2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille vs 2004 Ducati 999

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal 60° V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
93.3 kW / 128 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
272 km/h / 167 mph
Weight
215 kg / 474 lbs
2004 Ducati 999 2004 Ducati 999

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Power
90.4 kW / 124 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
266.4 km/h / 165.5 mph
Weight
199 kg / 438 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20032004
ModelRSV 1000 Mille-
Make ModelAprilia RSV 1000 MilleDucati 999
Dimensions
Seat Height825 mm / 32.5 in780 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1418 mm / 55.8 in1420 mm / 55.9 in
Height1145 mm / 45.1 in1090 mm / 42.9 in
Length2035 mm / 80.1 in2095 mm / 82.5 in
Width730 mm / 28.7 in730 mm / 28.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Wet Weight (kg)215 kg / 474 lbs-
Dry Weight187 kg / 412 lbs199 kg / 438 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Liters / 4.7 gal15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal / 3.4 Imp gal
Performance
Top Speed272 km/h / 167 mph266.4 km/h / 165.5 mph
Max Power93.3 kW / 128 hp @ 9500 rpm90.4 kW / 124 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque103 Nm / 76.0 ft-lbs @ 7250 rpm102 Nm / 10.4 kgf-m / 75.2 ft-lb @ 8000rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.2 sec
Engine
Displacement997.6 cc / 60.9 cu-in998 cc / 60.9 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal 60° V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Bore x Stroke97 x 67.5 mm100 x 63.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.4:111.4:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W/40
Exhaust-Single steel muffler with catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption-5.56 L/100 km / 18 km/l / 42.3 US mpg / 50.8 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionFuel injectionWeber Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54 mm throttle body
IgnitionDigital electronic with two spark plugs per cylinderMarelli electronic
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-Champion RG4HC
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V 10Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple disk in oil bath with patented PPC hydraulic controlDry multiplate with hydraulic control
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio-2.400:1 (15/36)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.400 / 4th 1.182 / 5th 1.043 / 6th 0.958:1
Primary Drive Ratios-Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium alloy twin-sparTubular steel trellis
Suspension - FrontUpside-down Öhlins fork, Ø43 mm, titanium nitride treated sleevesShowa 43mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatment
Suspension - RearAluminium alloy swingarm, progressive linkage with APS, Öhlins hydraulic shockProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock
Rake25°23.5° - 24.5°
Trail-97 mm / 3.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-128 mm / 5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x Ø320 mm discs, 4-piston calipers2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle Ø220 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle 245mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50 ZR17190/50 ZR17
Wheels - Front-Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear-Y-shaped 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2004 Ducati 999

The 2004 Ducati 999 edges out the 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille thanks to its lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2004 Ducati 999 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 199 kg vs 215 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 825 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille vs 2004 Ducati 999 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille and 2004 Ducati 999?
The 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille uses Four stroke, longitudinal 60° V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2004 Ducati 999 is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder, belt driven.
Which is lighter, the 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille or the 2004 Ducati 999?
The 2004 Ducati 999 is lighter at 199 kg compared to 215 kg for the 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille - a difference of 16 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille or the 2004 Ducati 999?
The 2004 Ducati 999 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille sits higher at 825 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille or the 2004 Ducati 999?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Aprilia RSV 1000 Mille has its own strengths, while the 2004 Ducati 999 stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.