FlangMasterJ
30th September 2006, 22:30
Just spent a couple of days flanging around on my very trustworthy friends new Aprila SXV550.
I'm no expert (far from it) but I have ridden a number of motards ranging from a KTM350 to Husaberg 650's and the big beasty KTM950.
First off this must be the coolest looking bike on the market at the mo including roadbikes.
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/FlangMasterJ/Aprilia_SXV_st5pz.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
I'll try and keep it short.
Instrumentation is clearly visible with a digital rev counter, odo, time, temp and speedo, all modes scrollable with the press of a bar mounted button. Ride height is fairly high which is common on most motards. Seat is comfortable for the first 500m.<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/FlangMasterJ/spanking2.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
The fuel injected V-twin motor is a gem. Starts effortlessly with the electric leg.
With the current ECU map it is like a light switch (not so great around town but alot of fun calving up the Rimutakas!). It loves to rev, the red tacho light comes on at around 9000RPM with another 2000RPM's before it hits the limiter. Did a fair bit of motorway commuting between Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. It seems to handle the open road failry well even when cruising at a respectable 110kph with plenty more power on tap for overtaking.
Handling wise you would be hard pressed finding a more agile and manouverable bike on the market. Anyone whos ridden a motard will know how easy it is to throw one of these things around.
These bikes are made for the track so comfortability obvioulsy isn't a priority. If you were to use this bike for commuting you would have to change the ECU mapping to something a little more forgiving and you would most definatley have to buy an aftermarket seat with a little more padding.
Reliability wise I have really no idea but the manual says they are good for 60 hours before they need a top end rebuild. Which is fairly respectable for a modern high performance motard.
That's about it, remember I'm no expert I'm just a novice who loves motorcycles. All I know is this bike is a hell of alot of fun and would put a grin on anyones mug from beginner to seasoned pro. Now all I have to do is find $17G's lying around then I'm sorted.
So if you get the chance go to your local Aprilia dealer and ask for a test ride. You may not buy the bike but you will no doubt have a ball.
I'm no expert (far from it) but I have ridden a number of motards ranging from a KTM350 to Husaberg 650's and the big beasty KTM950.
First off this must be the coolest looking bike on the market at the mo including roadbikes.
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/FlangMasterJ/Aprilia_SXV_st5pz.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
I'll try and keep it short.
Instrumentation is clearly visible with a digital rev counter, odo, time, temp and speedo, all modes scrollable with the press of a bar mounted button. Ride height is fairly high which is common on most motards. Seat is comfortable for the first 500m.<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c52/FlangMasterJ/spanking2.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>
The fuel injected V-twin motor is a gem. Starts effortlessly with the electric leg.
With the current ECU map it is like a light switch (not so great around town but alot of fun calving up the Rimutakas!). It loves to rev, the red tacho light comes on at around 9000RPM with another 2000RPM's before it hits the limiter. Did a fair bit of motorway commuting between Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. It seems to handle the open road failry well even when cruising at a respectable 110kph with plenty more power on tap for overtaking.
Handling wise you would be hard pressed finding a more agile and manouverable bike on the market. Anyone whos ridden a motard will know how easy it is to throw one of these things around.
These bikes are made for the track so comfortability obvioulsy isn't a priority. If you were to use this bike for commuting you would have to change the ECU mapping to something a little more forgiving and you would most definatley have to buy an aftermarket seat with a little more padding.
Reliability wise I have really no idea but the manual says they are good for 60 hours before they need a top end rebuild. Which is fairly respectable for a modern high performance motard.
That's about it, remember I'm no expert I'm just a novice who loves motorcycles. All I know is this bike is a hell of alot of fun and would put a grin on anyones mug from beginner to seasoned pro. Now all I have to do is find $17G's lying around then I'm sorted.
So if you get the chance go to your local Aprilia dealer and ask for a test ride. You may not buy the bike but you will no doubt have a ball.