First Post ALL Opinions welcome/ encouraged (but please try and bring some facts)

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

mark419ny said:
this may be a first for me but go get the ducati. i have a few buddies that like the aprilla and i am not saying it isnt a great bike, however lots of these purchases are emotional purchases and i think the APE looks like a honda. yes i said it.

i believe the APE may have the best electronics but what does that really mean. i know ducati isnt that bad. you also have the dealer network.

so of the 2 if the msrp isnt your main deciding factor get the ducati.

now if we are talking a loaded s1000rr that's a different story.

enjoy the ducati

You mentioned the s1000rr.... I love the bmw... on paper...
To me, seeing the bmw in person... Best way to describe it is, It's like seeing a super fit, smoking hot woman at the gym on a stair master from behind in yoga pants and a sports bra.. you walk up to get closer and the closer you get to her the better she looks but... then it happens, she turns around and you see her face, and you instantly know why she works out so hard.. Her face is F*cked up like a Football bat. You instantly don't know whether to vommit, cry or assume the fetal position but you know you feel dirty and wrong because you honestly know you were staring hard at what can only be described as an abomination...

That's the BMW in a nut shell and yes it's purely an emotional thing

.

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

Scheffy said:
I'd still recommend taking the 959 for a spin to get a baseline of the 1299's road manners. The ergos are basically the same so you can determine if those are tolerable. Engine-wise, keep in mind you can switch between power modes and the 1299 in Wet mode is roughly what the 959 feels like normally. I bump mine down to Wet whenever I'm in town, traffic, etc. just to take the edge off the throttle and it makes it perfectly tolerable if you're already used to the general jumpiness of any modern sportbike throttle IMHO. Plus if you're looking at the S model, you can have the suspension soften up in Wet mode too to make it even more tame.

Riding position aside, the only other two problems for slow riding for me are the extremely tall first gear (seems to be a standard Ducati feature, which is to say it's probably just a sprocket swap away from being mostly addressed) and the heat under the seat and on the back of your legs. Not much you can do about that one so just consider it penance for all the power you get.

Kinda sounds like the 1299 is speaking to you a little more though and you just need a ride to seal it. Tool around on that 959 for a bit and if it seems like you can deal with the overall road character of the thing, an extra 50 hp will add a whole new dimension of silliness.

And who knows, maybe you'll find the 959 suits your needs just fine? The leftover funds would buy a pretty bitchin set of CF wheels and a Tuneboy with a smoother engine map and cruise control...

Well Aug 4,5,6 is the DRE I was invited to in B-ham. Pretty much exactly what Jime told me as well. But, If the demo day in Chatanooga, TN has a 1299 I will go give it a whirl

. If I go w/ the 1299, it will be from Jime because this guy spent about 2.5 - 3 hrs shooting the breeze with me while I just sat there on the 959 on the stand with the wife. (we rode 2 up down from huntsville on her ninja, because I thought it might have been an oh, this is the one type moment and drive home with the problem solved

). But since they only had a 959, and I honestly sat on it for almost 2 hours of that time while we talked out pretty much everything in my first post. He kept it going by introducing me to alabmadesmo group, fb page etc.. gave me the ducati riding magazine, the panigale book, really went above and beyond w/ 0 pressure. He even insisted to go up to TN and check out the RSV, come back for the demo day and THEN pull the trigger.

on #struggle (but this kind of tough choice is the best to be in

)

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

SuperDuc29 said:
How about the naked version of the RSV4? That would be more comfortable than the two you're looking at. Otherwise I'd go for the 1299 with the dealer support. Sketchy dealer support gets old real fast.

.... I agree the standard riding position is nicer but, if I wanted the turono I'd have to go the supersport S as well, and.. Not really what I am into. Not yet at least I can still easily handle the punishment supersports offer

.. Maybe a few more long years down the road I might switch it up..

But if trying to BUY a bike from a dealer is a challenge (rsv4) I can't imagine what it would be like if there was a mechanical issue to fight for warranty work...

