First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 - Page 2

phobe · 04-05-2007, 10:12 PM

That looks seriously angry.

Let me try it at Grattan and I might let you try my CBR125.

ND4SPD · 04-05-2007, 10:19 PM

You're a diseased man. Please don't let me near that thing...

TraumaOne · 04-05-2007, 10:21 PM

what the heck does it sound like???

phobe · 04-05-2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraumaOne

what the heck does it sound like???

Like this: Bubububububuhbuhbuh BWWAAAAAA BRAP Buhbuhbuhbuhbuh POP BWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA bwabwabwapop BOOOOOWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHfart

evl_twn · 04-05-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

Like this: Bubububububuhbuhbuh BWWAAAAAA BRAP Buhbuhbuhbuhbuh POP BWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA bwabwabwapop BOOOOOWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHfart

Can you do that backwards?

bwhip · 04-06-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

That looks seriously angry.

Let me try it at Grattan and I might let you try my CBR125.

We might be able to work something out...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

You're a diseased man. Please don't let me near that thing...

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraumaOne

what the heck does it sound like???

See link below...

ND4SPD · 04-06-2007, 05:56 PM

That sounds amazing.

bwhip · 04-06-2007, 07:05 PM

I'd better get to work on some adapters to move those turn signals down. I noticed this afternoon that the left one suddenly is drooping a bit.

Hammer · 04-06-2007, 07:11 PM

I would be in jail in 30 minutes on that thing. I want one.

bda116 · 04-06-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhip

I'd better get to work on some adapters to move those turn signals down. I noticed this afternoon that the left one suddenly is drooping a bit.

There is surgery for that.

Oh, wait you're talking the bike, right? Not....................uh, nevermind.

Mojave954 · 04-07-2007, 09:15 AM

If you are still having weather issues ship it down here. I gots a dirt, a dirt track, a race track and twisties of all kinds within 15 minutes.

Promise to ride it like I sole it.

bwhip · 04-07-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojave954

If you are still having weather issues ship it down here. I gots a dirt, a dirt track, a race track and twisties of all kinds within 15 minutes.

Promise to ride it like I sole it.

Thanks for the kind offer, but it's due to be 75 and sunny here today.

DEPO · 04-07-2007, 04:00 PM

That bike is awesome looking......

The buell is exactly this..... It is a Adventure/Moto......

It is one of the most fun bikes I have... It will not do 160, but will put itself up on one wheel in almost any gear. Wants to play in the dirt.

And when I want to do a 400 mile day... ohhh yeah throw on the hard bags.

bwhip · 04-08-2007, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEPO

That bike is awesome looking......

The buell is exactly this..... It is a Adventure/Moto......

It is one of the most fun bikes I have... It will not do 160, but will put itself up on one wheel in almost any gear. Wants to play in the dirt.

And when I want to do a 400 mile day... ohhh yeah throw on the hard bags.

Yeah, it would be hard to imagine a more fun bike type than these. Fun, comfortable, and ready to PLAY all the time.

bwhip · 04-08-2007, 12:29 AM

Installed an STM slipper clutch last night. This is the third one I've installed - first was the JTR on the RC, then a Yoyodyne on the 600, now the STM. All a little different, both in installation and operation.

The installation was fairly challenging. The clutch is actually made for the CRF450R, but also works in the Aprilia. I found out during the installation that the stock Aprilia clutch plates don't quite fit the hub on the STM, so I had to buy a clutch pack for the CR450R at the Honda dealership. They fit just fine.

On the other bikes, the clutch runs in the same oil bath as the rest of the motor, but on the Aprilia, there is separate (and different) gearbox oil.

I got it all back together this morning, and I had to make quite a bit of adjustment to the clutch cable to get it to operate properly. Once I did that, it seems to work fine, with the slipping action I'd hoped for. There is a clicking at the lever, just as with the one on the 600, which takes some getting used to, but the operation seems to be very good. The springs on it are really firm, so two-finger clutching takes some finger strength.

I rode around a bit today, and the bike is just awesome. I messed with lowering the rear turn signal position to prevent melting from the new exhaust system, but wasn't really happy with what I was coming up with, so I just removed them for now.

