Need ducati owner advice!
- Thread starter DanielRides
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I can't really speak for the 1299 base and the new rsv4 but between my 1199s and my brother's '14 rsv4 factory, I'd choose the Ducati over the Aprilia for the fast street stuff.
Panigale:
+torque/power
+looks
+character/feel
+sensitivity (throttle, brakes, steering, etc.)
+TFT dash and upmarket controls (I'm no technology freak but this stuff is so much fresher and softer on the eyes. Makes a considerable difference since that's what you interact with whenever you're riding the bike.)
+electronics (namely, traction control. RSV4's is too obtrusive in any setting other than the lowest, 1. Same tires, same road, same rider, I have the 1199's set on "3" of 8 and it NEVER gets in my way like the Ape's does even on level 1)
-ergonomics (for a smaller person. The RSV4 strains my wrists and my back less than the 1199)
-heat
-stiffness (yes, that can be dialled out.. but apples to apples)
-Expensive mods and the bike begs for them ($3500 Akrapovic, $1500 DP rearsets, etc.)
RSV4:
+sound
+feels more solid/stable (but less flickable because of the added weight)
+fits like a glove straight out of the box; so much easier to "lock into the tank/bike" (for a smaller person)
+suspension (considerably more plush whilst managing to corner just as quickly, if not more quickly than the Ducati)
+Cheap mods and the bike doesn't beg for them the way the Panigale does. My brother got a race ECU, Akrapovic slip on, tail tidy, and mirror block off plates. Maybe one or two other goodies and called it a day-- all of which cost far less than the price of the 1299 Panigale DP Akrapovic exhaust alone!
-tame inline-4-like power band minus the sound (perfect on it's own but not when comparing it to the 1199. One may have to ride a Panigale like a 2 stroke in stock form, but when it kicks in, it REALLY kicks in. The RSV4 motor is bland in comparison even with the Akrapovic exhaust and race ecu. And not just from idle to the mid range.)
-far reach to the ground but very compact whilst on the bike (maybe you get used to that after a while? or maybe it's a non issue for anyone tall)
-WIDE seat (I complained about my 1199 seat, and the DP Race seat, and the 899 seat... until I tried my brother's RSV4.)
-dinosaur dashboard (they've tweaked the '15 dash, but not enough in my opinion. still feels old)
-headlights don't inspire confidence in the dark (compared to a base Panigale to be fair)
-this is very subjective/opinionated - The RSV4 may have a nice tail piece, and perhaps a few striking lines here and there but... I just cannot stand to look at the bike's Fugly face with the THREE headlights in stock street trim. Especially when parked anywhere near a Panigale (any Ducati superbike for that matter; 1x98, 998, etc.)
Finally, and for the record, this is my own personal opinion, contrary to what the majority suggest...
Panigale throttle > RSV4 throttle
Hands down.
Even with crappy OEM fueling and the throttle slack, I prefer the 1199's throttle over the Aprilia's. And it's not because I am more familiar with my own bike. I would've made the exact same claim on the very first day I tried both bikes, bone stock, on the same road, for the same distance. In all riding modes, the Aprilia's throttle feels more artificial to me. And the low-to-mid range lack of torque doesn't help at all in this regard.
That said, the Rapid Bike module, alongside the Akrapovic evolution exhaust and the throttle spacer kit from Ducati Omaha which I installed on my 1199, all stretch the gap even further in the Ducati's favour, compared to the RSV4 with race map and Akrapovic.
I love both bikes. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to choose the Aprilia over the BMW. I might have to think twice when trying to pick between the RSV and the new R1. But between the Panigale and the Ape...
Ducati 10 -- Aprilia 0
What works for one person, might not work for another. And what works for the other, might not work for the first. That sums up my opinion of the "1199s" vs '14 RSV4 Factory.
In short, for Fast street stuff, I vote Ducati 1299 base.
Best of luck..
Panigale:
+torque/power
+looks
+character/feel
+sensitivity (throttle, brakes, steering, etc.)
+TFT dash and upmarket controls (I'm no technology freak but this stuff is so much fresher and softer on the eyes. Makes a considerable difference since that's what you interact with whenever you're riding the bike.)
