Hyper 1100s vs. Aprilia SXV 550

[SilverTT]

Those of you who have ridden both I'm interested in opinions. I did do a search on the forum and while it seems a lot of people love the SXV 5.5 there weren't too many good comments on actually comparing the pros/cons vs the Hyper.

I've read all about the SXV and it seems from a power/weight ratio it could be a lot of fun. More nimble than the HM, over 100lbs lighter but still generates 60HP and something like 45 torque which is really impressive for only 1/2 the displacement of the HM.

Have also heard something about maintenance issues in the SXV - something like needing new rings at 50 hrs or something? That sounds kind of extreme for a purpose built street legal bike no? Anyone have a cost estimate on that service if you can't do it yourself?

I love the Hyper. Don't think anything will turn my eye away from it styling wise, love the low end torque, and the sound is beyond unbelieveable. Sometimes I go for a ride just to hear the bike's music. But I'm trying to get back into trail riding / fire trails / small jumps and the HM is just not the right bike for that. Its too heavy and downright too beautiful to risk dropping it on a gravel road or mud pit. I could keep both but financially would like to make a decision to choose one or the other if possible. Two-up riding is another consideration, which is obviously going to be superior on the HM.

Other thoughts?

Pics of the HM here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/danvene/DucatiHyper1100s#

[ilsrwy27]

The Hyper is not good at doing what the SXV does and the SXV is not good at doing what the Hyper does.
You're trying to compare bikes that belong in a different category and cannot really be compared IMO.

[acesanugal]

+1

[ZoeTard]

Originally Posted by ilsrwy27

The Hyper is not good at doing what the SXV does and the SXV is not good at doing what the Hyper does.

+1, Hyper not really for dirt, SXV not much fun running above 85 and no 2up with that seat/exhaust setup

I know what your saying, was in the same position 8 months ago, lots of dirt/fire roads around the area and friends with Sumos. Had a deposit on an SXV but was put off by the maint & dealer issues(in my area at least), then looked at a husky 610. I ended up with a 2007 KTM690sm at a smokin deal, great power, great gas mileage and FAR less maint the an SXV. And while the SXV might smoke my KTM on the track I have no problem keeping up with my SXV buddies on the twistys and seems to cruise at 85+ much easier.

Just my $.02, find a low mileage KTM690 for around $5k if you can swing it but don't get rid of the Hyper

[Revelstoker]

If you want a proper comparo between Ducati and Aprilia, use the Hyper and the Dorsoduro.

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_...100/index.html

[08hyper]

Its true about the SXV, they say you have to redo the top end every 50hrs, pistons, rings, pins, maybe even the valves, this is considered their "tune-up"

The SXV IS a fun bike, but if you actually have to drive it on the freeways to get to the Canyons, you will hate it. IMHO Aloha Alex

[dhc8guru]

Another way to look at it...
I am one who is real nervous about buying from companies in financial trouble and Aprillia's parent company Piaggio is one of those companies. In the past, Piaggio has been riding fat on selling Vespa's faster than they can produce them, allowing them to pump the cash in from overpriced scooters into Aprilia and Moto Guzzi in the hopes they would find there way into becoming viable players in the motorcycle market. Read between the lines of most motorcycle articles and you'll find the engineers at Piaggio and Aprillia butt heads on design. Piaggio has been trying to integrate those two departments for some years now with marginal success but it is starting to come around. Piaggio engineers have the upper hand in design over Aprillia. Sounds like Aprillia is clinging on to the "this is how we do it" mentallity. Probably why you find Aprillia has some engineering issues, like fuel mappings that are way off, piston rings premature failure etc. I think its pretty hit and miss between Aprillia bikes. I have heard a few people having nothing but issues and long wait times for parts and others have had no issues what so ever.
Personally, I would play it safe and go with Ducati. Atleast you will have a nice quality, well built bike with proven designs and components.

[merovingian]

I think the hyper is more comparable to the dorsoduro (though still in different leagues)

12,000km major service or 3000km engine rebuild, tough decision.

Having said that I almost grabbed an SXV550 a while back but got screwed around by the dealer and ended up going elsewhere with a GSXR, the Ape is a hella fun bike, insane sound, looks that could kill but a maintenance schedule that actually IS a killer (if you get a good engine that is..... there were some that weren't sealed properly from the factory in the 07 08 range from memory)

The thing I like about the hyper is you can ride it quiclkly like a sport bike (crouched with knee out) or you can switch to supermoto style (upright anti lean foot out). Personally I find with the hardcore racy supermotards like the ape sxv's you are restricted to the latter for fast riding.

Horses for courses though

[minusone]

Checking valves on SXV is easier than a Hyper ...... once you drop the engine from the frame!

[Crank1000]

Everybody here is right on point. SXV is a f*ing MONSTER, but not recommended for highway use, or long term riding. It is NOT a purpose built street bike. It is a purpose built RACE bike that *happens* to be street legal. However, if you're looking for a track bike, and it was between the two, SXV hands down. If you want to ride on the freeway for more than an exit or two, Hyper is the way to go.

And if you have any concerns about maintaining a bike, and aren't very experienced with bike mechanics, the SXV is absolutely not your bike.