That would make sense, the later ones are supposed to be a lot more reliable. Ironically out of all the big euro racebikes the BMW S1000RR seems to have had the most serious recall issues with internal engine problems but presumably BMW were thorough in sorting those out? The 2012 Panigale had a bunch of niggly problems like bolts shaking loose but my 2015 has done more than 4500 miles in the last six months without a single issue.
My experience of owning Ducati and Aprilia. Ducati - Has better dealer network and customer support. Warranty queries tend to be responded to quickly. Parts availability is generally good. Fitting, fixtures and bolts tends to be poorer quality (poor finish, poor corrosion resistance). Bikes are great. Aprilia - Poor dealer network. Poor customer and dealer support. Dealers have a hard time with Piaggio group (my dealer dropped them because of this). Fit and finish is better. Bikes are great. I've had no major mechanical issue with either. I will not buy another Aprilia. Ducati need to make another Streetfighter - another proper super-naked!
Yep, agreed....although ive got one of the oldest rsv4's and ive not really had an issue with it in 3 years....just the rocker covers leaking (cured with updated new parts) and last month the fork seals shat themselves.....thats about it...everything else has been upgrades and general running costs...if i were to get rid of it it would be for a newer aprc or a panigale.
I'm 6ft 2 and had an 1199 and 2 RSV4 Factories. The Aprilia is a lot better both on the road and track. On the road its roomy and more comfortable ( better ergo and no heat issues). On track the v4 engine spins up better out of the corners and has miles better TC than the Ducati. IMO No contest - sorry. And it sounds brilliant with an AR pipe. SP Motorcycles in Exeter give 100% first class back up and even arranged a replacement headlamp unit FOC out of warranty.
If you have an Aprilia dealer that you have a good relationship with and can trust local to you then you're in a good position. I love riding my Tuono, its a brilliant super-naked and a better bike than the Streetfighter 1098 it replaced. However, my one warranty issue to replace the cowl was a nightmare and now I no longer have a dealer near me. Conversely I love my Ducati dealer at St Neots. Great service and friendly too. Just wish Ducati made a bike I wanted enough to replace the Tuono.
Yep - I could have got a tuono (it was one of my options and there was a really well specced up one on ebay) but ive got the rsv4 so I didn't want another v4 (don't get me wrong I love the rsv4 - but ive got that type of bike already) the other thing I don't like about the tuono (and this is personal preference) is theres too much plastic on the front of it...big cowl and side fairing panels...if its gonna be naked...be naked.... In agreement and as ive said before if they made another streetfighter that was panigale 1299 powered theyd clean up....but I suspect I still couldn't afford one as it would be bound to be north of 15k... Looking at the rsv4rf for sale its 18.2k approximately 10k more than mine....so, a. im not a good enough rider to warrant that difference in price and b. id rather take the plunge and retro fit an aprc system to mine...having said that if I did have 18k to throw about I would tempted to go to a panigale just for the sheer hell of the change... lovely bike though.
The Tuono is ugly; fast and easy to ride but ugly. The Streetfighter is a beautiful design. I loved owning the SF, whereas I don't have that attachment to the Tuono. The new RSV4RF is a great bike by all accounts from what I've read. I'd sooner have a Panigale myself.
