These bikes have been out for nearly 6 yrs now. All the items you are asking about are covered in depth on here and over at www.apriliaforum.com/forums.

The bottom line is this; I own one, Im happy with it, and I would definitely buy another if something happened to this one.

 

:thumbup:
I know most of the stuff have been covered in this form or the next but most threads I found were mixed with opinions of people who didn't actually owned one.
I was actually hoping to make a new SXV thread with all the relevant info and current data since most threads are at least 2yr old and from what I could find these bikes shine only from 2009.

 

It's really all about this forum members good will and willingness to help.

Maybe it's just me but I do feel there isn't enough real info on the SXV.
Searching this forum and the Net is tedious and you don't get any real info back.

Since I'm now trying to decide between this and a CRF/CRM450X, the lack of information on both bikes (at least in English) is amazing even though both bikes seem common enough.

(Well, CRF got a bit more info than the SXV in English)

 

like said before, check out aprillia forums... If you bought a Viper, would you complain about the gas mileage? Know what you bought, and dont expect something different than what you know in the back of your head. :thumbup:

 

No complaints (yet).
I'm still on the fence hoping for something that will make me decide :headscrat:
CRF450X is an awesome bike but... the SXV is also awesome... (talk about over simplify) see my dilemma?

I just about have all the valid info I could get on the CRF but the SXV... not so much.
I mostly read or hear opinions and not actual facts from owners.
Can't trust the dealer since he wants me to buy the bike...
Current few owners I know here are either too rich too care what happens to their bike and couldn't care less about maintenance or just depressed human beings who say the bike is good *but* and they can't actually explain the "but".

 

Bought mine cheap on purpose so that I could send the motor off to Amauri Nunez for a rebuild and re-seal. I know full well what to expect regarding taking care of it, and thus expect my ownership experience to be a good one. The information is out there, mostly on the aprilia forum. Short answer, if you understand that its a very high strung motor and don't treat it like your lawnmower, seems like you should be fine.

 

If I had the time and budget for a second bike, I wouldn't have any reservations about buying an Ape. I've loved the look, and design from day one. As stated above, if you know what to expect, they can be awesome. I know a couple of guys with them that haven't had any issues at all. I'd still like to have a 5.5 someday.

 

Hey man i just glanced over these posts real quick so sorry if i go over something thats already been answered.

1. The bike is fine for everyday use. Just frequent oil changes. Allen from Extreme motorsports rode for Maryland to California without a single issue. I met him in colorado and the bike looked/ran great. hed love to tell you about it if you can get ahold of him


2. Maintence is not much worse than any mx bike out there. Parts are just a bit more expensive. shes exotic and ya gotta pay to play.

-3. i have an 07' 550 (the bad year) and my engine is running real strong, with no issues almost 3 years later. Keep up with maintenance and shell love you.

4. she handles just as good as any bike iv ridden. Granted the mods you can do only make her handle better but shes great the way she is.

5. like i said they are more money. you wont be selling the house to pay for anything (other than a rebuild haha) but shes exotic so you knew that coming in.

6. the only diff is engine and throttle bodies between the 4.5 and 5.5 nothing else at all. the 5.5 is a complete beast but the 4.5 aint bad either. they handle exactly the same also.

all these myths came from people without the bikes, and lots of he said she said. basically theyre all dumbasses. I just gave you the whole truth, do with it what you will.

 

Thanks a lot!! :thumbup:
That's actually great, exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread!
I'm feeling pretty good about getting the Ape now

 

Disproving the Myths...

Hi all,

New to the forums partly do to age etc...but this thread has hit home as I get tired of misconceptions around the SXVs... I agree 100% with all the rational replies so far!

I have about 90 full race hours now on a 2007 SXV 5.5 and the valves are still in spec! The motor was split to be resealed at 65 hours and we threw rings in at that time simply because we had already ordered them, not because they were actually needed...The valves were checked and all were right in spec... I have also replaced a starter as the 07s are notorious for not liking the cold and I am in Canada LOL!

Basically all we do is go over all the nuts and bolts, change oil every 2 to 3 race hours and put tires and brake pads on it... a lot of tires and brake pads...

