Aprilia RSV4R Factory versus 1199

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Makes me glad to be in Europe where Ducati support in these islands comes direct from the factory.

It's first class support here from my experience but expectations might be different as I'm used to a country where everything stops everyday for siesta, everything is closed at weekends and power and water in your house feels optional at times it goes off so often...

Guess they are first world issues you suffer in the US where everything must be perfect and now otherwise you sue? ;-)
 
Meh... call me a loon but I've always thought I'm the one with the soul and character. My bike just allows me to express it through how I ride. So that will never be a deciding factor in what motorcycle I buy.

The factors for me are:
  1. Suitability for intended usage
  2. Features
  3. Price

Looks is and isn't a factor. I've already eliminated anything I don't find appealing before running the list. An uncomfortable, difficult to ride motorcycle isn't suitable for any usage imo. Those can be deadly distractions when focus and attention is required, like freeway riding.

Performance is a non-issue since I'm not buying an "off the shelf" track bike. Everything above a 250cc is overpowered for any signifcant street, which any non-track specific bike will see. Or what I like to say "our bikes can go from 0 to Stupid faster than 'I wonder if this is a good idea?'".

I bought the s1krr because it hit every mark on my list. I upgraded to the HP4 because it fleshed out the areas where my 2011 was weak (intrusive TC, handling, corner turn in, brutal braking). I bought the HP4 Carbon because I'm impatient (+2 months for a standard). But it fills all my needs and wants. I suggest the OP do the same: figure out what's a non-factor and order what's important. You'll pick what's right for you. And screw whatever anyone else thinks.
 
i think if you screw what everyone else thinks you'll invariably always in 2013 end up with the beemer or better yet the Ape Factory.

Meh... call me a loon but I've always thought I'm the one with the soul and character. My bike just allows me to express it through how I ride. So that will never be a deciding factor in what motorcycle I buy.

The factors for me are:
  1. Suitability for intended usage
  2. Features
  3. Price

Looks is and isn't a factor. I've already eliminated anything I don't find appealing before running the list. An uncomfortable, difficult to ride motorcycle isn't suitable for any usage imo. Those can be deadly distractions when focus and attention is required, like freeway riding.

Performance is a non-issue since I'm not buying an "off the shelf" track bike. Everything above a 250cc is overpowered for any signifcant street, which any non-track specific bike will see. Or what I like to say "our bikes can go from 0 to Stupid faster than 'I wonder if this is a good idea?'".

I bought the s1krr because it hit every mark on my list. I upgraded to the HP4 because it fleshed out the areas where my 2011 was weak (intrusive TC, handling, corner turn in, brutal braking). I bought the HP4 Carbon because I'm impatient (+2 months for a standard). But it fills all my needs and wants. I suggest the OP do the same: figure out what's a non-factor and order what's important. You'll pick what's right for you. And screw whatever anyone else thinks.
 
Scores don't always go like that - for instance.

Desmo V4.
Build qual. 8 10
Comfort. 5 7
Handling. 5 9
Power. 9 9
Usable power. 9 10
Brakes. 7 9
Traction. 0 10 (as in traction control ?)
Gear box. 5 10
Sound. 10 8 (assuming 1-10, the Desmo wins)
Straight line stab. 5 10
Looks. 10 10 (subjective)
Price 2 8
Service Issues 2 8


77 110


So in this case, the Aprilia would kill the Desmo badly - but I would imagine 9 out of 10 people would say - given the choice that they could, would take the desmo to ride for 3 years over the APRC Factory .. There is a certain element of desire and lust that factors into certain bikes that either you value or you don't. So while the RSV4 and Panigale score higher in those categories than say a S1K.
 
i think if you screw what everyone else thinks you'll invariably always in 2013 end up with the beemer or better yet the Ape Factory.

Naw... I can't convince an ex-coworker off gixxers. Hell, he even thinks they're good enough to beat the HP4... on a 600... in a straight line.

Doesn't matter how many riders tell him it's physically impossible :D
 
Motorcycles for me aren't for transportation or a tool that's the best for its use. I've found that its best for me to chose with my heart that which instills passion and desire. Last time I bought a new bike by crunching the numbers it just sat in the garage for a year unused. A beautiful day would come and I'd walk out to the garage fully intending to ride. I'd look at the bike then turn around and shut the garage door and figure there was something better to do. A year later I traded the bike in not even broken in or modded in any way. From then on I've always bought with my heart. If I can't look at my bike with lust in my heart, it's the wrong bike.
 
Motorcycles for me aren't for transportation or a tool that's the best for its use. I've found that its best for me to chose with my heart that which instills passion and desire. Last time I bought a new bike by crunching the numbers it just sat in the garage for a year unused. A beautiful day would come and I'd walk out to the garage fully intending to ride. I'd look at the bike then turn around and shut the garage door and figure there was something better to do. A year later I traded the bike in not even broken in or modded in any way. From then on I've always bought with my heart. If I can't look at my bike with lust in my heart, it's the wrong bike.

