By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
MV Agusta F4 (MY2014) vs Aprilia RSV4 (MY2010)
MV Agusta F4 vs Aprilia RSV4: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
Turn into a quick bend on the MV Agusta F4 and the front's feeding back every scrap of grip as it holds a precise line. The Aprilia RSV4 tips in like it's wearing race numbers.
So which one do you buy?
The F4 has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Nose ahead: F4
For a day at the track, the F4 makes slightly more sense. Credit better suspension and stronger brakes.
What makes each one tick
F4
High in the rev range, the F4's short-stroke four pulls its hardest. Up there the throttle doesn't get a gentle answer, just a harder shove for every bit more you ask. Rearset pegs and low bars fold you into a tight cockpit, and the bike won't meet you halfway on the street. Four pipes under the seat howl.
RSV4
Halfway through a corner, the RSV4 stays settled on its aluminum spars, and there's a constant stream of detail coming up through the bars. A hard pull on the brake lever unsettles the rear. Tires and suspension only tame it. Past each apex, the engine's push keeps swelling.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The F4 has the lower seat: 32.7 in (830 mm) vs 33.3 in (845 mm).
- The RSV4 has the lower wet weight: 448 lb (203 kg) vs 463 lb (210 kg).
- The F4 makes more peak power: 195 hp (143 kW) vs 180 hp (132 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
Count commuting, twisty roads, and running costs as a draw. The deal on the table and the condition of the bike matter more here.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
F4
What owners say
Strengths
- Iconic Italian design with breathtaking aesthetics
- Razor-sharp chassis and handling
- Thrilling, high-revving engine with a glorious sound
Trade-offs
- Cramped and demanding riding position
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
F4
- Brembo front brake master cylinder recall Recall 17V839000 A potential defect in the front brake master cylinder could cause brake failure. MV Agusta issued a safety recall (NHTSA 17V839000) for affected F4 models.
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 share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 4.5 US gal (17 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| F4 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.7 in (830 mm) | 33.3 in (845 mm) |
| Wet weight | 463 lb (210 kg) | 448 lb (203 kg) |
| F4 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | V4 |
| Power | 195 hp (143 kW) | 180 hp (132 kW) |
| Torque | 82 lb-ft (111 Nm) | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| F4 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 200/55-17 | 190/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| F4 | RSV4 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Not offered |
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
