Yamaha R1 v Aprilia RSV4

At MCN we love the new Aprilia RSV4, but how does it compare to our 2009 1000cc group test winner, the Yamaha R1? Watch the video test to find out....
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[@partyman6666]

The 2 best-sounding modern bikes on the road today!.... awesome!

[@chris46p]

I've just bought a 13 plate RSV4 APRC. After owning R1's for the past 5 yrs I can honestly say the Aprilia wins by miles. Maybe if you ride at 30mph in traffic all day you'd want an R1, but on the open roads the RSV kicks ass.

[@marktaylor4756]

Chris Powell ł?

[@erixlast6020]

Wich bike is more planted when riden hard on bad road, pot hole?

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Funny to come back to this, now Aprilia has fixed all the issues they mentioned in this video and added so much more value to the bike. And lowered the price by about 30%!

[@tony2bro]

You guys are spot on!!! I know because I rode both on the track and the street with race tires and warmers. The R1 is smoother and more low end grunt and great handling. The RSV4 has very good handling and cool V4 sound. But the RSV4 is way more money. Not to mention when u need repair work done on the RSV4 you have a long wait. Like the total engine recall. But if you have boat loads of money get the factory RSV4 . If your looking for a kick ass fun bike to ride for way less money get the R1

[@DougCameraMan]

I'd go with Japanese quality and dependability over the Italian bike and have an extra $4,000 in my pocket when I ride home on the Yamaha instead of the Aprilia. Yamaha has more dealerships in the USA so it should be easier to get parts for it if your out touring and break down in some small one horse town in America. Every mechanic in town knows where he can get parts for a Honda or Yamaha, but I'm not so sure about the Aprilia. So I'd stick with a Japanese bike for their proven quality, lower purchase price, good reliability, good parts availability, and high resale value.

[@ahmedbilalabbasi7399]

Hahahh the other mens face is price less when he says aprilla wins the sound competition

[@jolseen]

I wish we had some nice twisty roads like that where I live.

[@JustinWhyte]

I own an Aprilia RSV and really wanted to get the RSV4. The price difference really didn't bother me. I ended up buying a 2009 R1 for $9999. The main reason is that there are no Aprilia shops within 100 miles of me. I have to drive almost to West Virginia from Baltimore to get my RSV serviced. I had to put emotions aside and make a logical decision.

[@og4593]

I hope you got to try out both

[@MrNithinchandran]

Great review & fantastic video.The view of yamaha with the camera mounted on d fairing is awesome.Yam inline & Aprilia V-4 sounding exactly same.

[@timmills4940]

Well... I have a 2012 RSV4 APRC (Al-Italia livery) and currently 3 R1's and have had a lot more R1's from 98 0n.. and they are my favourite "wrap around" bike i.e. feel at one with, having had everything else such as Gixers, Panigale etc. else almost .... R1 & RSV4 you can not beat the both of them for different reasons...forget the Dukes, Suzi's and Kwakers....IMHO...only been riding/racing for 38 years :D

[@raven-jz6cv]

Tim Mills you tell em brother. 16yrs riding nothing but yamahas

[@SteveC-Shaman]

For me, it's easy. The CBR has more midrange and top end power, weighs a lot less (and feels like it), is more compact, has a better general seating position (for me), comes with a really good suspension that seems to do it all and just feels like it is a willing partner for any dance. The R1 is larger, heavier, leans you over the front more and has softer power everywhere but down low - and I'm not sure of that, because the computer yanking open the throttle so hard is a gimmick, imho.

[@leequigley2077]

Have you even rode an R1 big bang? And by the way.. cbr isn't in this test

[@scottthomson700]

I wonder how many Euro bike haters on here have ever actualy owned a duc aprillia or bmw triumph,i suspect very few if any!

[@jimmyzoom1143]

Scott Thomson amen bro- italian all the way---

[@happydays1165]

Bang on right 👍🏻

[@ImW1Cairo]

@getpoop5509 is the aprilia really cost that much more? and is the sound as good as they say it is? i think thats the only thing i heard them give the aprilia in this video.

