Aprilia RSV4R Factory versus 1199

Stw · May 13, 2013

youngR said:
Thanks for Stw to start this thread and thanks to all who provided feedbacks.

I do like the compact size. It seems to be fun to ride for a smaller guy who is 5'8" like me.

Stw,

so no more HP4!??

I never test rode one but sat on few. I think it looks o.k. the front looks little bulky? not like clean cut model like Panigale.

Parts do matter to me so maybe I wont get it in the future as well.

Well..

I rode an s1000 not an Hp4 but these bikes are very similar.. and I just didn't like it... and as you know I was all for the Hp4... But its a very different bike from the 1199 and somehow a disconnected less visceral experience.. I totally understand these are hard concepts to communicate but that's how I felt... But I have no doubt its an awesome machine... just not for me..

996racer · May 13, 2013

Dont care how much cheaper the Ape is, it is not a monocoque, it is not a twin, its styling is not so avant guarde, and the exahust is so last decade! Progress costs, not rocking the boat is cheaper.

Capt CF · May 13, 2013

996racer said:
Dont care how much cheaper the Ape is, it is not a monocoque, it is not a twin, its styling is not so avant guarde, and the exahust is so last decade! Progress costs, not rocking the boat is cheaper.

Agreed on the looks. IMHO, it doesn't look much different than this.

Stw · May 13, 2013

I am never going to argue on styling...firstly that's a totally subjective thing and secondly I find it hard to dispute that the 1199 is the sweetest looking sport bike on the planet... But... I

VAST · May 13, 2013

the Ape isn't as "cool" for Starbucks posing. but if you drink that garbage coffee anyhow, it's hard to argue...when you get a new can and clean up the tail, the Ape looks really nice actually. and if you can't tell the difference in styling between the GSXR and the Ape, well then that too makes it hard to argue...

srleadjb · May 13, 2013

I'm on both forums (Mostly Ducati.ms) and own both an Ape and Duc (not Pani though) and they are both great brands. The Aprilia supply issues have been resolved and there is even a strong aftermarket available. The only issue maybe dealer distance, depending on where you live.

There are several guys on the AF1 forum who had Pani's and traded them for the Ape and are extrememly happy. Check out those threads for what I would say will be the most unbias (as they have actually owned both.)

Kind of funny to me that the main argument for the Pani is the looks. I'll admit if the Duc was actually a better bike, I would have gotten one, but looks alone just don't cut it....

Styler · May 13, 2013

Stw said:
Lol... Ok... well I have the dash issue.. Of course.. and reading on here I am feeling its an ongoing unresolved issue... I am loosing faith in Ducati.. Harsh maybe but true... now dont get me wrong.. This is no where close to a done deal (trading/selling bike).. I am mulling..but I'm feeling a little miffed about the whole thing..

I am in exactly the same position. I love my 1199 and the way it makes me giggle when I ride it; however, I cannot afford to have my dash replaced every few thousand miles... then there is the hydraulic clutch/MC that fails every 500 to 1000 miles until it is bled clean of air bubbles. I'll give mine the summer to stop burning out its fancy dash-ECU; and if I go through a third one, then it is up for sale.

Regarding what to buy in its stead, I'm going to wait for the 2014 models. I like the KTM naked bike that was highlighted at some of the shows as a prototype.

All the dreaming aside, inevitably for me, it comes down to the dealer network. I was seriously considering the RSV4; however, a poor dealer network where I live made me think otherwise.

Stw · May 13, 2013

Well... My dealer is maybe 20 mins from my place... so that's one issue that's not a concern for me...

Notec · May 13, 2013

Hopefully Wilks will chime in. He had the RSV4 some time ago and I believe it also saw track duty. Should be able to provide you with a fair comparison.

marior1 · May 13, 2013

I have both bikes and love them both. when you ride the ape you feel that you are siting on top of the bike rather than in it so you can move more from side to side. The duc has more torque and top end than the ape. I will say that the electronic control is much better on the ape and the quick shifter is easier. Had some issues with some loose coolant hoses on the ape that was fixed by a great dealer from NH seacoast sport cycle. the sound of the ape with a full akra is pretty unique ( f1 car reving up) but so is the duc so no clear winner there. looks wise, I prefer the duc.

