2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5 Review

Introduction

Already a revolutionary engine for this class, the 77-degree 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 during 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. USA models feature twin under seat exhaust outlets.

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

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 is of 2 kg.

History

2006 Aprilia RXV 4.5

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 the off-road bikes.

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

Competition

2009 KTM 450 EXC

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.

2009 Husqvarna TE 510

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

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

In order for the RXV to look as good and inviting as it sounds, 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-inch front, respectively 18-rear wheels featuring matte black paint on them.

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

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. Highly 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 and model name uncover the mystery behind it. The two-tone colored seat is new for 2009 and it integrates perfectly in this perfectly harmoniously built Italian bike that is the Aprilia RXV.

Color combination for 2009 is Red, Black and White.

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Test Ride

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

Riding dual-sport motorcycles that are powered by V-twin motors is nothing out of the ordinary. Personally, I am a big fan of the Honda Transalp and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is quite satisfying as well. But Aprilia went the whole way and designed two veritable dirt bikes to be powered by 450/550 cc, 77-degree V-twin motors. This was the only thought that I had in my mind the night before taking these Italian beauties for a spin or two around the track and on the trails. The thing is that they’re not supposed to exist and yet they do…and I can honestly say that they’re as real as the dirt that instantly covered up my motocross glasses.

The first and recommended bike to ride (if actually having the opportunity to test ride both), is the RXV 450 from obvious reasons: it is easier to get accustomed with and incredibly powerful to increase the size of your liver from the very first courageous twist on the throttle.

First things first, the riding position is quite demanding. The rider will surely be reminded of his motocross days when being needed to stretch for the bars when riding at a relaxed pace and actually sitting on the new seat (a rare case on these kinds of bikes). But suddenly, when getting into action, the handlebar and footpegs feel perfectly positioned, allowing the rider to hold on the tank with his knees and feel even more secure over the extreme ride that he ends up, almost unaware, experiencing.

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

The bike feels very inviting and the fairly demanding riding position makes it possible for the rider to get the most out of the RXV that he’s riding. The smaller version is an instant power and torque deliverer. No matter the gear you’re in, simply twist the throttle and be provided with a blast that is simply incomparable to that experienced on dirt bikes powered by single-cylinder engines. Italian engineers worked to make sure that the engine delivers an even spread of power and we simply have to hand it to them for the impressive achievement. Low-end torque is amazing, while the midrange is constant. Being a V-twin, you don’t expect the engine to feel that good at high revs, but this one feels strong pulling even when you’ll be normally changing on any other bike in its class.

A good proof of the engine’s potency is the five-speed gearbox. Given the class, a six-speed gearbox wouldn’t have been inappropriate, but we’ve come to find that there was no need for a sixth speed, because opening the throttle is always the solution for more performance on the RXV. At the very top of the rev range, we did get a fair share of vibrations (you simply can’t go for V-twins and expect them not to vibrate), but not that bothering.

The Aprilia RXV 550 feels and sounds 100 ccs more. Bigger is always better and this bigger version shows it almost instantly. While the chassis is the same performance-oriented package, you get an extra 10 hp on top of the small version’s already impressive 60 hp. This leaves no hill unclimbed and virtually no obstacle unchallenged.

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

On both bikes, wheelies are quite easy to achieve, especially in the first three gears, making the RXVs quite fun and effective when it comes to impressing the friends. Another very important aspect is how the RXV enjoys taking off, flying and landing. It’s really very easy to think that you’re riding it to the limit and come to find the contrary at the next sharp corner. In fact, the engine’s performance can only be equaled by that of the chassis, meaning that this is one appropriate ride for those who can’t seem to get a rush out of the average off-roader any more.

We haven’t heard the suspension bottoming out and didn’t feel that the brakes can’t get the job done at any time, so we’ll have to declare ourselves satisfied with what both RXV models have to offer. Sure, we could have lived with a less demanding riding position and sharper cornering, but in terms of pure engine performance, these are the off-roaders to have as long as you’re willing to pay the price, of course.

Price

An MSRP of $8,599 for the RXV 4.5 and one of $9,299 for the bigger versions is sure to leave future owners wondering if wouldn’t it be better to buy the cheaper model and start googling for aftermarket pipes and so on, in order to achieve the same engine performance as on the significantly more expensive 5.5 model.

Conclusion

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

The 2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 – 5.5 is a true demonstration of power off the 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.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5 Engine

Total displacement: 449 cc (549 cc).

Type: 77° V twin four-stroke. Liquid cooled. Single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain timing drive. 4 valve heads with titanium valves.

Fuel: Lead-free petrol.

Bore x stroke: 76 x 49.5 mm (80 x 55 mm).

Compression ratio: 12.5:1 (12:1).

Fuel system: Integrated electronic engine management system controlling ignition and fuel injection, with two power mappings.

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: Cable operated multi-plate wet clutch.

Primary drive: Spur gears.

Transmission ratio: 22/56.

Final drive: Chain.

Transmission ratio: 15/50 (Z14 sprocket supplied).

Exhaust system: Euro 3 lateral exhaust.

Conforms to FIM regulations for 2009.

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Aprilia RXV 4.5 - 5.5

Frame: Chrome-molybdenum steel perimeter frame with aluminum alloy vertical members. Steering head (rake) angle 27°. Lightweight rear frame.

Front suspension: Ø 45 mm upside down fork with two adjustments.

Rear suspension: Aluminum swingarm with cast body and hydroformed members. Hydraulic monoshock with compression and rebound adjustment.

Brakes Front: Ø 270 mm floating disc in stainless steel with aluminum flange. Nissin floating caliper. Rear: Ø 240 mm stainless steel disc with floating caliper.

Wheels: Black anodized aluminum alloy.

Front: 1.60 x 21”

Rear: 2.15 x 18”

Tires: Front: Metzeler 90/90 x 21”

Rear: Metzeler 140/80 x 18”

Overall length: 2,222 mm

Overall width: 800 mm

Ground clearance: 396 mm

Seat height: 941 mm

Wheelbase: 1,495 mm

Fuel tank: Capacity 12 liters