The pipes sound absolutely mean and nasty, but I'm thinking I may actually go back to the stock ones. They're just SO loud for day to day use, that I'm not sure it's practical. I just want to ride the thing, without attracting so much attention. I really like them, I just wish they weren't quite so loud.

bleonard1401 · 10-29-2008, 01:02 AM

BWHIP,
I just got through putting the first 3 hours on my new SXV 550 and have noticed many of the same things you have. The mapping issues were recalled and fixed before I picked mine up, so no problems with cold start ups. The front end is a bit too soft for the power of those brakes. I haven't stiffened mine up yet and was wondering how many clicks it took you to get yours dialed in.
As for the acceleration, it's completely insane! I haven't gone over 8000 rpms yet and it already feels torquier than my '99 Ninja 900 with tons of mods. It dyno-ed at 147 hp at a weight of 437 lbs. Needless to say, I was shocked that I found something with more punch in a smaller package.
One of the parts salesmen at the dealership has one too, and claims fourth gear power wheelies when he bounces it right. He might be full of BS, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to pull off 3rd gear power wheelies. As of right now, his is the only other one on the island that I've seen. The supermoto craze hasn't really caught on here yet.
Got any tips on setup or break-in?

Purpdust · 10-29-2008, 03:32 AM

Can't Help, but Welcome to the site.

bwhip · 10-29-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleonard1401

BWHIP,
I just got through putting the first 3 hours on my new SXV 550 and have noticed many of the same things you have. The mapping issues were recalled and fixed before I picked mine up, so no problems with cold start ups. The front end is a bit too soft for the power of those brakes. I haven't stiffened mine up yet and was wondering how many clicks it took you to get yours dialed in.
As for the acceleration, it's completely insane! I haven't gone over 8000 rpms yet and it already feels torquier than my '99 Ninja 900 with tons of mods. It dyno-ed at 147 hp at a weight of 437 lbs. Needless to say, I was shocked that I found something with more punch in a smaller package.
One of the parts salesmen at the dealership has one too, and claims fourth gear power wheelies when he bounces it right. He might be full of BS, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to pull off 3rd gear power wheelies. As of right now, his is the only other one on the island that I've seen. The supermoto craze hasn't really caught on here yet.
Got any tips on setup or break-in?

and I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the bike. Mine's in the shop getting a new motor, so I can't check on the compression settings on the forks, but I definitely added a few clicks. With it being on more of a dirt bike platform, I expect quite a bit more dive on the forks anyway as compared to sportbikes, I just manage it while on the track or street.

Here are a couple of sites you may or may not have yet seen that are very helpful with SXV issues. Enjoy!

2006-2009 Aprilia RXV, SXV, MXV 4.5/5.5 V-Twins - ApriliaForum sponsored by AF1 Racing, inc.

SLORider?Dirt Bike/Motorcycle Riding & Tech (Aprilia/KTM/DR-Z400) San Luis Obispo California

bleonard1401 · 11-08-2008, 10:38 PM

I just completed the second service of the break-in period on my '07 SXV 550 and can now twist the throttle a little more aggressively. This thing is fucking insane! I still have the restrictor plate on from the factory and am pulling of third gear power wheelies. I rode Suzuki's 400 supermoto last year and can honestly say that this thing is a completely different animal. I haven't tested the top end on it yet, but, then again, I usually have more fun under 90. Aprilia's website rate's the top end at only 110. I doubt this is true because they also only rate the 550 at 43.5 bhp. As it turns out, Italy taxes more for more horsepower, so the bike manufacturers over there often under rate their bikes to boost sales (similar to what Ford, GM, and Mopar did in the 70's).
As for the off-road capabilities, this thing is out of control. I took it down a horse trail here and almost couldn't get back to the paved top fast enough. It is a pretty smooth trail that I often ride on my mountain bike. It turned out to be more than the SXV could handle though. I had trouble keeping that thing in a straight line every time I got on the gas. My buddy was riding a little CR 125 that was leaving me in the dust. Granted, he had knobies and less weight. If you want a SM that you can still go off roading with, get the SXV 450 and a set of enduro tires. Otherwise, stay out of the dirt. I plan on getting a set of enduro tires to fit this thing and will try it out again since we have some pretty good riding trails in the mountains around here. I'll post a comment again when I've done it to say how it went.

bleonard1401 · 11-08-2008, 10:46 PM

Yeah, mine had a new motor put in it before I purchased it. Sounds good, but now my owner's manual is mostly useless. The tech who installed it told me Aprilia just gave him the new 550 motor to swap out.
As for the suspension settings, I'm still getting it dialed in. 5 clicks seems to have gotten it more where I would like. It's still pretty soft, but doesn't dive in as much under moderate breaking.
Got any suggestions as to a fix for this hot-ass seat. I'm burning my ass off on long rides. Looked at some header wrap, but the exhaust passes so close to the frame that I'm not sure it would fit. Otherwise, I'm thinking about poking a small pin-hole in my camelback to let water slowly run down my ass on hot days.

bwhip · 11-09-2008, 01:16 AM

Finally got mine back yesterday with the new motor! Now I just need to swap the slipper clutch into the new motor so I can start riding this badboy again.

