By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supermoto
Husqvarna SM 450 R (MY2005) vs Aprilia SXV 450 (MY2006)
Husqvarna SM 450 R vs Aprilia SXV 450: which one to buy, and what actually separates them.
Roll on the Husqvarna SM 450 R's throttle and its single barks hard off the bottom, then it's spinning freely to the top. The Aprilia SXV 450's V-twin snaps forward the instant you open it, and it stays controllable. Up top, it's surging like a race bike.
So which one do you buy?
The SM 450 R has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: SM 450 R
Running costs lean slightly toward the SM 450 R. A well-kept example of either matters more.
The SXV 450 has the edge if…
A confidence-building first motorcycle
A touch ahead: SXV 450
For your first season, the SXV 450 makes slightly more sense. Fit and confidence at a standstill still come first.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: SXV 450
On a twisty road, the SXV 450 edges ahead. Not by enough to settle it alone.
Racetrack use
Inches ahead: SXV 450
The SXV 450 pulls a nose ahead on track. Don't count on it doing the work for you.
What makes each one tick
SM 450 R
The SM 450 R's chassis wants to be flicked into tight bends, and the front holds whatever line you pick. Its big Brembo bites late, yet the lever keeps telling you what the front tire's doing. Street bumps don't get filtered: the firm suspension sends each one into the narrow seat. The exhaust howls out of corners.
Nils rode the SM 450 R in Austria in 2005 (NastyNils Testride).
SXV 450
The SXV 450's compact engine wants to live high in the revs, where it's at its most eager. On Angeles Crest Highway, its exhaust snarls from one bend into the next. At corner entry, there's not much mass in the light steel frame to drag on the turn-in. The front goes hunting for apexes.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The SXV 450 makes more peak power: 61 hp (45 kW) vs 49 hp (36 kW).
- The SM 450 R has the larger fuel tank: 2.4 US gal (9.1 L) vs 2.0 US gal (7.5 L).
- The SXV 450 has more fork travel: 10.8 in (275 mm) vs 9.8 in (250 mm).
Which one for the way you ride
Call it even on commuting. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
SM 450 R
What owners say
Strengths
- Incredible front brake power
- Punchy, free-revving engine
Trade-offs
- Severe discomfort on the street
- Minimal electrical system
SXV 450
What owners say
Strengths
- Exhilarating 77° V-twin power delivery
- Exotic and exclusive appeal
Trade-offs
- Historically fragile reliability
- Demanding maintenance schedule
- Poor parts availability and dealer support
Known problems to check before you buy
SM 450 R
- Clutch line and slave cylinder failures The OEM clutch hydraulic line is prone to crimp failures at the banjo fittings or cuts in the plastic sheathing. The Magura clutch slave cylinder can also fail, leading to total clutch loss.
- Battery and starter motor gremlins Several owners report difficulty keeping the battery charged and inconsistent starter engagement. In some cases the starter motor stuck on, damaging the one-way clutch.
SXV 450
- Coolant and oil mixing due to head gasket failure Internal coolant leaks between the cylinder heads can contaminate engine oil, leading to rapid wear and potential engine seizure. Most prevalent on early 2006–2007 models.
- Premature engine seal and gasket deterioration Various oil seals and gaskets are prone to leaking, especially around the case halves and cylinder bases, requiring frequent inspection and replacement.
- Electrical system gremlins and wire chafing Wiring harness issues lead to random stalling, failed restarts, and instrument cluster malfunctions. Poor speedo cable routing can cause it to rub against the front disc.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| SM 450 R | SXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 36.0 in (914 mm) | 35.8 in (910 mm) |
| SM 450 R | SXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 449 cc | 450 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder | 77° V-twin |
| Power | 49 hp (36 kW) | 61 hp (45 kW) |
| Torque | 33 lb-ft (44 Nm) | 31 lb-ft (42 Nm) |
| SM 450 R | SXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 US gal (9.1 L) | 2.0 US gal (7.5 L) |
| SM 450 R | SXV 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Rear tire | 150/60-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Ground clearance | 10.6 in (270 mm) | 12.5 in (318 mm) |
| Front travel | 9.8 in (250 mm) | 10.8 in (275 mm) |
| Rear travel | 11.4 in (290 mm) | 9.9 in (252 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
