FIRST LOOK: APRILIA RX50 AND SX50
FOLLOWING THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS OF THE RXV AND SXV, HERE
COME THE BRAND NEW RX 50 AND SX 50, TWO SMALL BIKES THAT ARE BIG ON TECHNOLOGY.
BOTH DELIVER BLISTERING PERFORMANCE TO MATCH THEIR EXTREME GOOD LOOKS, AND
PROVIDE THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE OFF-ROAD AND MOTARD RIDING.
APRILIA RX 50, SX 50
The Aprilia RXV and SXV were the first bikes in the world to
break the ‘single cylinder’ taboo and install a high performance twin in enduro
and supermotard motorcycles. At the time it was seen as an almost impossible
challenge to develop an off-road twin that would still be accessible to the
riding public. But Aprilia’s R&D had the conviction, determination and
experience for the job, and victories in top level competitions soon came
flooding in, followed by the world supermotard championship title.
But at Aprilia, we have never been satisfied to rest on our
laurels. We see racing as the most effective method of testing new ideas and
solutions that we can then introduce across the range, from our flagship model
to our 50 cc machines.
The new babies in the Aprilia range, the RX and the SX, are
inspired by Aprilia’s world-beating off road twins. The RX 50 and SX 50 are
clearly dedicated to young riders seeking the best technology around plus
head-turning good looks.
The RX 50 enduro and SX 50 supermotard are high performance
50 cc machines. They are both powered by an engine of the latest generation and
feature the sort of chassis that many big can only envy.
Don’t be fooled by the size of the 50 cc engine. The RX and
SX are real motorcycles, and just at home on tough racing circuits as they are
on the daily trip from home to school or college.
Their design speaks for itself. Their sharp, clear-cut lines
derive directly from the RXV/SXV off-road style icons. Just as their bigger
sisters before them, the RX and SX are on their way to create a whole new
fashion in 50 cc styling.
The new perimeter frame forms a direct connection between
the steering head and the swingarm pivot, in line with the latest off-road
developments. The frame is made from high strength steel to absorb all the
stress that hard off-road riding can transmit. This synthesis of strength and
lightness is the perfect match for the characteristics of the RX/SX 50. The
suspensions are another one of the strong points of these exceptional
motorcycles. At the front there is a mighty Marzocchi fork with 40 mm stanchions giving a
wheel travel of 195 mm,
more than enough to absorb even the hardest knocks. At the back, the high
strength steel swingarm is damped by an advanced hydraulic monoshock giving a generous
180 mm
of rear wheel travel to ensure that the RX/SX 50 can tackle even the toughest
terrains.
The imposing front brake is abundantly over-sized to ensure
safe, competition standard braking and stopping. The ventilated steel disc is 260 mm in diameter on the RX
enduro and an amazing 300 mm
in diameter on the SX motard, bigger than on any alternative 50 cc bike. The
floating front caliper is a twin piston unit. The rear brakes are up to the job
too, with a 180 mm
stainless steel disc and a powerful caliper with two opposing pistons.
The wheels are another essential part of any competition
machine, and one of the most distinctive elements on these small off-road
Aprilias. Aluminium has been adopted for its light weight and exceptional
stress resistance. The RX is equipped with a 21” front wheel and an 18” rear wheel, just as on real
competition enduro bikes. The SX is fitted with two 17” wheels with wide profile
tyres for superb handling around town or on a twisting cart track.
Such an amazing chassis obviously demands an engine to
match. That is why the RX and SX are powered by Aprilia’s advanced liquid
cooled, single cylinder two stroke engine with reed valve induction. Use of the
latest technology ensures that this new engine delivers exceptional performance
from a surprisingly low weight (only 15 kg). Lubrication is provided by a separate
mixing system, with a variable displacement volumetric pump. A kick start has
been preferred to save weight. A six speed gearbox makes the best possible use
of the power delivered by this impressive engine.
On top of all this the RX and SX also benefit from the sort
of prestige components normally found only on far bigger bikes. The
ultra-compact digital instruments feature an innovative design and perform a
range of functions to keep all parameters under constant control. Twin
headlights add another touch of personality and guarantee superior night-time
visibility.
The long seat extends over the compact fuel tank to provide
ample room for movement under sport riding conditions. Tank capacity is 7 litres. Considering the
extremely limited fuel consumption of the 50 cc engine, the Aprilia RX 50 and
SX 50 therefore have plenty of autonomy for all types of use.
Just like all Aprilia motorcycles, the RX and SX also
respect nature: the exhaust is fitted with a catalytic converter, and emissions
respect euro 2 standards without penalising the advanced performance of the
Aprilia 50 cc engine.
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