Amen
 
I actually had a deposit down on the HP4 competition package. I had a 2010 S1000rr, so I kind of knew what to expect. Then, I went to the seattle motorcycle show mainly just wanting to eyeball the new HP4 I had money down on.....low and behold I was a tad disappointed. Granted it was not the competition package, but still....just reminded me of my old S1000rr with a different paint job. Then I managed to walk over to where the crowd was.....the Ducati stand....low and behold I was in love. Don't get me wrong, my s1000rr was a great bike and I bet the HP4 even moreso....but Something about riding the panigale just gives me 10x more enjoyment. The s1000rr aside from being fast was just kind of boring and uninspiring to ride. I wouldn't fault anyone who has one...just my 2 cents. Get what you like...and yes I think looks should factor into that decision. I go out to the garage all the time and just look at the panigale. I had to cover it up while I wait for my service apt to keep from lusting over it...lol.
 
I actually had a deposit down on the HP4 competition package. I had a 2010 S1000rr, so I kind of knew what to expect. Then, I went to the seattle motorcycle show mainly just wanting to eyeball the new HP4 I had money down on.....low and behold I was a tad disappointed. Granted it was not the competition package, but still....just reminded me of my old S1000rr with a different paint job. Then I managed to walk over to where the crowd was.....the Ducati stand....low and behold I was in love. Don't get me wrong, my s1000rr was a great bike and I bet the HP4 even moreso....but Something about riding the panigale just gives me 10x more enjoyment. The s1000rr aside from being fast was just kind of boring and uninspiring to ride. I wouldn't fault anyone who has one...just my 2 cents. Get what you like...and yes I think looks should factor into that decision. I go out to the garage all the time and just look at the panigale. I had to cover it up while I wait for my service apt to keep from lusting over it...lol.

That's the right way to buy a bike!!!

:D
 
I've lusted after my fair share of utterly gorgeous women. Bagged a few of them too. And most weren't worth the baggage, issues and drama they carried with them. So I've learned basing my decisions even significantly on lust factor is the quickest way to buyer's remorse.

Reminds me of my first ride on the Pani. I was 2 miles from my destination, 90 miles into the ride, had to stop. Couldn't ride another inch. I remember getting off of the bike, walking around it and thinking "how could anything that looks that good be so awful?" Like landing a date with a supermodel and she's a .... from minute one.
Changed the seat and rear sets, somewhat better.
 
Scores don't always go like that - for instance.

Desmo V4.
Build qual. 8 10
Comfort. 5 7
Handling. 5 9
Power. 9 9
Usable power. 9 10
Brakes. 7 9
Traction. 0 10 (as in traction control ?)
Gear box. 5 10
Sound. 10 8 (assuming 1-10, the Desmo wins)
Straight line stab. 5 10
Looks. 10 10 (subjective)
Price 2 8
Service Issues 2 8


77 110


So in this case, the Aprilia would kill the Desmo badly - but I would imagine 9 out of 10 people would say - given the choice that they could, would take the desmo to ride for 3 years over the APRC Factory .. There is a certain element of desire and lust that factors into certain bikes that either you value or you don't. So while the RSV4 and Panigale score higher in those categories than say a S1K.
Last fall I had a chance to spend an entire trackday on the ape, awesome bike, very nimble, excellent suspension a bit down on power compared to the Pani but still very acceptable.

Would still buy the Pani 10 times over. With those headlights and overall design, that poor Ape ends up looking like the ginger stepchild and it will never bring out the passion the way the Pani does ( any RSV4 forums as active as this one?).
 
With those headlights and overall design, that poor Ape ends up looking like the ginger stepchild and it will never bring out the passion the way the Pani does ( any RSV4 forums as active as this one?).

More of the same Ford vs. Chevy thing. Back in 2000, I owned an Aprilia RSV Mille R when they first entered the superbike market and came to America. The Aprilia Forums were started back then and were a rabid bunch, learning about a new platform and how to mod it. Great group.

Now with 68,000+ members and 3,000,000+ posts, I think you can safely say that they are a passionate bunch and will argue all day that the RSV Factory trumps the Pani... ApriliaForum sponsored by AF1 Racing, inc.
 
Sorry guys..no offence, but I've had both bikes and the aprilia is the better machine..hands down at this point..Maybe some development will turn the tides, but the Ape does everything...everything better and easier than the Pani. I've seen some dyno's that say the Duc puts more down, but not sure how, cause it doesn't feel it at all.
Pani is better eye candy for sure, but the truth is it stops there.The Factory is a sick bike that is easy to go fast on and it's not a chore. Forums are for opinions and the truth and the Ape is the better bike hands down
 
I'm definitely not insane enough to try and convince someone on a Ducati forum that anything but a Ducati is the bike for them. I like my tar on roofs and my feathers in pillows...

