Never have I ridden a dirtbike that attracts as much attention as this. Everyone who spies it does a double-take, makes a beeline for my pit area, gives the bike a good once-over and then waxes poetic about the futuristic styling: the shape of the frame, seat and plastic; the far-out front fender supports; the foam-covered air inlets in what appears to be the gas tank; and the dual exhaust outlets under the seat. Yet ironically, most don't notice the very feature that makes the Aprilia MXV 4.5 unique.

It's got two cylinders.

It's been a few years since the Italian company introduced its family of 450 and 550cc dual-sport and supermoto twins, and the motocrosser is the latest addition. Much more than a merely stripped-down version of its predecessors, the 'crosser features a heavily revised frame and engine aimed at optimizing power and weight.

Throw a leg over the MXV and, aside from the filler cap for the underseat gas tank being right in your crotch, most of the weirdness disappears. Until you kick-start it, and the fuel-injected, 449cc V-twin responds by revving out for a few seconds before falling back to idle, sounding like a pair of 250s parked side-by-side.

At low revs and slow speeds, the engine is torquey and tractable, pulling cleanly through technical sections and out of tighter corners. At higher revs and faster speeds, you'd better hold on tight, because this thing is a rocket! Fortunately there's a switch that lets you toggle from Hard to Soft engine maps, which is a real boon when you're tiring toward the end of a long moto. The spread of power from just above idle to 12,500 rpm is so broad that I didn't even realize the MXV had a four-speed gearbox until I read the specs afterwards! Those wanting more power have the option of switching the ignition timing from the standard Big Bang to Screamer mode, though you'd have to be seriously demented to do so.

Handling is excellent, particularly on the fast, rough tracks that are common in Europe (go figure). The spring rates felt too soft under my 200-plus pounds when landing off big jumps, and more so after shock fluid began seeping past the compression adjusters. But over big, sandy, desert-style whoops or braking bumps, the MXV was magic. Steering is better in fast sweepers than slow switchbacks, and the 238-pound (dry) bike does feel a tad heavy when it gets out of shape. Also, the engine is a bit low and wide, so the footpegs drag in rutted corners. But overall, this is a fine first effort from a company that most people don't realize started out making dirtbikes before turning its attention to the street.

The MXV 4.5 only really has two shortcomings. First, its twin-cylinder engine makes it illegal for AMA Pro Racing; check your local club's rules before you sign on the dotted line. And second, at $8499 it's expensive for a dirtbike, even compared to its fellow European exotics from Husqvarna, Husaberg and KTM.

That price won't seem so high to street riders, however, particularly those who've shelled out $15K or more for an Aprilia, Ducati or MV Agusta. And truthfully, if you've got one of those parked in your garage, the MXV 4.5 is the only worthy stablemate shod with knobs.

Particularly if you like being the center of attention.

tech
Spec

Price	$8499
Engine type	l-c 77-deg. V-twin
Valve train	SOHC, 8v
Displacement	449cc
Transmission	4-speed
Claimed horsepower	na
Claimed torque	na
Frame	Aluminum/steel composite
Front suspension	50mm Marzocchi inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension	Sachs shock with adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping
Front brake	Nissin two-piston caliper, 270mm disc
Rear brake	Nissin single-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Front tire	80/100-21 Dunlop D756F
Rear tire	120/90-19 Dunlop D756
Seat height	37.8 in.
Wheelbase	59.0 in.
Fuel capacity	2.0 gal.
Claimed dry weight	238 lbs.
Contact	www.apriliausa.com

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From across the street, you'd be forgiven if you mistook the new Suzuki TU250X for a well-kept T250. Except for the single-cylinder four-stroke engine, front disc brake and a few other modern amenities, it pretty much is a '71 T250. Small, lightweight and stylish, the TU is great for beginners or nostalgic riders who want the retro look coupled with modern reliability and performance.

The little Suzuki is powered by an efficient 249cc air-cooled single, updated for the 21st century with fuel injection and electronic ignition for instant starts and smooth running in all conditions. Replacing the blue haze of its pre-mix predecessor, the TU sucks straight 87 octane. To keep emissions low, exhaust is treated to a last-minute dose of fresh air from the well-hidden pulse-air plumbing before being forced through a catalytic converter housed within that tapered chrome muffler.


2009 Suzuki Tu250x Right Side View
The TU has the stability of a low-slung scooter, with the comfort to match. The saddle is generously padded, as is the pillion seat.

The 18-inch spoke wheels and large fenders exude classic style. Smooth lines, lustrous paint and an inviting size attract the eye, but look a little closer and you'll see a number of styling details usually reserved for more expensive models. The bar ends, horn, chain guard and various fasteners are chrome-plated-not the sort of attention to detail you'd expect on a bargain-priced motorcycle. Even the engine cases and fork lowers have been polished, adding to the TU's glimmering appearance. Kudos to Suzuki for cramming so much style into such an affordable package.

Bulbous side panels conceal most of the engine's unsightly life-support systems, keeping the engine window clean and uncluttered. Turn the right-side screw with a coin and the panel pops off to reveal the battery, fuse box and tool kit. Removing the left-side cover provides access to the air filter.


