By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1199 Panigale (H8) vs Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS (MY2011)
Roll the throttle open on the Ducati 1199 Panigale and the V-twin's pull turns savage once it's high in the revs, with the exhaust howling all the way to redline. On the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS, you're holding steady throttle through the bend. Mid-corner, it'll tighten its line without a fuss.
So which one do you buy?
The RSV4 Factory APRC ABS has the edge if…
Racetrack use
A touch ahead: RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
For a day at the track, the RSV4 Factory APRC ABS makes slightly more sense. Most of that is more suspension adjustment.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
Once the road starts to bend, the RSV4 Factory APRC ABS noses ahead. It's down to better suspension. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear advantage
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS costs less, but that doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike stands out as the smarter spend at these used prices.
What makes each one tick
1199 Panigale
The 1199 Panigale's compact aluminum monocoque switches from one lean angle to the next with race-bike precision, and it doesn't drift off its arc after that. With 414 lb (188 kg) wet to haul down from the brake lever, the bike's quick to snap into the next direction change. In stop-and-go traffic, the underseat exhaust cooks the seat. The Superquadro's top end hits hard.
Nils rode the 1199 Panigale in 2013 (NastyNils Testride).
RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
Under the RSV4 Factory APRC ABS's sound and physical hit, there's a compact chassis that goes exactly where it's pointed. Pick your line and the bike goes there. Corner entry is clean and quick. The Brembo monoblocs don't need much squeeze to haul it down hard. The lever keeps its feel deep into a trail-brake.
Nils rode the RSV4 Factory APRC ABS in 2012 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1199 Panigale has the lower seat: 32.5 in (825 mm) vs 33.3 in (845 mm).
- The 1199 Panigale has the lower wet weight: 414 lb (188 kg) vs 450 lb (204 kg).
- The 1199 Panigale makes more peak power: 195 hp (143 kW) vs 180 hp (132 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
Don't look for a gap on commuting and running costs: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
1199 Panigale
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive engine performance
- Sharp, agile handling
- Advanced rider aids
Trade-offs
- Excessive heat buildup
RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
Strengths
- Turn-In You Can Trust
- Brutal Brakes, Light Lever
- Bottomless Setup Range
- No Corners Cut
- The Image Is Earned
Trade-offs
- Corner Exit Is Work
- Race Ergonomics, No Mercy
- Tall Riders, Buy The Screen
- Below-average reliability and high maintenance costs
Known problems to check before you buy
1199 Panigale
- Swingarm shaft pivots loosen (recall) Recall 12V401000 The right and left swingarm shaft pivots can loosen, leading to loss of control. NHTSA Campaign 12V401000.
- Exhaust valve cable cover melting (recall) Recall 12V392000 The bowden cable cover on the exhaust butterfly valve can melt or burn due to excess heat from the catalytic converter. NHTSA Campaign 12V392000.
- Swingarm linkage incorrect screw (recall) Recall 12V270000 An incorrect screw used to retain the swingarm to the rear suspension linkage can detach, causing catastrophic suspension collapse. NHTSA Campaign 12V270000.
- Steering damper uniball slip (recall) Recall 12V399000 The Uniball bearing on the Öhlins steering damper rod eyelet can slip out of its seat, leading to detachment. NHTSA Campaign 12V399000.
- Steering damper screws fall out (recall) Recall 12V400000 Screws securing the steering damper to the steering head can fall out due to insufficient Loctite. NHTSA Campaign 12V400000.
- Left handlebar switch failure (recall) Recall 14V166000 The left handlebar switch may lose power, disabling the horn, high beam, right turn signals, and instrument display. NHTSA Campaign 14V166000 / RCL‑14‑001.
- Front brake master cylinder hose interference (recall) Recall 12V402000 The reservoir hose may contact the threading end of the retaining screw, damaging the hose and causing brake failure. NHTSA Campaign 12V402000.
- Hard starting when hot The emissions charcoal canister can fill with fuel, causing vapor lock and extended cranking when the engine is warm.
- Intermittent gear position sensor The gear position sensor can fail, disabling the quick shifter and causing fueling errors.
- Instrument cluster fogging Humidity can cause fogging inside the TFT display. Typically clears on its own but can be persistent in damp climates.
RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 12-year-old 1199 Panigale with a 12-year-old RSV4 Factory APRC ABS.
- 1199 Panigale
- about $14,300
- RSV4 Factory APRC ABS
- about $11,400
At 12 years old, the Ducati 1199 Panigale sits around $14,300 while the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC ABS lands near $11,400. That's a $2,900 gap in the Aprilia's favor. These are estimates from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 4.5 US gal (17 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1199 Panigale | RSV4 Factory APRC ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.5 in (825 mm) | 33.3 in (845 mm) |
| Wet weight | 414 lb (188 kg) | 450 lb (204 kg) |
| 1199 Panigale | RSV4 Factory APRC ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1198 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | V4 |
| Power | 195 hp (143 kW) | 180 hp (132 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,750 rpm | 12,500 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (132 Nm) | 84 lb-ft (114 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,000 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| 1199 Panigale | RSV4 Factory APRC ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Rear tire | 200/55-17 | 190/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1199 Panigale | RSV4 Factory APRC ABS | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option | Standard (from 2013) |
| Wheelie Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Launch Control | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
| LED Headlight | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
