizes, 449 cc (RXV 4.5) and 549 cc ( RXV 5.5).

The main improvements to the engine on the 2008 bike concern the electronic management system.
This now lets you switch between two different mappings by pressing an easy-to-reach button on the handlebars. This extremely useful feature allows you to select "full power" for use under conditions of good grip or a "soft" setting for more controllable power over challenging surfaces. This exceptional riding aid has been appreciated by expert riders (the system was first tried out in the world championship), and enthusiasts in general. With it, one click is all you need to have the right power to match changing conditions.

Despite their truly impressive performance, both versions of the engine now boast extended service intervals, among the longest in the category.

The choke is new too, and has been moved from the handlebars to the filter box, which contains a new sponge filter derived from the official racing machines. The 2008 model year RXV also offers a choice of two types of exhaust silencer. The RXV 2008 is fitted as standard with classical and seductive under-seat tail pipes. Exceptionally, however, brand new stainless steel side mounted silencers that can be fitted on racing circuits are also delivered along with the bike. These have been specially developed in conjunction with Arrow to deliver smoother power right across the useful engine speed range.

Completing the list of innovations are brand new, ultra-compact, ultra-light digital instruments designed to give you all the information you need, and restyled direction indicators.

STYLE
Like all Aprilia motorcycles, the SXV and RXV have been designed with an almost obsessive attention to detail but with no unnecessary frills. The minimalist plastic bodywork of these essential machines keeps functionality up and weight down, shaping beautifully clean lines. Their clear-cut, decisive styling conveys a reassuring sensation of lightness and build quality.
The design team has worked hard to create a distinctive Aprilia feel, and has launched a whole new look in enduro and supermotard motorcycles. Your gaze is inevitably attracted to their superb technology in the form of the V twin engine, mixed trellis and aluminium frame, and sculptured swingarm. The design of the tail and rear side panels abandons traditional enduro styling and is totally innovative, just like the centrally mounted exhaust system with twin tail pipes under the rear mudguard. In fact, innovative design solutions catch your eye whichever way you look at the RSV and SXV, and Aprilia Racing colours confirm that these bikes are born to compete.
As always with Aprilia, goods looks are just the outward shell of ingenious design solutions. The fixed air guides for example, allow the fuel tank to pivot upwards, giving easy access to the filter box.

THE V2 ENGINE
The amazing V2 engine is the natural centrepiece of the SXV and RXV. Aprilia was the first manufacturer in the world to believe in the potential of V twin engines in a market segment where nobody has ever had the courage to try. Impressive results in top level racing have shown that Aprilia was right. This exceptional engine (made entirely by Aprilia) has now been transferred to Aprilia production motorcycles. Totally reliable on the racetrack, the V2 engine has not been deprived of any of its technology or performance by homologation for road use. Engine development also proceeded hand in hand with chassis development from the word go, to ensure that these bikes handle and perform as totally integrated machines.
The 77° V angle between the cylinders is the result of innumerable tests aimed at maximising performance and minimising vibrations. The new engine vibrates far less than any single without even requiring a balancer shaft.
The cylinders are integrated in the crankcase and are lined by replaceable wet sleeves. The intelligent design of the V2 has also permitted engine accessories to be arranged in an extremely rational way, keeping the powerplant as compact as possible. The results are amazing: Aprilia's V twin is one of the most compact in the world, smaller than many singles of similar displacement.
Design solutions were specially selected for maximum power and a wide power band. The sophisticated electronic engine management, developed by Aprilia Racing, introduces a number of innovations for this type of motorcycle. The fuel injection system features 38 mm throttle bodies (40 mm on the 550) and is controlled by a programmable ECU. Another market first is the fact that the SXV engine features an extended drive shaft to allow the sprocket to be placed further out. This intelligent solution allows racing tyres to be fitted without risking contact with the chain.

Reduced displacement per cylinder has permitted use of an extremely compact and lightweight single-piece crankshaft. The gyroscopic effect of the crank is therefore dramatically reduced. The engine responds instantly to throttle input, making the whole bike faster and more agile. The inertia under acceleration and deceleration typical of large bore engines has also been reduced, permitting engine speeds never before seen on this type of motorcycle. The 450 supermotard red-lines at an amazing 13,000 rpm!

Valve gear based on a single overhead cam and four titanium valves per cylinder gives the best possible compromise between compactness, light weight and performance.
Aprilia technology, of course, means more than just performance. Reliability and durability are just as important. The V2 engine sets new standards in this direction, and also guarantees beautifully easy access to all parts requiring regular service like plugs, oil filter and air filter. The SXV and RXV also boast far longer than average service intervals.

The same sort of effort has gone into weight reduction. The engine sets a new record for a V twin, even with its starter motor fitted! This has been achieved by an abundant use of super-lightweight prestige materials. The central crankcase sections, for example, are made from aluminium silicon alloy. All covers are in magnesium; the valves are in titanium; and the entire gear train has been made lighter than ever before.

The engine is specially tuned to suit the type of motorcycle. The gear ratios are also precisely calculated for supermotard use in the case of the SXV or enduro use on the RXV. Even the injection and ignition mapping have been modified to give the two engines the right character and performance for the bike; higher revving on the supermotard, smoother and torquier at low to medium revs on the enduro.

Technical specifications of the V2 engine:

- Electronic fuel injection with 38 mm throttle bodies (40 mm on the 550 cc engine).
- Dry sump lubrication with external oil tank. Separate lubrication for gearbox and engine ensures that the engine oil is not contaminated by clutch plate particles, and remains fully efficient for far longer.
- Single overhead cam, titanium valves.
- Single-piece crankshaft.
- Cylinders integrated in crankcase, wet liners.
- Maximum engine speed 13,000 rpm (450 supermotard).

CHASSIS
An uncompromising machine like the SXV or RXV demands a unique and effective chassis. The perimeter frame was developed in conjunction with the engine and features a tubular steel trellis structure, interference fitted to pressed aluminium side plates to form an extremely rigid assembly. The engine also forms an integral part of the chassis, acting as a load-bearing element and contributing to exceptional overall rigidity.

The variable section aluminium swingarm is another example of brilliant industrial design. Far more than just an element of style, this is the most rigid swingarm on any motorcycle of this type. Rising rate linkages operate a multi-adjustable monoshock with piggy-back cylinder and double high/low speed settings.
The upside down fork (45 mm on the RXV, 48 mm on the SXV) is calibrated differently for the supermotard and enduro. The fork is fully adjustable, so that you can set up your own suspension action exactly as you want it.

The swingarm on the SXV is wider than on the RXV to move the chain further out and allow the bike to fit rear wheels of up to 6.5 inches.

BRAKES
The unrivalled technology and performance of the chassis are supported by a fantastic braking system. The RXV boasts advanced calipers with lightweight wavy discs (270 mm at the front) for unrivalled braking control in even the most challenging conditions.

The brakes on the SXV are designed for sheer power and feature a 320 mm floating disc with a radial caliper for GP-level braking performance.

The 240 mm rear disc and single piston caliper provide the perfect balance between stopping power and ease of control.

COMPONENTS
Every single component on the Aprilia SXV/RXV is selected for functionality and prestige.
To list just a few, the RXV/SXV is equipped with:
- Compact and ultra-lightweight digital instrumentation for all the information you could possibly need.
- Variable section aluminium handlebars with no cross bar for perfect elasticity and control.
- High luminosity LED tail light.

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