Aprilia Falco

[Colapop]

I've been looking around for awhile at a new bike. And I've test ridden a few. No, I don't need opinion on what to get - I'm just trying to get some info. Anyone know anything about the Aprilia Falco? I haven't ridden one yet but I have ridden both an RSVR and a Tunono. I've got to say, I'm kinda liking the feel of the Aprilia's. And I'm kinda liking what I've found out so far about the Falco. So, has anyone got any info on the Aprilia SL1000 Falco (or SL1000R)?

Here's one for sale on Tardme (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/photos/a-158194595/p-67988525.htm)

Oooo and I found this! (http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=60)

.

[Pussy]

I'm pretty certain Dazza used to have one, Col. He may be able to give you some info

[SixPackBack]

A guy [Girvi] in Whangarei had one with over 90K on the clock. The bike Had been crashed a few times and ridden unmercifully [a very fast road rider]. It still idled well and blew no smoke, I remember being impressed how well it had survived the abuse.

[Boob Johnson]

For what its worth I have also heard they are very reliable, especially for an Italian machine, but its no RF900 :niceone:

[flame]

Hey Colapop, I was lent that exact same model Falco a few months ago for a day trip up north. I was pretty impressed with it. It handled pretty well for a fairly basic kit, had the same feeling enginewise as my 99 RSV mille (possibly the same engine anyhoo.....not sure on that), and was SUPER comfy. But for the same price you could probably get an older RSV which has better bling. And pretty much the same riding position.

[Bleck K6]

A guy [Girvi] in Whangarei had one with over 90K on the clock. The bike Had been crashed a few times and ridden unmercifully [a very fast road rider]. It still idled well and blew no smoke, I remember being impressed how well it had survived the abuse.

Yep thats girvy,They can definately take a beating,Its still going strong to.He hasnt had any problems mechanically.

[emaN]

i've looked into 'em too Col.
one thing that kinda put me off 'em was a few journos found the front not terribly 'planted'. summat to do with weird weight distribution/chassis design.

i like the front to stay......at the front ;)

[Colapop]

i've looked into 'em too Col.
one thing that kinda put me off 'em was a few journos found the front not terribly 'planted'. summat to do with weird weight distribution/chassis design.

i like the front to stay......at the front ;)
Planted?? As in, they had trouble keeping it on the deck? Point me to the relevant review/s please (any links?)

[emaN]

nah, as in;
lack of positive 'confidence-inspiring' feedback while on brakes into corners & through the corner while banked over, if i remember correctly.

it was in a mag - i probably bought it too, cos i was pretty interested in 'em. i'll have a look-see for it.

[Bleck K6]

Heres a review. http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/aprilia_sl1000_falco_r/index.html

[Colapop]

Yep, the one review I found too!!

[trumpy]

Some info here: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/aprilia_falco_1000_sl_2003.php

[stevo2001]

I have one here in the States.Love it,when they came out they were shod with Metzler M3's(I think) which were shitty,so that didn't help reviews.The difference when I swapped them out was amazing.The standard rear shock should be replaced quick smart.Down 1 on the front sprocket,pipes and an air box kit are the business as well.I have 46,000 miles(70,000 km) on mine now. and no major problems.Valve clearances haven't moved.Replaced both brake switches,starter relay and clutch slave cylinder seal and thats it.It gets a beating around Denver city everyday.I think that for an all round bike Track/twisties/touring/not so many around,it's hard to beat.But I'm biased(quite frankly I think it's true love).That Aprilia site is a wealth of info,with very few unhappy owners.

[Clivoris]

Have you had a chat to MadMal mate? His goes well.

[James Deuce]

Bear in mind that parts can be hard to get. :whistle:

[jimbo]

Hi mate.A freind of mine had one.It ceatainly went well,gave no trouble at all.Usual Aprilia reliability(sweet).His had DNA filter,standard mufflers cored.and wire snip(puts em onto map two)He had a dyno run done at GP Honda in the mount it was puttig out an honest 110 hp + a tourque curve to die for.:niceone:

[jrandom]

when they came out they were shod with Metzler M3's(I think) which were shitty,so that didn't help reviews.

Just FWIW, they must have come out wearing something else; the M3s are great tyres.

[James Deuce]

Z3. They came out with Z3s. Yuk.

[Pussy]

Just FWIW, they must have come out wearing something else; the M3s are great tyres.

He probably meant MEZ 3s... and they are shite

[stevo2001]

Yep them's the ones.

