2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5 Review

Introduction

Dirt bikes are all about sharp handling and instant engine response, both these characteristics making the rides inviting and leaving riders always anxious for the next track day. Aprilia uses their revolutionary (for the segment) V-twin motor to bring a new kind of riding excitement on the scene and so fulfill the continuously changing needs of the motocross rider. But, they had to start with the chassis.

In order to withstand racing demands, the frame was strengthened and engineers made sure that it would lose a few kilos on its way to the bike. The fuel tank now founds its place well down into the frame and further back, significantly contributing to a lower and centralized center of gravity. Also, modifications to the frame and gas tank lead to repositioning the airbox in front of the tank, making the filter easier to be changed.

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

In what concerns the engine, this is used as a stressed member of the chassis, but, at its base, remains the same 77° V-twin, but which now features a kickstarter instead of the previous e-starter in an attempt to reduce weight as much as possible. Lightened and able to rev as high as 12,500rpm, the engine allows for extended servicing intervals. That is the result of the engine oil being kept separately from the one in the clutch.

Being a motocrosser, the bike features a four-speed gearbox to value the 450 cc engine’s performance.

The ECU, housed by the airbox, now features Full and Soft Power engine maps. Full Power means just that, while Soft Power implies a more docile character, perfect for accommodating with the bike in those first runs or during capricious weather.

Engine retuning for more low-to-mid rpm grunt was done through the titanium exhaust system, which, by the way, you will miss if you blink.

In fewer words, this is Aprilia’s unique idea of a motocross bike and the fact that it conforms to FIM standards for 2009 makes it a fierce competitor for current single-cylinder leaders of the category.

Competition

By simply going through the specs sheet, bikes such as the 2009 KTM 450 SX-F and the Husqvarna TC 450 seem not that challenging for the Aprilia MXV, but we should remember that this is the bike’s first year of production and the results are yet to come. Also, we shouldn’t forget that Honda just launched the new CRF450R, Suzuki the 2010 RM-Z450 and Kawasaki their latest KX450F, while Yamaha remains a strong player on the market with the 2009 YZ450F.

Exterior

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

Being a new entry, the Aprilia MXV 4.5 must set itself apart from the rest of the crowd and the easiest method to do that is through the unique Italian style. Although motocross bikes haven’t got much to show in terms of exterior design, their shapes being defined by the obvious need of two fenders, a gas tank and a seat, Aprilia manages to turn the odds in their favor once again. The goal was to achieve an aggressive looking dirt bike, one that would reflect the engine’s claimed potential and it’s the little things that end up making this model special.

To begin with, the front fender is very sharp and joined with the angular number plate, just like on the RXV/SXV, while the 7.4-liter tank is nowhere to be seen. This is the result of it being positioned low in between the frame tubes, allowing the aggressive body panels to stand out and yet still blend perfectly in with the two-tone stepped seat.

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

Despite the Red Off color, this Aprilia is way far from resembling the Honda CRF450R. It has a slender look that sets it apart and it all ends with the boomerang-shaped side number plates, also aggressive rear fender and the under-seat silencer and twin tail pipes, all made entirely from titanium.

Of course, the black anodized aluminum alloy wheels (21-inch front and 19-inch rear) look nice too and, together with the 50 mm Marzocchi upside down fork (black, as well), contrast beautifully with the dominating Red. In between the wheels, the compact V-twin motor is easily noticed as the main jewel in this scenario.

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Test Ride

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

It is by now time to quit chitchatting like those fashion designers and start seeing what this bike is made of.

Once started, the engine is surprisingly quiet and it doesn’t vibrate almost at all at idling speeds. It does inspire refinement and attention to details from the very first kick start, which is quite rarely found, given the fact that we’re talking about a dirt spreader here.

The 37.79-inch high seat doesn’t come as a surprise. In fact, it is lower than what you’d get on most Japanese alternatives, allowing for proper control around corners and when needed to stretch a leg forward. Also, the bars are positioned at a fair quick reach and the footpegs just where you’d expect.

But you don’t get a proper impression on a dirt bike until opening up the throttle and losing contact with the seat. When doing so, the Aprilia MXV 450 feels like an unleashed beast always ready to split in half everything in its way, including the competition. It’s really hard not to let yourself carried on by the liquid-cooled, 450cc, 77-degree V-twin engine’s aggressive attitude. It enjoys being revved and feels always happy to deliver the best of it at any rpm level and in any of the four gears.