But you MUST factor in more than lust and looks. Otherwise, the bike is just as likely to sit in the garage because it's a PITA to ride anywhere else. Pay $$$$$$ for a bike that looks good but sucks anywhere but a track? Where, by the way, you'll strip off all those pretty fairings for track plastics.

Otherwise one day your ass will be hurting, you'll be sending the bike to the dealer to replace the left controls after 6k miles or some guy on a "lesser" bike will dust you thoroughly and you'll get utterly fed up with your decision.
 
Reminds me of my first ride on the Pani. I was 2 miles from my destination, 90 miles into the ride, had to stop. Couldn't ride another inch. I remember getting off of the bike, walking around it and thinking "how could anything that looks that good be so awful?" Like landing a date with a supermodel and she's a .... from minute one.
Changed the seat and rear sets, somewhat better.

That's how my F4 felt...lol.

Funny how different the bikes are from person to person. Still hoping you get yours sorted soon so you will love it. I am taking mine in on tues and will ask them about yours. Any more info to add as to what the problem is I can tell them?
 
I don't like the new gen Aprilias, I prefer the previous gen. The front end looks too much like a ....... Honda. And I can't be seen on a Honda :D .

hondarsv4.jpg
 
I am considering...Don't flame me.. Selling my 1199 and buying an '13 Aprilia Rsv4r Aprc Abs Factory ....

Obviously this is a Panigale forum so views will be biased but they will also be on the Ape forum too... so I have to start somewhere...:)

Can anyone give me any input on this bike?? It has Ohlins ..Carbon.. Adjustable swing arm.. adjustable steering geometry..Abs.. Brembos and its (Imo) a sweet looking bike...

I was considering a Hp4 but I rode a S1000 Saturday with an Akra pipe and whilst that bike is wicked..so wicked in m any ways.. It has very little torque and even less personality... Very disappointing actually..

So at the risk of getting beaten up..Aprilia??? Good bad or indifferent??

Stw,

A couple of weeks ago, I got to visually compare a brand new Aprila RSV4R with my 1199 Tricolore. Side by side.

I noticed the clocks on the Aprila go up to 15K rpm !

Now my buddy was delighted with his Aprila (and he has a 1098), he claimed the power delivery was smooth. He has not riden a 1199.

The Aprila is a sweat bike, great looks.

Knowing me he pitched real hard for me to get one, I patiently listened to all his pluses (no minuses were mentioned) and I basically concluded, yes the Aprila is a great looking bike, I prefer the 1199 hands down and across the board. Side by Side the 1199 just looks better and more advanced. I have enough hassle trying to get parts (often cash down and with 2+ months lead time), thus I really do not want to own an Aprilla and have to tolerate even worse parts availability issues.

If I was to get another bike I would be far more likely to get a 1199 R with a Termi Pro exhaust.

Trust this helps.
 
Last edited:
Stw,

A couple of weeks ago, I got to visually compare a brand new Aprila RSV4R with my 1199 Tricolore. Side by side.

I noticed the clocks on the Aprila go up to 15K rpm !

Now my buddy was delighted with his Aprila (and he has a 1098), he claimed the power delivery was smooth. He has not riden a 1199.

The Aprila is a sweat bike, great looks.

Knowing me he pitched real hard for me to get one, I patiently listened to all his pluses (no minuses were mentioned) and I basically concluded, yes the Aprila is a great looking bike, I prefer the 1199 hands down and across the board. Side by Side the 1199 just looks better and more advanced. I have enough hassle trying to get parts (often cash down and with 2+ months lead time), thus I really do not want to own an Aprilla and have to tolerate even worse parts availability issues.

I would be far more likely to get a 1199 R with a Termi Pro exhaust.

Trust this helps.

Cali


Thanks for that insight.. I do believe that the parts issues have largely been addressed by Piaggio and what you are referring to is some what historical.. Looks?? Well that's always going to be subjective but its hard to argue the 1199 is simply a beautiful looking bike... so any other bike I might buy would be a "step down" in that dept.

My biggest issue right now is the difference between my bike and the Rsv4r Factory is $6500 ...thats what it would cost me to change.. and that right now is simply not gonna happen.. I could buy a pretty good track bike for that (Daytona 675 :D) used of course... so I am going to sit tight and see what 2014 brings in the way of a new Aprilia ...

But I do not see myself getting another Ducati as and when I decide to change bikes in the future... and as I am not now a fan of the Beemer..The Ape seems to be somewhat of an inevitability ... But we shall see

Thank you for sharing anyway...:)
 

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