Pure adrenaline

Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Quebec - Last July, the team at Moto123.com was invited to try out the new 2007 Aprilia SXV 5.5 at Circuit Mécaglisse. Most supermoto-type bikes in North America use the same recipe. They are motivated by a 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with carburetor and their frame/suspensions are derived from an off-road or enduro motorcycle.

The SXV 5.5 is different from the other supermoto bikes on the market.

Italian manufacturer Aprilia chose to take the road less travelled. The company is known for creating unorthodox machines and the SXV is certainly no exception. Equipped with a magnificent liquid-cooled V-twin engine, it uses an electronic fuel injection system. In addition, the SXV 5.5 features an innovative aluminum chassis that combines a steel perimeter frame with alloy vertical members.

Unprecedented V-twin
The 2.2-km asphalt track at Mécaglisse proved to be perfect for testing the capacities of this sublime racer. The V-twin is particularly flexible at low- and mid-range, while higher revs are explosive. This is a true racing engine, calibrated with an impressive compression ratio of 12:1. It handles high-revving action quite well and delivers the necessary engine braking power for a supermoto bike.

Lightweight and incisive, the SXV 5.5 allows the rider to attack any turn with remarkable authority. Upon exiting said turn, however, you have to modulate the throttle with pin-point accuracy because the engine pushes extremely hard and the rear tire barely manages to retain its grip. That's why you must take some time to get used to this bike in order to get the most out of it. The mill in itself is a real delight; power is available at all times, regardless of the speed, and the one-of-a-kind exhaust note enhances the riding experience.

The SXV's ultra-sharp dynamics are suited for seasoned riders only.

Top-grade components
The brakes are comprised of a front 320-mm disc with radial Brembo calliper and a rear 240-mm disc with floating calliper. During the first few laps, these units felt ultra powerful and durable yet easy to modulate. Unlike the competition, the SXV 5.5 only requires a brief learning process before mastering the brakes.