Husky 510 VS Aprilia 550

[racerx72]

I'm sure there is a thread somewhere on this but so I apologize if there is.

I'm looking to buy my first Motard soon and am deciding between the Aprilia and Husky.

I raced with CCS and WERA for 10 years, haven't had a street legal bike in years.

This will be mostly for street riding, no long trips, just a little around town ripper (Wheelies and curb hopping a definite)

I'm sure the competitive bone in me will want to race it at some point but for now it is just for street.

So, given this information, let's here what you would choose and why.

Thanks in advance.

[Grim_Smoker]

Husky! Why? Because!

[spnce]

I vote Ape...of course Im a little biased That being said....my buddy has the 510...both bikes are very competant...husky handles better, ape has more horsies...throw some money at either one and you got a true street legal ripper....

keep dealer support in mind too as you make ur decision.

[spnce]

btw...where you located?

[racerx72]

I'm in Chicago. Found a dealer in MN that has a new 2008 510 for $5999.

[SwitchThrottle]

I'm in Chicago. Found a dealer in MN that has a new 2008 510 for $5999.

What a deal.....buy it, buy it now, or you will regret it.

[Fast1]

I'm in Chicago. Found a dealer in MN that has a new 2008 510 for $5999.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motor...1%7C240%3A1318











.

[rraiderr]

They have some great prices on their stuff.

Here is their website.

http://www.heinenmotorsports.com/

[spnce]

xtremepowersports in McHenry Md had brand new 07 sxv550 with 08 motor for like 6k too....decisions, decisions... lol

[idivemike]

make sure you understand the maintenance requirements on both. Had an SVX and it ruined me. The power to weight was awesome. I had issues with the bike and Piaggio bought it back. I'm looking into the 510 now.

[wholigan?]

I've heard that Aprilia had a lot of problems with the 5.5 platform early on......the 450 supposedly is much more reliable. Don't know if they got the issues ironed out or not.

[speeddemon619]

I have been looking into this route too along witht he ktm smr's, it really seems that the most important thing with all of these bikes is your dealer and how easy that dealer is to deal with. I have heard that if an aprilia is set up right from the dealer your not goign to have any issues and husky dealers are just typically more difficult to find... Decisions decisions... 450, 510, 550, 560!? But all of these bikes are going to need a good amount of maintence, id say the easy to maintain might be the husky? im not sure, oil changes and valve checks on the ktm and husky are super easy, and not sure bout oil changes, but ive heard you dont need to check the vavles often on the aprilia?

[deathb4mullets]

I own the 610, and just rode the Aprilia 550 last night. The power, the slipper clutch, the smaller size... it was pretty frickin' awesome. Except the whole maintenance part, I would love to have one. It's almost like riding an electric bike, comparing the two powerbands... I prefer the torque of the single over the linear powerband mayself.

[racerx72]

Well, it appears both bikes are liked and both have their strong parts. Both require a decent wrench to keep them going, or a good dealer.

I think I am leaning Husky simply for the fact that I don't see me doing much highway riding at all. This bike will be a local ripper and that's it (maybe a track day here and there) Having said that, I think the Husky is a better fit. (No offense to you Aprilia guys, sweet bike for sure)

Now on to something off beat. Who has gotten a ticket for "operating motor vehicle on one wheel" in the group?

[wholigan?]

Never got a ticket.....several warnings when it was explained that the "slight rise in the pavement creates an uncontrollable purely accidental wheelie". Those were on my old sportbike. Haven't been stopped on the sm just yet........weathers supposed to be nice ths weekend, maybe take her out and see what happens.

[R6Tony]

i think it depends on the track it'll eventually end up on. and yes, i bought mine with no intent of ever taking it on the track either. just know it's going to end up there.

if it has long (as in longer than loudon) straights, get the aprilia. i have a 510 and i love it on tracks like summit point's shenandoah course and pocono east. but on the shenandoah course i'm easing off the throttle early on the straight to save the motor. i'm rolling on and off at 100-101 mph.

either bike, i would avoid highway use. and the husky's headlight is worthless at night. my friend still had two pieces of tape on his drz's headlight after a trackday and it put out more light than my husky did.

[drift3r]

SXV 5.5 all they way, i had the same choice as you i took the husky for a test ride thought nothing could beat it, then the next sat took the sxv out and i feel in love..

[jon40]

Who has gotten a ticket for "operating motor vehicle on one wheel" in the group?

Hey racerx72... speaking of tickets, have you ever got one for going 106mph in a 55???

[desmo-kid]

I've ridden both, I bought the Husky 510. With the Power-Up kit on the Husky and the SXV derestricted the SXV is faster, that motor is like a wild animal. However, stock, I think everyone who has ridden both will say that the Husky handles better. It is definitely lighter. But that's not why I bought it. The SXV simply has had far, far more problems. And those problems have been chronic. Starters, but I wish it were only that. Oil mixing with water has been the huge issue. That appears to have been largely resolved with the 08's, and they have stood behind 07's and replaced many motors, but they have been a heartache for many people. For that reason I bought the 510 and have loved it every minute. It may not be as powerful, but the motor is still wild enough to get the adrenaliine running, the handling is unbelievable, and I love having something so light (mine fueled up is 272 pounds I believe). Good luck either way.