RSV4 R vs Japanese Bikes

[rylai]

Hi everyone,

 

I'll be getting my class 2 license very soon and is doing surveys on bike. I would like some neutral's opinions on Aprilia RSV4R against Japanese bike(probably GXSR1000 K10).

 

I'll be using the new bike as a daily transport. Most likely, the new bike will be first hand. I've done some calculations. I'm able to put a down payment of 10K and afford up to about 400 per month for a 5 years loan. A bike shop has quoted me 27K for RSV4R and 30k for K10. If I'm getting RSV4R, I'll be able to settle the loan(400 per month) in 4 years time. For K10, it'll be 383 per month for 5 years. The shop charges a 3% interest for first hand bike. All calculations are OTR.

 

While I'll be able to cut down the loan for RSV4R to 4 years, I'm afraid that the long term maintenance of RSV4R will take its toll on me esp since Aprilia is an Italian bike. The parts will not be cheap and easily accessed to compared to Jap bikes. As for Jap bikes, their parts will be easier accessed to and cheaper(my own thinking).

 

My reason for taking RSV4R is because of it's looks and compact size. RSV4R also isn't that common in Spore(the feel of being more "special"). But if the maintenance of RSV4R is really too much compared to Jap bikes, I'll probably just take K10(can't just spend all my money on bikes!). I'm not looking at track for near future. Both my heart and brain are still 50 / 50 on both bikes.

 

That's about it. I need some opinions/suggestion, be it good or bad. It'll be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[mechwira]

sorry, let me get this straight: the RSV4 is cheaper than a K10?!

 

can i just mention, routine maintenance for class 2 bikes use a lot of generic parts which mean its not much diff between italian and jap. tyres, brakes, chain and sprocket, plugs, etc etc it really no diff.

 

is the brand specific parts that may make a diff. example: rectifier. which i had to change after 4 years. so its not frequent. other than rectifier i cant think of any brand specific parts i have had to change on my bike for past 6 years of ownership. unless buang then all bets are off of course.

 

but the question is, is the aprilia sufficiently reliable that its brand specific parts also wont break down easily like the jap counterparts? this one i really cannot say, and i rather not imply italian is unreliable, coz thats best left to actual owners to comment. coz if it is as reliable, then heck honestly i'd get the aprilia.

[tangmulong4488]

a point to ponder about... both machine are nt really that gd as a daily transport.

[rylai]

Yea. It was the price quoted by the boss of the shop. Initially, i was quoted 31k for rsv4 by the shop staff. The price is indeed very tempting, furthermore it charges a 3% interest only. But i'm pretty sure i can lower the price for k10.

 

The rsv4 is the R version not the factory one. So it'll cost about the same as a jap bike.

[rylai]

Yea. It was the price quoted by the boss of the shop. Initially, i was quoted 31k for rsv4 by the shop staff. The price is indeed very tempting, furthermore it charges a 3% interest only. But i'm pretty sure i can lower the price for k10.

 

The rsv4 is the R version not the factory one. So it'll cost about the same as a jap bike.

[CMYRS]

did u get insurance quotes for comparison?

 

rsv4 for 30 yr olds are about 3.5k compre?

if u own the bike for 4yrs, that is 14k just for insurance

[NRI]

Go for RSV4 for a unique experience....

[rylai]

a point to ponder about... both machine are nt really that gd as a daily transport.

 

Yep. I know that. But I've got no interest in other types of class 2 bike.

[rylai]

did u get insurance quotes for comparison?

 

rsv4 for 30 yr olds are about 3.5k compre?

if u own the bike for 4yrs, that is 14k just for insurance

 

Why the insurance so much for 30 yrs old? What do you mean by compre? I dont think the insurance is so ex. But i didnt get the quotation from the shop tho :/

[smoothie]

you might want to think abt resale value if you don't intend to keep the bike for long. i faced the same dilemma a few mths ago & went for japanese resale practicality over a prettier italian bike in the end.

[Wayang]

daily commute and not going to the track anywhr in the near future ? seriously bro.. wat a waste.. esp so for the aprilia.. the RSV4 n GSX-R are not a pretty scooters.

 

as for maintence costs, i wld suggest you do some real groundwork urself by going down to the aprilia shop, get quotes n the waiting time for aprilia parts (like perhaps engine parts, clutch plates, fairing) THEN go to the suzuki shop n get quotes on similar suzuki parts to do a proper comparison.

[SparkerS1]

Get a street bike if only for transportation purposes, fuel comsumption and increasing fuel prices will be your main concern.

 

I know u have the passion for sportsbike, how about a 600cc sportsbike?

I using 600cc as a commuting bike, but after so long, i feel it dun really worth it. Lucky i have a S4 to switch around.

Riding in SG slow moving traffic and congested roads, these high powered bikes can really heat up and cook ur balls.

 

But never the less, if u wanna get a sportsbike, go ahead. It's ur money and ur choice.

 

Things to take note as mentioned by the others:

1. Compare the insurance prices

2. Compare the parts availability and waiting time

3. The shops/mechanics that can repair the bike

4. Resale value of the bikes

5. Sitting posture for rider & pillion

[samurai8410]

well bro, if u want daily commute, both is so wrong... k10 still ok rsv4 r or factory, petrol will kill u instantly with no doubt..... get shiver 750 or street bike(monster) if u want to commute with style (one of a kind) speed and overall...... what makes u think aprillia parts are ex and hard to get. if u order the parts a;so must wait for k10 or aprillia so its about the same.motoworld has everything!. class 2 bikes internal parts usually takesvery long to wear and tear ifu take good care of it. otherwise, chain, tyre those are very common problem. the same applies to all bikes

Edited April 17, 2011 by samurai8410

[Stoned]

Tbh, if practicality is not a concern, I'd get the Aprilia. Fuel consumption is phenomenal (based on my research it returns something like 9-12km/L for city riding) but so is the V4 engine. It ranks very highly on any motorcycle magazine's review list due to its excellent electronics and equipment package; it also is the current masterbike champion. Some even argue it´s currently the best bike in the world.

 

You get a genuine motoGP soundtrack to boot.

 

You may also want to consider BMW´s s1000rr, which is the masterbike runner up, or Ducati's 1198, which has longer service intervals and arguably better reliability.

 

Between just the 2 bikes though, definitely the Aprilia for the prestige. Japanese bikes tend to be slightly pedestrian in terms of the cool factor.

[CMYRS]

Why the insurance so much for 30 yrs old? What do you mean by compre? I dont think the insurance is so ex. But i didnt get the quotation from the shop tho :/

 

comprehensive insurance

 

im well over 30, and the quote was pretty shocking.

not many co. will sure it

and it was 3x the quote for a 1198S.

 

dont pray pray, go check it out n confirm.

[AkalaPovic]

GsxR for u anytime =)

 

1 good reason is that its not as "hot" in degree celsius as the italian.. furthermore the fuel economy will definitely be better.

Clocking 18 to 19km/l on my blade, 60/40 expressway to city riding.

 

My 2cents.