Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 vs. Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018

The Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 and the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 are both high-performance supersport motorcycles that offer impressive power and advanced technology.

In terms of engine specifications, the Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 is equipped with a V4 engine with a bore of 78 mm and a stroke of 52.3 mm. It produces 201 HP of power and 115 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 also features a V4 engine but with a larger bore of 81 mm and a stroke of 53.5 mm. It delivers a higher power output of 214 HP and 124 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have four cylinders and DOHC valve configuration, but the Ducati uses Desmodromic valves, which is a unique feature of Ducati engines.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and monoshock absorbers at the rear. The suspension components on both bikes are provided by Öhlins, a renowned brand in the industry.

Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 uses radial brakes from Brembo, while the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 features radial, monoblock brakes from Brembo. The use of monoblock brakes in the Ducati provides enhanced braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles come with ABS. However, the Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 offers additional features such as launch control, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018, on the other hand, focuses more on its leading electronics package.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 has a wheelbase of 1420 mm and a seat height of 845 mm. It has a dry weight of 180 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 liters. The Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1469 mm and a lower seat height of 830 mm. It has a lower dry weight of 174 kg and a smaller fuel tank capacity of 16 liters.

Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018

In terms of strengths, the Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 is praised for its awesome, rev-happy engine, strong brakes, top chassis, wonderful sound, full electronics package, automatic gearshift with blipper, and pleasant ergonomics. On the other hand, the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 is known for its dreambike image, excellent brakes, pleasant seating position, enormous lean angle potential, leading electronics package, impressive engine power, and ingenious handling.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 is criticized for having an unsteady front wheel when accelerating and too much information for a small display. The Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018, on the other hand, has a seat that warms up noticeably, offers little grip in the braking zone due to the seat-tank combination, and requires caution with tuning measures and seat position on fast and bumpy sections for stability at the limit.

In conclusion, both the Aprilia RSV4 RF 2017 and the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 are high-performance supersport motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Aprilia offers a powerful engine and advanced electronics package, while the Ducati provides a dreambike image and impressive handling. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.