2008 Aprilia RXV 4.5/5.5 Enduro Has Soul of a World Champion

 

 

Newly street-legal, this Italian off-road performer packs even more competitive punch

New York, NY (2008 Model Line) – For 2008, the Aprilia RXV 4.5/5.5 V-Twin expertly handles deep woods trails and public roads, thanks to its new U.S. street-legal status. Aprilia’s distinctive 5-speed Enduro Twins also gain numerous improvements, from new high-performance components and suspension settings to an all-new larger fuel tank. Additional refinements have been made to allow Aprilia to increase the recommended service intervals to be twice as long as for the previous model year’s RXV. Even the warranty period has been increased to 6 months, a testament to the RXV’s resilient character.

As with every Aprilia, each RXV improvement is a direct result of real-world racing experience, including the Aprilia factory team’s top-of-the-field performance in the 2007 Enduro World Championships. In addition to the experience gained on some of the world’s toughest trails, Aprilia factory rider, four-time world champion Stefan Merriman, personally contributed his input to ensure that the 2008 models are more powerful, agile and reliable than ever before. As a result, the 2008 Aprilia RXV 4.5/5.5 is fully prepared to satisfy the unique demands of U.S. off-road enthusiasts, from weekend trail riders to professional racers.

2008 Aprilia RXV 4.5/5.5: What’s New

Aesthetically, the 2008 RXV looks more aggressive than ever. All-new modern graphics and a two-tone black and red seat send a strong visual signal that this off-road bike doesn’t have a pack mentality. In fact, the bike’s exotic good looks turn heads wherever it appears.

Ergonomically, the RXV also makes human/machine interaction easier than ever. A new, larger 3.1 gallon fuel tank allows a rider to shift weight around more easily and new tapered aluminum Magura handlebars without a cross-bar integrate functional race-oriented controls.

New front and rear suspension settings, specified by the factory Aprilia Racing team, translate into improved stability on fast sections and better damping over rough ground.

A number of engine improvements significantly increase durability and reliability, resulting in new service intervals that are twice as long as the previous model. Additional technical solutions allow the engine to meet strict EPA and CARB emissions requirements. Also new is the choke location – it has been transferred from the handlebars to the filter box, which contains a new foam filter also adopted from the race-version RXV. Tail pipes are now neatly tucked away under the seat, and ultra-compact, ultra-light digital instruments designed to give you all the information you need, from down-to-the-second time and average speed to oil pressure vitals. There is also a new throttle cam to improve off idle throttle response.

A perimeter frame envelops the revolutionary, powerful, yet reliable four stroke 77° V twin engine (with liquid cooling, single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain cam drive, 4 titanium valves, and electronic fuel injection). Though now approved for street use in the USA, blistering performance is guaranteed from both engine sizes, 449 cc (RXV 4.5) and 549 cc (RXV 5.5).

The World’s Only Off-Road Twin Leaves Old School Design to the Singles

Leading the lineup of competition-proven technology in the 2008 Aprilia RXV is the revolutionary 77-degree, SOHC, V-Twin engine capable of 70hp, the only two-cylinder off-road motorcycle powerplant available today. Developed and tested by Aprilia, the titanium-valve V-Twin is a potent performer with such minimal vibration that a balance shaft is not required. Tuned specifically for an Enduro application, the engine’s compact size – smaller than many singles of similar displacement – also provides significant weight savings. The V-Twin’s compact package also allows do-it-yourselfers to quickly access plugs and filters, though the bikes long maintenance interval reduce the frequency of these chores significantly.

The RXV’s competition-caliber chassis offers superior torsional rigidity, from a tough tubular steel frame to a variable section aluminum alloy swingarm. This trellis frame technology is the first for a competition grade off-road machine and contributes to the RXV’s excellent stability and ride control. The rising rate suspension linkage is dampened by a Sachs monoshock with a piggyback cylinder and low- and high-speed suspension settings. The 45mm upside down front fork is calibrated for each riding application and is fully adjustable.

Like all Aprilia motorcycles, the RXV features superb brakes, including a lightweight 270 mm front disc and 240mm rear disc, both with an advanced Nissan floating caliper for unrivalled braking control in even the most challenging conditions.

In addition to category leading structural integrity, performance and braking, the Aprilia RXV has premium components and materials designed to set it even further apart from the crowd. From compact, ultra-lightweight digital instrumentation to magnesium external engine casings and titanium valves, the RXV serves notice that world-champion genes and down and dirty performance can go hand in hand.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) for the 2008 Aprilia RXV 4.5 is $8,599 and the RXV 5.5 is $9,299.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with additional production facilities in Scorzè.  With 36 motorcycling world championship titles (30 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at www.apriliausa.com.

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

With over 6,700 employees, an annual production of more than 680,000 vehicles, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market.  Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.

Media Contact:

Jeff Perlman; Brandware Public Relations (for Aprilia USA)

[email protected], 818.706.1915.

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