Ducati HM vs. Aprilia Dorsoduro - Ducati.ms

Manymotos · Mar 18th, 2009, 8:50 pm

I took a demo ride on the HM in Greenville SC at the Cycle World show and absolutely loved it!!! It's the most fun I have had in years on a motorcycle. Two weeks later in Daytona during bike week I rode the Aprilia Dorsoduro and had basically the same wonderful experience. Having owned an ST-4 Ducati years ago I have great faith in Ducati products although knowing the price differece between to two bikes it's making me lean toward the Aprilia. One difference I noticed in the frame/fork geometry in the specs is the rake and trail of the bikes. The Duc at 24 deg. rake/3.9" of trail and the Aprilia at 26 deg rake/4.3" of trail. Just curious because I read in a motorcycle design journal that stated more than 4" of trail causes somewhat slow front end handling. On the demo rides it's hard to push the bikes to their limits to know. Are there any experts out there that can help answer this question or advise for or against the Aprilia? Both appear to be outstanding.

GMP · Mar 18th, 2009, 9:42 pm

Before I bought my Hyper last year, I considered the Aprilia Shiver, which is very close to the Dorso. Doing the research, the bike has a lot of issues. Many EFI problems, bad sensors, starters, electical issues, etc. To top it off, the parts supply was aweful and bikes sat for weeks. Some guys got so pissed they just gave up and sold them.

Now, on the flip side the guys liked the bike when it ran right. Also, perhaps these were first year bugs. The parts though I'm not sure, Aprilia always had a rep for poor parts supply.

This is not my personal experience, just what I learned from Shiver owners. Do some research of your own, maybe things have changed. I can tell you one thing for sure from personal experience, and that is the Hypermotard is the most fun street bike I have ever ridden, with no problems.

Manymotos · Mar 18th, 2009, 10:23 pm

Thanks Glenn! At least with the Ducati there shouldn't be any mysteries. Other than the 1100 cc displacement being a little larger than their previous air-cooled there isn't much different about it. It's very well proven. People tend to make a big deal about the valve adjustments but I can't see that as a show stopper. I don't think I'd put 15,000 to 20,000 miles on it a year like I do my 1150 GS. The HM is just plain fun to ride for a hour or so at a time, a couple of times a week.

P-Funk · Mar 18th, 2009, 11:07 pm

I'm having the same dilemma. Love both bikes but not so confident in the parts supply for the Priller. I've heard similar stories of bikes sitting for months waiting for parts.

I'm curious to see what others have to say.

P

Dallara · Mar 19th, 2009, 1:38 am

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I don't know about others, but in addition to my Hyper I also own a 2007 Aprilia 1000-R Tuono. I purchased it at AF-1 Racing in New Braunfels, Texas.

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/default.asp

First off, it has been absolutely 100% trouble-free with flawless reliability. When I purchased it I had the EVO airbox mod done, a set of Leo Vince ti slip-on's, and a PowerCommander III (along with some chassis mods, too)... And the whole rig was tuned on their Mustang dyno. It is hell for strong throughout the rev range, and has been a match for any twin I have ever run across.

As for parts, I have never really needed much... Mostly just maintenance items and other accessories, but as for availability at one point I wanted some RSV muffler hangers. I called up AF-1 and they had 'em in stock and shipped 'em right out. Along the way I have called for things like gaskets, filters, etc. and they have always had anything I have asked for in stock.

I love my Ducati's, but I have to say that the Aprilia's build quality, fit, finish, etc. is at least as high, and in some areas higher, than my Ducati's. There's a reason why some people say, regarding fit and finish, that Aprilia's are the "Italian Honda"... And it's meant as a compliment.

BTW, AF-1 sells more Aprilia's than anyone else in the USA, and they ship them anywhere in the country. I know one guy in Washington state and another in Arizona who have bought their Aprilia's from AF-1. Just give Ed Cook a call there and ask him anything you would like to about Aprilia's. He's one of the owners, is real easy to talk to, has an immense knowledge of the brand, and will be happy to answer any questions you have, I'm sure.

BTW, they have a great Aprilia forum, too. Check it out at:

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/

Just FYI, and my personal experience...

Hope it helps!

Dallara

Manymotos · Mar 19th, 2009, 6:51 am

I have also heard from dealers that since Piaggio bought Aprilia it has improved the parts inventory. The good new from what I'm hearing is that both are great motorcycles and I'm glad to hear that no one is knocking either of the bikes. This is extremely rare in a forum.

