Any Opinions on the Aprilia SXV 550? Or Motards in general?

[JasonRR]

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I'm getting rid of my 954 and have decided that my next bike will be a motard. I'm looking at the Aprilia SXV 550, and really like it so far. I know that it requires maintenance every 1,500 miles (for valve adjustments, mostly), but considering that I ride far less than 3k miles/year, that is probably something I can live with. I love the way this bike looks, and a 550 V-Twin with a 12,500 rpm redline in a bike that weights under 300lbs wet should be awful fun.

This bike would be almost strictly for street duty, with only mild stunting. I only do your very basic wheelies and endos, nothing too crazy at all.

I looked at the KTM's, and like the specs on the 690 Supermoto, but can't stand the way the thing looks.

I like the Ducati Hypermotord a lot, but I see if more as a streetbike dressed up as a motard instead of a real Supermoto.

I don't want a Duke, or other "dressed-up" bike, but at the same time, I've heard that converting a true dirbike (like a CRF450 or something) is problematic. First off, the wheels and tires will run $1500-$2k, and then you can't even run 180 rears (the Aprilia has a 180 rear stock), which limits you choice of tires. Also, maintenane on true dirtbikes seems worse than the Aprilia, mainly because the bikes weren't meant to run for sustained distances like they'd see on the streets.

At the end of the day, I've decided that I want to buy a factory motard, and not convert one myself. I just don't know which route to go, or if there are options that I haven't considered.

If anyone has any input or advice, I'd appreciate hearing it.

Thanks.

- Jason

[SNEAKY]

did you see this? i know you said you were not wild about the KTM's, but......http://www.dfwstangs.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=76919&cat=5

[$leepyLx]

that aprilla is badass

[Brent98gt]

Go to www.supermotojunkie.com and see what people say about the aprilia, yes they are bad ass bikes but are notorious for blowing up. and in order to do your simple valve adjustment you have to drop the motor.If your going to buy one make sure its an 08 they fixed a lot of the problems. If I were you I would honestly buy a husqvarna 510smr arguably on of the best street supermotos, you also couldn't go wrong with mine :D

[JasonRR]

Thanks for the advice.

Brent -

I did see your ad for the KTM and the only thing that scarred me was the issue with the electrical. I know absolutely zero about electrical, and even less when it comes to stators and how they function. It would be an adventure for me to tackle that kinda project.

The other concern is maintenance intervals, especially for a converted SX bike. Something in my head just tells me that a bike designed for street duty would be more durable than one designed for SX, but I do love the look and feel of a true SX bike converted to a motard.

I might have to take a run up to see you in Allen to get a better look at the bike. It's supposed to be nice, so maybe I'll dust off the 954 and take a ride up there.

Thanks again.

- Jason

[Brent98gt]

Yeah just let me know. Hell, I'll let you take it out and roll some endos on it.

[JasonRR]

Deal. We can go for distance. I can roll em out a ways on the 954 too.

I'll shoot you a PM if I can make it up that way.

- Jason

[blastap]

ive got a drzsm and a gsxr1000 and the drz is a lot more fun to me plus it gets 65 mpg!