As for handling, the bike is stone stock except for stiffer fork and shock springs to accommodate my 200lb frame... and I run very competitively in our Expert class here and my pace was about 2 seconds a lap off Jacob Lehmans when he came up to ride our "national" round. (www.rpmsupermoto.com) I am really not trying to brag etc, (Was he really trying? I do not know...) just give you insight into how the bike works, as I am not a superhero or anything. The beasts work!!

As a road ride, my biggest fear would be losing my license... I rode it on the street for 15 minutes with a dealer plate and came back shaking my head in amazement at the dangerous impulses I had to fight the WHOLE time...LOL

I would not hesitate to buy any year, provided you have a dealer who cares nearby. I would actually give the same advice for any brand of bike, as a knowledgeable dealer really does help.

 

Hi all,

New to the forums partly do to age etc...but this thread has hit home as I get tired of misconceptions around the SXVs... I agree 100% with all the rational replies so far!

I have about 90 full race hours now on a 2007 SXV 5.5 and the valves are still in spec! The motor was split to be resealed at 65 hours and we threw rings in at that time simply because we had already ordered them, not because they were actually needed...The valves were checked and all were right in spec... I have also replaced a starter as the 07s are notorious for not liking the cold and I am in Canada LOL!

Basically all we do is go over all the nuts and bolts, change oil every 2 to 3 race hours and put tires and brake pads on it... a lot of tires and brake pads...

As for handling, the bike is stone stock except for stiffer fork and shock springs to accommodate my 200lb frame... and I run very competitively in our Expert class here and my pace was about 2 seconds a lap off Jacob Lehmans when he came up to ride our "national" round. (www.rpmsupermoto.com) I am really not trying to brag etc, (Was he really trying? I do not know...) just give you insight into how the bike works, as I am not a superhero or anything. The beasts work!!

As a road ride, my biggest fear would be losing my license... I rode it on the street for 15 minutes with a dealer plate and came back shaking my head in amazement at the dangerous impulses I had to fight the WHOLE time...LOL

I would not hesitate to buy any year, provided you have a dealer who cares nearby. I would actually give the same advice for any brand of bike, as a knowledgeable dealer really does help.

Thanks for the Info!
Hearing positive experience from ppl around here is very important since more often than not you will hear the bad.

The bike (like it's looks) sounds awesome!
Expect a new thread soon "new Ape owner!" :arsenal

 

Wow, just found this thread! I'm in the same position, Ape or YZF/WR450. I have pretty much had my mind set on an 5.5, as I can never have TOO much power...:bike: I have been doing a lot of research on this bike and have been having somewhat the same problem. I'm teetering on the edge and need a little nudge as to which way to go. It's not that I'm indecisive, and I don't mind trying out a couple bikes before I find one I want to keep, I just like to be as educated (by fact, not hear-say) before I make a purchase.

Maintenance?: I don't mind doing oil changes more often, as I change the oil on my YZ450f every other ride. I'm just wondering on what all this other maintenance everyone is talking about, is it valve adjustments and top-end rebuilds? Again, I enjoy working on them almost as much as riding them!

I plan on riding whatever I get about 60 miles round trip daily, and whatever non-road related antics I can find along the way.:thumbup: I do have a dedicated HS/MX bike, but that doesn't mean I won't take an SM off the hard packed stuff. I would also like to take it to a track day and get into a little more road racing.

I guess this thread has made up my mind also. Tax return=SXV5.5! :bannana: Why I haven't found anything like this over at AF1?:headscrat I think cause most over there have already taken the plunge and are just looking for post-purchase info.

Anyways, thanks asafe for posting this, and thanks all who have contributed to this AND my two-wheeled addiction! :arsenal

 

Thanks for the support!
Since posting I've been searching & reading until my eyes bleed...
Can't seem to find enough posts or reviews by APE owners.
Most threads I came across were either 2-5yr old or were full of head butting.

I am currently in a dilemma as to what should I get... 4.5 or 5.5...?
Were I live highway is different than the U.S everything is around 40-50km max.
the furthest I could (or actually want to) go is about 150km.

