Integrated engine management system
controlling ignition and fuel injection. Throttle body: Ø40 mm
Ignition
Electronic
Starting
Electric
Max Power
52.2 kW / 70 hp @ 13000 rpm
Max Torque
65.9 Nm / 6.7 kgf-m / 48.6 lb-ft @ 10900 rpm
Transmission
5 Speed
Final
Drive
Chain
Frame
Steel perimeter frame with alloy vertical
members
Front Suspension
Ø45 mm Upside down fork, double adjustment
Rear Suspension
Box section aluminium swingarm with cast
body, Hydraulic monoshock with compression and rebound adjustment
Front Brakes
Single Ø270 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single Ø240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre
90/90 -21
Rear Tyre
140/80 -18
Dry Weight
129 kg / 284 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.8 Litres / 2.1 US gal
.
The design of the new Aprilia RXV 4.5/5.5 model year 2008
owes much to the concept of constant evolution in the name of competition.
Experience gained in the Enduro World Championship, which saw Aprilia Racing
at the top of the field, plus valuable hints and suggestions from four times
world champion Stefan Merriman, the team’s top rider, have enabled Aprilia’s
engineers and designer to transfer advances from racing to production.
Impressive team work has led to a number of major improvements over the 2007
bike, making the 2008 RXV even more “race ready”, and better equipped to
satisfy the demands of professionals and amateurs alike.
Aesthetically, the 2008 RXV looks meaner than ever thanks to new graphics, a
two-tone black and red seat, brand new, lightweight racing headlight, and a
distinctly aggressive nose. Even the tail light is new. In conjunction with
general refinements, these important new details have also led to a
significant reduction in dry weight, down by 4 kg to only 113 kg.
A great deal of work has also been done to ensure the sort of ergonomics
needed for effective competition use. The new fuel tank blends in better
with the overall design of the bike, enabling the rider to shift his weight
around more easily. The new handlebars have eliminated the cross-bar and
feature more practical and race-oriented controls. The latest RXV makes it
even easier for man and machine to blend into one, without any annoying
interference from structural parts. The suspension (featuring a 45 mm upside
down fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear) also incorporates new
settings suggested by the team official riders, for improved stability on
fast sections and better damping over rough ground.
A perimeter frame envelops the revolutionary, powerful, yet reliable four
stroke 77° V twin engine (with liquid cooling, single overhead cam with
rocker operated exhaust valves, chain cam drive, 4 titanium valves, and
electronic fuel injection). Though now homologated to Euro 3 standard,
blistering performance is guaranteed from both engine sizes, 449 cc (RXV
4.5) and 549 cc ( RXV 5.5).
The main improvements to the engine on the 2008 bike concern the electronic
management system. This now lets you switch between two different mappings
by pressing an easy-to-reach button on the handlebars. This extremely useful
feature allows you to select "full power" for use under conditions of good
grip or a "soft" setting for more controllable power over challenging
surfaces. This exceptional riding aid has been appreciated by expert riders
(the system was first tried out in the world championship), and enthusiasts
in general. With it, one click is all you need to have the right power to
match changing conditions.
Despite their truly impressive performance, both versions of the engine now
boast extended service intervals, among the longest in the category.
The choke is new too, and has been moved from the handlebars to the filter
box, which contains a new sponge filter derived from the official racing
machines. The 2008 model year RXV also offers a choice of two types of
exhaust silencer. The RXV 2008 is fitted as standard with classical and
seductive under-seat tail pipes. Exceptionally, however, brand new stainless
steel side mounted silencers that can be fitted on racing circuits are also
delivered along with the bike. These have been specially developed in
conjunction with Arrow to deliver smoother power right across the useful
engine speed range.
Completing the list of innovations are brand new, ultra-compact, ultra-light
digital instruments designed to give you all the information you need, and
restyled direction indicators.