2009 Suzuki Tu250x Wheel
Braking duties are handled by a 275mm rotor and Gladius-spec Tokico two-piston caliper. A surprisingly effective drum brake resides out back.

Slip into the TU's sumptuously padded saddle and the swept-back bars place your hands at an agreeable height and width. Large, rubber-swathed footpegs offer a secure perch, with the big, knurled rear brake lever and shift lever within easy reach. A simple analog speedometer with odometer and tripmeter grace the top of the chrome headlight bucket. The minimalist dash is finished with large neutral and low-fuel lights inset in the black triple clamp.

Dab the starter and the little single jumps to life, settling into a barely-audible pitter-patter idle. Not too experienced with a clutch? The TU's short gearing and robust low-rpm torque make learning the basics simple. Setting the bike into motion is as easy as releasing the clutch lever. Left to idle, the 250 will creep along steadily at walking speed.

Once underway, the TU feels smooth and stable, propelled by a gentle wave of tractable power. A long wheelbase and low center of gravity contribute to a planted feel, whether plonking along in a parking lot or cruising down the boulevard. Power is sufficient to get the jump on city traffic, but brisk acceleration requires quick movement through the five-speed gearbox and a heavy hand on the throttle. Shift action is succinct, but things can get sticky when the engine gets hot sitting in traffic or after sustained high-rpm cruising.

2009 Suzuki Tu250x Engine
Like on its bigger brothers, Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) cylinder plating has been applied to the little TU to help improve power, efficiency and longevity.

Although its small size and humble displacement are best suited to cross-town jaunts or gentle back-road meanders, the Suzuki fares pretty well on the freeway. With the throttle rolled to the stop it tops out at about 85 mph, with the engine turning at what sounds like 8000 rpm. At freeway speed vibration is minimal, and the large mirrors provide a clear view of the rushing commuters bearing down on you. Despite the narrow 90/90 Cheng Shin front tire, the bike is unruffled by rain grooves and pavement irregularities, thanks no doubt to its generous trail. Braking equipment is more than ample to quickly slow the little TU from maximum speed, and the front brake lever has a taut, responsive feel. With 3.2 gallons of the cheap stuff on board, you can easily ride 150 miles between fill-ups. With a gentle wrist we were able to get about 68 mpg. Caning it on the freeway dropped that figure to 50 mpg.

The TU's 30.3-inch seat height and 328-lb. wet weight mean even smaller riders shouldn't find it a handful. The relaxed ergonomics proved acceptable to a surprisingly broad spread, from our tallest (6'2") to our shortest (5'4") test riders. Chalk it up to that soft, wide seat and those excellent handlebars.

While classic styling and an affordable price tag will attract riders to the TU250X, its sweet demeanor and reliable performance will seal the deal. If you're looking for a retro-style commuter or a friendly first bike, this just might be it.

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Who is Johnny Pag? He's a custom chopper builder turned production bikeproducer. His company, Johnny Pag Motorcycles, offers a line of Chinese-made cruisers, choppers and standards, all powered by an identical 300cc parallel-twin engine.

Recently we were invited to take a ride on JP's FX-3, a naked standard similar in appearance to the Honda Hawk. As I pulled away from Johnny Pag world headquarters in Irvine, California, every bike I had ever ridden suddenly snapped into focus as a paragon of performance engineering.

That's not to say the FX-3 isn't a fine motorcycle. It's just that having ridden more refined machinery, the bike is pretty lackluster. Luckily for Johnny, the FX isn't aimed at experienced riders. Pag explained that his machines are intended for first-time riders, and as such are an excellent introduction to the two-wheeled world.

With a low, 31-inch seat height, manageable 300cc engine and affordable $3399 price tag, the FX-3 is a very inviting first ride. It's freeway-legal, and actually freeway-able for short jaunts, so it makes a great short-distance commuter for someone who might otherwise gravitate toward a scooter. The styling is pretty neutral, with the only outstanding aspects being the undertail silencers and the smallish 15-inch rear wheel. My friend's 15-year-old son said something about it looking dope, fly or otherwise acceptably cool. I agree. If you haven't popped for the Lasik surgery yet and stand far enough away to miss the warty welds, this bike has a purposeful, naked-streetfighter look. It comes in black or red, with matte-black engine complete with "Johnny Pag" on the clutch cover.

The FX-3 is a stylish standard, but if you're looking for something more laid-back, JPM also has the stretched-out Spyder, Sportster-esque Pro Street and hard-tailed Barhog.

The DOHC two-valve engine is mundane but functional, and the braking components, although unidentifiable as to manufacturer, work quite well. The only obvious issue was a soft and under-damped fork, which made for some nose-plunging stops. Surprisingly, the FX comes with fully adjustable shocks, which worked well to smooth out the bumpy Orange Country back roads.

The question of reliability for this new brand is answered by a one-year factory warranty, which can be extended to four years. If needed, work can be done at any of JPM's 120 U.S. dealerships. The only mechanical issue that came up during testing was difficulty shifting. The tranny popped out of second several times, and was hard to get from second to third. To be fair, our testbike only had 57 miles on it and the transmission will likely benefit from some additional break-in miles.

After a weekend getting to know the FX-3, I could definitely go for it-but only if I'd never gone for anything else before. And that's just how Johnny Pag wants it.

Johnny Pag FX-3

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