[@OfficialAlexMac]

That first recording of the exhausts made them both sound like lawn movers lol

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Spot on. But this RSV4 is in another league. And I have a lightened 06 1000 with full exhaust, degreed cams, Ohlins suspension rebuild, thin head gasket and port matching, so I may just know something about this subject. :)

[@87apx]

what are your top three 600 cc sportbikes? any body reply

[@MrCole68]

i like both these bikes,, i own an 06 rsv and have to say, the r1 does sound great with akro exhaust, but the rsv4 is awsome.. a pipe, power comander and mapping will give the rsv4 what it lacks, if it lacks anything at all.....Cant wait to test both these bikes

[@eamh2002]

In a few years boys will be missing the HOWL of older r1's and that tight sounding scream :)

[@Balafoutre]

I totally agree with DspecDJ...keep motorcycles pure.

[@viper22jc]

from what I saw in 2009 isle of man tt. most big name team owners had cbrs. they have a full crew to work on those machines. some of the entry level teams had 09 r1s. That makes a big difference when u have 5-10 people working on your bike compared to 5 or less. look it up. I saw the practice sessions and the race. they showed the big name teams and the entry level teams.

[@Ayresy_83]

Got to love the R1, both bikes are awesome though

[@rama6maiden]

is it possible to make an akrapovic exhaust look like the stock one on the aprilia??

[@OliverOlding]

@raredesign actually, the rs4 50 has only been on sale for roughly 1 year, and there were many 4 stroke 125cc "supersport" (supersport is another name for middle weight bikes i.e. 600cc) bikes around like the yamaha yzfr125, the rieju rs2 125 and the sachs xtc 125. The V4 means its a V4 engine, but I agree with you, they should use a different naming convention

[@rheamdc21]

@pbmax --- balot and penoy. THE BEST!

[@LuckyLe13]

Don't forget, they have the UK spec R1, if you're from the US, the R1 is gutless from 1st through 5th gear because of the timing retardation of the ignition. So it make sense that the R1 is close, if not better in the low to mid band RPM.

[@MarkCopo]

Great review, really informative. Thanks!

[@cott10r]

I own an 09 R1, i really like it, built well, handles very well & looks good. i will say it feels down in power compared to the zx-10R's and gsxr 1K's iv had. in all honesty the new bmw will be the bike to have

[@powersliding]

how you know the r1 doesnt charm?? even the tester said its power delivery and gearbox is the one to go for, they said the rsv's engine is the peakier of the two...means its not as playful. charm?

[@spliffy666]

"In 2008,the bikes electronics have been replaced from the usual Nippon-Denso version giving 21 KW/28 HP at the crank to more restrictive Piaggio electronics, most notably the new CDI and EFI on the Carburettor, putting out only 24 HP at the crank to meet the more stringent EURO3 Emissions standards."

[@EvenZappa]

I agree with you Buttmunch,that's why i always had italian bikes....it doesn't matter if R1 has won the comparison,if i had the bucks i'd buy the Aprilia right away...

[@SteveC-Shaman]

No, it just yanks the throttle vanes open more than you normally would. I rode the bike and was thoroughly underwhelmed. And I don't like the way Yamaha decides how much throttle I really wanted. I left the demo ride on my Tuono thankful that I didn't pre-order one as I considered. Compared to my bikes, I'd say that my GSX-R 750 hurt a new R1. And my 1000 (modded) which I bought and built for $5500 CDN with some cosmetic scars would murder it. See my track video if you think I'm lying.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Well, there's the 1198S and the Aprilia RSV4. Also very, very fast and a bit more unusual. But for the money, I think the CBR 1000RR is probably the best bike available new right now. The 05/6 GSX-R 1000 is probably the best streetable supersport bike ever built, though. Just truly awesome. I've had two, one of which is my track bike, the other which I threw off a cliff at Deal's Gap in the rain. :( For a track bike in general, though.... the new ZX-6R and R6 are awesome on track.

[@rama6maiden]

im going to buy a yamaha when i become 21 but i would stil pick the aprilia over it cause of the suspension and quality!!

[@raskioo]

hey did you forget whats a suberbike for? for racing not for go shopping!! or posing

[@MapleHue]

lol yeah :D I'm not familiar with bikes (yet), so I assumed the Aprilia was a 2-stroke because the 125cc model (RS4) is.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

This like deciding between which superhot SI swimsuit model to want to date. You're gonna have some serious arm candy not matter what.

