Help me choose, MV F4 or HP4 or 1199 Panigale R

Forum Sponsor
This is two months too late and may not be of any value at this point to the OP... but here goes anyways. I initially purchased an RSV4 with the aprc electronics and ended up cancelling the order because it took too long for them to deliver the bike and they couldn't give me a firm date on when I could get one. This was a few years ago and I worried about what parts availability would be like if they had so much trouble allocating the initial bike so I went with a BMW s1000rr at that point. Last year I got the BMW hp4 (got the initial call because I was a good customer).

I've done one test ride on the rsv4 and have owned the hp4 for about 8000kms now (including a couple trackdays). Both are amazing bikes and you won't go wrong either way. The hp4 is very comfortable compared to the rsv4 (heated grips for crissakes). its also faster... just has more hp with the i4 engine config (having said that, anything above 150hp is really irrelevant on the street).

However one criticism I have of the hp4 and the s1000rr i had before... they're all bit too pedestrian for the price you pay. don't get me wrong, love my hp4.... but the rsv4 is special... looks special and SOUNDS special.

so if you're someone who's into the way it looks (sounds like you are given some of the prior comments), go for the rsv4... hp4 is superior day to day and in traffic and reliability, parts availability and all that... but you'll forget that when you pull in the clutch and hear that v4 engine rev like nothing else on the road.

And finally i agree with everyone else that going directly to 1000cc may be asking for it. i'm not one of these "grandpa litrebikes are death" types.... but really a 675 is crazy fast and looks awesome too ya know... no harm in trying those for a while first....
 
thorin said:
However one criticism I have of the hp4 and the s1000rr i had before... they're all bit too pedestrian for the price you pay.
Click to expand...

200hp with all possible electronic aids is pedestrian? Some people just aren't happy until they ride something that kills them.
 
CafeRay said:
200hp with all possible electronic aids is pedestrian? Some people just aren't happy until they ride something that kills them.
Click to expand...

I meant pedestrian compared to the Aprilia and the price you pay for it... but thanks for wishing me well in my future riding. Safe journeys to you as well.
 
Ducatis are for **********....true story! haha! But if i was older and wasn't going to track the bike, didn't care about $$, and just wanted to ride around and pose, sure i'd get a Ducati! haha

I'd go for the HP4....I had a chance to ride Thorin's and the bike is a ******'n beast! The Aprilla is also very sweet, but from what i've heard and read, the BMW still offers the best value for money (but if $$ isn't an object and you're not going to ride that much...why not get something slightly unique as there are plenty of Panigales and HP4s on the road.

Good luck with the massive upgrade from the 250cc....I really hope you are a "mature" rider (god knows guys in their 30s, especially on big bikes, still feel like they're in their mid 20s and invincible).
 
I disagree, I think the Aprilia offers more for the money. The HP4 feels like a GSX-R or another inline four... very capable but never all that interesting if you're not near redline. The Aprilia has an incredible chassis and the engine never ceases to entertain you... it's not perfect and it's not as flexible as the inlines, and it's much better for it (like a twin) as it engages you in a way that other bikes don't.

Personal opinion. Also, another 20hp that is barely usable on the track is useless on the street. The tiny percentage of time you'll spend at 13,000 rpm with the BMW to take advantage of the top end power is practically meaningless compared to all the time you'll slog along at 6,000 rpm on the street, where the engine will not entertain you much, if any. Let's face it, if all you want is top-shelf power and bragging rights, get a ZX-14, they're comfortable and a lot more practical. Cheaper, too.

53067706-IMG_7059.JPG
 
Last edited:
CafeRay said:
200hp with all possible electronic aids is pedestrian? Some people just aren't happy until they ride something that kills them.
Click to expand...

Pretty f'n dick thing to say! I really don't think you understood the spirit of his posting.
 
cool said:
Actually i've been calling a few dealers and very close in making my decision

The MV F4 is out of the list. Instead i'm considering the RSV4 factory.

Here is what the situation is:

Only the Aprilia is available for sure this season.

The Panigale tricolor is available but the R version i have to wait which might be late for the season

The HP4 is sure not available this seaon and i have to be on the list for next season. Which leads to plan B: Get the Triumph Daytona 675R for this season and put it my living room as decorative piece next season when the HP4 is delivered.
Click to expand...

Yup... Daytona 675R is only good as a decorative piece. Got to love it!:lmao:

I vote for a Burgman. Not going to get a lot of people waving at you though!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom