Aprilia MXV 4.5

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Never have I ridden a dirtbike that attracts as much attention as this. Everyone who spies it does a double-take, makes a beeline for my pit area, gives the bike a good once-over and then waxes poetic about the futuristic styling: the shape of the frame, seat and plastic; the far-out front fender supports; the foam-covered air inlets in what appears to be the gas tank; and the dual exhaust outlets under the seat. Yet ironically, most don't notice the very feature that makes the Aprilia MXV 4.5 unique.
Aprilia Mxv 4 5 Left Side View
From its spaceship styling...
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Aprilia Mxv 4 5 Left Side View
From its spaceship styling to its twin-cylinder engine, there's never been another motocrosser like the Aprilia MXV 4.5. We're not sure where you're supposed to stick your numbers, though.
Handling is excellent, particularly on the fast, rough tracks that are common in Europe (go figure). The spring rates felt too soft under my 200-plus pounds when landing off big jumps, and more so after shock fluid began seeping past the compression adjusters. But over big, sandy, desert-style whoops or braking bumps, the MXV was magic. Steering is better in fast sweepers than slow switchbacks, and the 238-pound (dry) bike does feel a tad heavy when it gets out of shape. Also, the engine is a bit low and wide, so the footpegs drag in rutted corners. But overall, this is a fine first effort from a company that most people don't realize started out making dirtbikes before turning its attention to the street.
Price $8499
Engine type l-c 77-deg. V-twin
Valve train SOHC, 8v
Displacement 449cc
Transmission 4-speed
Claimed horsepower na
Claimed torque na
Frame Aluminum/steel composite
Front suspension 50mm Marzocchi inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension Sachs shock with adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping
Front brake Nissin two-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear brake Nissin single-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Front tire 80/100-21 Dunlop D756F
Rear tire 120/90-19 Dunlop D756
Seat height 37.8 in.
Wheelbase 59.0 in.
Fuel capacity 2.0 gal.
Claimed dry weight 238 lbs.
Contact www.apriliausa.com