Aprilia 550 SXV Good? Bad?
I'm looking at an 07 Aprilia 550 SXV with the 08 motor (talked to cobongo on here and he said there was engine issues in 07)
Anyway, is this a Good or Bad bike? I'm going to be trading my 2006 Honda CBR600RR for it and would like to know.
Also, what is the Maintenance like? I know that on my CBR, you're supposed to change the oil every 4K miles, and valve adjustments every 16K...
What is it like for the 550 SXV?
If you have to ask.....you probably cant handle it. That is, unless you can afford it.
That said, the SXV's are awesome bikes, but they are literally racebikes. Not in the way your CBR is a racebike, more in the way the Desmosedici RR is a racebike.
Last edited by knockout; 10-27-2009 at 04:43 PM.
DRZ-SM - 3x3'd, FCR'd, MRD/SSW'd, Cam'd
The cow says, "moo."
The dog says, "woof."
The DRZ goes, "BRAP!"
How about a straight forward answer? Not some, beat around the bush, smartass remark?
believe it or not, there's a lot of truth in his replyOriginally Posted by MidnightSpeed
if you want info on reliability, maintenance and everything else related to the priller, might want to check the aprilia subforum where all the info is already posted up by people that own one, that's also where this topic is headed **presses move button**
Smartass remark? I was nothing but truthfull and informative.
SXV's are powerful, maintenence intensive, and not for the faint of heart. You're stepping into a whole new world from your sportbike. What I was saying was you will be forced to be your own mechanic or have a hefty pocketbook in which to pay the high costs of maintaining a racebike.
These bikes arent for squids (which I'm beginning to think you're among the ranks of, "MidnightSpeed"), they will kick your arse and laugh at you before you even let go of the clutch lever.
Good luck in the search for your answer, perhaps you will have better luck if you're not such a jackass about it.
DRZ-SM - 3x3'd, FCR'd, MRD/SSW'd, Cam'd
The cow says, "moo."
The dog says, "woof."
The DRZ goes, "BRAP!"
To answer your question directly.
1. Oil changes 300 - 400 miles is most common. To get all of the oil out there are two drain plugs for the engine oil plus the "FCV" valve plus the filter. The transmission has it's own oil and another drain plug. Two different oils and two fill caps, one for the engine, one for the transmission.
2. Valve adjustments vary but my new '08 was wrong from the factory so I adjusted at 1,200 miles. A valve adjustment requires removing the engine, and removing the cams and resetting the timing. Some special tools are required.
So just using the answers to the questions you asked and given the data you supplied on the Honda it would appear that the maintenance is roughly 4x or more...
I do all of my own work except tuning the ecm maps and I spend about the same time working on it as riding it and it is top notch shape and I enjoy the hobby. With a 30 inch scissor lift it is easy and enjoyable to work on.
There are other things to check over and adjust and fix. Nothing too difficult if you own tools and use them.
You are right about the '07's but there is little, but some difference with the '08. The '07 had some quality issues and assembly issues but is technically pretty much the same bike. An '07 that has been gone through and had all the things fixed is a great machine.
Dealers are generally not good because they do not sell enough volume and the mechanics cannot deal with all the issues to make them right and Aprilia tries to help but it seems like a communication gap sometimes. So best finding one of the 3 or 4 great dealers in the US or learning the fixes yourself. Several great dealers in Europe and Austrailia too.
Parts are pretty reasonably priced and usually ship from a ware house. Tons of hardcore owners that have info and used parts.
Kind of makes it a great 2nd bike if you ride a lot. Waiting for parts or having to maintain instead of riding.
Even though other replys may not have answered you directly their analysis is correct.
BTW 40 years of riding dirt, street, sport, cruiser, quads, etc. This one is the most fun of all!
i picked one up about 2 months ago (same....07 with the 08 upgraded motor). haven't ridden it enough to do much maintenance, but this bike is incredible...very quick. may be selling it in spring as i had originally intended to use it for track as well, but it's just too nice to chuck around/down a track....so i picked up a used ktm 560smr for that purpose. if i can swing holding onto the aprilia, i will (but don't tell my wife!).
no problems thus far, other than the previous owner overfilled the coolant, so i noticed it dripping out the overflow hose a couple times after riding/getting it hot. fingers crossed!
Id love to own an SXV, but if I did, there is no way it would be ridden on the street.
it would be strictly a track bike.
honestly....it rips on the street....but could be trouble...