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

mark419ny said:
obviously you have never seen the south park about harley riders. one of the best ever and so so true.

[youtube]QHEflMDg9tE[/youtube]

OMG... I completely forgot about this episode.. I am dying because it is the main reason I despise the Milwaukee crowd lol.

cpettit · Jul 17, 2017

jpiwko said:
.... I agree the standard riding position is nicer but, if I wanted the turono I'd have to go the supersport S as well, and.. Not really what I am into. Not yet at least I can still easily handle the punishment supersports offer .. Maybe a few more long years down the road I might switch it up..

But if trying to BUY a bike from a dealer is a challenge (rsv4) I can't imagine what it would be like if there was a mechanical issue to fight for warranty work...

Aprilia's are easy to buy. You just have to get one from AF1 racing in Texas or from the place in Mchenry Maryland (extreme powersports or something). You'll get a great deal either way. As far as a dealership goes, I live in Cincinnati we don't have Ducati Aprilia or anything cool like that but we still buy all the bikes. Got to learn to wrench!

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

mrailing said:
http://ducati1299.com/ducati-1199/29077-1199-vs-rsv4-factory.html#post287458

I just posted that comparison there.

I can add:

Comfort - RSV4. The 1299 is freaking hot, it's narrow, and I hurt worse from riding it. The ergonomics on the RSV4 feel a bit better and for riding 200 miles, I hurt less... Still hurt and not super comfortable.

I think both bikes are sexy, but I'm biased. I own the 1299 S, my wife owns the RSV4 (2016). The 2017 has the sexy dash, but otherwise it mostly the same between the 16 and 17.

If you ask on this forum I would bet most answers are the 1299. If you ask on the Aprilia boards, you are going to get RSV4.

Like I said in the other post, which one gives you the biggest chubby/smile?

#householdenvy !!!! If I could get my wife to give up and go to a bigger bike (she's 5'4" / 125 so a 600 still puts a big old smile on her face) I would simply copy you good sir!

Seeing as you have both under one roof, you feel the struggle if you only had to pick one lol.

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

cpettit said:
Aprilia's are easy to buy. You just have to get one from AF1 racing in Texas or from the place in Mchenry Maryland (extreme powersports or something). You'll get a great deal either way. As far as a dealership goes, I live in Cincinnati we don't have Ducati Aprilia or anything cool like that but we still buy all the bikes. Got to learn to wrench!

Wrenching isn't the issue for me it's the dropping 20+k on something and then get a little issue creep up thats obviously a manufacturing defect. Or the ever popular valve clearance service for almost all high performance bikes. (when I did the first one on my 08 gsxr it was north of 1k, so when I went for round 2 I pulled to motor and did a full port/polish yosh cam upgrade myself.).

Manufacturers should stand behind their products unequivocally, that is what keeps people loyal coming back.

Ara · Jul 17, 2017

I currently own variants of both bikes you're looking at. They're fairly different as far as the riding experience is concerned. As others have already said, you need to decide which once speaks to you the loudest. The Aprilia is damn near a perfect motorcycle. It does everything really well, and brings out the best in pretty much any rider. Probably the best sounding motorcycle as well, IMO. The Panigale feels like a brute in comparison. It feels noticeably lighter, and less forgiving. Having said that, when you get it right on the Panigale, it's extremely rewarding. Bottom line to me is that one bike makes you work for the reward, where the other rewards any skill level. Can't go wrong either way. Good luck in your decision.

kozumasbullitt · Jul 17, 2017

jpiwko said:
So I am on the fence truly between the 1299 & I know... RSV4 RR

I literally stuck in the middle to which bike to get emotionally and geographically.
I live in Huntsville, AL so either I drive north to TN (120+ miles one way) for the Aprilia Dealership who's been less then forth-giving on information much more than is on their dealer site. OR the complete 180; drive 90+ miles south, to hands down one of the most helpful, social and friendly dealership (Big #1 Motorsports) I have ever dealt with in 12+ years of riding (and no I have 0 affiliations with them I just had the pleasure of working with Jime explaining all my issues and why I am on the fence).

