I'm lucky to have an RSV4 Factory APRC 2012. It is an amazing bike and very pretty. I paid a reasonable price for it 2 years ago. It drinks fuel and is still depreciating... However, I feel like I am riding it at about 30% or less of it's capability! It is actually too fast for me, but surprisingly comfortable. My 851 SP3 stays in the garage these days (I've had it from new), but I bought a 996 SPS "as an investment" recently: whether it's the novelty, or the tweaking to get the bike perfect for me, I actually enjoy riding that more - probably because I open the throttle instead of just tickling it on the Aprilia! It is incredibly uncomfortable compared to the RSV4 below 50 mph (but we all know that, right?). Having a big V twin and a V4 is the perfect combination (for me), but the space / finance compromises can be difficult. The Aprilia forums (there are several) have lots of content with a few scary stories as usual. There are some Facebook groups - Aprilia Factory is good. Bikersworld in East Grinstead are great for servicing - a friend of mine brings his V4 down from the north of Scotland in a van for servicing. So if you are a long way from someone good to work on the V4, that is a consideration. Good luck with your purchase!
Beware, I bought one in 2016 brand new. Don't get me wrong brilliant bike, fast and looks the bollocks but I really struggled with the wind-blast anything over 80mph even laid on the tank. God knows what it must like at 140MPH!!! Went from the sublime to the ridicules by buying a second hand fully loaded Multistrada Enduro because it was so cheap but so heavy it was like having a fight every time getting it in my garage, but brilliant bike if you go touring with 160BHP!!! I have just bought a Supersport S after a long test ride, I think/hope I've found my perfect bike, took it on the motorway yesterday and with the windscreen in the higher position had no trouble with the wind-blast. Totally fantastic to ride just like the road tests say, I wrote a letter to bike regarding so upgrades that in my opinion Ducati should do and got it published in the latest November 2017 edition, fame at last!!!
Rode it on Friday and spun it up to 120ish and it was ok for me, it does have a Puig DB screen on though.
I know I shouldn't really do this on a Ducati forum, but i couldn't resist posting a pic of the new machine, sorry for any untintentional offence caused!!
