2012 European Literbike Shootout - Video

[Administrator]

Recently, we teased you with a sneak peak of our track impressions after riding the 2012 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC, BMW S1000RR and Ducati 1199 Panigale S at the fast and undulating Thunderhill Raceway with our friends at Keigwins at the Track.

We were genuinely impressed with all three machines, and our purely subjective ratings continually changed during the course of the day. Now, however, we've had a chance to ride our protagonists on the streets and highways, get dyno numbers, collect our thoughts and tabulate scores on the trusty MO scorecard.

More: 2012 European Literbike Shootout - Video on Motorcycle.com

[Nev]

Dear S1000RR friends
Yep, sold my 2011 S1KRR, but have to admit, still the best 1L on the road.
Getting old now and have gone back to the Busa (only for the comfort factor) and added a 2L cruiser to my garage.
I wish you all a good year and safe riding!
Best regards
Nev

[The Grey Ghost]

Interestingly the 2012 S1000RR topped the polls again over here. Second place went to the Aprilia RSV4 and the Panigale S ranked 3rd. It seems the almost $12k price difference put the Ducati well down the points table, and why wouldn't it? One can only imagine where the GSX R or the Honda would have rated with a quick shifter and a bit of TC?

[kokoVmaxa]

It seems the almost $12k price difference put the Ducati well down the points table, and why wouldn't it? One can only imagine where the GSX R or the Honda would have rated with a quick shifter and a bit of TC.................

[jake318]

IMHO magazines should judge the machines on there performance only and leave the price and styling factor out of the equation. The reader knows if he/she can afford a specific motorcycle or not .

[motoyogaguy]

Originally Posted by jake318

IMHO magazines should judge the machines on there performance only and leave the price and styling factor out of the equation. The reader knows if he/she can afford a specific motorcycle or not .

Bang for the buck is a rating, too, and much less subjective than appearance. Let's get rid of that instead. Although I like to look at barely-clad supermodels, I'll bet I can't afford one, and I'll bet they perform differently in the sack.

[alton11]

Second place went to the Aprilia RSV4 and the Panigale S ranked 3rd. It seems the almost $12k price difference put the Ducati well down the points table,

[SwaggerJacker]

Originally Posted by alton11

Second place went to the Aprilia RSV4 and the Panigale S ranked 3rd. It seems the almost $12k price difference put the Ducati well down the points table,

It isn't just the price. The bike is uncomfortable, heat is an issue, and all of its power is up top. Which is uncharacteristic of twins I might add. What they are saying is that the bike has its niggles, AND with the price tag, we'd prefer the BMW or the Aprilia.

Steve

[jake318]

I own a 2009 BMW S1000RR (stock except for power commander) a 2011 Aprila RSV4 full worked suspension, braking system,exhaust & intake and a 2010 Ducati 1198 upgraded suspension & apperance. When I bought my 1198 Ducati I knew the Panagali was being developed but being 6 ft4 270lbs I feared the new model was going the trend of the petite literbike. Even though the Panagali is said to be more spacious than the 1198, I am glad I went with the the older model which has all the bugs worked out and is still a competitive mount. But out of the 3 the 1198 comes in 3rd. My Aprilia RSV4 is the best handling mount consistantly posting the best lap times but not the best bike when riding around town ect . the BMW S1000RR and the 1198 are equal in that respect with the S1000RR having the best top end power as we all know lol. But being realistic this IS the golden age of motorcycling as the bikes are so much better than the riders on them the average/above average rider can hardly test the limits of the latest 600cc + beginers bike. MYSELF INCLUDED!! My back is broke in 5 places, but evenon my best day I doubt that I could have hit the limits of say the BMW f800 and Im a midpack rider on track days .

[Marioalex24]

Yup those are three of the best bikes out their. I guess for an average rider. It comes down to what they like and expect when riding it. BMW is always one of the best at everything.