So here goes

Looks over the RSV4.... I believe Nuff said here. D 1. vs. A 0

Price D 1 vs. A 1
(to get a comparable bike you're looking at the 959 which has nowhere
close to the electronics that is standard with the RR)

Comfort... D 1 vs. A 1
well I have yet to sit on a 1299 but, I owned an 07' 1098 for 3 short months in Hawaii before it was stolen (R.I.P. )
TBD

Reliability. D 2 vs. A 1
I have seen many MANY issues with both but, the dealer support network thus far is highly favored to Duc. Aprilia seems to be sketchy.

Upgrade goodies. D 3 vs. A 1
way more aftermarket available for duc. from factory to other vendors.

Power D 3 vs. A 1
I have seen mixed numbers.. but I haven't had the pleasure of driving either... so the butt dyno has yet to swayed either way. (4 fly wheel hp diff isn't really something you can truly "feel")

Highway rideability D 3 vs. A 2
(Aprilia has cruise control & better mpg.. EST lol, long high straights might be awesome for land speed record attempts IF you don't enjoy your low insurance rates )

Total cost of ownership D 3 vs. A 2
(I saw the youtube video about the 22,000 mile 1299 review but nothing on the RSV)

So... Let's here it from the masses.... I am looking at pulling the trigger on this in the 2-4 weeks.

I own an 1299s and a 17 RSV4 RR, it really boils down to what you want out of your bike. The big plus about the RSV4 is price and price of upgrades, everything about the RSV4 is less expensive. The RSV4 is more comfortable because the 1299 positions your body more forward on your wrists and is much hotter. The power delivery is very different between the two but the RSV4 has a smoother power delivery and is more predictable. The 1299 is ... on wheels and nothing compares to it aesthetically. The 1299 is much slimmer and easier to toss around, very nimble. The 1299 also has an insane amount of torque and paired with it being nimble, it is a canyon carver. I suggest that you go the the Aprilia forum and ask the same question to get another dimension of input because each forum will have their own bias to their brand. If I had to have only one, my choice would be both....because it would depend on the exact variables to really choose just one.

kozumasbullitt · Jul 17, 2017

Ara said:
I currently own variants of both bikes you're looking at. They're fairly different as far as the riding experience is concerned. As others have already said, you need to decide which once speaks to you the loudest. The Aprilia is damn near a perfect motorcycle. It does everything really well, and brings out the best in pretty much any rider. Probably the best sounding motorcycle as well, IMO. The Panigale feels like a brute in comparison. It feels noticeably lighter, and less forgiving. Having said that, when you get it right on the Panigale, it's extremely rewarding. Bottom line to me is that one bike makes you work for the reward, where the other rewards any skill level. Can't go wrong either way. Good luck in your decision.

Great response, I completely agree.

mrailing · Jul 17, 2017

jpiwko said:
#householdenvy !!!! If I could get my wife to give up and go to a bigger bike (she's 5'4" / 125 so a 600 still puts a big old smile on her face) I would simply copy you good sir!

Seeing as you have both under one roof, you feel the struggle if you only had to pick one lol.

Well... I picked the 1299 S over everything else. Commonweath Motorcycles in Louisville sells Ducati and Aprilia. We have a BMW dealer in town and every other bike. I looked at a KTM RC8, 1299S, S1000RR, R1M, 1199R, RSV4 RF, even an MV F4... I have an 07 R1 with about $25k in aftermarket parts, Ohlins, Brembo, BST wheels, BrakeTech CMC rotors, Bazzaz TC, and lots more. When I rode the 1299 in comparison, it wasn't as good. I was disappointed with my decision. I almost regretted it. I moved my CMC rotors over with a carrier swap and have since swapped springs in the suspension, and changed some ergonomics, as well as the brake and clutch master/slave, and now it feels better.

