By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs Aprilia RSV4 (MY2010)
Ducati 1198 vs Aprilia RSV4: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
Over a ripple in a fast sweeper, the Ducati 1198's stiff trellis frame doesn't flinch, and its suspension feeds that bump straight back to you. The Aprilia RSV4 reads it out like a race bike.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The RSV4 costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike wins on value at these used prices.
What makes each one tick
1198
Out of a corner, the Ducati's twin slings it forward on a towering shove of torque. Its tall seat pitches you over the tank while the bars want real muscle at walking pace. The throttle doesn't ease in on stock fueling: it snaps open, and smooth laps need a skilled right hand. Then the top end rushes in.
RSV4
There's nothing skin-deep about the RSV4's competition look, and the whole bike rides the way it's styled. Mid-corner, the Aprilia's engine builds power in a steady push you can use. A hard pull on the brake lever unsettles the rear. The front tire won't stop talking.
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 448 lb (203 kg).
- The RSV4 makes more peak power: 180 hp (132 kW) vs 169 hp (124 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
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
RSV4
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Real racing feel, not costume
- Quickest turn-in in the class
- Power you can actually use
- Telepathic front-end feel
Trade-offs
- No traction control
- Ergonomics punish tall riders
- Potential is setup-dependent
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.
RSV4
- Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets Weeping valve cover gaskets, leading to oil seepage onto the engine and exhaust headers. Some owners report that replacement under warranty did not permanently solve the issue.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 15-year-old 1198 with a 15-year-old RSV4.
- 1198
- about $10,000
- RSV4
- about $8,400
At 15 years old, the Ducati 1198 sits around $10,000 while the Aprilia RSV4 lands near $8,400. That's a $1,600 gap in the RSV4's favor. These are estimates from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1198 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 33.3 in (845 mm) |
| Wet weight | 432 lb (196 kg) | 448 lb (203 kg) |
| 1198 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1198 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | V4 |
| Power | 169 hp (124 kW) | 180 hp (132 kW) |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| 1198 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1198 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