[@LasX2]

*Asks guy in red* .... * Guy nods *

[@dhsnfuducndausfvusdf]

They are both beautiful machines and winner in their own rights. The rsv4 is a fountian of Italian passion and flare. Dropdead gogeous in every aspects but lacks the practicality, usability and reliability of the pinpoint precise r1. I reckon that the r1 will be faster but I'll take the aprilia anyday cos it reminds me what biking is all about and make me feels 12 years old. But if I have those money I will surely go for the Ducati Desmosedici rr.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Yeah, I only have 30 years of riding, and presently own four bikes, one of which is an ex-Canadian Superbike series champion (185whp, 390lbs, 520 conversion, etc.). What do I know?

[@SteveC-Shaman]

I'd say that they're all awesome. But if I had to choose between the R1 and the CBR 1000RR? It'd be the Honda. I've ridden both of them, and the R1 is a lot less bike as far as I'm concerned.

[@zoomvidsjc1]

Couldn't have said it better myself. When you see a guys on kawi z1000 naked bikes in the expert class at track days running the same lap times as people with the latest and greatest you know only an world class superstar could fully exploit either of these bikes let alone boy racers and even advanced track day riders. That leaves something else to consider like style and uniqueness. The reason I even look at this r1 is that it has something different about it.

[@BigRayH]

In my opinion the Japan bkes are much more reliable. I have never owned a Italian bike but I have buds who have them and and from my perspective, All the ones with Italian bikes are in the shop a lot more than us with Japanese bikes. Don't get me wrong when I can afford a Ducati (They are so pretty) I will be in the dealership with the quickness and have one in the garage.

[@vampov]

The battle on the track has already been decided RSV4 WSBK

[@rcpilot825]

red and black jumpsuit guy is the best reviewer ever

[@BumkengOfficial]

The R1 is the monster of them but the rsv4 looks a little bit better ..... they aren't cheap :(

[@raredesign]

The 4 in RS4 does not stand for 4-stroke. The RS4 50 is a 2-stroke that has been popular for years. The RS4 125 was a ground breaker as the first 4-stroke in the 125cc supersport class. The RSV4 is a whole other breed. They should have chosen other naming conventions so it wasn't so confusing, lol.

[@sureshkumar866]

which is the best 1000cc bikes available in india

[@phoenix1925]

cow 1000rr

[@yamasubaruger]

Aperently that 4,000 extra for "Brembos" and "Ohlins" does not = too a < machine so put that 4,000 in to the R1 and you would have a much beter bike all around.I know what you mean about not being unique; that is just one reason wy I do not care to own a croch "rockit" rocket, I prefer the SV650 (NAKiD NOT SPORT) because you can use all the power, have a more unique looking and sounding bike , have no fairings to break and by and as a result have cheaper insurance.

[@nonekeer]

The aprillia is a beautiful machine. The R1 doesn't have the looks,... The aprilia gives you the feeling of real biking. although my top 3 is: 1. Ducati desmosedici 2.aprilia rsv4 3. Mv agusta F4

[@wabashofutah]

Still using the knee dragging style from Kenny Roberts :) I wouldn't care, both bikes are amazing.

[@Matua01]

Great presenter.

[@acetelenta]

i think that the Italy bikes are far to expensive. It just doesnt worth to give 40-50% more for them and in the reality with the r1 you get an outstanding bike.

[@Cantabinexile]

Most of the big name teams did have Blades, the reason being that they are a better bike for road racing than he R1 is currently, Relentless had total mare of a week with the Aussie boy causing damage to himself in pratice and Bruce didn't get any luck all week. I'm sure that in a few months that as the S1000RR comes that will be the best bike ever (according to MCN) Have a read of Bike UK mag and Visor Down UK mag (formely Two Wheels) I think you will they rate the Blade as number 1

[@SteveC-Shaman]

I rode the new R1 and I felt that it was flat powered and the "grunt" they go on and on about is just the computer yanking the throttle valves open more than you normally would on your own - don't believe me? Just grab a big handful on a standard i4 bike and see what happens. I did, my 750 feels just as strong if you're hamfisted with it. I just was nowhere near as impressed with the R1 as MCN is... and it makes you wonder why all the other magazines are on my side...