I looked hard at the RSV4 RF. But it's not a Ducati. It doesn't ride like one. It doesn't handle as well, it just doesn't have the character. It's missing something. Similar to the other bikes on the list, other than the MV. They just don't have that sexy attitude. The RSV looks similar to the 07 Honda 1000rr from the front. To me it's sexy, it has good lines, but its like seeing a hot cheerleader, she blends in with the others. The 1299 with the single sided swingarm, amazing ..., unique front end and headlights, and that v-twin grunt. There isn't anything like it.

The RSV sounds amazing but it's still not that 1299. It's unique, like the Triumh 675, it grumbles, and depending on the exhaust it grumbles loud, but the Duc growls. With the Akrapovic exhaust, it growls loud.

You also had me rolling with the BMW explanation above. You hit the nail on the head. It looks like a $2 hooker got pimped slapped with a now busted eye. Just can't get over the bike not being symmetrical. And I hate bikes with one headlight on unless the brights are on... Hate it.

The 1299 is a beast, pulls everywhere, wheelie control kicking in all the way through 5th and anywhere you slam on the throttle. The RSV is smooth. Get more power up top, and my wife even says, it's missing the bottom power of the 2012 Honda 1000rr she just moved from. She said its a rocket up top but a dog down low. She rode the 1299 and said, power everywhere. But she said, "it runs out of gear, you hit the Rev limiter quick, so cool".

So if you like running the bike all the way out, the RSV is great. If you like torque, the 1299 has it.

jpiwko · Jul 17, 2017

mrailing said:
The 1299 is a beast, pulls everywhere, wheelie control kicking in all the way through 5th and anywhere you slam on the throttle. The RSV is smooth. Get more power up top, and my wife even says, it's missing the bottom power of the 2012 Honda 1000rr she just moved from. She said its a rocket up top but a dog down low. She rode the 1299 and said, power everywhere. But she said, "it runs out of gear, you hit the Rev limiter quick, so cool".

So if you like running the bike all the way out, the RSV is great. If you like torque, the 1299 has it.

How's the wheelie control? Can you simply set it high and pin the throttle on corner exits and forget it? Will it lift at all? or just get light and cut timing/fuel?

honestly, it is looking more and more like the 1299 but, I am not saying yes until I get some seat time on both.

and glad you liked the comparison. I had the local bmw dealership guy try and tell me the ........ head lights was a bmw saftey thing lol.. I watched the designer video on you tube explaining about the slight weight savings... I think as a strict track weapon and no headlights installed, it looks bad @$$. but, that's a totally different topic.

Ara · Jul 17, 2017

One quick note about the RSV4; they are geared pretty tall from the factory so that makes the bike feel softer low in the powerband. I went up 2 teeth I believe on the rear sprocket and now I can't agree with those who say it's a dog down low. Of course the Ducati still has more down low, but the Ape is no slouch when geared properly.

Mrdcook2 · Jul 18, 2017

jpiwko said:
Well Aug 4,5,6 is the DRE I was invited to in B-ham. Pretty much exactly what Jime told me as well. But, If the demo day in Chatanooga, TN has a 1299 I will go give it a whirl . If I go w/ the 1299, it will be from Jime because this guy spent about 2.5 - 3 hrs shooting the breeze with me while I just sat there on the 959 on the stand with the wife. (we rode 2 up down from huntsville on her ninja, because I thought it might have been an oh, this is the one type moment and drive home with the problem solved ). But since they only had a 959, and I honestly sat on it for almost 2 hours of that time while we talked out pretty much everything in my first post. He kept it going by introducing me to alabmadesmo group, fb page etc.. gave me the ducati riding magazine, the panigale book, really went above and beyond w/ 0 pressure. He even insisted to go up to TN and check out the RSV, come back for the demo day and THEN pull the trigger. on #struggle (but this kind of tough choice is the best to be in )

The Ducati Demo truck in Chattanooga will not have a 1299. However I talked with the dealer and said you can demo one of theirs for up to 10 miles. But some of those guys are on here as well and if they see you are planning on buying a 1299 from someone else after they are letting you ride theirs it may change their minds about the whole situation lol.

