The Ducati Panigale V4 Alternative You Can’t Ignore In 2025
We all know the new Ducati Panigale V4 is one of the most impressive liter-class bikes on the market today. But that comes at a steep price, which positions this out of reach for most of us peasants. What do you do then? Abandon your dream of owning a sexy Italian sports bike with over 200 horsepower? Well, no. There is an alternative that’s usually ignored but offers everything the Panigale does at a considerably lower price.
The Aprilia RSV4 1100 Is The Ducati Panigale V4 You Can’t Ignore
There are some key things that make Ducati’s Panigale V4 what it is. The V4 engine is the highlight, with around 1,100cc displacement and over 210 horsepower. The angular design with MotoGP-derived aero is next, followed by an excellent set of riding aids. For all that, you pay a sizable $25,995 (or 27,990 Euros). That’s not even for the flagship S variant that comes with Ohlins.
Hailing from 160-odd kilometers away from the Borgo Panigale is another Italian sports bike that costs a lot less. We’re talking about the 2025 Aprilia RSV4 1100. It has an MSRP of $19,499, a whopping $6,500 less than the red Italian. What’s more impressive is that the RSV4 matches the Panigale in nearly all aspects, while even beating it in a few.
Why The RSV4 1100 Is An Excellent Ducati Panigale V4 Alternative
There are several reasons why, chief among which is that 65-degree, V4 engine. Even though the capacity is 4cc less than the Panigale, the Aprilia now runs 52mm throttle bodies to produce 220 horsepower. That is 3 more than the 2024 RSV4, but more importantly, 7 more than the Panigale V4. So the price-to-power ratio with the RSV4 is a lot higher than the other bike.
Further enhancing the value proposition is the very similar underpinnings package offered by the RSV4. Both the Aprilia and Ducati feature Brembo Hypure calipers, 43 mm USD forks, 330 mm front discs, a Sachs monoshock, and 17-inch wheels. You also get inverted, double-sided aluminum swingarms on both. The big difference, though, is the RSV4’s aluminum perimeter chassis, unlike the aluminum monocoque on the Panigale.
Finally, there is MotoGP-derived aero and an excellent electronics package. The former comprises aerodynamic wings up front, a revised tail section, and reworked fairings. These add up to offer a 6 percent decrease in the drag coefficient and 8 percent less wheelie tendency. Whereas, the list of standard electronic bits includes:
- Eight-level traction control with integrated slide control
- Three ride modes
- Three-level adaptive wheelie control
- Three engine maps
- Three-level engine brake control
- Two-way quickshifter
Aprilia RSV4 1100 Specifications
| Engine | 65-degree, V4 |
| Capacity | 1,099cc |
| Power | 220 HP @ 13,000 RPM |
| Torque | 93.7 LB-FT @ 10,800 RPM |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Chassis | Aluminum perimeter |
| Front suspension | 43 mm USD forks (fully adjustable) |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock (fully adjustable) |
| Wheels | 17/17-inch alloys |
| Front brake | 2x 330 mm discs |
| Rear brake | 220 mm disc |
| Weight | 449 pounds (wet) |
| Seat height | 33.07 inches |
