| | | | APRILIA RXV / SXV 2007: the facts, plus the Rally version |  Written: 05/12/2006 : 11:00. Read 13029 times (11/day). | 2006 was a great year for Aprilia in off-road racing, with the rider’s and manufacturer’s titles in the S2 class of the Supermotard World Championship as well as excellent results in the Enduro World Championship.
Aprilia has again shown its dedication to transferring competition technology directly to production motorcycles. The RXV and SXV are to all intents and purposes road-going competition bikes. Totally uncompromising, these machines are designed with just one thing in mind. Winning.
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The 2007 RXV also features new graphics for a more exclusive, racing look.
Clinical, decisive lines transmit a sensation of lightness. Your gaze is inevitably attracted to the superb technology of these bikes in the form of their V twin engines, mixed trellis and aluminium frames, and mighty swingarms. The design of the tail and rear side panels abandons traditional off-road 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 RXV 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 seat is now lower and more rounded at the edges to enable riders of all statures to get a better grip on the ground. The same modification has been applied to the SXV too. The brake pedal has been reinforced to resist damage in the event of a fall or a collision with stones or branches.
The amazing V2 engine is the natural centrepiece of the RXV and SXV. Impressive results in top level racing in 2005 and 2006 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 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. For 2007, the ECU has been given a new, race-developed mapping that improves throttle control and makes power delivery more progressive. The control cams for the throttle butterflies have been given a new profile for the same reason. As a result, the 2007 bike is easier to handle under all conditions, especially on difficult terrain and mud.
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.
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.
Reliability and durability are just as important, as are silent running and respect for the environment. 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 use 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).
Engine improvements for 2007 (RXV)
- New piston profile
- New piston rings
- New ECU mapping
- New starter motor gearing ratio
- Extended service intervals
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. For 2007, this frame has lost a further 500 grams in weight to become one of the lightest enduro frames around.
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 Sachs multi-adjustable monoshock with piggy-back cylinder and double high/low speed settings. The 2007 RXV has a new suspension setup to improve stability and control over rough ground. A new linkage has also been fitted to make suspension action more progressive and give increased traction and control.
The 45 mm upside down fork is specially calibrated for enduro or supermotard use depending on the model. The fork is also fully adjustable, so that you can set up your own suspension action exactly as you want it.
COMPONENTS: READY TO RACE
Every single component on the Aprilia RXV/SXV 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.
There can be no doubt that the 2007 RXV is more race oriented than ever, thanks to a new racing kit that comes with the bike and that allows you to transform it into a virtually race-ready machine. The kit includes a lightweight front light with simplified wiring to eliminate the ignition switch and instruments, number holders, a LED tail light and rear mini-number holder, lightweight throttle control with no starter and with a more gradual cam. Installation of this racing component kit takes another 2 kg off the overall weight of the bike.
THE NEW RALLY VERSION
Following the tremendous success achieved in the rally championship, Aprilia is proud to present the new Rally version, which shares its basic 450/550 mechanics with the RXV, but incorporates the following modifications:
- 12 litre fuel tank
- Modified seat
- Extended engine protection
- Mounting bracket and connector for road book.
Aprilia RXV Technical Specifications (specifications for the 550 engine appear in brackets)
Engine : 77° V twin four stroke. Liquid cooled. Single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain timing drive, 4 valve heads, titanium valves.
Fuel : Lead-free petrol.
Bore x stroke : 76 x 49.5 mm (80 x 55 mm)
Total displacement : 449 cc (549 cc).
Compression ratio : 12.5:1 (12:1).
Fuel system : Integrated engine management system controlling ignition and fuel injection.
Throttle body: 38 mm. (40 mm)
Ignition : Electronic.
Starting : Electric starting.
Alternator : 340 W.
Lubrication : Dry sump with external oil tank. Separate gearbox lubrication.
Gearbox : 5 speed. Enduro gear ratios:
1st 12/31
2nd 13/25
3rd 15/23
4th 19/24
5th 21/22
Clutch : Multi-plate in oil bath, cable operated.
Primary drive : Spur gears. Transmission ratio: 22/56.
Final drive : Chain. Transmission ratio: 15/48.
Frame :
Steel perimeter frame with alloy vertical members.
Front suspension : Ø 45 mm upside down fork, double adjustment.
Rear suspension : Box section aluminium swingarm with cast body.
Hydraulic monoshock with compression and rebound adjustment.
Brakes
Front: Ø 270 mm stainless steel disc with floating caliper.
Rear: Ø 240 mm stainless steel disc with floating caliper.
Wheels : Light alloy.
Front: 1.60 x 21”
Rear: 2.15 x 18”
Tyres :
Front: 90/90 x 21”
Rear: 140/80 x 18”
Dimensions :
Overall length: 2,222 mm
Overall width: 800 mm
Ground clearance: 396 mm
Seat height: 996 mm
Wheelbase: 1,495 mm
Fuel tank : Capacity 7.8 litres (12 litres on Rally version)
Aprilia SXV Technical Specifications (specifications for the 550 engine appear in brackets)
Engine : 77° V twin four stroke. Liquid cooled. Single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain timing drive, 4 valve heads, titanium valves.
Fuel : Lead-free petrol.
Bore x stroke : 76 x 49.5 mm (80 x 55 mm)
Total displacement :
449 cc (549 cc).
Compression ratio : 12.5:1 (12:1).
Fuel system : Integrated engine management system controlling ignition and fuel injection.
Throttle body: 38 mm. (40 mm)
Ignition : Electronic.
Starting : Electric starting.
Alternator : 340 W.
Lubrication : Dry sump with external oil tank. Separate gearbox lubrication.
Gearbox : 5 speed. Supermotard gear ratios:
1st 13/30
2nd 15/27
3rd 16/23
4th 20/23
5th 21/21
Clutch : Multi-plate in oil bath, cable operated.
Primary drive : Spur gears. Transmission ratio: 22/56.
Final drive : Chain. Transmission ratio: 15/48 (16/46).
Frame : Steel perimeter frame with alloy vertical members.
Front suspension : Ø 45 mm upside down fork, double adjustment.
Rear suspension : Box section aluminium swingarm with cast body.
Hydraulic monoshock with compression and rebound adjustment.
Brakes :
Front: Ø 270 mm stainless steel disc with radial caliper.
Rear: Ø 240 mm stainless steel disc with radial caliper.
Wheels :
Light alloy.
Front: 3.50 x 17”
Rear: 5.50 x 17”
Tyres :
Front: 120/70 x 17”
Rear: 180/55 x 17”
Dimensions :
Overall length: 2,222 mm
Overall width: 800 mm
Ground clearance: 318 mm
Seat height: 918 mm
Wheelbase: 1,495 mm
Fuel tank : Capacity 7.8 litres
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