Taking off fast requires the rider to position as much of its weight “on the handlebars” in order to prevent the front end from lifting up from the ground. This is due to the immense low-end torque that the engine is capable off and the fact that we’re dealing with two cylinders here, the rush remains constant all the way up to the 12,500 rpm redline. The engine’s power spread allows riders to play with the bike a lot until setting their own pace on it and, although we’ve ridden the MXV mostly in Full Power mode, we have to give Aprilia credit for the Soft Power mode, which brings the excitement of riding a twin-cylinder dirt bike to those who normally wouldn’t be doing so.

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

Like on all bikes powered by this engine, throttle response is excellent and going through the gears soon starts feeling natural. The engine is known to deliver around 60 hp and that’s enough to keep riders satisfied in fourth gear and with half of the throttle opened. In fact, on the Aprilia MXV, you’ll almost always be a gear down compared to your opponents and that’s a great advantage that only such a potent engine can have.

Around the corners, this bike is real fast and remains stable as long as not opening the throttle too early. The rear wheel has the tendency to spin and in Full Throttle mode, the rider is the only one preventing that.

During our short jumping session, the Marzocchi fork, which is adjustable for rebound and compression, worked just fine with the standard settings and didn’t allow us to hear it bottoming out at any time. At the back, the Pro-Link with Sachs monoshock (also rebound and compression adjustable) withstands rough landings with decency and ensures stability during the track’s straight portion.

The Nissin brakes working with lightweight stainless steel floating discs 270 mm front and 240 mm rear do their job as should, but won’t amaze anyone. Good luck with the Dunlop rubber!

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

Overall, the 2009 Aprilia MXV 450 proves being a bike addressed to those who have long passed the braking bones phase and look towards another kind of riding experience. Yet, riders in that category will find the suspension too soft and the brakes too weak so searching for aftermarket parts will most likely be the proper solution for them.

Price

The $8,499 manufacturer’s suggested retail price is approximately $1 grand more than what you would pay for any of the four Japanese bikes and we reckon that, in the right hands, the extra cylinder pays off. Still, the Japanese bikes are much sharper handlers than the Aprilia and this might just do the trick as well. It all depends on the kind of rider you are.

Conclusion

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

Italians are great at designing and building engines and this shows on the Aprilia MXV as well. But while expert riders will see this as a direct indicator towards the parts catalog, the average rider will feel completely satisfied with the bike’s overall performance and, most often, feel that the engine is a little too much to fully exploit from the very beginning.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

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

Total displacement: 449 cc

Compression ratio: 13 : 1

Fuel system: Integrated engine management system controlling ignition and fuel injection. Throttle body: 38 mm. Hard and soft mappings selectable from the handlebars.

Ignition: Electronic digital (batteryless).

Starting: Kick-start.

Exhaust: Conforming to FIM standards for 2009.

Generator: 220 W

Lubrication: Dry sump. Separate gearbox lubrication.

Gear box: 4 speed. Motocross gear ratios: 1st 14/29 2nd 15/26 3rd 17/25 4th 19/24

Clutch: Multi-plate in oil bath, cable operated.

Primary drive: Spur gears. Transmission ratio: 23/65.

Final drive: Chain. Transmission ratio: 14/49.

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Aprilia MXV 4.5

Frame: Cr-Mo steel perimeter frame with aluminum alloy vertical members. Headstock rake angle 26.2°. Lightweight rear frame section.

Front suspension: 50 mm Marzocchi upside down fork with adjustments for compression and rebound.

Rear suspension: Pro-Link with Sachs monoshock, adjustable in compression and rebound.

Brakes: Front: 270 mm lightweight stainless steel floating disc with Nissin floating caliper. Rear: 240 mm lightweight stainless steel disc with Nissin floating caliper.

Wheels: Black anodized aluminum alloy. Front: 1.60 x 21”. Rear: 2.15 x 19".

Tires: Front: Dunlop 80/100-21 51M. Rear: Dunlop 110/90-19 62M.

Dimensions: Overall length: 2,190 mm Overall width: 815 mm Ground clearance: 1,285 mm Seat height: 960 mm Wheelbase: 1,499 mm

Fuel tank capacity: 7.4 liters.