+electronics (namely, traction control. RSV4's is too obtrusive in any setting other than the lowest, 1. Same tires, same road, same rider, I have the 1199's set on "3" of 8 and it NEVER gets in my way like the Ape's does even on level 1)
-ergonomics (for a smaller person. The RSV4 strains my wrists and my back less than the 1199)
-heat
-stiffness (yes, that can be dialled out.. but apples to apples)
-Expensive mods and the bike begs for them ($3500 Akrapovic, $1500 DP rearsets, etc.)
RSV4:
+sound
+feels more solid/stable (but less flickable because of the added weight)
+fits like a glove straight out of the box; so much easier to "lock into the tank/bike" (for a smaller person)
+suspension (considerably more plush whilst managing to corner just as quickly, if not more quickly than the Ducati)
+Cheap mods and the bike doesn't beg for them the way the Panigale does. My brother got a race ECU, Akrapovic slip on, tail tidy, and mirror block off plates. Maybe one or two other goodies and called it a day-- all of which cost far less than the price of the 1299 Panigale DP Akrapovic exhaust alone!
-tame inline-4-like power band minus the sound (perfect on it's own but not when comparing it to the 1199. One may have to ride a Panigale like a 2 stroke in stock form, but when it kicks in, it REALLY kicks in. The RSV4 motor is bland in comparison even with the Akrapovic exhaust and race ecu. And not just from idle to the mid range.)
-far reach to the ground but very compact whilst on the bike (maybe you get used to that after a while? or maybe it's a non issue for anyone tall)
-WIDE seat (I complained about my 1199 seat, and the DP Race seat, and the 899 seat... until I tried my brother's RSV4.)
-dinosaur dashboard (they've tweaked the '15 dash, but not enough in my opinion. still feels old)
-headlights don't inspire confidence in the dark (compared to a base Panigale to be fair)
-this is very subjective/opinionated - The RSV4 may have a nice tail piece, and perhaps a few striking lines here and there but... I just cannot stand to look at the bike's Fugly face with the THREE headlights in stock street trim. Especially when parked anywhere near a Panigale (any Ducati superbike for that matter; 1x98, 998, etc.)
Finally, and for the record, this is my own personal opinion, contrary to what the majority suggest...
Panigale throttle > RSV4 throttle
Hands down.
Even with crappy OEM fueling and the throttle slack, I prefer the 1199's throttle over the Aprilia's. And it's not because I am more familiar with my own bike. I would've made the exact same claim on the very first day I tried both bikes, bone stock, on the same road, for the same distance. In all riding modes, the Aprilia's throttle feels more artificial to me. And the low-to-mid range lack of torque doesn't help at all in this regard.
That said, the Rapid Bike module, alongside the Akrapovic evolution exhaust and the throttle spacer kit from Ducati Omaha which I installed on my 1199, all stretch the gap even further in the Ducati's favour, compared to the RSV4 with race map and Akrapovic.
I love both bikes. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to choose the Aprilia over the BMW. I might have to think twice when trying to pick between the RSV and the new R1. But between the Panigale and the Ape...
Ducati 10 -- Aprilia 0
What works for one person, might not work for another. And what works for the other, might not work for the first. That sums up my opinion of the "1199s" vs '14 RSV4 Factory.
In short, for Fast street stuff, I vote Ducati 1299 base.
Best of luck..
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I'm stuck in an even worse quandry; I bought my '14 Granturismo just a few months before they announced the new Multi. I really wouldn't mind having the IMU-based electronics on my main daily rider. Plus, it comes with a RED FRAME and I've got a thing about red-framed Ducatis, the way many guys have a thing about big ....s.
But to trade in a bike after a year? Some people do that all the time; I can't. Just doesn't feel right.
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about this, there is NO QUESTION. my wife absolutely loves the design of the Panigale; I'd say it's the main factor in her encouraging me to switch from my BMW S1000RR to a 1299 - she just wants to be able to admire it in the garage
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oh, and people's experiences vary widely regarding reliability, but I've found no difference in four years of owning Ducatis versus ten years of owning BMWs - both have been good to me.
