By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs Aprilia RSV 4 R (MY2010)
Ducati 1198 vs Aprilia RSV 4 R: which one to buy for the riding you do.
You'll feel the Ducati 1198's stiff frame feeding back through the bars as you turn into a fast sweeper, and it holds its line once it's leaned over. The Aprilia RSV 4 R tips in with race-bike urgency.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear winner on value
The Ducati 1198 costs more, but that doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear better value at these used prices.
What makes each one tick
1198
There's a mountain of torque in the 1198's V-twin, and it slingshots the bike out of corners into a top-end rush. Stock fueling doesn't soften the throttle. Brembo monoblocs answer the brake lever with huge stopping force. The lever keeps its feel all the way down.
RSV 4 R
Superbike sharpness carries straight from the RSV 4 R's chassis onto the road, and it's got the nimble flick of a supersport. Settle into the saddle and the race-track feeling is just there. There's an explosive surge as the engine climbs to its peak at 12,500 rpm. Hard braking sets the tail squirming.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1198 has the lower seat: 32.3 in (820 mm) vs 33.3 in (845 mm).
- The 1198 has the lower wet weight: 432 lb (196 kg) vs 463 lb (210 kg).
- The RSV 4 R makes more peak power: 180 hp (132 kW) vs 169 hp (124 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
They come out level on track days, commuting, twisty roads, and running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
1198
What owners say
Strengths
- Monstrous, characterful V-twin engine
- Sublime chassis and high-speed stability
- Timeless, exotic Italian design
- Powerful, race-spec Brembo brakes
Trade-offs
- High ownership and maintenance costs
- Punishing ergonomics and heavy steering
- Snatchy stock fueling and no electronic rider aids
RSV 4 R
Strengths
- Turn-in that pivots instantly
- Enormous lean clearance
Trade-offs
- No traction control
- Punishing for tall riders
- Barely any wind protection
- Questionable reliability reputation
Known problems to check before you buy
1198
- Fuel line leak at injector connection Recall 09V170000 A recall (NHTSA campaign 09V170000) affects 2009 1198 and 1198 S models where the plastic fuel line fitting at the injector can warp or crack, causing a fuel leak and fire risk.
RSV 4 R
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 15-year-old 1198 with a 15-year-old RSV 4 R.
- 1198
- about $10,000
- RSV 4 R
- about $7,800
At 15 years old, the Ducati 1198 sits around $10,000 while the Aprilia RSV 4 R lands near $7,800. That's a $2,200 gap in the Aprilia's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1198 | RSV 4 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 33.3 in (845 mm) |
| Wet weight | 432 lb (196 kg) | 463 lb (210 kg) |
| 1198 | RSV 4 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1198 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | V4 |
| Power | 169 hp (124 kW) | 180 hp (132 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,750 rpm | 12,500 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,000 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| 1198 | RSV 4 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| 1198 | RSV 4 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1198 | RSV 4 R | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
