[FactoryPilot]

THIS

OR THIS?

Okay - before anyone gets ticked off, I'll start this post by saying that I'm not trying to start a "superior - inferior" argument here - I just didn't know any other way to ask this.

As you can tell by my name (or maybe not ), I have a '04 Aprilia Factory R. I've been following the conversations here about the Yamaha R1, and I'm impressed with what I've been reading and the reviews, etc.

My question is this...

I've been strongly considering ditching the Aprilia for the Yammy. If I look at things on a sheer performance level, it looks like I spent about 7,500 more for the extra "bling-bling" that the Aprilia offers being Ohlins suspension, radial mounted brembos etc., etc.

Not to say that I don't enjoy the bike immensely, it's an awesome bike for a twin and has a tremendous amount of character to it (especially with aftermarket pipes and the race map :scared ).

Anyways, I'm just curious as to what you guys would do. I've owned I-4's before and they're okay...I just became re-interested in them with the new Yamaha and Kawi's being rolled out.

So... would you keep the Aprilia for the character and "exclusivity" factor (i.e. you don't exactly see any of them on the road...at least where I’m at) or would you go on a sheer performance basis and trade out for something like a Yamaha?

I would appreciate your opinions on this!

Thanks

 

[Jeff]

I would be tempted to keep the Apprillia, but I understand your delimma. You need a test ride, wait till one of your buddies gets a new r1.

 

[bpa00]

Tough call, but I'd probably keep the Aprillia... Everyone and their brother will have the ONE this year... Also, you can't beat the Ohlins suspension or other trick parts...

- BA

 

[FactoryPilot]

Yep, another main issue is that I don't ride my bikes anywhere close to their capability (especially on the street), and I think that the bragging rights would only come if I were able to ride each bike to it's full potential.

The Aprilia is a suprisingly strong bike for what it is, I can even give my friend a run for his money on his Hayabusa provided that we don't hit any straights that go over 1/2 mile

The handling is exceptional, but again if I were to measure it up against the Yamaha, I'm certain that I would notice few differences, unless I were riding each bike at the limit.

Anyways, I really appreciate the honest responses so far; keep 'em coming!

 

[rorlow]

Tough call, but I'd probably keep the Aprillia... Everyone and their brother will have the ONE this year... Also, you can't beat the Ohlins suspension or other trick parts... - BA

I'd have to agree with the above, the 04 Factory R would win for me too :rock

And according to the majority of mags, the Aprillia has won the twins shoot-out, year after year (even over more expensive competition) :thumbup

IMO the 04 Factory R is a beautiful example of Italian lineage, and a much better looking bike than years past. I love the new tail, dual exhausts, and ram air :yesnod

If I could afford 2 bikes, the 04 Factory R would be my choice for a companion bike to my 02 R1 :yesnod

 

[Grant]

Dude, keep the Aprilia, mmmmm Aprilia, me and my bro are hittin the Ducati and Aprilia shop today, but only to look. Also if an issure is not being able to ride the bikes to potential on the streets, you sure arent going to be able to do that with the R1, so keep the Aprilia and take a few riding schools and do a few track days.

 

[GXRKLR]

Keep the twin.

 

[Lobo86]

Dude,
V-Twins Rock...and that bad boy you got there is a Rock-Star. So the yammy puts down a bit more power.... in a straight line with equal riders etc..you will notice the R1 pulling away. But with the suspension on the mille, the low end grunt out of corners, slimmer between the legs due to v-twin engine configuration v.s. inline four (cant tell from pics) it will change directions quicker and give the 1 a run!!

however, sink the coinage into the R1 with suspension upgrades all around and i think we have a different story!

lobo86

ps...KEEP IT!! the grass is always greener!

 

[blowngt]

Keep the Aprilla I want to be the only one with an R1 this year.

 

[Jack_R1]

I'd only trade an Aprilia like this for a race-ready Ducati 999R.

 

[Landshark92]

I say you build a 17,500 dollar Yamaha. Just go wild and upgrade everything but the engine. In the end, even if you can't ride it to its potential, you would still be able to dip into its greatness so far, that Aprilia would be a tiny speck in the mirror. Oh ya, and put nice tires on it like the Aprilia comes with.

