Ian, you have the cleanest and best kept bikes on he planet! What electronics does the pre APRC have? Thanks
Shouldn't really say so on this forum but the RSV4 was the best sports bike I ever owned - better than the 848 and 1199. Maybe it suited me better, but handling was less nervous than the Pani, corner speed much better for me, power and torque just right, comfy for long road rides, and the noise with an AR GP2 can excellent.
It is tiny, the same size as a CBR125! They are awesome machines, the sound track is epic and they are so flickable. The APRC kit is well worth while, the traction control and anti wheelie make it an absolute missile coming out of the corners.
The early one had no electronics whatsoever so I cannot comment on the later ones, sound fantastic though with a nice exhaust fitted. Handle great, jewel like build quality ( Even the bolts are etched with 'Aprilia' ) Even though the Factory had Ohlins it is softer sprung than Ducatis fitted with Ohlins. You fancying one ? This looked ok, APRILLA RSV4 FACTORY WITH LOW MILES AND TASTEFUL MODS | eBay
Think they are fine now, spares seem readily available. It was just the first batch that had an engine fault, the rest are ok.
I'm thinking along the same lines as you Nelson, I know they suffered from some engine problems but I think they were factory recalls but if they need any internal work because it is so compact they are a nightmare to work on. Performance Bikes have a guide on them this month.
I quite like them too. They are about the only thing that would have me part ex the ducati. I have never sat on one but fear at 6ft 4" it just aint gioing to happen. Are they really that compact?
Well they say the bike was designed and built around Max Biaggi and he is about 5ft 2" I think ! I'm 5ft 8" so I think I would be fine but at 6,4 maybe not !
I don't want to sound like an old fart.....But, all those gizzmos is a lot to go wrong and I'd imagine you need hands like a Thai whore to get in there...:Jawdrop: Extended warranty?
Seriously looking at these as well and get rid of the Panigale... The number of time the Pani has been into a dealer for warranty work is just getting on my tits TBH. Now I have screwed Forks. I think I gonna get a test ride and go from there One very fed up Ducati Panigale owner
Get a later one if you can, not just because of the electronics, but there are quite a lot of internal changes too especially regarding improved lubrication. Many earlier bikes had gearing changes to the oil pump drive to try and improve oil pressure. Unlike the Rsv the v4 seems to require much more re shimming of the valves so a decent service history would be a must for me. I spent a week at Aprilia Performance recently as the owner is a mate and we have some mutual business interests and had a good fiddle with a couple of them. Very compact, so much so that it's even a challenge to get the tank back on without trapping wires etc. Seem generally reliable although some parts are scary money as only sold as complete units. I know of a few TB issues but you have to buy the whole assembly etc unless you can find a SH part. Ape Parts are pretty good in general although some body parts can be a difficult to get. The Euro parts depot is now in France and they can get most parts to a dealer as fast as any other manufacturer. I am told the pick rate is 90% so not much isn't in stock at that depot. They are very small and although i can ride one in relative comfort at 6ft 4, (at least for a while) i do look somewhat like King Kong on a scooter.
Ive got a 59 plate factory (Pre APRC) Ive never had anything with an electronics package so I couldn't answer that one. However its an awesome bit of kit. I really cant see myself getting rid of it. I think even if I were to stop riding for whatever reason id just sheet it over and store it. I haven't seen its limit yet but that's going to get tested next month at the TT as ive only got the knee down a couple of times on it (haven't had the time to ride it). Its just about to go on the dyno but not for performance reasons but more fuel saving (its fast enough for me). The more fuel I save the more I can lavish on it...Samco hoses and brake lines next plus the old bolt swap outs coming as well...
Just to add - yes they are small - im not a tall person (about 5'9") and it fits me perfectly. Went to the TT last year - no comfort issues atall. I would say in defence of the panigale though that I sat on one last week at riders and I would, dare I say it, say that it felt initially more comfortable... bars seemed a little higher... Doesn't really qualify for the "this is me" area but you can see how I sit with regards to my height, build and the size of the bike....
Great bikes but Aprilia spares supply and dealer network must the worst anywhere and they are not the most reliable of bikes.