I am guessing I should get the 5.5 BUT.... racing wise most bikes here are 400-525cc with some FS570 & SMC690.
I am not sure how the 5.5 would handle vs such bikes as a CRF450 or KTM525.

When I get it I'm not actually planing on changing anything, Even though I read about some mods nothing seems like a "must".

Thanks in advance,
any input would be appreciated! :thumbup:

 

If that's the case, bear in mind the SXV 5.5 (not sure about the 4.5) has a range of about 60 miles / 100 kms with the stock tank. Sounds like you wouldn't want to be running out of gas where you live!

 

Well, not a problem, 100Km takes me a long way
Besides my DRZ currently needs refuel every 90-100Km not including reserve, depends on how much I rip it of course, could be a little higher if I played nice with it :lol:

 

Oh, and in terms of racing, the 5.5 shines on the bigger type courses. Not many can touch it in a straight line. The tighter, more technical tracks - ie kart tracks - it can be a little too powerful for. Its handling can be improved, but it won't be as nimble as, say a husky 510.

 

Hmm... that's something to consider, 5.5 could be awesome since I use it as a day to day ride.
BUT most tracks here are either Kart tracks or just a bunch of tires someone threw around a parking lot... Ie small technical tracks.
(sadly racing is not legal here yet)

 

sxv kart track

Mine only weighs 255lb's. Cornering on a kart track isn't really an issue. It's all about the brakes vs hp and talent. It's a no joke racing animal.

 

Just picked up a 550 out in California. Did a 300 mile ride in one day, which I don't recommend. Bike performed great, just that damn seat was pretty painful after 30 minutes or so. Fortunately, refills where needed after 70 miles (smaller tank).

Around town/city, the thing is a hoot. Much better for urban duty than a superbike. But like any race bike, it's doesn't like slow. Trying to keep the thing at 30mph cruising though the cop infested neighborhoods was challenging. It just wants to rev, and is not happy under 4500 rpm, even with a sprocket change.

I also have a Husky SMR450, which I've had on the road for a few years. I thought the Ape would be better for street duty due to the V-twin. I found the Ape to be a bit better at low speed riding (under 40) and a little less vibration at highway speeds. Still, it's no touring bike, or even an i-4 sportbike.

I do love having a real key, steering lock, low fuel light, and a decent headlight. Things the Husky doesn't have. The Ape is a bitch to start in the cold though, and the clutch needs to get warmed up.

 

sxv

They are a bit tuff to start but you need to make sure that you have the proper mapping and the throttle bodies are balanced otherwise your gonna cook your starter. There's an idle knob/black located on the side of the airbox if you didn't know. Also try rolling the throttle over a couple times, then turn the key off and back on the so the fuel pump can squirt some more petro into the tb's. A couple fresh iridium plugs may help as well. Have fun w/ that animal. I've got 2 of them

 

Got the ape!

I ended up getting the Ape!
Got it a few days go, mostly because what I heard here.
I'm happy! :clap:

Few things though someone might want to know:
1. As mentioned - the seat is the least comfortable thing I ever sat on.
2. De-restrict the bike Immediately, I tried doing it only after break-in, and I couldn't stand how weak he was, plus he would get hot and just drink petrol and have a low range.
De-restrict and have the current mappings and... walla! different bike!
3. I actually didn't notice it until I got the bike... :laughingr the petrol tank has no kind of security, You can just open it... (a true race bike)
4. Do the suspension first off, it comes stiff!

Handling:
1. the handlebar, for some reason, vibrates like hell! (Triple clamps should sort it but it's gonna cost... a lot)
2. High speed this thing is awesome, low speeds it performs well but not as much, it just "feels" different.

* as of now, no startup problems, I always start with choke or with a little gas,
as per what my mechanic said would be better for the bike.
* will do a spark plug change to iridium anyway to avoid trouble.
* computer is awesome and easy to operate.

Things I added / Will add:
(not that you need to... bike is perfect)
1. air filter
2. sme silders
3. Hand guards

Not sure about anything else at the moment, would love different exhaust but don't want to get into a spending frenzy as I just got it. :thumbup:

 

Congrats and nice write up asafe.
Triple clamps will not eliminate handlebar vibration....

