2009 Aprilia SXV
Aprilia keeps faith with its policy of transferring
racing developments immediately into production. The
2009 model of the SXV, the world’s first twin
cylinder supermotard, confirms Aprilia’s traditions
in developing and perfecting its production motorcycles
on the basis of the latest technical know-how acquired
by Aprilia Racing.
Design
The design of the latest SXV is the result of Aprilia’s
usual manic attention to detail. Its unique lines
make it quite unmistakable but totally functional
and effective at the same time. Because first and
foremost the standard Aprilia SXV is a genuine competition
motorcycle.
You have to admire the distinctive and instantly
recognisable technology of the SXV. One glance at
the V2 engine, mixed trellis and aluminium frame,
mighty swingarm and central exhaust system with twinned
silencers under the rear mudguard, and you cannot
escape its magical attraction.
Whichever way you look at it, the SXV is packed
with stunning details highlighted by new racing colours
that express the natural aggression of this born-to-race
motorcycle. The latest SXV is packed with intelligent
design solutions. Fixed air ducts, for example, allow
the fuel tank to tilt up for easy access to the airbox.
And the quest for technical perfection has led the
design team to tweak even small details on the basis
of input from the champions who have raced the SXV.
Engine: Continuous Evolution
The amazing 45.2 engine is the centre piece of SXV
technology. Aprilia was the first manufacturer in
the world to believe in the validity of the V twin
for supermotards, a segment in which all other marques
still cling rigidly to single cylinder engines. Aprilia’s
high-tech V twin design has already proved 100% reliable
in competition.
Even homologation for road use has not compromised
the technology and performance of an engine that is
produced in-house by Aprilia. Since the earliest stages
of the design process, the 45.2 has evolved to keep
pace with chassis development and to give the SXV
unbeatable performance.
The 77° V angle is the result of testing aimed
not only at boosting power but also at reducing vibration.
As a result Aprilia’s engineers have been able
to eliminate engine balancer shafts. Despite this
the 45.2 engine still vibrates far less than any single
cylinder alternative.
The cylinders themselves are integrated in the crankcase
and have replaceable wet liners. This unique layout
has allowed the engine ancillaries to be arranged
in a way that achieves extremely compact dimensions.
The results are amazing: the Aprilia V twin is one
of the most compact V twins in the world, and smaller
in size than many singles of similar displacement.
All design choices have been taken in order to obtain
maximum power plus an extended useful power band.
The sophisticated electronic engine management system,
developed by Aprilia Racing, incorporates numerous
innovations for the off-road sector.
The injection system features 38 mm throttle bodies
(40 mm on the 550) and is managed by a programmable
control unit. The ECU is able to switch between two
different mappings at the touch of a switch on the
handlebars: a full power mapping for use in conditions
of good grip, and a second, softer mapping for smoother
power delivery under difficult conditions. The system
provides an extremely valid aid to control and has
been welcomed both by expert riders (the system was
actually tested in the final phases of the world championship)
and by supermotard fans in general. All you need is
one quick click to select exactly the right power
for the circumstances.
Reduced unitary displacement has allowed Aprilia
to develop an extremely compact and lightweight crankshaft.
The engine is more responsive to variations in throttle
opening as a result, and the bike as a whole is faster
and more manoeuvrable thanks to the reduced gyroscopic
effect from the crankshaft.
The single overhead cam configuration with four titanium
valves per cylinder head represents an ideal compromise
between compact size, light weight and high performance.
Thanks to its advanced technology, the 45.2 is also
an extremely silent running and ecological engine.
Technology, after all, should mean reliability and
longevity as well as high performance. The 45.2 engine
touches new heights in this direction, and permits
extremely easy access to parts requiring regular maintenance
like the spark plugs, oil filter and air filter.
The design objective in terms of weight reduction
was ambitious indeed, and the 45.2 engine sets a new
record for a V twin with an electric starter.
Abundant use has been made of prestige lightweight
materials. The central crankcase sections are in aluminium-silicon
alloy; external engine casings are in magnesium; the
valves are in titanium; and all gears are exceptionally
light in weight.
A closer look at the unique characteristics
of the 45.2 engine:
- electronic fuel injection with 38 mm throttle
bodies (40 mm on the 550 engine);
- dry sump lubrication with separate external reservoirs
for gearbox and engine oil to avoid contaminating
engine oil with particles of clutch friction lining,
and for extended lubricant life;
- single overhead cam with four valve heads;
- single piece crankshaft;
- cylinders integrated in the crankcase with wet
liners;
- maximum engine speed 12,500 rpm (450 motard).
Chassis: Lighter Than Ever
An uncompromising engine demands an uncompromising
chassis. The perimeter frame is a tubular steel trellis
structure interference fitted to pressed aluminium
side members to form an extremely rigid whole. The
engine itself forms an integral part of the chassis,
acting as a load bearing element and contributing
to overall rigidity.
The variable section aluminium alloy swingarm is
a brilliant example of industrial design. More than
just an eye-catching design solution, this revolutionary
swingarm offers the highest structural rigidity available
in this class of motorcycle. The rising rate suspension
linkage is damped by a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock
with piggy back cylinder and two different hydraulic
settings for high and low speeds. The calibration
of the rear suspension has been modified for 2009
to improve stability and control over rough surfaces
Braking System
The advanced technology and high performance of the
SXV chassis are reflected in a superb braking system.
The SXV features FTE calipers and lightweight wave
discs (320 mm at the front) for maximum braking control
even under the most challenging conditions.
The 240 mm rear disc is braked by a single piston
caliper for a perfect combination of power and control.
Components: Ready To Race
All parts of the Aprilia SXV are of the very best
quality available:
- digital instruments: ultra-lightweight, compact
and designed to provide all the information a rider
could possibly need;
- magura tapered aluminium handlebars with no cross
member for optimal elasticity and control;
- High luminosity LED tail light;
- aluminium oil filter cover
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 with 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 x 1).
Fuel system - Integrated electronic engine management
system controlling ignition and fuel injection.
“Hard/soft” mappings selectable from
the handlebars.
- 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 - Cable operated multi-plate wet clutch.
- Primary drive - Spur gears.
- Transmission ratio: 22/56.
- Final drive - Chain.
- Transmission ratio: 15/46 (16/46).
- Frame - Steel perimeter frame with aluminium
alloy vertical members.
- Front suspension - Ø 48 mm upside down
fork with two adjustments.
- Rear suspension - Box section aluminium swingarm
with cast body. Hydraulic monoshock with compression
and rebound adjustment.
- Brakes - Front: Ø 320 mm stainless steel
disc with radial caliper. Rear: 240 mm stainless
steel disc with floating 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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