Thread: First Impressions - Aprilia SXV 550

Originally Posted by Purpdust

Can we start a pool for how long this motor will Last?

if So,

I got the first week of September 2009.


I love that bike and would like too have one.

My pick is one day after the warranty expires.

Originally Posted by bwhip

My pick is one day after the warranty expires.

SRE. Standard reliability engineering.

Originally Posted by bwhip

Well, I got it back from the shop today, where my friend and trusted wrench had been correcting the mapping issues that many of these bikes seem to have, that makes cold starts difficult to impossible. He seemed confident that he had it sorted, and said that because I store my bikes in a warm enclosure I should have no problems. I had my fingers crossed.

Well, holly guacamole!!!!
It's "only" taken me 35 minutes of letting in down the hill and pushing it back up. No start. Repeat. And that after I emptied the battery. I got a great cardio workout, which I needed.
Well, after finally starting, it's taken almost 10 minutes to warm up to a point where it stay on idle without dying.
Well, that temporarily sorted out, the bike seems to have another very serious problem. The front wheel does not stay on the ground very often.
At least I'll save some money on front tires, no?
Seriously, this bike is AMAZING.
Turns-in so fast that it might give you neck problems if you don't expect it. Once on the turn it is amazingly easy to keep on the line. Coming out of the turn is the best part though. Power everywhere even if you're two gear too high. Wheelies are an unavoidable part of the corner exit if you don't counter weight it and measure your right wrist's backward turn very delicately.

Two not very important "cons" are the fact that my hand does not fit the clutch lever very well because of the bark-busters. Might have to move them a bit further to the edge. The second one is the gas tank is tiny. I don't now how far I'll be able to ride, but I hope it can ran for the 35 miles commute once in a while.
Besides those two minor, and very fixable, inconveniences, I'm still in awe. Several "two thumbs up" from me for this bike.
I'll have to take the starting issue resolved quick.

It is a crazy, ridiculous wheelie machine, that's for sure. It'll turn you into a complete hooligan. Fortunately I'm very mature and able to control those irresponsible impulses.

Mine's down in SLC at the dealership down there receiving some minor off-season enhancement. I may decide to roadrace it a bit this year, and want to make it a bit more competitive with those SV650s and the like.

BTW, I misspoke when we talked on the phone. Mine's an '07, built in '06. It's been to Grattan twice.

Have fun!

Oh yeah, the gas tank is indeed tiny. I get about 50-60 miles before the warning light comes on. Might get another 20 or so after that, but I haven't really pushed it.

Thanks, B. for all your input.

F ... my buddy has one up for sale here. With all this banter, me wants one.

Don't ride it if you're not prepared to part with the cash.

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Don't ride it if you're not prepared to part with the cash.

I've been smart enough not to do that ... yet. Alos, being that we are in the thick of winter also helps things.

Originally Posted by BobcatSig

I've been smart enough not to do that ... yet. Alos, being that we are in the thick of winter also helps things.

Just hope that he sells it before the snow melts and you have a chance to cave in, then.

Originally Posted by ONEvcs

Well, holy guacamole!!!!
It's "only" taken me 35 minutes of letting in down the hill and pushing it back up. No start.
Well, after finally starting, it's taken almost 10 minutes to warm up to a point where it stay on idle without dying.

Would this be a bad time to point out that I hadn't started the XR for over a month, it's only 20 degrees outside, and the carb had been drained...it sputtered on the first kick and fired on the second. Starting it was my one big fear and it seems to be a non-issue.


But...I'm still a little jealous of your Aprilia.

Originally Posted by slickwill

Would this be a bad time to point out that I hadn't started the XR for over a month, it's only 20 degrees outside, and the carb had been drained...it sputtered on the first kick and fired on the second. Starting it was my one big fear and it seems to be a non-issue.


But...I'm still a little jealous of your Aprilia.

I realized it starts right up with the latest and greatest map, so long as it's not below 60 degrees.
The XR is a great bike too. We can trade for a while if you're able to come to Grattan.

So here's a question to revive this thread from the dead ...

My friend has his SVX 450 he's selling and I'm rather tempted to sell the 929, buy the SVX and fund a track bike. What are the service intervals like for this sucker? I know that Aprilias get a bad rap for part availability. Is it really that bad? What should I expect?

Originally Posted by BobcatSig

So here's a question to revive this thread from the dead ...

My friend has his SVX 450 he's selling ....... Is it really that bad? What should I expect?

An imoderate amount of good-natured mocking when it breaks. And a couple of 'I told you sos."

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

An imoderate amount of good-natured mocking when it breaks. And a couple of 'I told you sos."

I figured as much.
But really, are they that bad?

Originally Posted by BobcatSig

But really, are they that bad?

Usually only to those who have never owned an Aprilia

I advise a little research over at apriliaforum.com - it's quite the resource.

