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The Aprilia SXV and RXV were ridden during
testing by none other than Max Manzo, Jerome Giraudo, Frederic Bolley,
Fabrice Lecoanet, and Stefano Passeri. The racetrack was their R&D
center, and the asphalt and rough ground their test benches. No
wonder the Aprilia SXV and RXV have victory in their blood! Brand
new but already unbeatable, the Aprilia RXV and SXV clearly demonstrate
what advanced technology, clever design and technical innovation
can achieve. The new RXV and SXV are living proof of Aprilia’s design philosophy of transferring competition technology directly to production motorcycles. The RXV and SXV, with their original 450 and 550 cc racing engines, are to all intents and purposes road-going competition bikes. Totally uncompromising, these machines are designed with just one thing in mind. Winning. 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 aluminum 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 colors 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 45.2 ENGINE The amazing 45.2 engine is the natural centerpiece
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 45.2
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 cylinders are integrated in the crankcase and are lined by replaceable wet sleeves. The intelligent design of the 45.2 has also permitted engine accessories to be arranged in an extremely rational way, keeping the power plant 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 tires 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. Thanks to its advanced technology the 45.2 engine is extremely civilized and silent running, and easily conforms to Euro 2 standards even without a catalytic converter. Aprilia technology, of course, means more than just performance. Reliability and durability are just as important. The 45.2 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 aluminum 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 45.2 engine: Electronic fuel injection with 38 mm throttle
bodies (40 mm on the 550 cc engine). 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 aluminum 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 aluminum 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.
Engine: 77° V twin four stroke. Liquid
cooled. Single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves,
chain timing drive, 4 valve heads, titanium valves.
Engine: 77° V twin four stroke. Liquid
cooled. Single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves,
chain timing drive, 4 valve heads, titanium valves. Would you like to receive regular news items like this? And be entered into our regular prize draws? Then, Join our Newsletter.
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The Aprilia SXV and RXV have racing in
their blood! These direct descendents of the most revolutionary
motorcycles of the millennium are the first ever production enduro
and supermotard powered by a superb, high performance V-Twin. Already
proven winners on the racetrack, these technology-packed machines
are now ready to tackle the challenge of the road.  |
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