[@Roxak]

True for most of the specs... But You can't deny a Ducatis brembo braking system against the Tokico and Nissin etc... The feel alone is worth the money... Also for the suspension elements... Im no pro-rider either, but clearly can tell a difference... Question is, if its really needed to spend more money or not...

[@MuerteQuerida]

You can't compare an Aprilia or a new Ducati 1198S, because the crossplane crankshaft is the best engine on the superbike market. In fact, the R1 is the Bike of the year 2009. Is more compact, explsive and best-looking than an Aprilia. Sorry by italian makers, because their bikes are knowed as the best (The Augusta Remain as the Top superbike), but Yamaha made a Home-Run with this R1 and this revolutionary engine.

[@87apx]

@hsc87 but you just said that the cbr ninja and gsxr are the best in the 600 class

[@xarcherx987]

Australian MCN also rated the r1 out of 12 litrebikes.

[@Th3Gr33k]

People are saying £4 more for the aprilia... Just wait for the none Factory version which will cost the same as the R1. Will be interesting what they think... Maybe they will try to make it more "road friendly"? Will be interesting.

[@dervolker]

i do love my aprilia falco then next thing would be the rsv4 but this will be in a few years when i'm able to afford one(currently sitll in school)

[@Bostoneats22]

I would take the R1 because 1. I love yamaha. My dad uses their outboards. I like aprilla. My choice would be the R1 but i reackon the Aprilla would beat it in the top speed. I am 16 pleae post me if i am wrong. Thanks

[@WeekendPirate]

isnt it... *nods head*

[@dukviper90]

@vampov 99-02 yamaha r6's were the only ones known to have transmission problems. the 2nd gear would slip becase of a weak dog gear. But most mechanics will tell you yamaha makes the most durable top ends for their engines. My engine had 31,000 miles on it and did not need valve service.

[@Markbiker21]

i don'r care about who is the best i love the two bikes

[@pacrat90]

@MrR1wheelieking Aprilia isn't in motoGP... you mean SBK?

[@AlekreSD]

@powersliding It doesnt have charm. Its just good machine. There's plenty of R1's on the streets, owners are mostly people that buy it just for show off. There's real bikers but not many. I dont say its bad, its good bike, but i will pick Aprilia because i want to be different. U must admint that RSV is very distinctive with beautiful styling. It has her cons but is the machine that i will LOVE IT. R1 cant take my feeling like Aprilia. Cheers, have a nice day.

[@Cantabinexile]

I liked the comment at the end saying that the Mighty R1 has won everything in 2009...... Hmm they must not have been paying attention to the results of the Isle of Man TT then as the CBR came in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in the Superstock race. Don't even think it made the top 10

[@spliffy666]

Firstly, i'm not your mate. It depends on which RS125 you have. If you have the fully tuned, full power, de-restricted model, then yes, it will piss all over a ninja, but if you buy a ninja and an rs from the same year, say 2009, the 33bhp ninja has the advantage over the 24bhp RS, not to mention the reliability factor.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

Traction control is only available on the 1098R and the 1198S as far as I know. Everyone else has engine modes or nothing. Kawasaki's system isn't really TCS. The R1, GSX-Rs, RSV4, have mode switches for power output but of them the R1 and RSV4's are better... the Suzuki's system really kills power in the other modes so is not as useful on the track as the other two. Honestly, I'm not sure I like traction control on my bikes. My traction control is my right hand. Ducati's is GOOD, tho.

[@JakeHT91]

I wish that someone makes 1000cc 2-stroke superbike.

[@Jmartin2683]

well damn that seals the deal for me. if motojournos love it i cant go wrong!

[@powersliding]

i disagree regarding the R1 but i completely agree regarding the RSV4

[@DspecDJ]

personally I would say stay away from traction control if you're looking to REALLY improve your track skill, it's just a band-aid. Learn to control wheel-spin with your wrist and you'll start to recognize what's going on by the attitude of the bike, rather than a computer butting in saying "nope, way too much throttle here, let's just back that off a bit." And get a 600 before a 1000 for track, if you start track riding on a 1000 you will have a VERY SLOW learning curve.

[@BIGGESTxxEMINEMxxFAN]

R1 looks way better , but of course looks dont matter when your wanting to have fun //

[@DARIO4631]

nice bikes buth i would go for the rsv4

[@MapleHue]

Alright, my bad. Assumed it was, seeing as how the RS4 125 is a 2-stroke. I don't know much about them bikes hehe.

