Aprilia RXV 550 [2006 – 2012]: A V-Twin Beast in the Enduro Wilderness
Introduction
The Aprilia RXV 550 is not just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of war against the status quo of off-road riding. Produced between 2006 and 2012, this Italian enduro machine dared to defy convention with its compact 77° V-twin engine, a rarity in a segment dominated by single-cylinder thumpers. Designed to blur the lines between competition-ready aggression and real-world usability, the RXV 550 remains a cult classic for riders who crave character, innovation, and unapologetic performance.
Having spent a day wrestling this fire-breathing twin through muddy trails and rocky ascents, it’s clear why the RXV 550 still commands respect. It’s a bike that rewards skill, punishes complacency, and leaves an indelible mark on your riding psyche. Let’s dissect what makes this machine tick—and why it’s still relevant for enthusiasts seeking adventure beyond the asphalt.
Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Fury
The RXV 550’s design screams purpose. Its steel perimeter frame, paired with aluminum vertical members, strikes a balance between rigidity and weight savings (a claimed 127–129 kg dry, or 279–284 lbs). The 77° V-twin sits snugly within the chassis, almost masquerading as a single-cylinder engine until you notice the twin exhaust headers snaking out from beneath the seat.
Standing at 918 mm (36.1 inches) in its lowest seat height configuration, the bike feels taller than its specs suggest—a trait amplified by its narrow profile. The two-tone seat (red/black in later models) is firm but surprisingly accommodating during long hauls. Aprilia’s 2008 redesign introduced a slimmer fuel tank, improving weight distribution and allowing easier rider movement—a critical upgrade for technical terrain.
The cockpit is minimalist yet functional. By 2009, Aprilia ditched the handlebar cross-brace for cleaner controls and added a compact digital dash. It’s no touchscreen marvel, but it delivers essential data without clutter. The asymmetrical headlight, a signature Aprilia touch, looks like it was borrowed from a sci-fi rover—practical? Maybe not. Cool? Unquestionably.
Engine & Performance: The Heart of a Rebel
At the core of the RXV 550 lies its pièce de résistance: a 549cc liquid-cooled V-twin with a 77° v-angle. Bore and stroke measure 80 x 55 mm (3.1 x 2.2 inches), resulting in an oversquare design optimized for high-revving fury. With 70 hp at 13,000 rpm and 65.9 Nm (48.6 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 10,900 rpm, this engine is anything but docile.
Key Highlights:
- Fuel Injection & Dual Mapping: The 40mm throttle bodies and ECU-controlled injection system (post-2008) allow seamless switching between “Full Power” and “Soft” maps. Need to tame wheelspin on slick clay? One button press dials back the madness.
- Titanium Valves: Four titanium valves per cylinder (intakes at 0.07–0.12 mm clearance, exhausts at 0.17–0.22 mm) ensure rapid revving and durability under stress.
- Exhaust Notes: Early models featured under-seat pipes, but post-2009 bikes came with FIM-compliant side-mounted Arrow silencers. The result? A bark that’s equal parts symphony and war cry.
On the trail, the RXV 550 is a study in contrasts. Below 6,000 rpm, it’s manageable—almost polite. Cross that threshold, and the V-twin awakens with a ferocious mid-range pull that rockets you out of corners. The 5-speed gearbox (a controversial choice against competitors’ 6-speeds) forces you to work the clutch in tight sections, but rewards aggression on open fire roads.
Handling & Off-Road Prowess
Aprilia’s chassis engineers deserve a standing ovation. The 45 mm inverted fork (SAE 7.5W oil) and rear monoshock offer 240 mm (9.4 inches) of travel, tuned for precise damping over roots and rocks. The 1495 mm (58.9 inches) wheelbase ensures stability at speed, while the 27° rake angle keeps steering nimble.
Key Dynamics:
- Weight Distribution: The dry-sump engine design centralizes mass, making the RXV 550 feel lighter than its 127 kg (279 lbs) dry weight.
- Tire Setup: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels (90/90-21 and 140/80-18 tires) strike a balance between agility and traction.
- Braking: Single 270 mm front and 240 mm rear discs (4-piston front caliper) offer ample stopping power, though aftermarket pads are recommended for hard enduro use.
In practice, the RXV 550 thrives in fast, flowing terrain. The suspension soaks up whoops with composure, and the V-twin’s torque lets you loft the front wheel effortlessly. Tight, technical sections demand more finesse—the tall seat and abrupt power delivery require a committed rider.
Competition: David vs. Goliaths
The RXV 550’s fiercest rivals came from Austria and Sweden:
KTM 450/530 EXC
- Engine: Single-cylinder, carbureted (pre-2012), 449–510cc
- Power: ~55 hp (450 EXC)
- Weight: ~112 kg (247 lbs) dry
- Gearbox: 6-speed
Verdict: KTM’s lighter weight and wider-ratio transmission made it more versatile for technical trails. However, the Aprilia’s V-twin offered superior top-end power and a smoother ride at speed.
Husqvarna TE 450/510
- Engine: Single-cylinder, fuel-injected (post-2010), 449–501cc
- Power: ~53 hp (TE 510)
- Weight: ~118 kg (260 lbs) dry
- Gearbox: 6-speed
Verdict: Husky’s refined chassis and FI system (post-2010) closed the gap, but the RXV 550’s character and exotic appeal remained unmatched.
Takeaway: The Aprilia catered to riders prioritizing adrenaline over convenience. It wasn’t the easiest bike to live with, but nothing else sounded or accelerated like it.
Maintenance: Keeping the Italian Stallion Alive
Owning an RXV 550 is a labor of love. Here’s what demands attention:
Critical Service Items
- Valve Adjustments: Every 30 hours. Intake: 0.07–0.12 mm (0.0028–0.0047 in), Exhaust: 0.17–0.22 mm (0.0067–0.0087 in). Use feeler gauges and patience.
- Oil Changes:
- Engine: SAE 10W-60, 1.3L (1.37 qt) without filter.
- Gearbox: SAE 75W-90, 0.75L (0.79 qt).
- Pro Tip: Use MOTOPARTS.store’s synthetic kits for extended drain intervals.
- Cooling System: 1.1L (1.16 qt) of ethylene glycol-based coolant. Check for leaks around the V-twin’s tight packaging.
- Chain & Sprockets: 15/48 tooth combo with 116-link chain. Lubricate frequently—this bike eats chains when neglected.
Upgrade Recommendations
- Spark Plugs: NGK BR8EB (gap 0.7–0.8 mm). Stock replacements ensure crisp ignition.
- Brake Fluid: DOT 4. Flush annually to prevent moisture buildup.
- Air Filter: High-flow foam filters (MOTOPARTS.store #AF-APRILIA-RXV) improve breathing in dusty conditions.
Conclusion: A Legend Worth Preserving
The Aprilia RXV 550 isn’t for everyone—it’s a demanding, high-strung machine that rewards mechanical sympathy and riding skill. Yet, for those willing to embrace its quirks, it delivers an off-road experience no single-cylinder can replicate. The V-twin’s howl, the razor-sharp chassis, and the sheer audacity of its design make it a timeless icon.
Whether you’re restoring a 2006 model or upgrading a 2012 variant, MOTOPARTS.store has the expertise and components to keep your RXV 550 tearing up trails—and turning heads—for years to come.
Ride hard. Ride Italian.
