2009–2010 · Enduro · Buyer's Guide
The V-Twin Dirt Weapon
A 450 cc enduro with two cylinders is an unusual thing, and that's exactly why the RXV 450 matters. Aprilia put a liquid-cooled V-twin with 61 hp and 40 lb-ft into a steel trellis frame and kept the whole package at 262 lb wet. In a class where singles set the tone, this engine pulls broad and strong through the midrange. Suspension is adjustable at both ends with 11.8 in of travel, and ground clearance is 15.6 in. Rider aids? None: no ABS, no traction control, no ride modes. This is a race-bred tool for the dirt, built by people who think like racers. Dead serious!
On fast trails it stays composed, and on steep climbs the twin drives you up with authority. But it wants an experienced hand: the handling is firm, the service schedule is frequent, and it doesn't forgive neglect. Two things you need to know before buying. Head gaskets, especially those with red sealant, can fail and let oil and coolant mix, which means overheating, milky oil and serious engine damage if you ignore it. And the electrics can act up: blown fuses and tip-over switch resets cause intermittent starting trouble. If you ride hard, do your own wrenching and want something special, it's yours. Everyone else: look elsewhere.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 61 hp (45 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 40 lb-ft (54 Nm) @ 11,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 450 cc |
| Engine | 77° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 140/80-18 |
| Ground clearance | 15.6 in (396 mm) |
| Front travel | 11.8 in (298 mm) |
| Rear travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) |
| Seat height | 39.2 in (996 mm) |
| Wet weight | 262 lb (119 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 gal (7.8 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Head gasket failure (oil/coolant mixing)
The cylinder head gaskets, especially those with red sealant, can fail, allowing oil and coolant to mix. This leads to engine overheating, milky oil, and potentially severe engine damage if not addressed.
Electrical gremlins (starting, charging)
Intermittent starting problems, often traced to blown fuses (30A main fuse or 7.5A speedo circuit), faulty speedo cable routing, or tip-over switch resets. Can leave the rider stranded with no restart.
Where this Aprilia RXV 450 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the RXV 450 is actually built for.
If technical terrain is your whole weekend, this fits: 262 lb, 15.6 in of clearance and suspension you can set up for the day. Carry extra fuel, because 2.1 gal doesn't last long out there.
Made for Bar M / Kane Creek · Imperial Sand Dunes · Johnson Valley OHV Area
It'll hold its own on a closed course: the chassis is sporty and the suspension adjusts at both ends. But it's built as an enduro, so buy it only if you also ride beyond the track fence.
Made for Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area · Fox Raceway at Pala · Glen Helen Raceway
Be honest with yourself: 2.1 gal of fuel, no luggage system and a frequent service schedule work against multi-day route planning. Great on the hard sections, a headache for logistics.
Made for AZBDR — Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route · California BDR South · COBDR — Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2006–2008
The Exotic V-Twin Enduro Weapon
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
