By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Enduro
Aprilia RXV 550 (MY2006) vs RXV 450 (MY2009)
Aprilia RXV 550 vs RXV 450: which one belongs in your truck bed?
Wind the Aprilia RXV 550 out and it's saving its big rush for high revs. The Aprilia RXV 450 digs in and launches off corners.
So which one do you buy?
The RXV 450 has the edge if…
Real off-road capability
Narrow edge: RXV 450
The RXV 450 nudges ahead where the road turns to gravel. The difference is lighter steering. Close enough that a test ride on dirt is worth it.
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: RXV 450
Over a year of riding, the RXV 450 noses ahead on running costs. A neglected example would wipe that out.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: RXV 450
The RXV 450 is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. Most of that is a sportier chassis and more feel through the bars.
What makes each one tick
RXV 550
The RXV 550 hangs a compact V-twin in a steel trellis frame, and that isn't something you'll often find in the dirt. Across open terrain the throttle's the part that matters, because the engine pulls hardest near the top of the tach. Up top, the twin snaps hard.
RXV 450
The RXV 450's twin spreads its torque wide, and it'll shove the bike up a steep climb without a fight. Turn-in on a tight, slow bend takes real muscle, because the V-twin doesn't flick like a single. At speed, the frame talks back.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The RXV 550 has the lower seat: 37.0 in (940 mm) vs 39.2 in (996 mm).
- The RXV 450 has the lower wet weight: 262 lb (119 kg) vs 315 lb (143 kg).
- The RXV 550 makes more peak power: 71 hp (52 kW) vs 61 hp (45 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Wrong job for both
If this is your first motorcycle, keep looking. Neither one makes learning easy.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
RXV 550
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive top-end power from the V-twin
Trade-offs
- Notorious reliability issues, especially 2006-2007
RXV 450
What owners say
Strengths
- Strong, tractable V-twin power
- High‑quality competition chassis
Trade-offs
- Demanding maintenance schedule
- Limited parts and dealer support
- Hard work in tight terrain
Known problems to check before you buy
RXV 550
- Engine case sealant failure causing oil/water mix The factory-applied sealant on the engine cases (especially on 2006-2007 models) deteriorates, leading to coolant mixing with oil and potential engine damage.
- Electrical wiring and component failures Chronic electrical issues including wires burning, breaking, and EFI glitches, causing sudden stops.
- Starter motor failures The starter motor is prone to failure, often after minimal use, requiring replacement.
RXV 450
- 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.
What they share
- Engine
- 77° V-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 2.1 US gal (7.8 L)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Front tire
- 90/90-21
- Rear tire
- 140/80-18
- Ground clearance
- 15.6 in (396 mm)
- Rear travel
- 11.8 in (300 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| RXV 550 | RXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 37.0 in (940 mm) | 39.2 in (996 mm) |
| Wet weight | 315 lb (143 kg) | 262 lb (119 kg) |
| RXV 550 | RXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 549 cc | 450 cc |
| Power | 71 hp (52 kW) | 61 hp (45 kW) |
| Torque | 49 lb-ft (66 Nm) | 40 lb-ft (54 Nm) |
| RXV 550 | RXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) | 11.8 in (298 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| RXV 550 | RXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
