Ducati V4 S vs Aprilia RSV4

People are asking how will the Ducati V4 perform against the Aprilia or how will it perform in general. Correct me if Im wrong but isnt the current Ducati V4 they are using in their new model the same engine just tuned down a bit and less expensive internal parts the same engine used in 2015 motogp bikes? And hasnt that engine been used in Motogp since 2009? Which means R&D and engine development began at least in 2002 with smaller engine displacement to comply with motogp rules and went from the GP3 engine to todays engine and Stoner won with the GP8. If thats the case why would anyone question whether its good engine or not. Maybe Ducati hasnt won a motogp title since stoner but Dovi came close and finished 2nd. Who knows what next year will bring. I think it will be a better bike than the Aprilia RSV4 but then again rumors are that Aprilia will have a new flagship model for 2019.

Everyone one of these liter bikes is great including the german and japanese bikes. Each one has a different soul and each one fits every rider different. Not one of us here no matter how well we track our bikes will ever ride the bikes to their fullest potential like the motogp riders, wsbk riders, ama superbike riders, british cup riders or test riders. Enjoy what bike you have and ride it to your riding skills.

AmpForE said:

1 stationary piston?

If 2 stationary pistons result in more vibs than 4, does 1 stationary piston end up creating more vibration than 2?

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You got it wrong. Accelerating 1 stationary piston takes less energy than 2, which gives the crankshaft a smoother rotating speed. But it comes at the price of a more shaky engine and seat, but that must not be confused with a less smooth power delivery which comes from a smoother rotating speed.
The Yamaha crossplane is a curious thing as it also has some rocking vibrations without the balancing shaft, which comes from the 2 stationary pistons being opposite of one another, for example is piston 1 at BDC at the same time as piston 4 is at TDC.

The V4 of Ducati actually sets the TDC sequence of each bank almost like that of a Harley Davidson, at 70 degrees spacing on the Ducati and 65 degrees on the HD. Not sure if the ignition sequence is the same though, or if one of them is offset by 360 degrees/half a cycle...

Turbolag, thanks for the interesting info. Are you in the engine industry ? U sure seem to know stuff that is never spoken about.

It will be interesting to read the reviews and opinions on the comparison between the two when the shootouts begin.

In my own experience between the RSV4 and the 1199 Panigale, after I bought my RSV4 and tracked it I never used the 1199 on the track again. Even with the weight difference I felt comfortable and confident with the RSV4 day one. So it’s not just about weight, the bike needs to handle well and deliver the power in a useable manner too... Everyone’s riding abilities and styles will differ so there isn’t necessarily one bike that fits all.

Veteran said:

Turbolag, thanks for the interesting info. Are you in the engine industry ? U sure seem to know stuff that is never spoken about.

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No, only passionately enthusiastic about engines, tuning and engine control Trained as a cybernetics and automation engineer

[youtube]RnDlMxu3PO4[/youtube]

twin pulse

Macattack said:

[youtube]RnDlMxu3PO4[/youtube]



twin pulse

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I misunderstood the twin Pulse firing order. It may have been the launch videos that made it look like the two front and rear cylinders moved together. That never made sense to me, but a 90 degree V with a 70 degree crank makes much more sense, and I'm guessing it will not be so vibey as the L - twin. There may be one in my future yet! Lol

I own a 1299 and a RSV4 and both have their ups and downs. The RSV4 is smoother, has better street ergos and sounds way better than the Panigale. The 1299 has unmatched styling, great torque, and is light compared to the RSV4.

kozumasbullitt said:

I own a 1299 and a RSV4 and both have their ups and downs. The RSV4 is smoother, has better street ergos and sounds way better than the Panigale. The 1299 has unmatched styling, great torque, and is light compared to the RSV4.

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Coming from a RSV4 I agree with most of above. I think the street ergos is debatable.

AmpForE said:

Coming from a RSV4 I agree with most of above. I think the street ergos is debatable.

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The 1299 is easy to toss around but it is a killer on the wrists on longer rides. The RSV4 is more stable and feels better on the body on longer distances and freeway riding. I also have a 2017 RSV4 so the ergos are slightly updated over previous years.

I'm 6'4'' and the 1299 Pani fits me better than the 16 RSV4 that I had. There is no way to make the V4 as narrow as the v twin.

Why bring up a an Aprilia RSV on a Panigale V4 forum?

Exactly!!!

DucSyd said:

Why bring up a an Aprilia RSV on a Panigale V4 forum?

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What's wrong with the post? Or people like to live in a bubble and not want to see what's around them. OP has a fair point, Aprilia has been winning all shootouts lately. All of us didn't buy Ducati just because was winning it all, we love the brand and the look. Of course I would love to win those shootouts but won't make me change my mind and buy another brand.

I have been riding Ducati's for decades now, they very rarely win any magazine comparison tests. So don't bother reading them.

Soon as they factor in price and perceived reliability issues etc the Ducati is toast.

I couldn't give two "you now what's" to that, the immense pleasure I get from these Italian masterpieces is enough for me.

And yes, I am that one eyed.

And I have both and I like it.sorry I already said this before.

You gotta give credit to the ape because that bike is still rocking a 10 year old design with minor changes throughout the years and they still win 1st in reviews. Im like most and would never trade my duc for an ape but before i got the duc i wanted an ape lol Im pretty sure its the heaviest of the liters too

Forums are for info, fun, shooting the breeze etc. if we aren't allowed to discuss anything in case someone is offended, what's the point of a forum?
It will become a sterile place that will only be visited when in need.
To those who don't like Ape being mentioned, there is a easy solution. Ignore the thread.
But if youre commenting just to shoot the breeze and stir the pot, that's cool too.
All good.

Val213 said:

. Ducati v4 386lb dray vs rsv4rf 397lb dry.where u founded 35lb

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I raced an RSV4 for 2 years, then shitcanned it for the 1299S. I can tell you, that number is ......... The RSV4 is by far the heaviest sportbike I have ridden (and ive ridden about 50 of them).

The most important thing (to me) is that it doesn't get much lighter at all in race trim. THAT is the part most people don't realize.

Aprilia went through great lengths to try to reduce the curb weight of the RSV4. It has that tiny subframe and tail section, plastic gas tank, small headlights, etc. But that beefy ass frame, swingarm, headstock, and motor weigh a ton.

They made the bodywork small and light, which means while other bikes can lose 20-30lbs during race prepping, the RSV4 does not. In race trim, it is still ridiculously heavy. I HATED trying to push it up in the trailer at the end of race weekends.

In race trim, the Panigale is easily 60lbs lighter than the RSV4...and I can promise you that difference can be felt on track.

And don't get me started on that ........ fueling due to the ....... injector setup on the RSV4....

Finally someone who really knows. All these magazine pilots that think the RSV4 weighs around 450 wet. Try 468 wet, on a really good day!!