bahula03

Given that this is relatively neutral ground, I thought this would be a decent place to solicit opinions and discussion I'm looking at one of the two to compliment my 749, with the goal of getting a bike that's equally as fun to ride, is more lax in the maintenance department (cost and especially frequency) and has a good electronics/riding aids package. Not particularly interested in other bikes, though I will make an effort to test ride a 1098R when riding weather returns.

So ignoring the difference in cost between them, which bike would you rather have and why?

tak_one_77

1199S.
Simply. Gorgeous.

Ray916MN

I think the answer depends, as they are both great bikes. With respect to performance, both bikes perform at such a high level the differences between them are not particularly significant.

The Aprilia riding position is more compact, so the taller you are the more the Panigale makes sense. The aftermarket is much more active in making accessories and performance modifications for the Ducati, so if you like to personalize your vehicles there are allot more options to do so with the Ducati.

The Ducati is definitely a thigh and butt warmer. The hotter the area you live and ride in, the more sense it makes to get the Aprilia.

Access to good service and parts is critical for both bikes, so some of the decision comes down to how well each bike is supported in your area. In my case there are 3 different Ducati dealers and several independent Ducati specialists. There is only 1 Aprilia dealer in the area and no independent shops which specialize in Aprilias.

Were I looking for a new bike this year, I would take a close look at the BMW S1000RR HP4. The active suspension looks like it will provide significant real world benefits over conventional suspensions and BMW generally provides exemplary support for their products.

Zoomie

Aprilla:
(+)
Even more exotic than Ducati
Cool and unique engine configuration
(-)
Dealer/Mechanic support

Ducati
(+)
Absolutely stunningly gorgeous
Reasonable dealer support
Lots of options for customization both from other 1199 trims and Ducati Performance parts
(-)
A little less rare than the Aprilla

I feel like I can't even get into the performance aspect because without riding them all I know is that they are both brutally powerful bikes and I feel like they are both more than enough for any rider. I like that both are pretty compact for their class. I don't know much about reliability for either, but I do have an idea of how much better Ducati has gotten in that regard in recent years. If you can find demo bikes to go test ride, that would be a pretty awesome day.

TWF

I would take Aprilia.

ZDan

For the love of God, Zoomie, it's not "Aprilla", and it doesn't rhyme with "gorilla".

ZDan

I had an '03 Aprilia Tuono from '04-'09, LOVED it. Never had any problems whatsoever (though I only put about 12,000 miles on it), just gas, oil changes, tires, chain maintenence. I've visited both the Aprilia factory in Noale and the Ducati factory in Bologna, and I have to say the Aprilia facilities and workspaces are a lot more modern, Ducati very old-school.

All that said, if I was to have to choose between the 2? It would be a tough decision... I would probably go with the lower-spec version of either of them, it's not like they're going to suck, and honestly I'm not even worthy of the cheap-o versions.

Good luck, and post pics

Zoomie

Sorry! Phone typing and didn't catch it.

insideoutoreo699

The 1199 in white is one of the best looking bikes I've ever seen

sahtt

The Ducati is the superior machine. That said, I'd take the Aprilia. Aprilia takes a different approach to their motorcycles than Ducati. The RSV4 is something Aprilia has been crafting for a very long time. They take what they do very seriously (not implying Ducati doesn't) and the RSV4 is a culmination of many, many years of racing and lab R&D. If possible, try to test ride both. I'm a good rider and still humble enough to realize both are so far beyond my level in regard to their absolute performance maximums that they are irrelevant. Based on what I've read and heard from riders, the Aprilia is easier to ride and more confidence inspiring where it counts without the usual drawbacks. It is, besides perhaps the 08+ CBR1kRR, the only bike of that level that many riders literally cannot find any faults with. I'm deciding between an 848 and first year RSV4 as my next bike and have been reading a ridiculous amount about both (and the 10/1198/99) recently. I'll likely go with the 848 for a year to transition from my RC51 and then go on to the RSV4 when it gets a bit cheaper.