Hammer · 11-09-2008, 10:55 AM

Congrats on getting it back...........again.

Hope it holds up now.

luvtolean · 11-09-2008, 11:36 AM

Welcome Bleonard, that's got to be a killer ride for HI.

bwhip · 11-15-2008, 05:16 PM

Today I finished installing my STM slipper clutch that we yanked out of my old motor. Then I took her out for a test spin.

Better than ever! I'm so happy to have this bike back, and can't wait to get it out on the track again.

Hammer · 11-15-2008, 05:22 PM

Cool

slickwill · 11-15-2008, 05:29 PM

Sweet. I wish I could get my XR out to Idaho so that we could play.

04-05-2007, 10:12 PM	#31
phobe circa 1970 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,731	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 That looks seriously angry. Let me try it at Grattan and I might let you try my CBR125. __________________ Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc

04-05-2007, 10:19 PM	#32
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,387 Images: 25	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 You're a diseased man. Please don't let me near that thing... __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X "Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door"

04-05-2007, 10:21 PM	#33
TraumaOne a mowing target Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Greenville, NC Age: 35 Bike(s): 2008 Yamaha FZ-6 Posts: 1,596	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 what the heck does it sound like??? __________________ Need a custom cake? The Cakery

04-06-2007, 05:56 PM	#37
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,387 Images: 25	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 That sounds amazing. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X "Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door"

04-06-2007, 07:05 PM	#38
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 4,088	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 I'd better get to work on some adapters to move those turn signals down. I noticed this afternoon that the left one suddenly is drooping a bit. __________________ My Gallery

04-06-2007, 07:11 PM	#39
Hammer Merry Christmas Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 5,286 Images: 12	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 I would be in jail in 30 minutes on that thing. I want one.

04-07-2007, 09:15 AM	#41
Mojave954 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Bike(s): 08 FJR, 08 R 1200 GS Posts: 920	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 If you are still having weather issues ship it down here. I gots a dirt, a dirt track, a race track and twisties of all kinds within 15 minutes. Promise to ride it like I sole it.

04-07-2007, 04:00 PM	#43
DEPO Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 33 Bike(s): Track 954 and Uly Bagger Posts: 732	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 That bike is awesome looking...... The buell is exactly this..... It is a Adventure/Moto...... It is one of the most fun bikes I have... It will not do 160, but will put itself up on one wheel in almost any gear. Wants to play in the dirt. And when I want to do a 400 mile day... ohhh yeah throw on the hard bags.

04-08-2007, 12:29 AM	#45
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 4,088	Re: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550 Installed an STM slipper clutch last night. This is the third one I've installed - first was the JTR on the RC, then a Yoyodyne on the 600, now the STM. All a little different, both in installation and operation. The installation was fairly challenging. The clutch is actually made for the CRF450R, but also works in the Aprilia. I found out during the installation that the stock Aprilia clutch plates don't quite fit the hub on the STM, so I had to buy a clutch pack for the CR450R at the Honda dealership. They fit just fine. On the other bikes, the clutch runs in the same oil bath as the rest of the motor, but on the Aprilia, there is separate (and different) gearbox oil. I got it all back together this morning, and I had to make quite a bit of adjustment to the clutch cable to get it to operate properly. Once I did that, it seems to work fine, with the slipping action I'd hoped for. There is a clicking at the lever, just as with the one on the 600, which takes some getting used to, but the operation seems to be very good. The springs on it are really firm, so two-finger clutching takes some finger strength. I rode around a bit today, and the bike is just awesome. I messed with lowering the rear turn signal position to prevent melting from the new exhaust system, but wasn't really happy with what I was coming up with, so I just removed them for now. The pipes sound absolutely mean and nasty, but I'm thinking I may actually go back to the stock ones. They're just SO loud for day to day use, that I'm not sure it's practical. I just want to ride the thing, without attracting so much attention. I really like them, I just wish they weren't quite so loud. __________________ My Gallery

10-29-2008, 01:02 AM	#46
bleonard1401 HImotard Join Date: 10-29-2008 Location: Moanalua, Hawaii Bike(s): Aprilia SXV 550 Posts: 5	First Impression Aprilia SXV 550 BWHIP, I just got through putting the first 3 hours on my new SXV 550 and have noticed many of the same things you have. The mapping issues were recalled and fixed before I picked mine up, so no problems with cold start ups. The front end is a bit too soft for the power of those brakes. I haven't stiffened mine up yet and was wondering how many clicks it took you to get yours dialed in. As for the acceleration, it's completely insane! I haven't gone over 8000 rpms yet and it already feels torquier than my '99 Ninja 900 with tons of mods. It dyno-ed at 147 hp at a weight of 437 lbs. Needless to say, I was shocked that I found something with more punch in a smaller package. One of the parts salesmen at the dealership has one too, and claims fourth gear power wheelies when he bounces it right. He might be full of BS, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to pull off 3rd gear power wheelies. As of right now, his is the only other one on the island that I've seen. The supermoto craze hasn't really caught on here yet. Got any tips on setup or break-in?

