Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, KTM or MV Agusta?

I want to have a Supersport bike that is non-conventional, that is neither of the four Japanese titans where they could easily get old and depreciate. And I know that Europeans have more of the heritage than them.





Which is the European brands is best to own in terms of reliability and racing?
Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, KTM or MV Agusta?
Motorcycle USA website usually throws in a few euro bikes for their supersports tests: worth a look.





My favourite is the Aprilia RSV but the MV 312 is awesome. The MV is inline 4 like the jap bikes so an easier comparison. Other euro sports bikes to consider are:


Triumph Daytona (675 and 1050)


BMW K1200R


Ducati make good all round bikes but they are a little overpriced considering the sales volume and componentry.
Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, KTM or MV Agusta?
Ducati - very nice- very expensive -need lots of TLC - a fine machine though the dry clutch can make it sound like a bag of wrenches.





Aprilla - Nice bike but I thought they're out of business - could be wrong but I'd check ( parts service warranty may be an issue)





KTM - nice but unproven yet also spendy





MV Augusta - F4 is beautiful but pricey.





Triumph - my favorite is the 675 a dynamite piece of kit that's capable of track days but won't break the bank.





They're all getting pretty reliable now it's just a question of cost and servicing. Also buy the proper gear - leathers and get some frame sliders and race day "Cheap" plastic farings if you're going to try it on the track - you will almost certainly dump one at some time and then the fun really starts! Good luck I don't think you'd be disappointed with any of those brands so I just think of the cost!!
Reply:given the option i'd take the duc, their 1098 has really hit the spot...
Reply:European motorcycles are just as reliable as the Japanese bikes but require more servicing/shorter service interval at a higher cost. I would go with Ducati because of the parts availability,the aftermarket help/options, and there are more service centers/dealers.
Reply:From a racing point of view the recent (10+ years) results indicate that Ducati is the top dog from the five in track and road racing, notably WSB, KTM are top of the off-road results their MotoGP involvement was a bit of a failure but the RC8 is well-reviewed. Aprilia mainly race in the smaller GP classes and very successfully. Triumph have largely not been involved in racing although they are in the Supersports section of Superbikes. MV Agusta are not the same marque that was so successful in the 50s and 60s and are not that involved in racing outside 2008 Superbike teams.





All make capable and droolworthy bikes, if I had the money and/or inclination I would go with the RC8, but each marque might find a place in my dream garage.