razz · Jul 18, 2017

I went 1098s => RSV4 Factory => 1299S. I am 5ft 8inches and 140lbs... I do fast road riding and track days.
The Ape engine is a peach. It has good low speed manners and more torque than most of the current 1000cc sports bikes. The 1299 has WAY more! The 1299 has poor slow speed manners. Position-wise the Ape fitted me better than the 1299 does. The Ape worked very well straight from the dealer; the suspension was compliant and needed no real adjustment. The 1299 is a brute as far as setup is concerned. It is very hard and harsh, even with the suspension softened down. It's not very nice on our bumpy, poorly surfaced roads, but is very poised on the track. The Ape was easier to ride fast, but the 1299 is more rewarding. Both bikes get very hot. Both bikes are built well. The paint is a little thin on the 1299.

I put 23k miles on the Ape in 3 years with no major problems. I have 8k on the 1299 in 18 months, also with no major problems.

mark419ny · Jul 18, 2017

jpiwko said:
You mentioned the s1000rr.... I love the bmw... on paper...
To me, seeing the bmw in person... Best way to describe it is, It's like seeing a super fit, smoking hot woman at the gym on a stair master from behind in yoga pants and a sports bra.. you walk up to get closer and the closer you get to her the better she looks but... then it happens, she turns around and you see her face, and you instantly know why she works out so hard.. Her face is F*cked up like a Football bat. You instantly don't know whether to vommit, cry or assume the fetal position but you know you feel dirty and wrong because you honestly know you were staring hard at what can only be described as an abomination...

That's the BMW in a nut shell and yes it's purely an emotional thing .

so some say but i can assure you my hp4 gets more attention than my panigale and the bmw imo has the best engine ever made but to each their own. all i can say is go test ride one.

jpiwko · Jul 18, 2017

Mrdcook2 said:
The Ducati Demo truck in Chattanooga will not have a 1299. However I talked with the dealer and said you can demo one of theirs for up to 10 miles. But some of those guys are on here as well and if they see you are planning on buying a 1299 from someone else after they are letting you ride theirs it may change their minds about the whole situation lol.

So I am assuming it'll be the same demo truck rolling through Birmingham?

kozumasbullitt · Jul 18, 2017

mark419ny said:
so some say but i can assure you my hp4 gets more attention than my panigale and the bmw imo has the best engine ever made but to each their own. all i can say is go test ride one.

Getting more attention and looking better are two different things. When I first saw the s1000rr years ago, I though it was a salvaged "franken-bike" that someone slapped together. The look grew on me over the years and I was very close to pulling the trigger on a 17. I compared the s1000rr to the RSV4 and the RSV4 rode better and had more soul, in my opinion.

Mrdcook2 · Jul 18, 2017

jpiwko said:
So I am assuming it'll be the same demo truck rolling through Birmingham?

More than likely, Just with Craig at Pandoras and he will get you on the 1299 base they have on their floor and if you give me a heads up I'll have my S there so you can see the difference.

jmparton · Jul 18, 2017

For what it's worth, Pandora's in Chattanooga is the best dealership I've done business with and/or visited (and its quite a few). They are all very much enthusiast like us and are regularly at the track. I'd say this is where the majority of my track buddies (control riders) around the southeast do their business for European brands. The sales person I deal with is Luis.

P.S.
I've got nothing against Big #1 but IMO, hands down I prefer Pandora's and I live in Tuscaloosa.

First Post ALL Opinions welcome/ encouraged (but please try and bring some facts)

Help Support Ducati Forum:

Which Italian Steed to be added to my Stable

2017 Panigale 1299

2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR

jpiwko

jpiwko

jpiwko

jpiwko

cpettit

jpiwko

jpiwko

Ara

kozumasbullitt

kozumasbullitt

mrailing

jpiwko

Ara

Mrdcook2

razz

mark419ny

jpiwko

kozumasbullitt

Mrdcook2

jmparton

Similar threads

Register CTA

Recent Discussions