Need ducati owner advice!

Im seeking expert advice from you fellow Ducati 1299 riders. I know I might get a byes opinion asking this question, but considering I'm asking this question on several forums I will take everything everyone says into consideration.

So the question is quite simple, I am in the market for a new bike. And I have narrowed it down to TWO BIKES! The 2015 Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS
and the 2015 Ducati 1299 Base Model. Both are around the same price, 20k here in Los Angeles CA. (Side note: I plan on purchasing either bike at Pro Italia in Glendale CA)

Some background about myself, I am a decent rider, no pro but no slouch either 21 years old 6. foot slim build. I currently ride a 2014 Zx6R 636. And do ALOT of canyon Riding, I live 2 miles away from Angeles Crest Hwy so I'm up there almost every Sunday. I have test ridden both bike but still am VERY VERY split on this decision. Both bikes are so damn GOOD (I'm fully aware this is a very good problem to have) but I just can't pull the trigger on either one. So many pros from both bikes. Overall I want a FUN weekend bike, Im not worried about street riding or commuting I have a comfy BMW 5 series for that. Strictly speaking joy of ownership,canyon riding performance and reliability.

Also how easy to ride is the 1299 while riding hard? Is it what you call unstable? Would it inspire confidence to someone who isn't a "Pro Rider"?

Any advice or personal testament to why you may think one would be better than the other would be much appreciated. Or at the least just tell me how your ownership is going, any regrets etc.

THANKS friends!!!

Which ever one make your underwear tighter after riding or just staring at...

Maintenance schedule on be Ape is a bit tough, I hear. Panis have their own little quirks though too.

As far as I am concerned, nothing else is as lust-worthy as a Ducati, not to mention the top of the food chain Duc (in terms of fastest and most capable on track/canyons).

Love the RSV4 though too...

DanielRides said:

Im seeking expert advice from you fellow Ducati 1299 riders. I know I might get a byes opinion asking this question, but considering I'm asking this question on several forums I will take everything everyone says into consideration.

So the question is quite simple, I am in the market for a new bike. And I have narrowed it down to TWO BIKES! The 2015 Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS
and the 2015 Ducati 1299 Base Model. Both are around the same price, 20k here in Los Angeles CA. (Side note: I plan on purchasing either bike at Pro Italia in Glendale CA)

Some background about myself, I am a decent rider, no pro but no slouch either 21 years old 6. foot slim build. I currently ride a 2014 Zx6R 636. And do ALOT of canyon Riding, I live 2 miles away from Angeles Crest Hwy so I'm up there almost every Sunday. I have test ridden both bike but still am VERY VERY split on this decision. Both bikes are so damn GOOD (I'm fully aware this is a very good problem to have) but I just can't pull the trigger on either one. So many pros from both bikes. Overall I want a FUN weekend bike, Im not worried about street riding or commuting I have a comfy BMW 5 series for that. Strictly speaking joy of ownership,canyon riding performance and reliability.

Also how easy to ride is the 1299 while riding hard? Is it what you call unstable? Would it inspire confidence to someone who isn't a "Pro Rider"?

Any advice or personal testament to why you may think one would be better than the other would be much appreciated. Or at the least just tell me how your ownership is going, any regrets etc.

THANKS friends!!!

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I feel safer and more confident on my 1199 than I ever was on my CBR 600RR.

You wont be disappointed with either . Pick the one you like the look of best .

Both bikes are excellent bikes but for canyon riding at the Crest calls for a 1299 no doubt. The bike is much lighter than the Ape and a lot more power down low which will help get you through those corners better. I ride through the crest, Mullholland and Hwy 33 a lot and I wouldn't go with anything else. But if you plan on doing a lot of street riding I think the Ape would be a good choice. Track? then go with the 15R its a beast.

The 1299 is superior to the Ape in almost every category, looks, power, handling and electronics.

The 1199 had a abrupt power delivery and the handling had to be "learned" before you could go fast. The 1299 is point and shoot, power is very linear and then there's the downshifter......

wilkson said:

You wont be disappointed with either . Pick the one you like the look of best .

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This.

You (read: anybody) won't ride either within 25% of their capabilities on the street. Either one will be perfectly fine for what you are going to do. Just get whichever one you think looks the best.

Chaotic said:

This.

You (read: anybody) won't ride either within 25% of their capabilities on the street. Either one will be perfectly fine for what you are going to do. Just get whichever one you think looks the best.

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^^^ This is all you need to know

test ride both. one thing a lot of people overlook - V-twins ride differently, and for true 4-cylinder lovers, it's not their cup of tea.