 

Agreed! Great thread..... This is the first positive SXV thread I've read. I'm currently in the market for a new (used) bike. I sold my DRZ and was looking for a Honda. I think I'm going to include a SXV 5.5 or 4.5.

 

www.xtremepowersportsusa.com (shop Allen Nolland works at) has two 07's brand new ready to roll...I think they were under 6k. Call and speak with Allen, tell him I said hello.

 

I called Extreme about two or three weeks ago and talked to one of the salesmen there. I think he said they had more than ten 07's left and they were going for $4995.00:bannana: But don't quote me on that, just going by memory, and it isn't all that good anymore!!! :anim_peep:

 

Like a few of you around here, I'm looking at the SXV as well. However, I'm also a complete noob to the world of supermotos, so please bear with my dumb questions...

- the bike will be a weekend toy (maybe some occasional short distance commuting) ridden mostly in an urban environment (Hong Kong) with some twisties thrown in

-range is not a huge issue although more than 100 km would be nice

- probably the biggest issue is that I am "vertically challenged" at 5'6". Anyway to lower the bike?

- absolutely understand that it's a (relatively) high maintenance machine, but any years that are particularly bad or problematic?

- given the above requirements, would a 4.5 or 5.5 be more suitable?

Again, thanks for bearing with this noob. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! :bowdown:

 

You can probably play with the suspension a bit to lower it but that will impact performance.
My father is 1.78 (meters) and he could touch the ground only with the tip of his feet.

I am guessing for a weekend toy it would be perfect, just make sure to maintain it while you are not riding it.

If it's a first bike in SUMO you might want to try something else though, maybe a bit more forgiving like a DRZ.

My biggest issue with the 5.5 is low speed handling, I'm still trying to figure how to tweak it.

 

I still love the 550`s! I think one of the biggest factors in buying one would be a good supporting dealer. Several years ago i had a deposit on one, but the dealer could not get the bike to start.

 

The handlebar vibration perplexes me. My 09 does not vibrate at all, I have ridden a 2007 that vibrated unbearably.... I dont get it. I synched T-bodies on both, so thats not it.

Any thoughts?

By the way I love my SXV and have had no trouble with it

 

The handlebar vibration perplexes me. My 09 does not vibrate at all, I have ridden a 2007 that vibrated unbearably.... I dont get it. I synched T-bodies on both, so thats not it.

Any thoughts?

Hi,
you can adjust the screws that told the risers. Those are conical. So the tighter you screw them the more vibrations you get and vice versa. I solved by vibration issue for street riding adjusting this!

hth,
satzgafatz, 6.500 km with sxv 5.5 and i love it!

 

The 07's are faster!!!

 

Congrats on the purchase!

 

all good

I have an 08 with 4k on it and ride pretty often I bought mine brand new had a few minor bugs to work out when I first got it but nothing serious. Handling is awesome just set it up for your weight and nothing will catch you in the twisties. It's a high maintenance girlfriend that doesn't talk back and begs for abuse just change the oil and trans often and find someone to get take offs from will save you $$$$$ on having to replace rubber.
Now for the cons the front wheel almost never touches the ground so practice your unicycle skills and make a standing reservation at the courthouse and get you medical record / insurance # tatted on your forehead and last but not least some anti wrinkle cream for the wrinkles that will develop from not being able to get the smile off your face

 

Great thread!

I am also looking at joining the world of supermoto with an Aprilia SXV550. Local dealer has some '07's that had major engine problems, and they just resolved the issues with Aprilia by getting new bikes. Now they are selling them off for cheap, and they are including one of the old bikes as a spare parts bike. (that kinda scares me!) Anyways, for $6995 i get a new 2007 SXV and the old 2007 with everything except the motor. So complete spare plastics, rims, tires, chain, sprockets, forks, etc, everything! May have to go see the man tomorrow....

And thanks for the comments from all on the daily riding of these bikes. That was the one thing that was making me think long and hard about getting the bike. But the fun i could have riding it to school every day!

I think I am going to be happy that i sold my CBR last week.

Thanks all!