The Aprilia RXV 450 is a revolutionary off-road motorcycle that oozes power, sophistication and, inasmuch as it is possible for any inanimate object to do so, sex appeal. Offroad innovations abound. For starters there's the 449 cc fuel injected 77 degree twin that sends about 55 hp to the Michelin Enduro Comp III out back. Bore and Stroke are 76 x 41.9 mm and the compression ratio is 12:5.1. The 450 twin produces oodles of smooth, tractable power allowing the lithe Aprilia to pull hard right off idle well into overrev territory. Power is spread over a very broad range, more so than with a single, but there is less engine-braking. It's smoother than any single of our acquaintance even without a counterbalancer. Titanium valves and magnesium covers help to keep the weight of the engine down. Claimed dry weight is about 262 lbs but the muscular little Aprilia actually feels lighter.
To us the most intriguing feature of the RXV is fuel injection. Here in Idaho enduro style rides can encompass elevation changes of 8000 feet and temperatures from below freezing to over 100 degrees F. We here at MoJazz really like the idea of well-sorted electronic fuel injection keeping the engine properly aspirated.