Smartass remark? I was nothing but truthfull and informative.
SXV's are powerful, maintenence intensive, and not for the faint of heart. You're stepping into a whole new world from your sportbike. What I was saying was you will be forced to be your own mechanic or have a hefty pocketbook in which to pay the high costs of maintaining a racebike.
These bikes arent for squids (which I'm beginning to think you're among the ranks of, "MidnightSpeed"), they will kick your arse and laugh at you before you even let go of the clutch lever.
Good luck in the search for your answer, perhaps you will have better luck if you're not such a jackass about it.wow that was funny
Seriously though 3-5 hundred mile oil changes, and 6000 mile full rebuild (assuming street use, track would be MUCH sooner).. don't ask if you can stretch it out longer. You had better enjoy wrenching (and be reasonably competent). You will also enjoy it a LOT more if you have a good dealer to set it up/help with probs.
The biggest problem with these bikes is people buy them not knowing what they got into..... FULL ON RACEBIKE
2009 Aprilia SXV 4.5
APEX CYCLE SPORTS
Where are you located? perhaps I can suggest a good dealer
2009 Aprilia SXV 4.5
APEX CYCLE SPORTS
When I was in your position about 2 years ago, I went to a well known dealership (GP Motorcycles, San Diego) to look at some SXV's. When I asked a salesman about the SXV he straight up said, "Those bikes are horrible streetbikes, I dont want to sell any. Come look at these Huskys (a 510)."
This was in 2007, the models have had several issues fixed since, but a salesman saying he didnt want to sell a bike to me says a lot.
I still want an SXV, but it would be RACE ONLY thats for sure.
DRZ-SM - 3x3'd, FCR'd, MRD/SSW'd, Cam'd
The cow says, "moo."
The dog says, "woof."
The DRZ goes, "BRAP!"
First off, I am not squid, and wasn't trying to come off as a Jackass. I didnt catch your edit until after I posted my reply.
Secondly, squid, not here. I ride everyday that I can (almost everyday). I've got 4 years and 50,000 street miles (26,000 of which was in my first year of riding, LOL) I ride like a complete grandpa, ask Cobongo on here, haha.
Ok, here's the deal. I would be riding this bike, daily. From all of your responses, it looks like the SXV would NOT be a good choice for me, because I would easily put 300 miles on the bike, if not more, weekly. I do ALL of my own maintenance on my CBR currently (for the most part).
The power the bike has wouldnt be an issue at all, I can handle my bikes
Thanks for all the input, I'll continue my search for a fun, reliable, 'easy' to maintain Supermoto.
I am, and have been looking at the 08/09 DRZ400SM's too. I'll just sell my bike and probably get one of those.
There is also WR250X Yamaha, its a 250cc but not too far from DRZ in terms of handling etc. 1st valve check on this bike is at 26000 milesso just add oil and gas.
I love Aprilia (and own one)... I would buy 450 or 550 but... it is a race bike with no class to race it in. Supermoto USA - yes, but I also road race and it would not be competitive in classes I can run it in and since its a V2 it is not legal in open singles.
Cool bike though! If they could make it a bit less race it would be a winner for sure.
CRF250R/SM, 2002 Mille, 2008 WR250X
I've never ridden the Yamaha 250, but I've sat on it at the stealership here. I do prefer the DRZ though. If Yamaha would bring out a 400 or 450 SM, I'd be all over it.There is also WR250X Yamaha, its a 250cc but not too far from DRZ in terms of handling etc. 1st valve check on this bike is at 26000 miles
I love Aprilia (and own one)... I would buy 450 or 550 but... it is a race bike with no class to race it in. Supermoto USA - yes, but I also road race and it would not be competitive in classes I can run it in and since its a V2 it is not legal in open singles.
Cool bike though! If they could make it a bit less race it would be a winner for sure.
Yea 450 would be great
CRF250R/SM, 2002 Mille, 2008 WR250X
The edit was just for spelling, but fair enough.
I suggest a DRZ SM if you plan ride daily, I do on mine. Maintenence is low, I do 1k mile oil changes and when I checked my valves they were dead center spec. Aftermarket is plentiful so getting more power isnt a problem at all. It wont blow your mind like an SXV but it'll but a smile on your face.
DRZ-SM - 3x3'd, FCR'd, MRD/SSW'd, Cam'd
The cow says, "moo."
The dog says, "woof."
The DRZ goes, "BRAP!"
