Aprilia V-Twin Mxer Debuts

APRILIA V-TWIN MXER DEBUTS

There’s more to four-stroke motocross than just Thumpers! Aprilia’s prototype MXV450 V-Twin moto-bike made its first Italian national and World Motocross appearances. Results were mixed (best was fourth in the national), but development is getting serious. Horsepower from the compact 77-degree V-Twin-known as the “45.V2”-is said to be about 70. The electric-start mill uses EFI to feed chain-driven sohc heads with four titanium valves per cylinder. Transmission (fouror five-speed options) and engine lubrication are separate. Unusual styling is highlighted by twin underseat mufflers and no sidepanels. Unique continues forward, with a combination aluminum/steel frame. The steel top trellis holds the steering head and slip-fits into the aluminum lower half, in which the aluminum trellis swingarm pivots. Marzocchi supplies suspension. Production debut is unknown, especially with Apriiia’s recent financial woes. Motocross your fingers!

-Jimmy Lewis