In 2008, the Italian motorcycle maker released the Aprilia SXV 550, the larger-displacement version of the SXV 450. Compared to its smaller sister, the Aprilia SXV 550 was similar in appearance and delivered more power.
The Aprilia SXV, alongside the RXV, was a dual-sports supermoto motorcycle manufactured by Aprilia from 2006 to 2010. The SXV was available in a 450cc version and a larger 550cc displacement.
In the visual department, the motorcycle packed standard features, such as a small headlight integrated into a tiny cowl, a high-mounted front fender, an engine cover, a one-piece dual seat, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, and wire-spoke wheels shod with road tires.
The 2008 Aprilia SXV 550 was powered by a 549cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine mounted underneath its fuel tank and fed by a fuel injection system. The bike delivered 70 hp, sent to the rear axle through a five-speed manual transmission and a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 180 kph (112 mph).
The braking power was achieved by a 320 mm brake disc mounted on the front wheel and assisted by a four-piston caliper. The rear wheel was fitted with a 240 mm brake disc squeezed by a two-piston caliper.
For suspension, the motorcycle packed a 48 mm adjustable upside-down fork on the front and an adjustable monoshock on the rear, providing optimum suspension performance and handling capabilities.