[Colapop]

It'll probably be awhile away yet but at this stage I'd clad it with Pilot Road II's. Got them on the RF and have never been happier. They seem to do the job but I'd have to look further at it once I actually bought my next bike.

[Dazza]

It'll probably be awhile away yet but at this stage I'd clad it with Pilot Road II's. Got them on the RF and have never been happier. They seem to do the job but I'd have to look further at it once I actually bought my next bike.Pussies right I bought one new in 2000 (first one registered on the Rd in NZ) bloody neat bike, did 24000k's in 14mths on her & she went bloody awesome. Only got rid of her as an RSVR kept calling to me everytime I took her into AMPS for a service. As I'm abit of a lard arse the only thing I would've done was fit a heavier spring to the rear shock to get better tyre wear.Do it, you won't regret it, I would'nt mind another one for 2-up work.The only thing I did was fit the SL Carbons & rechip her !
:2thumbsup

[imdying]

But for the same price you could probably get an older RSV which has better bling.

an RSVR kept calling to meI'd hit the Falco :yes: But not before riding the RSV to see what another $30-50 a week would get me :) Might be worth if to you, might not, but at least you'll know either way :)

[Colapop]

The call of the Falco and Tuono is a slightly different seating position than the RSV-R (getting older y'see) with essentially the same donk in it. A new chip, rear spring and a minor ignition fix are the only things I've heard of need looking at. My VERY good friends, Madmal and Clivorus (both local too!) have offered me a decent test ride on their machines (Falco and Tuono respectively) so I can compare the two beasts.

[Rodney007]

looks funky,

[DMNTD]

As I mentioned mate,decide after you ride the Falco as only you know which'll be more comfitable for you.
Also have a chat with Barbender as he's just bought a Tuono. He's bigger than you but you(+20kgs) but it should help non the less



A guy [Girvi] in Whangarei had one with over 90K on the clock. The bike Had been crashed a few times and ridden unmercifully [a very fast road rider]. It still idled well and blew no smoke, I remember being impressed how well it had survived the abuse.
That bike has been absolutely brutalised and it still runs sweet as!
He's put more than a few hyper-sports bike riders to shame.

[Maha]

I've been looking around for awhile at a new bike. And I've test ridden a few. No, I don't need opinion on what to get - I'm just trying to get some info. Anyone know anything about the Aprilia Falco? I haven't ridden one yet but I have ridden both an RSVR and a Tunono. I've got to say, I'm kinda liking the feel of the Aprilia's. And I'm kinda liking what I've found out so far about the Falco. So, has anyone got any info on the Aprilia SL1000 Falco (or SL1000R)?



I had a wee look at that TradeMe one also...just yesterday me thinks?
Not that I am going down that track...but you would look quite the spunk bubble on it Col....happy hunting mate...its tough out there....:cool:

[mashman]

You could get the RSVR and Tuonoize it... There's a guy on Sth Island doing exactly that at the moment... best of all worlds I guess... Failing that you could get some Gilles risers to change the seating position... I'm 38, 235lbs in gear, 5' 10 and the RSV fits me more than comfortably... The AF1 site you pointed out earlier is fuckin awesome... have found fixes, tweaks and technical discussion on there have been an excellent eye opener for owning the Prila...

[DMNTD]

The AF1 site you pointed out earlier is fuckin awesome... have found fixes, tweaks and technical discussion...

...plus it's cheapest and fastest way to get Aprilia parts,by FAR.

[Dazza]

...plus it's cheapest and fastest way to get Aprilia parts,by FAR.I'll second that :second:

[mashman]

I'll third that... I have waited for parts... The Prila was dropped the day before I picked it up... 10 months later i received the tail fairing and other bits n bobs that trickled in, a few months for a tail light, 6 or 7 months for a right hand fairing... Going through AF1, so far I've got the Ohlins rear shock (7 days door to door, including customs CLEARANCE BASTARDS) and the Akras (1 month on order for some reason, then 9 days door to door, FARKIN CUSTOMS AGAIN)... so yeah, likely have to go abroad for parts, shipping being the killer, but deals in the parts forum can ease the pain...

[madmal64]

I'll 4th that! Bloody brilliant service from AF1. Col you got my PM. The offer stands mate!
More than happy to answer any questions on the Falco. Im no expert but I have owned it for a while now and have done heaps of Km's on it so I have had some experience of the quirks of the beast.

[Sensei]

Have brought shit loads of stuff from AF1 & will continue to do so . I have never thrashed a bike as much as my 93 GSXR1100R till I brought my
03 RSVR & it just loves it .