The Italians appear to be the only people in the motorcycle industry who are truly passionate about their bikes. Both Ducati and Aprilia make beautiful products!

Does anyone have any in put on the fork rake and trail question?

FroZen · Mar 19th, 2009, 9:02 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manymotos

The Italians appear to be the only people in the motorcycle industry who are truly passionate about their bikes. Both Ducati and Aprilia make beautiful products!

Your words fill me with pleasure bro'

"We" italians have many defects but our cars and motos are more than just a bunch of mechanic pieces put togheter, i think everyone who loves car and motos all over the world know what i mean

BTW Aprilia is the bigger case of "a very good product sold by the wrong persons" in the italian scene.......just pray you have a good dealer who knows is "chickens" otherwise you'll be upset very often.......even here in Italy, not only for the sea shippment issues etc etc etc

Dallara · Mar 19th, 2009, 11:03 am

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Manymotos

Does anyone have any in put on the fork rake and trail question?

Piaggio has actually owned Aprilia for some time now... And yes, the Italians are most definitely passionate about their motor vehicles. Even marques like Moto Guzzi exhibit that Italian flair for the dramatic and romantic while still being functional, yet always with a nod toward their heritage. That's what the Italian's do best - having the ability to make things that are new, fresh, and beautiful while still maintaining the links to their history and legacy.

Quite wonderful in so many ways.

As for the rake and trail issue...

I wouldn't concern myself that the Dorsoduro would steer too slowly or sluggishly. I'm not sure of the rake and trail figures of my Tuono, but its steering is in no way slow or sluggish.

Besides, many feel the Ducati Hypermotard steers almost too quick, and borders on having some headshake, especially on corner exits and dropping the front wheel if it has been aviated. Hence the good selection of steering dampener set-ups and styles for the Hyper. Personally I haven't seen a need for a steering dampener on my Hypermotard, but I will say that one needs to make sure and pay pretty constant attention to the front end of one, otherwise I can see how it might become a bit too busy.

The front end on a Hyper is a bit like having power steering compared to a lot of other bikes, with only very, very minimal effort needed to initiate a steering input. You simply cannot be lazy, lackadaisical, or imprecise with the bars or you will be wandering all over the pavement taking odd lines and wondering how you got where you did.

Also don't forget that if you have a Hyper S, or get a an adjustable ride-height link and install it on a standard Hyper, that you could easily get steering geometry certainly close to equal of the Dorsoduro. I am not personally acqauinted with the Dorso, but knowing Aprilia there is no doubt a similar method to quicken the steering on it should you desire... Raising the rear ride height, dropping the forks in the clamps, etc.

Point of all this rambling is that I wouldn't let the minor differences in rake and trail concern you. My guess is that the Dorsoduro probably steers just fine.

Of course, the best thing, if you can, is to go and ride both and see for yourself...

Hope this helps!

Dallara

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dhc8guru · Mar 19th, 2009, 12:28 pm

The issues with Aprilia's having parts supply and reliability issues went away real fast when the word got out of the problems owners had. Pretty much Piaggio said they would have no part of a problem child in there family.
The Shiver had reported issues with fueling but is was not a reliability issue, more of a design/programming problem. I don't think the Dorsaduro suffers the same problem and undoubtedly the Shiver will get a remap.

Overall I trust Ducati more than Aprilia, in dealer, parts and service support. I also think a Ducati will hold its value longer in both resale and personal happiness.

GMP · Mar 19th, 2009, 12:29 pm

Keep in mind that the Shiver/Dorso use a new Aprilia designed and mfg. (in Asia somewhere, not Italy) engine, where the Mille, Tuono, etc use the tried and true Rotax motor.

Much of what I learned was from the AF1 board, some from a local rider with a long parts wait experience. The most common issue being a failed speed sensor that takes forever to get. FWIW, my local Ducati dealer used to sell Aprilia but dropped the line.

Not sure about the Dorso, but the Shiver while being a nice bike had a lot of cheaper parts. The shock and the Taiwaneese Brembo brake copies come to mind. Look at the bike close.

I'm sure its a cool bike and fun but I'd be flipping out if I spent half the summer waiting for a part, which has happened. The season here is too short to deal with this BS.