Aprilia RXV 550i

With the 2009 RXV 4.5 – 5.5, Aprilia proves that development never stops as the world of racing is a continuous inspiration for road legal motorcycles such as the two previewed today. Featuring an even lighter chassis than the previous model year, the upgraded V-Twin motor and new design, these will become some of the most highly acclaimed enduro motorcycles of 2009.

New for 2009

- Swingarm: lighter and more flexible thanks to a cast body and hydroformed members
- Exhaust: now 2009 FIM regulation-compliant.
- Rear brake caliper: lighter and more compact.
- Fuel system: new ECU and stepper motor throttle body. Easier starting, reduced weight and smoother power delivery.
- Rear subframe: simpler and lighter with a 5mm lower seat height.
- Overall weight: reduced 2kg
- Wheels: black.

Introduction

Already a revolutionary engine for this class, the 77° V twin gets even better as Aprilia developed a new fuel system featuring stepper motor throttle body control and new ECU. This change not only reduces weight and implicit makes the RXV more competitive, but also ensures fatigue-free starts in cold mornings. The other addition having much to do with engine performance is the new lateral exhaust system which is the closest thing you get to a racing one.

Having improved the engine, making it better performing and lightening it, the chassis was to suffer the same treatment. The lighter rear frame now offers a lower seating position (5 mm lower to be precise), perfect for the average-sized rider. Because ergonomics were modified for comfort, the bike also got a new seat.

Also at the rear end, the new swingarm makes no exception as it brings cast body and hydroformed members on the scene. Apart from reducing weight, this makes the new swingarm more flexible, keeping that rear wheel more on the ground rather than in the air and that can only mean better lap times.

Together with the lighter and more compact rear brake caliper, the overall weight reduction reaches 2 kg.

History

Aprilia first introduced the RXV 4.5 in 2006 as a revolutionary bike that brought the V-Twin performance engine where only single-cylinder engines had previously managed to prove competitive.

Highly refined and an interesting alternative, the RXV was an immediate success on the global Enduro market, and it was soon followed by the 5.5 model a year later. This last completed the lineup and brought even more popularity to the Italian maker and its ingenious V-Twin engines powering off-road motorcycles.

For 2008 Aprilia improved the RXV engine and chassis and the overall weight was also reduced. Check out the previous generation RXV here.

Competition

More than decent single-cylinder powered alternatives to the RXV models are the KTM 450 EXC and 530 EXC. The KTM engine is a 449.3 cc (510.4 cc) single-cylinder four-stroke SOHC fed through a Keihin FCR MX 39 carburetor. It does indeed miss a cylinder compared to the Aprilia, but, like on a veritable off-road machine, the KTM engine is being exploited best in co-op with the six-speed wide-ratio gearbox. We can’t say the same thing about Aprilia which features a five-speed gearbox, something that unveils its race-oriented character.

KTM’s fierce competitor, and implicit Aprilia’s, is Husqvarna. Its Enduro range is practically defined by the TE 450 and TE 510 motorcycles which, like the KTMs, are powered by 449 cc and 501 cc single-cylinder four-stroke motors. Same case with Husky: it brings an extra gear in order to remain competitive in relation to the Aprilia.

Exterior

In order to have the RXV look as good as it performs, Aprilia gave it a nice, race-inspired look while keeping an eye opened for details. The typical Italian style is defining, starting with engine, frame and ending with the headlight and plastics.

The V-Twin is small and compact, very easy to be mistaken with a single-cylinder as the innovative design of the frame masks big part of the engine. Underneath the powerplant, a protective plate gives a clue about this bike’s off-road capabilities as well as the redesigned swingarm.

Fairly big and imposing, the RXV rides on a pair of 21”, respectively 18” wheels featuring matte black paint on them.

In what concerns the finishing touches, they are top notch. The RXV is packed with angular lines, among which in the front end, designers managed to include the nicely styled headlight. High positioned, the front fender further enhances the aggressive attitude of this off-roader.

Ingeniously built, the fixed air ducts allow the fuel tank to tilt up for easy access to the air filter box. On the sides, panels featuring the maker’s and model’s name uncovering the mystery behind it. The two-tone colored seat is new for 2009 and it integrates perfectly in this perfectly harmonically built Italian bike that is the Aprilia RXV.

Color combination for 2009 is Red, Black and White.

Conclusion

The 2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 – 5.5 is a true demonstration of power on the off-road as there are being made continuous improvements to this bike so that it remains an incontestable leader of its class. Also, due to its style and ingenious construction methods applied, the RXV is also a good way of being introduced to Italian machines which are now penetrating every single bike category.