Claiming to have dominated the supermotard world championship and excelled in enduro too, Aprilia’s revolutionary off-road project has just accepted an even tougher challenge: to take its v twin engine to victory in motocross. the Aprilia mxv is the brand new crosser for riders who know no compromise (apparently).
Aprilia MXV 450In a new ‘challenge within a challenge’, Aprilia is betting on the most revolutionary engine design of recent times in the tough, competitive world of motocross. The latest standard bearer for Aprilia’s off-road design concept is the MXV Factory. With its incredibly compact V twin engine and amazing performance, the Aprilia MXV is the definitive crosser for riders determined to win.
As you can see from its essential but unmistakable styling, the MXV is born to win. Its decisive, clear-cut lines tell you at a glance that you can expect light weight and fantastic build quality. Aprilia’s designers have made full use of the style emblems that define all Aprilia motorcycles to launch a brand new look in motocross motorcycles.
As always with Aprilia, stylish design is a vehicle for intelligent technical solutions. The fixed air scoops, for example, allow the fuel tank to pivot upwards to provide easy access to the filter and airbox. On the MXV, everything has been carefully designed for unbeatable performance in motocross racing.
EngineThe extraordinary 45.2 engine has already accumulated titles and victories in enduro and supermotard racing. Now the same engine has become the heart of the new MXV, the first motocross bike in the world to be powered by a twin cylinder engine.
In this dedicated motocross version, the engine maintains the unique configuration that has distinguished it from the start. The V angle remains 77°, and the cylinders with wet liners remain integrated in the crankcase. The extremely rational arrangement of the engine’s accessories has made the 45.2 one of the most compact V twins in the world, smaller than many singles of similar displacement.
The engine’s amazing light weight is the result of radical choices in materials. The valves are in titanium, the crankcase in aluminium silicon alloy, and all covers are in magnesium. In fact, everything about the engine is designed for minimum weight in conjunction with maximum strength and reliability.
All design solutions on the uncompromising MXV have been dictated by the need to achieve the highest possible level of performance while simultaneously extending the bike’s range of use. The under-seat exhaust, for example, features a new path for better motocross performance with more torque at lower revs.
Valve gear based on a single overhead cam and four titanium valves per cylinder gives the best possible compromise between compactness, light weight and performance.
Thanks to its advanced technology the 45.2 engine is extremely civilised and silent running even in this motocross version, and complies easily with FIM rules for noise emissions (94 dB threshold). Just as its homologated sister machines, the MXV affords beautifully easy access for maintenance (plugs, oil filter, air filter), and boasts extended maintenance intervals, far above the average.
The engine has a dry sump lubrication system but on the MXV the oil tank is actually integrated inside the crankcase to eliminate unnecessary oil pipes and reduce weight even further.
The starter motor has been eliminated for the same reason. Starting is by kick-start only in order to minimise weight.
The sophisticated electronic engine management system also introduces a number of motocross firsts. The Dell’Orto fuel injection system is managed by a programmable ECU with mapping optimised for motocross use.
The radiator no longer comes in two sections but is a single central unit, reducing weight even further by eliminating unnecessary connecting pipes and hoses. Radiator capacity has also been increased to improve engine efficiency.
The salient specifications of the 45.2 engine on the new MXV:
-Electronic fuel injection.
-Dry sump lubrication with the oil tank integrated inside the crankcase. Separate lubrication for gearbox and engine ensures that the engine oil is not contaminated by clutch plate particles, and remains fully efficient for far longer.
-Single overhead cam, titanium valves.
-Single-piece crankshaft.
-Cylinders integrated in crankcase, wet liners.
-Single radiator.
Chassis: Lighter Than EverWith the MXV’s engine setting new standards for motocross powerplant, the chassis has had to keep pace. Not only have the dimensions of the perimeter frame have been optimised for motocross use, but the entire frame has been developed to complement the engine. Its design is unique among motocross frames. A tubular steel trellis is interference fitted to pressed aluminium side plates to form an extremely rigid structure. The engine also forms an integral part of the chassis, acting as a load-bearing element and contributing to exceptional overall rigidity.
The variable section aluminium swingarm is another example of brilliant industrial design. Far more than just an element of style, this is the most rigid swingarm on any motorcycle of this type. Rising rate linkages operate a racing monoshock calibrated specifically for motocross.
The Marzocchi upside down fork has 50 mm stanchions and is also calibrated for motocross. The fork is fully adjustable, so that you can set up your own suspension action exactly as you want it.
BrakesThe unrivalled technology and performance of the chassis are supported by a fantastic braking system. The MXV is equipped with Magura calipers and super-lightweight wavy discs (270 mm at the front), for unrivalled braking control in even the most challenging conditions.
A 240 mm rear disc and single piston Magura caliper provide the perfect balance between stopping power and ease of control.
Aprilia MXV – Technical specifications
|
Engine | 77° V twin four stroke. Liquidcooled. Single overhead cam with rocker operated exhaust valves, chain timingdrive, 4 valve heads, titanium valves. |
Fuel | Lead-free petrol. |
Bore x stroke | 76 x 49.5 mm. |
Total displacement | 449 cc. |
Compression ratio | 12.5:1. |
Fuel system | Integrated engine managementsystem controlling ignition and fuel injection. Throttle body: 38 mm. |
Ignition | Electronic. |
Starting | Kick-start. |
Alternator | 220 W. |
Lubrication | Dry sump with oil tank integratedinside engine. Separate gearbox lubrication. |
Gearbox | 5 speed. Motocross gear ratios: 1st 14/29 2nd 14/25 3rd 15/23 4th 18/24 5th 21/25 |
Clutch | Multi-plate in oil bath, cableoperated. |
Primary drive | Spur gears. Transmission ratio:23/65. |
Final drive | Chain. Transmission ratio: 14/49. |
Frame | Steel perimeter frame with alloymembers. |
Front suspension | Ø 50 mm upside down hydraulicfork, double adjustment. |
Rear suspension | Box section aluminium swingarmwith cast body. Hydraulic monoshock withcompression and rebound adjustment. |
Brakes | Front: Ø 270 mm stainless steeldisc with floating caliper. |
| Rear: Æ 240 mm stainlesssteel disc with floating caliper. |
Wheels | Light alloy. Front: 1.60 x 21” Rear: 2.15 x 19” |
Tyres | Front: 80/100 x 21” Rear: 110/90 x 19” |
Dimensions | Overall length: 2,232 mm Overall width: 800 mm Ground clearance: 396 mm Seat height: 996 mm Wheelbase: 1,505 mm |
Fuel tank | Capacity 7.8 litres |
Related Linkswww.aprilia.com
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