Aprilia's spotty dealer network and parts supply chain frightens me.
Aprilia's spotty dealer network and parts supply chain frightens me.
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Me too. I spoke w/ a few dealers and a former Aprilia rep...Message: Love the bikes, not the company (Piaggio Grp). Scared me from seriously considering RSV4.
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Thanks for that information, was very helpful. And yeah I agree with you about the BMW vs the Duc and Ape. I test rode the 2015 BMW and it was, to be blunt...BORING in comparison to the Italian bikes. Did everything well just lacked major character and LOOKS. wow is the BMW ugly lol. Looks like a 9k Japanese bike.
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I am surprised no one here is mentioning the fact that the 1299 clutch is absolutely flawless and by far the best clutch I've ever ridden in my eight years of motorcycle riding. The margin is it even close to any other bike particularly with the up-and-down Clutchless shifting. Then there is the brakes this bike has by far the best feeling brakes and front end stability when squeezing it real hard on the track at high speeds. Then there is corner entry, and trailbraking suspension stability which again is by far the best I've tested on any bike. I will give it to R1m particularly on corner exit as well as top end straightaway speed, but you're really splitting hairs at that point. I do however have the 1299 S though. Stock exhaust on the 1299 does not need to be changed at all because it sounds and looks great.
But again all that doesn't really matter on the street because the point is that it's by far the best looking bike by a wide margin. it really isn't even close.
From an overall comfort and street riding ability I would probably say that the Ape would be more suited for this role particularly given the heat issues on the panigale, because the bike really was never made to be ridden slow on the streets. But if you can get past the heat issues and agree with yourself to keep it in wet mode when going through stop light traffic it's hands-down the panigale.
But be warned this bike does not like slow it force you to go fast. It has that kinda aura about it
But again all that doesn't really matter on the street because the point is that it's by far the best looking bike by a wide margin. it really isn't even close.
From an overall comfort and street riding ability I would probably say that the Ape would be more suited for this role particularly given the heat issues on the panigale, because the bike really was never made to be ridden slow on the streets. But if you can get past the heat issues and agree with yourself to keep it in wet mode when going through stop light traffic it's hands-down the panigale.
But be warned this bike does not like slow it force you to go fast. It has that kinda aura about it
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- Aug 22, 2015
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I agree with carnivor. The brakes are amazing on the 1299. I had the rc8r before the 1299 and the brakes feel like twice the stopping power. The heat does suck but the power makes it worth it. I've never ridden an ape but there's no way it's as fun to ride. Also I hate it but if you like the attention from all kinds of strangers buy the duc. People chat me up constantly.
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Forget the Multi get yourself the KTM 1290 super adventure one the best bikes I have owned .
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If anyone is interested in an Aprilia, I highly suggest dealing with AF1 in Texas. They are the nations largest and best Aprilia dealership. And they also have their own race team of RSV4's, so they know their way around them really good.
I live in TN but bought my bike from AF1 and had it shipped because I wanted to work with them.
Great guys and very knowledgeable. They still answer questions from me to this day immediately, as if I was a prospective new buyer.
I live in TN but bought my bike from AF1 and had it shipped because I wanted to work with them.
Great guys and very knowledgeable. They still answer questions from me to this day immediately, as if I was a prospective new buyer.
I have a 1299S
i'm a 2cyl and a supersportbike fan
so there was not much choice what to buy
its a 2cyl to 4 cyl. comparison
the 1299 has more character you can cruise with low rpm
the engine pulses so that it feels like a chopper
if you pull the throttle you have a high performance superbike equal to R1/ZX-10R/...
the Aprillia gives you more fine parts for the money than the 1299 base
I think you always need high rpm to have torque
i'm a 2cyl and a supersportbike fan
so there was not much choice what to buy
its a 2cyl to 4 cyl. comparison
the 1299 has more character you can cruise with low rpm
the engine pulses so that it feels like a chopper
if you pull the throttle you have a high performance superbike equal to R1/ZX-10R/...
the Aprillia gives you more fine parts for the money than the 1299 base
I think you always need high rpm to have torque
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