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The SXV is the first ever production supermotard powered by a superb, high performance V Twin. Already proven winner on the racetrack, this technology-packed machines is now ready to tackle the challenge of the road.
TECHNOLOGY = DESIGN
Your gaze is inevitably attracted to its superb technology in the form of the V2 engine, mixed trellis and aluminium frame, and sculptured swingarm. The design of the tail and rear side panels abandons traditional 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 bike, and Aprilia Racing colours confirm that this bike is 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.
V2 ENGINE
The amazing V2 engine is the natural centrepiece of the SXV. Aprilia was the first manufacturer in the world to believe in the potential of V twin engines in a market segment where nobody has ever had the courage to try.
The 77° V angle means that the new engine vibrates far less than any single without even requiring a balancer shaft.
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 V2 is one of the most compact in the world, smaller than many singles of similar displacement.
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. Another market first is the fact that the SXV engine features an extended drive shaft to allow the sprocket to be placed further out. This intelligent solution allows racing tyres to be fitted without risking contact with the chain.
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. The inertia under acceleration and deceleration typical of large bore engines has also been reduced, permitting engine speeds never before seen on this type of motorcycle. The 450cc red-lines at an amazing 13,000 rpm!
Valve gear based on a single overhead cam and four titanium valves per cylinder gives the best possible compromise between compactness, lightweight and performance.
Thanks to its advanced technology the V2 engine is extremely civilised and silent running, and easily conforms to Euro 2 standards even without a catalytic converter.
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 gear ratios are also precisely calculated for supermotard use. Even the injection and ignition mapping have been modified to give the engine the right character and performance for the bike.
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