[@zoomvidsjc1]

Also, like most people (boy racers included) I wanted the fastest bike when I first started riding and got a cbr600. Just like all those gixxer fanboys. While great bikes after a while you grow to appreciate other qualities and experiences. Most of the people who rip on other bikes are the ones who reply to the what kind of bike do you have question with "I have a Suzuki" answer instead of the actual bike name. You just know that person is a poser.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

The R1 placed last in most of the other magazines, as well.

[@MrCloobey]

Had Lots & Lots Of Litre Bikes & The Factory RSV 4 Is Without Doubt The Best !!! Then The Mighty Gixer 1000 K5 But Thats Just Me, Mind You All Modern Sportsbikes Are Awesome !!!! Just Get Out There & Njoy.

[@VituMV]

on that first shot of them riding, the aprilia is running from the r1 like a prey from its predator... R1 power

[@woodrax]

That is the Factory model, with all the trick parts.

[@viper22jc]

U are talking about relentless suzuki. they had he fastest bike on isle of man 2009, but mishaps kept happening for them. As for the r1 vs the blade. I think that these two are going to keep swapping the best bike badge. In a year or two Yamaha will make improvements and aslo the same for Honda. As for the s1000rr, dont hold your breath. I just read about it on Motorcyclist mag. I will look more into it on other mags as well..

[@I-Need-Saving]

@87apx CBR, Ninja, and GSXR but thats just my opinion.

[@coors1800]

I am a non pro rider/racer but.. I ride everyday no mater what, own several bikes and no cars. I can tell a diffrence. bottom line the diffrences are personal prefrence most of the time. I personally do not like the new bikes. to many computers helping you ride and waiting to break down. I am also a tall guy so the lil bikes cramp me. my personal favorite overall. Suzuki TL1000R but if u wanna whip into corners and drag knees I love the 04 R6

[@SteveC-Shaman]

$22K USD, $15K UK. For the Factory.

[@KingCast65]

No it isn't.

[@tramagacity]

R1 is the winner. RSV very beautiful bike, not as reliable as R1,hard to find shops/dealers fro service etc...

[@Chuckmeister92]

The aprilia is only 15k? I thought it was pushing 30... or was that the factory bike?

[@bruninja]

bouth bikes are gods.. just a question of stile and adaptacion ..in our days we dont have nothng "much better.." so my friends dont say mine is much better than yours !! zx10, R1, 1198, S1000rr, gsxr1000, cbr1000rr, RSV1000, the tecnology of these bikes are.. the best you can get in high-sports bikes! is an option of a small details for a good bikes!

[@yannick4123]

The R1 is cheaper to run and more reliable tho... but id get the RSV 2

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

1.Honda/suzuki 2.Yamaha 3.Kawasaki

[@5h4d0w990]

...did any of these tests happen to specify WHICH of the 3 Drive modes it was on? I mean, "Slow throttle response, somewhat slower at the bottom, etc", sounds like it was left in "sport" mode, not switched to Race. Also, of COURSE the R1 is going to take it for street manners...Aprilia builds Race bikes, then adds turn signals and headlights so nutcases can drive them on the road :-P

[@navouxodonosor]

The fact that you can bye a cheaper bike that is faster does not mean at all that its better..

[@AwGsharpie]

R1 is much better such a good bike i love it

[@bigbenballin15]

both are amazing bikes if u ask me :)

[@1971ratrace]

It´s good to ear the true. I suppose the Yamaha is the best liter bike altought i own the new cbr1000rr. After all is better than the aprilia too?!

[@indieKook]

@yveskhadra yeah rsv4 is monstrous ! r1 is just popular...

[@dukviper90]

I love yamaha to death, but every video i watch from MCN that is comparing a bike to a yamaha r1, the r1 always seems to win and the one dude is a yamaha fanboy. They seem Just a bit bias.

[@Jmartin2683]

an outstanding bike... with no soul that everyone and their grandmother owns.

[@viper22jc]

the euro spec bike have more power then the us spec bikes. thats why u.s. magazines rate the R1 lower, but in europe where emissions are not as harsh as in the u.s. those motorcycles have more power. U.S. R1s lose about 6-7 ponies just because of emissions compared to Euro spec bikes...