Aprilia's gone all out with their new SXV, competing with Husqvarna and KTM's factory supermotos in the "race-bike-with-lights" category. However, unlike a standard supermoto, which uses a big 450cc single cylinder engine (as they are all based on existing MX bikes), the Aprilia uses a house-built V-twin engine that produces 60HP in the 450cc version, and 70HP in the 550cc version. Also, rather than being carbureted like most MX/SM bikes, the SXV is fuel injected via 38mm throttle boddies (40mm on the 550). However, they do take time to warm up.
I was fortunate enough to be able to test ride the SXV 4.5 on a 40-50 mile loop, with only a little bit of twisties. The highway riding was absolutely horrific with vibes kicking in at about 65mph (6500rpm) and causing hand numbing pain; the seat was even more uncomfortable than my DRZ's, surprisingly enough. The engine packed some serious punch, especially for a bike that only weighs something like 250lbs wet. Throttle wheelies in first and second, and apparently it will do it in third if you know how to do it. I don't feel bad abusing a bike with only 150 miles on it, and I'm glad I didn't get in trouble for lofting the front wheel in the air on a brand new bike. To be honest, I bet they expected it (and had already done it) as it was a supermoto, after all. It comes with the territory.
The handling was impeccable, and it would probably only get better if I had it set up for me. I didn't push it too hard in the twisties as I didn't know the roads or the bike that well, but I was able to use up most of the fat 180 rear tire. The bike was also VERY stable at speed (when it got up there). I remember exiting one turn at 100mph (indicated) and not even realizing it was going that fast. On my DRZ it starts headshaking at 95mph or so.
The SXV doesn't really have a throttle. In the literal sense it does, but in all reality it has two positions, "On" and "Off". On will send you rocketing away at WOT with a snarl and a scream of the fantastically gorgeous stock exhaust note. It barks, it growls, it sounds like it wants to rip you apart. "Off" just causes the bike to throw you forward in a fit of massive engine braking as the bike spits and snarls and asks you to make it go again. The brakes are impeccable and stop the bike quicker than I thought was possible for such little lever travel. The bike has a sheer desire to GO that is just exhilarating. Urban riding and highway riding are out due to the throttle, but point and shoot twisties are in, WAY in.
The gas mileage is terrible though. Both the 4.5 and 5.5 drink down the glass like a dehydrated camel. I think I got roughly 20-25mpg on my test ride, and with a two gallon tank it means your distance is roughly equal to pathetic. These are race bikes with lights, uncompromising, powerful, and ready to go. Maintenance intensive doesn't begin to describe these things. Valve checks every 4000 miles, and engine rebuilds every 10,000 miles.
Despite how much FUN these are, I don't think they are very practical for Texas roads. If I lived in California next to the mountains... look out.
:mad: :mad: :mad: :2guns: :2guns: :2guns: :nono: you know its not nice to tease us dont you :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Whooo hooo ... magazine quality write up alpha ... mind if I call you Al ... My best buddy Al. Oh ... you prefer Alph ... OK Alph ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Haha, yeah nice write up, Alph.
(http://www.mix.sk/data/tv-program-2001/alf_pozera_bednu.jpg)
Not sure why, but I was surprised to hear that the SXV had such poor manners. I didn't really expect it to be a rough, race bike. Great review, thanks.