By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Enduro vs Supermoto
Aprilia RXV 550 (MY2006) vs SXV 550 Supermoto (MY2008)
Aprilia RXV 550 vs SXV 550 Supermoto: where they split, and which one to buy.
In a cold garage with the drain pan out, you'll check the Aprilia RXV 550's oil for coolant first. The Aprilia SXV 550 Supermoto won't keep you away from that pan for long. Its oil's due again after barely any miles.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the SXV 550 Supermoto if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Better bet: SXV 550 Supermoto
When the bike has to work for a living, the SXV 550 Supermoto wins the commute clearly. It's down to a smaller footprint and easier maneuvering in tight spots.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
The pick: SXV 550 Supermoto
When your weekends are canyon roads and early starts, the SXV 550 Supermoto is clearly the better bike. The reason: lighter steering and more feel through the bars.
What makes each one tick
RXV 550
The RXV 550's V-twin saves its biggest hit for high revs, where there's a sudden rush of drive. The twin pulls hardest on open ground.
SXV 550 Supermoto
The SXV 550 Supermoto's V-twin snarls out of every corner, and it lunges forward like a competition supermoto with lights on. At 295 lb (134 kg) wet, it's light work to flick it from one apex to the next. The brake lever bites hard. The bike hauls down like a track-day machine.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The SXV 550 Supermoto has the lower seat: 35.8 in (910 mm) vs 37.0 in (940 mm).
- The SXV 550 Supermoto has the lower wet weight: 295 lb (134 kg) vs 315 lb (143 kg).
- The RXV 550 makes more peak torque: 49 lb-ft (66 Nm) vs 45 lb-ft (61 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Keeping running costs low
Not built for it: SXV 550 Supermoto
No running-cost verdict for the SXV 550 Supermoto. It doesn't fit this comparison.
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
SXV 550 Supermoto
What owners say
Strengths
- Race-bred power and handling
Trade-offs
- Demanding maintenance schedule
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.
SXV 550 Supermoto
- Engine case sealant failure Inadequate factory sealant between engine cases leads to oil leaks, often requiring a full engine teardown and reseal.
- Head gasket failure Some 2008 models experienced head gasket leaks, potentially due to inadequate sealing around the oil galleries. This issue appears to be less common than the case sealant problem of earlier years.
- Starter motor problems The starter motor is known to fail or become weak, causing difficulty starting or no-start conditions, especially when hot.
What they share
- Engine
- 77° V-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| RXV 550 | SXV 550 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 37.0 in (940 mm) | 35.8 in (910 mm) |
| Wet weight | 315 lb (143 kg) | 295 lb (134 kg) |
| RXV 550 | SXV 550 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 549 cc | 550 cc |
| Torque | 49 lb-ft (66 Nm) | 45 lb-ft (61 Nm) |
| RXV 550 | SXV 550 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 US gal (7.8 L) | 2.0 US gal (7.5 L) |
| RXV 550 | SXV 550 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 90/90-21 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 140/80-18 | 180/55-17 |
| Ground clearance | 15.6 in (396 mm) | 12.5 in (318 mm) |
| Front travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) | 10.2 in (260 mm) |
| Rear travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) | 9.6 in (245 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| RXV 550 | SXV 550 Supermoto | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
