2010 Literbike Shootout: Aprilia RSV4 Factory vs. Ducati 1198S vs. KTM RC8R

[admin]

Another year, a bigger battle.

With BMW's S1000RR and KTM's updated and new-to-the-U.S. RC8R as an all-new model, the field of liter-ish superbikes expands considerably for 2010.

Apologies to MV Agusta for not counting the 2010 F4, but no one's yet signed up to race it in a large-scale series – the KTM was the runner-up in the 2009 IDM (International German Superbike Championship). We sure wouldn't mind a spin on the MV, though. (Hint, hint, MV Agusta.)

Like the race grid, we'll now expand the roster of contestants in our annual liter test.

No longer limiting the battle to the Big Four from Japan, we'll eventually include the BMW S1000RR on the list of participants powered by the popular inline-Four configuration. But for now, to start off what has become a literbike mêlée, we're first evaluating all the Vee configuration contenders.

More: 2010 Literbike Shootout: Aprilia RSV4 Factory vs. Ducati 1198S vs. KTM RC8R on Motorcycle.com

[lukeeye]

Just wanted to add something to this... does anyone else notice how much more beautiful the 1198 is than the RSV and the RC8R. Don't get me wrong, I'd own all three if I could, but I really notice the aesthetics in that photo... glad I own an 1198!

[loudes13]

exciting read!

[Sedan_Clan]

Thanks for that article!

Lukeeye,

I agree, the Ducati is the prettier bike. I sure do like that KTM though.

[motogppress]

for the beauty at least the RSV4factory is the one

[D1cker1]

I rode with a RSV4 this past wkd

I loved the Look of my duc, despite being made fun of because its expensive

Duc's Will always look classic...

[ZDM]

It's my dream to bring my Duc into my livingroom by the way.....Gheez!! the mighty 1198 w/ 150 hp....what happened to the big ponies w/ this bike?? It seems alot of owners boast 160 hp w/ their 1098....

[Bash]

I'd for sure take the aprilia over any others.

[Mospeada]

Originally Posted by ZDM

It's my dream to bring my Duc into my livingroom by the way.....Gheez!! the mighty 1198 w/ 150 hp....what happened to the big ponies w/ this bike?? It seems alot of owners boast 160 hp w/ their 1098....

That's stock, it should be about 150-152. 1098's are about 140-142 stock.

My 1198S, with Termignoni's, ecu, and a PCV, put down 166 rwhp and 94 lb-ft of torque.

On the same dyno, but different day (as printed in the March issue of RoadracingWorld), the RSV4 with full ti system, and ecu put down 159 rwhp and 76 lb-ft of torque. That's nearly 20 lbs of torque less.

To me, the Ducati looks better, but the RSV4 has the advantage in chassis geometry. To even that up, you *have* to get the 30mm offset triples....more money.

[Quarantine]

their was a shootout between 4 bikes in Visordown magazine couple of months back. The RSV4, 1198S, RC8R, and F4 312.

The 1198S came on top. The RSV4 came second