RXV Dakar brings Aprilia to rally racing

Aprilia_RXV_dakar.jpgThis Aprilia RXV 4.5 was modified to compete in this year’s Dakar rally before the race was cancelled due to security concerns. Designed by Bart van den Bogaard, the modifications significantly boost the Aprilia’s ability without fundamentally altering its design. Along with the KTM 640 LC4 Adventure-style fairing and Pegaso headlight — combined to great effect — Bart added a new underseat fuel tank, rear water reservoirs and two new side-mounted fuel tanks. Created with help from Aprilia Netherlands, Henk Knuiman has been able to ride the RXV Dakar to some success in subsequent, less important rallies.
Aprilia_RXV_Dakar_2.jpgWhile the overall design of the modifications is cohesive enough to make the RXV Dakar look like a stock Aprilia, we doubt we’ll see a machine like this on showroom floors any time soon. The 450cc and 550cc Aprilia twins are simply considered too high-strung and maintenance-intensive for a production adventure bike. We’ll have to wait till next year, when the Dakar moves to South America, to see more of the bike.

B-Art
Wes Siler. June 25, 2008 — — Deli.icio.us — Digg

(1) Comments

Thanks for the positive comments and link guys.

B-art

B-art on June 29, 2008 6:52 PM

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