DRZ's and WRX's
This thread took a giant turn. Talk about different ends of the supermoto spectrum.
2009 Aprilia SXV 4.5
APEX CYCLE SPORTS
sxv is a girls bike
way to slow lmao
I had a 07 550, Very powerful and Quick, I used it for around town use, the gearing is too low for highway use and the front sprocket is already maxed out at 16T,,, anything larger will contact the swing arm. I sold it just in time because the new owner BLEW the motor !!!
08 Sxv
Let me start w/some history, I am 46 and have riden and owned about everything on the planet.(Currently 6 bikes) I first caught the SM bug in 06 and bought a DRZ, you knoe for the wife to ride,Later bought a 04Yam wr450 then onto an 07WR450. Of course always wanting more i thought i would try one of these Aprilias, so i bouight an 07 w/08 motor upgrade
Love the bike, then found an 08 that had some nice upgrades like larger fuel tank and diff gearing ect. If you go to the Aprilia forum you can find out all you want to know, i ride mine as a comuter and play bike, the Aprilia race team from xtremepowersports change there oil every 900 miles, they have raced 3 seasons w/no major issues. Yes these bikes require some maint, so did my Yamahas, make no mistake there is NOT another SM bike on the planet that can touch these things, hince why the AMA makes them race in the open class, that should tell you something. I wont sell mine for any price, it is wicked, different, fun and yes, expensive...
Let me correct you s4r...xtreme is a great shop with a great mechanic (Allen Noland) but they have not been racing the prillers for 3 years....And I would be very shocked if he waits 900 race miles for oil changes....I bet he changes the oil after every race weekend.
07 SXV 550
08 Aprilia Tuono Factory
I agree. I wouldnt be suprised if they change the oil after every time they hit the kill switch.
DRZ-SM - 3x3'd, FCR'd, MRD/SSW'd, Cam'd
The cow says, "moo."
The dog says, "woof."
The DRZ goes, "BRAP!"
Re
Ok my dudes keep your pants on, i got a little ahead of myself, I also spoke w/Allen and Chad from xtremepwrspts and both agreed that 900 miles is fine for normal riding, not there race bikes, no shi$. I cant think of any machine that would be raced and not have the oil changed after every race
. You know if you wanna change the ooil every 300 miles, its not gonna hurt anything except your wallet.
SXV 550 with + - 7000 km
http://www.supermotard.be/modules.ph...asc&start=1335
lol
2008 Aprilia SXV 550
2009 Ducati HM1100S
Wow.
Been along time since I seen a motor grenade that bad.
The Suspension Answer-man:
FastBikeIndustries.com
Is there a story sr-manu?
07 SXV 550
08 Aprilia Tuono Factory
Wow, thats the most depressing thing I've seen in a long time, RIP 550.
That does make me think though, I wonder if anyones bored out a 550 yet? Hmmmm....
DRZ-SM - 3x3'd, FCR'd, MRD/SSW'd, Cam'd
The cow says, "moo."
The dog says, "woof."
The DRZ goes, "BRAP!"
Absolutely no room for a bore job on that engine.Wow, thats the most depressing thing I've seen in a long time, RIP 550.
That does make me think though, I wonder if anyones bored out a 550 yet? Hmmmm....
2009 Aprilia SXV 4.5
APEX CYCLE SPORTS
As I understand the 550 is a bored out 450.... the 450 was Aprilias first goal as that was the premier class. Not certain thats fact tho, so take with a grain of salt.
07 SXV 550
08 Aprilia Tuono Factory
Bore and stroke are different. 76 mm x 49.5 mm on a 450 vs. 80 mm x 55 mm on a 550.
If you look at pic #2 you can see how thin the wall is between cyl and water jacket, no way you could bore reliably
2009 Aprilia SXV 4.5
APEX CYCLE SPORTS
In belgium there is an Aprilia dealer who managed to get almost 100hp from the 550 engine, with the same 550cc's
correction, 89 hp. basicly he mounted every piece of hardware that's also on the VDB replica and messed some more with the ignition and fuel injection.
he didn't run it for a long time though, think a couple of dyno runs and 2 races, now it's up for sale.
I did NOT need to read this thread...
1st I find out the Cr500 might not be streetable (as per several more experienced riders than me) and prolly a waste of time to pursue...
Then I find you have to take the engine out to do the valves in the SXV...
Damn, back to the drawing board...
If I did get a SXV however, the 1st thing I would do is increase the oil capacity.