 

[over_dose]

wow. I truly am shocked by the responses on this thread. I thought for sure it would be a Yamaha flogging... I have always gone for bikes that were more unique until I met the r1. The Mille Factory is right up my alley also but there is something to be said for performance. I ride pretty hard but I’m sure not 100 percent of the this bikes potential nor would I be on a factory r .. But... getting smoked by an r1 someday may change your opinion on what is most important. It did for me. If money was no object I would have both but this is the real world. I started shopping for the most bang for my buck. In this case it was the r1. Since you already have the nicest bikes around (in my opinion) I wouldn’t loose my ass on it to trade up for a few more HP. but than again, I could have bought a mille this year and stuck with another r1

 

[asianmafia]

niether
get a vespa they rock

 

[mgraham224]

Keep in mind that in the last Master Bike shootout the Aprilia CER had by far the best lap time, and it was priced the same as an entry level Duck, yet was not allowed to compete with the others. This speaks volumes for aprilia. Unless all you do is commute through stoplights, I would keep your bike 6 times a week and twice on Sundays. No question. I think a lot of us would be rockin one if they had the $$$

 

[02R1guy]

Mod an 04 1000 and she'll be fun but your bike is UNIQUEr

 

[Landshark92]

I like unique bikes as well but never at the expense of riding fun. To some people that means riding a unique bike. To me, it is what feels best in the corners.

 

[Turbo329]

Bro,

Keep the Aprilia, you haven't even scratched the surface with that bike yet. There is sooooo much potential locked away in that motor. You'll be kicking yourself later, especially when the 04 R1 is made over in 06.

I heavily researched that bike before I decided on the Ducati. Pound for Pound, that is "THE" best value for your money that you can buy right now. PERIOD!

 

[Jack_R1]

wow. I truly am shocked by the responses on this thread. I thought for sure it would be a Yamaha flogging... I have always gone for bikes that were more unique until I met the r1. The Mille Factory is right up my alley also but there is something to be said for performance. I ride pretty hard but I’m sure not 100 percent of the this bikes potential nor would I be on a factory r .. But... getting smoked by an r1 someday may change your opinion on what is most important. It did for me. If money was no object I would have both but this is the real world. I started shopping for the most bang for my buck. In this case it was the r1. Since you already have the nicest bikes around (in my opinion) I wouldn’t loose my ass on it to trade up for a few more HP. but than again, I could have bought a mille this year and stuck with another r1

I just love it when someone says "being smoked by ...". Well, how exactly can R1 smoke Aprilia Mille? In straight line? And even if it happened and Aprilia can't pull as hard, say, from 140 mph, or doesn't accelerate as fast and loses <1s in 1/4mile - DO YOU REALLY CARE???

I rode this Saturday in a group with 600s, 750s, R1000s and one of the 600s was an old FZR600! We didn't ride over 200 km/h, since we don't have the roads for it, and the handling made the only difference.

Well, I wouldn't care less on which newer bike to be, the only thing that leaned me towards R1 was its looks. Well, maybe the reason for picking a liter over 600/750 was also its low end and the ability of "lazy riding" that came with it.

And by the way, the 2 guys on 750s were much more skilled, and they outran the rest in curves. So please, what exactly is "being smoked"?

Nothing personal, just a general rant

 

[LiquidR1]

It's funny that the Aprillia is getting so much praise on the R1 forum. Just goes to show you how much respect the bike gets.

I think in an open road situation the R1 will spank the Factory. In a tight twistie road or tight track, I'm sure the Aprilia will have the upper hand or it would be close anyway. I've sen the 04 factory and it is hot as hell!!!!! Not to mention quite exclusive compared the 1. I say stick to the Aprillia cause it's hot, Bling-Bling and handles like it's on rails!!!!!!

 

[Jack_R1]

Liquid, if I could allow myself the Aprilia (if it was at least imported here), I'd buy one instead of R1.
Moreover, when I was buying a bike, I had just enough money for 999S, and considering INSANE taxes and prices here, it costs over 30,000$ (and this sum of money is considered here a good yearly BRUTTO salary for a high qualified specialist, which makes netto a bit over 1/2 of it). I had to hit myself on my head with a helmet (and several times, too ) to get rid of the idea of going out and buying one. And what I'd really like is the 999R... Maybe some day.

That's not to say or imply in any way that I don't like my good old R1.. It's a fine piece of machinery, and I smile every time I look at it, not even mentioning riding it :rock