A bit of background, I own a '12 Aprilia Tuono, a '07 1098S and a '15 1299S, so I've got a bit of background on both makes.

My favorite motor is the Tuono, there's just something about it between 5K-9K that is intoxicating, I can't imagine the RSV4R version with 20+ more HP.

Both current 2015/16 models, 1299 and the RSV4R, are claiming 205rwhp and 201rwhp respectively.

I've seen a few dyno charts comparing the two and the rwhp is no more that 1hp difference, you are not going to notice that with 175rwhp+ being supplied.

The 1299 wins the torque battle, but i feel I can control the Aprilia throttle a little easier.

Handling, riding my bikes, and my Tuono is setup with Ohlins front and rear, neither will disappoint you, I'm a mid pack A group rider. Most magazines gives the upper hand to the RSV4R.

The electronics on both bikes are fantastic.

Weight, the RSV4R has seen a bit of a diet this year, but it's still porky compared to the Panigale.

Both are well made from the factory, but product support, from Aprilia, is not as good as Ducati.

I'm 5' 7", 200lbs in riding gear, both bikes are small, but fit me very well.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either bike, buy the one that rocks your boat more.

I think both are great bikes. since they are so great and amazingly capable bikes.... I would pick the bike you like riding more... if you still cant decide... pick the bike that you wont see coming around the corner to meet you. (ie in my area i see a lot of BMW S1000RR, they are a dime a dozen, i like to have something i wont see every turn i come up to)

Personally, I love the RSV4 on the street. The ergos are better than the Panigale (IMO) and you don't deal with all of the exhaust heat.

Like Chris said, you will never notice a power difference on the street. After about 150hp it all seems moot on the street. Torque? Again, really reaching to say there is a tangible difference in the riding experience/enjoyment when comparing bikes that have 70-80ft/lbs of torque.

Hell the Grom is a great street bike and it has like 11hp.

In all honesty, if it was purely for the street, I would go with the RSV4.

So the 1199 is a lot to handle BUT not on the street. And the 1299 is suposed to be refined and less of an animal on the track. Riding my 1199 on the track was night and day. Thing's a ....... animal. Very physical. Still, I love it! If what EVERY review is saying, the 1299 is much better in the handling aspect. You're not going to experience how the bike truly is on the streets, and if you are you should be saving it for a track because you're going to ....... die.

I have a bad taste in my mouth with Aprilia because I had a motor (bearings) go bad on a very low mileage RSVR. It wouldn't stop me from buying a RSV4, though. I would be sure to buy it new so I have the security of a warranty. I know Ducs come with a 24 month warranty...what do Apes come with?

If I had to chose, I would go for the Duc (even though it's the base model) based off of looks and the warranty alone. You still get a great package, just not the Ohlins bling and the forged wheels. I like the RSV's looks but nothing comes close the the Pani's IMO.

to me the 1299 has a higher fun factor, not faster, just more fun about how the bike deliver the speed

If I were you, I would get the new Tuono Factory.

It has the new 1100cc V4 motor with an ASSLOAD of mid-range torque, all of the Ohlins and Brembo goodies, same electronics as the RSV4, but a more comfortable riding position for the street.

In all honesty, a Tuono is probably the perfect bike for spirited riding on the street. You can ride it for hours and hours in comfort, then when you get there you have a bike that is capable of running at the pointy end of any trackday group.

You want bling factor?

Get the MV Tamburini limited at Pro Italia. It's a timeless masterpiece.

Between the 1299 base vs Rsv4 Factory. I get the Aprilia, it's got full OHlins and lighter wheels. The Akrapovic slip-on exhaust is $900 dollars compare to $2800 for the Panigale. It'll get you a better feel for less $$$. But if deep down inside, you want a Ducati, don't hesitate, you can throw more $$$ at it later on.

Chaotic said:

If I were you, I would get the new Tuono Factory.

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That's what I'd love to do, but having just acquired a Multi and 1299S, not sure I could swing an upgrade for my '12 Tuono to a '16.

ChrisE said:

That's what I'd love to do, but having just acquired a Multi and 1299S, not sure I could swing an upgrade for my '12 Tuono to a '16.

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Looking at your collection...I'd go for a good "I don't care if it gets stolen" street bike

That's my biggest problem now. I was going to drive one of my bikes down to Cape Cod last week, but couldn't bring myself to park either overnight in a public parking lot.

Buy the Panigale to ride most days. It is just plain beautiful (and has lots of "character")
Just be ready for some heat from under the seat! Not so good in slow traffic..

** Since you already have another 636 to ride (when the Panigale is in the shop for the inevitable electronic glitches)...You will be set..



Speedy

No contest the Panigale 1199 or 1299 are beautiful