ttkarp · May 13, 2013

The Ape would definitely be my 2nd choice behind the Pani. Unlike many of the previous points about it being bland, I think the V4 makes it relatively unique. You can't argue with the results in the racing world, and in numerous magazine comparisons where it's beaten the 1199. Stw, you know who makes a great exhaust for that bike right

Stw · May 13, 2013

ttkarp said:
The Ape would definitely be my 2nd choice behind the Pani. Unlike many of the previous points about it being bland, I think the V4 makes it relatively unique. You can't argue with the results in the racing world, and in numerous magazine comparisons where it's beaten the 1199. Stw, you know who makes a great exhaust for that bike right

Lol... Tt... I dont think I will be buying that...

youngR · May 13, 2013

Styler said:
I am in exactly the same position. I love my 1199 and the way it makes me giggle when I ride it; however, I cannot afford to have my dash replaced every few thousand miles... then there is the hydraulic clutch/MC that fails every 500 to 1000 miles until it is bled clean of air bubbles. I'll give mine the summer to stop burning out its fancy dash-ECU; and if I go through a third one, then it is up for sale.

Regarding what to buy in its stead, I'm going to wait for the 2014 models. I like the KTM naked bike that was highlighted at some of the shows as a prototype.

All the dreaming aside, inevitably for me, it comes down to the dealer network. I was seriously considering the RSV4; however, a poor dealer network where I live made me think otherwise.

Dealer network is very important to me since I more than likely to live in a small town for work.

Stw · May 13, 2013

marior1 said:
I have both bikes and love them both. when you ride the ape you feel that you are siting on top of the bike rather than in it so you can move more from side to side. The duc has more torque and top end than the ape. I will say that the electronic control is much better on the ape and the quick shifter is easier. Had some issues with some loose coolant hoses on the ape that was fixed by a great dealer from NH seacoast sport cycle. the sound of the ape with a full akra is pretty unique ( f1 car reving up) but so is the duc so no clear winner there. looks wise, I prefer the duc.

Ok...Hard question... If you had to pick??? Which one??

Socal · May 13, 2013

For the money, I think the Aprilia is the best deal out of the exotic brands. You get a done of upgrades for the money (brakes, suspension, etc).

The top end has a little to be desired but the Aprilia also puts down some of the fastest last times in all of the test. On top of it, Aprilia is running a huge discount on 2012s.

I would've picked one up if they weren't so compact.....just doesn't work for me.

haggomyeggo · May 13, 2013

is the MV agusta F4 RR Corsacorta in this discussion?

looks better than ape IMHO
new one has solid electrics TC and ABS
lots of power....i think 201 on the factory Corsacorta?

Socal · May 13, 2013

I almost bought the MV F4rr.....it is really heavy........like 50lbs more than anything else

Stw · May 13, 2013

haggomyeggo said:
is the MV agusta F4 RR Corsacorta in this discussion?

looks better than ape IMHO
new one has solid electrics TC and ABS
lots of power....i think 201 on the factory Corsacorta?

Well this ia a specific question.. The MV is a pig IMO

southeastduc · May 13, 2013

STW, I think xbox was passing a warning on that Aprilia's warrantee support has been questionable in the past. Personally, I attribute this to smaller scale dealers in the past. I don't know if this has changed. You should definitely sit on one & hopefully test ride it. I think they are fine for shorter riders, but a 6' rider may feel cramped.

Stw said:
Can you be less cryptic please???

Xbox · May 13, 2013

southeastduc said:
STW, I think xbox was passing a warning on that Aprilia's warrantee support has been questionable in the past. Personally, I attribute this to smaller scale dealers in the past. I don't know if this has changed. You should definitely sit on one & hopefully test ride it. I think they are fine for shorter riders, but a 6' rider may feel cramped.

What i hear from friends that work at dealers is that the factory will not approve anything that isn't absolutely 100% broken.

Now, if I am referring to some very basic preventative steps that a dealer wants covered, where the factory would rather, for example, leave an engine to possibly seize, than change a few more parts and some more oil...... I would be worried.

Yes, I did own an Aprilia, yes they wouldn't change anything, so this resonated for me.

Aprilia RSV4R Factory versus 1199

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