I did do some research before getting the bike. From what I heard the 4.5s are a bit better than the 5.5s but that does no mean they don't have THE problem, just that in average, less 4.5s have it.
Main problem is the engines mix water and oil, but most of the times dealers stand behind the bikes and are fairly understanding, at least around here. Some bikes have this problem, some don't.
Maintenance is a bit more demanding than other bikes with the oil changes, for instance, at 500 miles intervals, I believe. Or was it 300? I don't remember now...
Good commuters they are not, but they are the perfect bikes for track days IMO.

Originally Posted by BizJetGuy

Usually only to those who have never owned an Aprilia

I advise a little research over at apriliaforum.com - it's quite the resource.

Excellent. I'll check it out. Thanks!

Originally Posted by ONEvcs

I did do some research before getting the bike. From what I heard the 4.5s are a bit better than the 5.5s but that does no mean they don't have THE problem, just that in average, less 4.5s have it.
Main problem is the engines mix water and oil, but most of the times dealers stand behind the bikes and are fairly understanding, at least around here. Some bikes have this problem, some don't.
Maintenance is a bit more demanding than other bikes with the oil changes, for instance, at 500 miles intervals, I believe. Or was it 300? I don't remember now...
Good commuters they are not, but they are the perfect bikes for track days IMO.

Good to know, for sure. I had heard of the water/oil problem.

My intended use for it would be around town fun, my short commute to work (10 miles roundtrip) and chasing the canyons that surround Bozeman. And of course the requisite track days.

You'll end up in jail or without a license

FYI: I learned this one the hard way, as usual. When you change the oil on the SXV 5.5, do not follow the instructions on the owner's manual, or you run the risk of overfilling and it makes a big mess.
Follow the ones here:

RXV Rights & Wrongs - Page 2 - ApriliaForum sponsored by AF1 Racing, inc.

Proper Oil Change Procedure
Gearbox Oil
1. Measure out 525cc of fresh gear oil.
2. Ensure bike is upright on a level surface.
3. Drain the gearbox and tighten drain plug when done.
4. Refill (oil should be just visible through peep hole).
Engine Oil
1. Measure out 1250cc of fresh engine oil.
2. Ensure bike is upright on a level surface.
3. Drain both the oil reservoir and engine sump and tighten drain plugs when done.
4. There is a small amount of oil above the Flow Control Valve (FCV) that you may want to drain as well, but it's less important than the other two drain locations. The FCV screw is 19mm, located on the bottom of the engine in front of the brake pedal. You'll see allen two set screws above it (don't touch those; they're an artifact of the engine manufacturing process). Above the 19mm screw, there is a spring and above that finally the FCV piston. The piston is threaded on the bottom, so if it doesn't come out by itself, you can stick the spring up there (or an allen key or something) and pull it down. After the oil has finished draining, replace the assembly (the spring fits inside the piston and the screw) and tighten.
5. Lay bike on its side, oil filter cavity up.
6. Remove oil filter cover, filter and spring.
7. Pour 50-100cc oil into the oil filter cavity.
8. Insert oil filter, including the spring, and replace cover.
9. Set bike upright.
10. Refill with the remainder of the 1250cc of oil.
11. Start bike and allow it to completely warm.
12. With the bike still running, ensure oil level in the sight tube is just above the min mark (5mm); add or drain oil from reservoir as necessary.
Note: When you have the oil filter out, you may find it convenient to bend the end of the oil filter spring so it sticks inside the filter without falling out.
Note #2: If you removed the FCV piston, while it's out you may want to check it for scoring, an indicator that it may be sticking. People have had success buffing it to round the edges a bit.

Those work great.

Every time I ride this bike, even just ripping it up and down the street in the empty subdivision next door (as I did earlier this evening), I literally laugh out loud when I finish.

It's ridiculous. It just begs to be ridden like a complete maniac.

With the new pipe, suspension and wheels it's an absolute fire-breathing beast. Manic, hyper, intense, wicked, nasty fun. Sick.

Man, am I looking forward to ripping it up on the track with my pals on their SV650's this season.

Originally Posted by bwhip

Every time I ride this bike, even just ripping it up and down the street in the empty subdivision next door (as I did earlier this evening), I literally laugh out loud when I finish.

It's ridiculous. It just begs to be ridden like a complete maniac.

With the new pipe, suspension and wheels it's an absolute fire-breathing beast. Manic, hyper, intense, wicked, nasty fun. Sick.

I don't think mine breaths quite as much fire but I totally understand where you are coming from. I'm sure my 'tard is much more likely to get me arrested than the CBR ever was. I have laughed out loud in my helmet more than once while riding it. I also go to an empty subdivision for my "hooliganism."

I've been trying to seat as forward as I can. It really makes a difference.

bwhip, what did you end up doing with your suspension???

I had an incident with my 848 that left me with some spare cash that I pretty much have to spend at the dealer.... they happen to have an '06 SXV550 on it w/ low miles that's calling my name. And yes, it's Seacoast, so I am not worried about them standing behind the bike at all..... sooo pre-tel pleaseeeee

Was it the 06's that had issues with the cases not getting along well together?