Last edited by GofastR; 12-18-2009 at 08:42 PM.
Cops suck, lie and use inadmissible evidence... Fight a ticket next time better than I did... Ask the Judge what kind of vision a liar cop has to have, to see just how "close" you were "weaving" in and out of traffic by, if he was 3 cars back? I got news for you liars, we all look like we're "weaving in and out of traffic" from behind!
Very interesting, please tell me how you would go about that...
Spence
07 SXV 550
08 Aprilia Tuono Factory
I don't know. I asked somebody if an oil cooler could be added and I thing and I thought it came back as a yes... If that's the case, B&M has these nice fat, high cpacity oil (Super?) coolers I'm sure hold more than the regular ones...
Then I got to thinking, why even a cooler? If there's a line in, and a line out, why not just make it a small tank?
But judging by the way you sound, I'm guessing there aren't any external oil lines?
Oh, and I forgot to add the other way... But I'd need to know what the side covers were made out of 1st... It involves knowing the oil level, cutting the side cover, and a welder...
If I had that 275ish bike, I wouldn't fret a moment about adding 5lbs to it... Specially if it stretches the oil changes, capacity and possibly engine life.
I do understand it's a racebike, I don't care about that. I can do maintenance... But I plan on A LOT of street riding.
Last edited by GofastR; 12-19-2009 at 11:45 AM.
Cops suck, lie and use inadmissible evidence... Fight a ticket next time better than I did... Ask the Judge what kind of vision a liar cop has to have, to see just how "close" you were "weaving" in and out of traffic by, if he was 3 cars back? I got news for you liars, we all look like we're "weaving in and out of traffic" from behind!
Its a dry sump motor, the resevoir is between the fuel tank and steering stem. There are lines going in and out of tank (Duh, obviously right??!?
Spence
07 SXV 550
08 Aprilia Tuono Factory
The covers are magnesium.
400-500 mile oil changes are reasonable on the street. Just depends on how dirty you like your oil. Since you add some between changes you can stretch it some as you just keep adding. Might use 100 - 150cc every 300 miles. It varies some less some more. Since there is routine checking and maintenance changing the oil can be done while the rest of the work is going on so it is not a big deal.
The valves can go around 3000 miles on the street, but I would recommend an early check around 750 - 1000 miles as they might not be right from the factory. I did mine at 1250 miles and had a bad cam and lifters. Still good at 3000 miles. Droping the engine is not hard. Buy a good scissor lift.
The main thing here is that this bike needs some regular attention. It's part of the hobby. It cannot be ridden repeatedly and parked like a crotch rocket. If you drone on for miles on the highway you are just wasting miles on this bike. Run it with some enthusiasm on back roads and you will totally enjoy it. Buy some tools and learn how to maintain it and that can be fun too. Just the way it is.
I have the 2009 SXV 550. I have had no problems with it after about 2K miles. I have done two track days as well. I do the oil change every 500 miles. You have to remember it was built as a race bike. Treat it as such and it will be fine.
It's all how you look at it. It's pretty light, it's fast, and it super fun. Take care of it and enjoy it. If you want something you can just ride and not worry about it get a Honda sportbike. LOL ( that's my other bike) FYI, I would only get the 2009 or newer and stay away from the other years. Dealer set up is key to this bike also. Most people also overfill the oil. Take the time to check the water level. Then warm it up, check the oil level and off you go. It's like checking tire pressure and lubing your chain. No big deal. I love my bike and have the biggest smile on my face all day long.
Don't know if this was any help. Good luck on your search.
Awwww I love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning.
"Worked all week, it's time to play, gonna get a little sideways" Dierks Bentley
Stupid question, but are the 450's having the same problems the 550's are?
I go search now...
Cops suck, lie and use inadmissible evidence... Fight a ticket next time better than I did... Ask the Judge what kind of vision a liar cop has to have, to see just how "close" you were "weaving" in and out of traffic by, if he was 3 cars back? I got news for you liars, we all look like we're "weaving in and out of traffic" from behind!
Funny I was just talking to the Aprilia tech the other day, told me he took the 550 home. I asked if it blew up jokingly. He said no they fixed that, rev limiter was set too high....13500 rpm. Lowered it and they go fine now.
Still, I liked the bike, but fuck they were always coming back to the shop with issues.
I rode one in the snow....good times !!
I feel like I'm reading at a fourth grade level, not because I'M stupid, but because so few others on the internet can write beyond a 4th grade level. !!