10-29-2008, 03:32 AM	#47
Purpdust Join Date: 12-19-2006 Location: AB-Canada/Rome Italy Age: 34 Bike(s): gsxr 750 Posts: 1,554	Can't Help, but Welcome to the site. __________________ "And he added that excessive consumerism prompted Canadians and Americans to chase low prices and send manufacturing jobs to China" Mr. Jarislowsky

11-08-2008, 10:38 PM	#49
bleonard1401 HImotard Join Date: 10-29-2008 Location: Moanalua, Hawaii Bike(s): Aprilia SXV 550 Posts: 5	I just completed the second service of the break-in period on my '07 SXV 550 and can now twist the throttle a little more aggressively. This thing is fucking insane! I still have the restrictor plate on from the factory and am pulling of third gear power wheelies. I rode Suzuki's 400 supermoto last year and can honestly say that this thing is a completely different animal. I haven't tested the top end on it yet, but, then again, I usually have more fun under 90. Aprilia's website rate's the top end at only 110. I doubt this is true because they also only rate the 550 at 43.5 bhp. As it turns out, Italy taxes more for more horsepower, so the bike manufacturers over there often under rate their bikes to boost sales (similar to what Ford, GM, and Mopar did in the 70's). As for the off-road capabilities, this thing is out of control. I took it down a horse trail here and almost couldn't get back to the paved top fast enough. It is a pretty smooth trail that I often ride on my mountain bike. It turned out to be more than the SXV could handle though. I had trouble keeping that thing in a straight line every time I got on the gas. My buddy was riding a little CR 125 that was leaving me in the dust. Granted, he had knobies and less weight. If you want a SM that you can still go off roading with, get the SXV 450 and a set of enduro tires. Otherwise, stay out of the dirt. I plan on getting a set of enduro tires to fit this thing and will try it out again since we have some pretty good riding trails in the mountains around here. I'll post a comment again when I've done it to say how it went.

11-08-2008, 10:46 PM	#50
bleonard1401 HImotard Join Date: 10-29-2008 Location: Moanalua, Hawaii Bike(s): Aprilia SXV 550 Posts: 5	Yeah, mine had a new motor put in it before I purchased it. Sounds good, but now my owner's manual is mostly useless. The tech who installed it told me Aprilia just gave him the new 550 motor to swap out. As for the suspension settings, I'm still getting it dialed in. 5 clicks seems to have gotten it more where I would like. It's still pretty soft, but doesn't dive in as much under moderate breaking. Got any suggestions as to a fix for this hot-ass seat. I'm burning my ass off on long rides. Looked at some header wrap, but the exhaust passes so close to the frame that I'm not sure it would fit. Otherwise, I'm thinking about poking a small pin-hole in my camelback to let water slowly run down my ass on hot days.

11-09-2008, 01:16 AM	#51
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 4,088	Finally got mine back yesterday with the new motor! Now I just need to swap the slipper clutch into the new motor so I can start riding this badboy again. __________________ My Gallery

11-09-2008, 10:55 AM	#52
Hammer Merry Christmas Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 5,286 Images: 12	Congrats on getting it back...........again. Hope it holds up now. __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

11-09-2008, 11:36 AM	#53
luvtolean Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Bike(s): 2008 BMW GS-A Posts: 6,697	Welcome Bleonard, that's got to be a killer ride for HI. __________________ The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. - Winston Churchill

11-15-2008, 05:16 PM	#54
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 4,088	Today I finished installing my STM slipper clutch that we yanked out of my old motor. Then I took her out for a test spin. Better than ever! I'm so happy to have this bike back, and can't wait to get it out on the track again. __________________ My Gallery

11-15-2008, 05:22 PM	#55
Hammer Merry Christmas Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 5,286 Images: 12	Cool __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

11-15-2008, 05:29 PM	#56
slickwill Paint it Black Join Date: 08-31-2007 Location: Idaho/Iowa Age: 29 Bike(s): XBR1250F4R Posts: 2,505	Sweet. I wish I could get my XR out to Idaho so that we could play. __________________ If it has wheels, I've crashed it, and some things that don't skis, snowmobile, card board box, giant tube, sentra, dirtbike, lawn tractor, grandmas bread tray, kayak, canoe, raft, bicycle, waterskis, tobaggan, horse, ATV, Now my CBR (w