Market Segment:
High-performance supermoto and off-road/dual-sport motorcycles.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, experienced DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
KTM EXC/SMC series, Husqvarna SM/TE series, Beta RR/SM series.
Model Philosophy:
Aprilia's SXV/RXV line is renowned for its powerful V-twin engines and aggressive styling, blurring the lines between supermoto and off-road capabilities.
Unique Selling Points:
The V-twin engine configuration in a lightweight chassis provides a distinctive power delivery and performance character.
Engine Coverage:
Complete engine overhaul, top-end rebuild, bottom-end assembly, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system.
Chassis Coverage:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic front and rear), wheels, tires, seat.
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, starter, charging system, ECU (Engine Control Unit) functions, sensors.
Maintenance Coverage:
Routine service, oil change intervals, filter replacement, chain adjustment, valve clearance checks, brake fluid service, coolant replacement.
Troubleshooting Coverage:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), systematic problem-solving guides.
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 300+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
V-Twin liquid-cooled engine architecture, cylinder head assembly, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing service, camshaft and valve train, fuel injection system (MAP, TPS, IAT sensors), ignition system (dual spark plugs), lubrication system (wet sump, oil pump), cooling system (radiator, fan, coolant flow).
Transmission Systems:
6-speed sequential gearbox, clutch operation (hydraulic actuation), gear selection mechanism, transmission lubrication.
Brakes Systems:
Dual hydraulic disc front brakes (with potential for Brembo calipers), single hydraulic disc rear brake, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures, master cylinder and caliper service.
Suspension Systems:
Upside-down telescopic front forks (e.g., Marzocchi or Paioli), adjustable rear monoshock (e.g., Öhlins or Sachs), linkage system (if applicable), fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, spring preload adjustment.
Electrical Systems:
High-output alternator, battery specifications, starter motor circuit, headlight and taillight operation, indicator circuits, instrument cluster functions, ECU connector pinouts.
Engine Procedures:
Complete engine disassembly and reassembly, piston ring installation, valve seat grinding and lapping, timing chain/belt replacement (if applicable), injector cleaning and testing, spark plug torque specifications, oil and filter change, coolant flush and refill.
Chassis Procedures:
Wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, brake pad replacement, brake rotor inspection, chain and sprocket wear checks and replacement, tire mounting and balancing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Pre-ride checks, scheduled maintenance tasks, lubrication points, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug gap and replacement.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnosing starting issues, performance problems, overheating, electrical faults, suspension noises.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to full engine rebuilds, component diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting. Includes detailed torque specifications, tolerances, and assembly sequences.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, V-twin (90-degree)
Displacement 450:
449.5 cc
Displacement 550:
549.4 cc
Bore Stroke 450:
72 mm x 55.2 mm (approximate)
Bore Stroke 550:
82 mm x 52.7 mm (approximate)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio 450:
Approximately 12.0:1
Compression Ratio 550:
Approximately 11.5:1
Horsepower 450:
Estimated 50-55 hp (at crankshaft)
Horsepower 550:
Estimated 60-65 hp (at crankshaft)
Torque 450:
Estimated 32-35 lb-ft (at crankshaft)
Torque 550:
Estimated 38-42 lb-ft (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Throttle Body Size:
Likely 45mm (variable by model/year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON (91 AKI) or higher recommended
Oil Type:
High-quality synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (refer to manual for specific API/JASO ratings)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Frame Type:
Steel or aluminum trellis frame
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1470-1500 mm (57.9-59.1 inches)
Seat Height:
Approximately 900-920 mm (35.4-36.2 inches)
Dry Weight 450:
Approximately 124 kg (273 lbs)
Dry Weight 550:
Approximately 129 kg (284 lbs)
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 7.2 liters (1.9 US gallons)
Front Wheel Size:
17-inch
Front Tire Size:
120/70-17
Rear Tire Size:
160/60-17 (or similar)
Bolt Pattern:
N/A (typical for motorcycle wheels)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings are not standardized like automobiles)
Braking System:
High-performance hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.
Throttle Control:
Responsive throttle for precise control.
Lighting:
Halogen or LED headlights, taillights, and indicators for visibility.
Ergonomics:
Designed for active rider engagement and control.
Infotainment System:
N/A (Primarily focused on performance and rider feedback, no advanced infotainment)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control typically found on this model range)
Connectivity Features:
N/A
ECU Type:
Aprilia's proprietary engine control unit (ECU) managing fuel injection and ignition timing.
Instrument Cluster:
Digital LCD instrument cluster displaying speed, RPM, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature, and warning lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise interval).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,200 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Air Filter Service:
Regular inspection, clean or replace every 5,000-8,000 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check at 5,000 km, replace every 10,000-15,000 km or as needed.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SH, SJ or higher; JASO MA/MA2; SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50.
Coolant Specification:
50% distilled water and 50% ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for specific requirement).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, spark plugs, brake pads, chain and sprockets, wheel bearings, fork seals.
Potential Engine Issues:
Valve seat wear, potential for cam chain tensioner issues (early models), oil consumption in high-mileage engines, fuel pump relay failures.
Electrical Quirks:
Wiring harness integrity, stator output checks, regulator/rectifier performance.
Brand Origin:
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer with a strong racing pedigree, known for innovative designs and performance-oriented machines.
Development Focus:
The SXV/RXV series represented Aprilia's push into the premium supermoto and dual-sport market, leveraging their V-twin engine technology.
Key Innovations:
The use of a powerful, high-revving V-twin in a relatively lightweight and agile chassis was a key differentiator.
Production Period:
2006 onwards (with updates and variations in subsequent years)
Manufacturing Location:
Italy