When I went to look at DRZ's and WR250X's, the sales guy steered me straight towards the SXV5.5. I told them straight up that it was my first street bike, and I'd be comuting on the highway with it, and they didn't mention maintaince once. Told me how it was unrestricted, had sliders, and was just generaly awesome(and I completely agree). I got every thing sorted, they were even going to knock quite a bit off the price, and all I had to do was go in after the weekend and pick it up. Luckly I spent a few hours over the weekend on the aprillia forum, and found out about the maintaince and issues that can arise. When I went back in and asked why they didn't tell me about any of that, they said, "we said it was a very unforgiving bike," which I and everyone with me took to mean, you make one mistake, let the clutch out too fast, or give it too much throttle, and you'll be feelin' it in the morning. So, whether they meant to or not, they almost tricked me into buying one.
I ended up with a DRZ, and I love it! I still think the SXV is the best looking SuMo bike out there, and I'd love one as a second, or third bike, but with a 40-45 mile a day highway comute, I couldn't have one as a primary ride. I just wouldn't have time for all the work required to keep it healthy.
OUTsane, I think it sucks that they were trying to sell you on a bike that does not fit your needs. It's all about the dealer that you go to. That's a main part of the problems with the SXV. The dealers set them up wrong. Old mapping, too much oil. Not fixing the gasket that Aprilia paided them to fix in the 2007s.
The bike is for the track, and canyons. Not freeways. I did 160 miles on my SXV yesterday and will do the same today. I have to do some freeways, but I take it easy.
The DRZ is a great all around bike. My friend has one. He said it's just hard not to over fill that bikes oil as well. You just have to how much you put in and be good with that. No way of checking it correctly I guess. He also makes sliders for it so if you want some PM me and I can give you the info on them. :-)
Awwww I love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning.
"Worked all week, it's time to play, gonna get a little sideways" Dierks Bentley
Yeah, they've been cool since then. I think that the one sales guy was too enthusiastic about the bike(or the sale), and when asked about it later they were just trying to cover for him. They ended up knocking about $600 off the DRZ for the trouble. It just tought me that I shouldn't ever buy a bike without a good bit of research first, so over all, I guess it was a good experiance to have had.
I haven't had any issues with the oil. I went on thumpertalk, and foundout how much it needed, then just kept checking the dipstick as I filled it.
Thanks
As an owner of a 2009 SXV5.5, I can tell you that you have to search yourself and decide how much maintenence you are ready for versus riding time before you go and get one. I enjoy doing both. If you look at the sleak craftsmanship, you'll understand. I have probably owned 75 bikes over the years, raced cross country, motcross and desert in just about every state in the US and a dozen or so in Baja. There is absolutely nothing quite comparable to the sxv. It is extreme a rush as You could ever have,so, If problems come with that territory, I dont even care. It is so freakin cool, it is a priveledge to even get near it. period.
damn, that sucks!
Im considering getting a SXV 4.5
I was to, till I saw a Husaberg 4?? Vs. Aprilia 450 thread...
and hey, ya think you can quote a post with all the pics in it next time?
oops...650. http://husaberg.org/index.php?name=P...t=8651&start=0
I do love high RPM motors though... and if I decide, I haven't ruled the SXV 450 out though...
Last edited by GofastR; 12-22-2009 at 03:14 PM.
Cops suck, lie and use inadmissible evidence... Fight a ticket next time better than I did... Ask the Judge what kind of vision a liar cop has to have, to see just how "close" you were "weaving" in and out of traffic by, if he was 3 cars back? I got news for you liars, we all look like we're "weaving in and out of traffic" from behind!
Because its so inconvenient to have to look at 5 pics again. Huh?
I'm curious where you were looking at the '07 w/ the '08 motor. Reason I say this is because I know some shops in NC that have/had a couple. Couldn't help but inquire about them. I guess they were race bikes then had '08 motors put in or something. There were quite a few at Aprillias warehouse. Apparently they only come w/ an MSO and not a title of any sort. Plus, they weren't set up for lighting and so forth. It's been a while so my memory may be a bit off, but there was something about those not being street legal. My neighbor has an '09 that he does Rallymotos on and it is bad azz! Love the bike and his is street legal. Just thought I'd ad this stuff in case your goal was to only use it as a track bike. That might change some comments. Good Luck!
2008 Yamaha WR250X
"...it is the goal of every racer to find the absolute limit. If you don't fall once in a while, you aren't trying hard enough."
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