Had a test ride on a Falco.

Had a test ride on a 52 plate silver Aprilia SL1000 Falco yesterday. It was terrible, worst bike I've ever ridden .
















































... Only joking Gr33k .

Love the 60 degree twin engine, it sounds amazing. Gearbox was much better for changing gears than my SV and the throttle response was smooth as silk (only ever had carbs before though, not F.I.). Didn't really push it much but the handling seemed very good, wanted to turn in very easily (preload on the rear shock was all the way to stiff though I think!). The step up in power wasn't at all scary, it felt very "usable", I did have the front end shaking it's head under hard acceleration though .

Only bad points I felt was the clutch was very stiff (but smooth and easy to find the bite) and the rear brake was terrible (known problem for Aprilia though). Sidestand would need the mod doing to make it better too probably.

I think if I was buying I would get an RSV-R (2000-2002 model) but the extra 3 litres of fuel in the tank and better comfort could easily sway me to a Falco. All it needs is some nice cans, the seat hump and a bellypan and it looks gorgeous anyway! Maybe even the Mille swingarm.. hmm .

Despite all the knocking they get, mainly to wind up Gr33k, they are very good bikes to own/ride.

Originally Posted by St0rmer66

Had a test ride on a Falco .

sorry to hear of your bad news

[punyXpress]

Three hours & Gr33k hasn't risen to the bait.
Where is he?

Originally Posted by punyXpress

Three hours & Gr33k hasn't risen to the bait.
Where is he?

pushing his bike home

^^^^^ BWAHAHAHA!

Nice one.

Originally Posted by St0rmer66

Had a test ride on a 52 plate silver Aprilia SL1000 Falco yesterday. It was terrible, worst bike I've ever ridden .

... Only joking Gr33k .

Love the 60 degree twin engine, it sounds amazing. Gearbox was much better for changing gears than my SV and the throttle response was smooth as silk (only ever had carbs before though, not F.I.). Didn't really push it much but the handling seemed very good, wanted to turn in very easily (preload on the rear shock was all the way to stiff though I think!). The step up in power wasn't at all scary, it felt very "usable", I did have the front end shaking it's head under hard acceleration though .

Only bad points I felt was the clutch was very stiff (but smooth and easy to find the bite) and the rear brake was terrible (known problem for Aprilia though). Sidestand would need the mod doing to make it better too probably.

I think if I was buying I would get an RSV-R (2000-2002 model) but the extra 3 litres of fuel in the tank and better comfort could easily sway me to a Falco. All it needs is some nice cans, the seat hump and a bellypan and it looks gorgeous anyway! Maybe even the Mille swingarm.. hmm .

Glad you enjoyed it Here is some info you may be interested in...

Yea clutch is heavy Just have to get big for arms Though I wont tell you how best to achieve this.

Back brake on mine isn't so bad, strangely since changing the tyre (My PR2 did 8K miles!) today its better... Weird! Maybe it just needed bedding back in, it does get weak if you leave it alone or perhaps a good bleed? Its the RSV's that have the issues because the reservoir is next to the Exhausts... I only use mine at low speeds as front are strong.

Sidestand indeed needs sorting. There are a few ways, the US spec (or after market, ones on Ebay are supposed to be ok...) or by *******ising a Gixxer/other stand.

The rear shock is the weak point of the bike. They put the cheapest Kack on there they could find. Its under sprung (hence full preload) over dampened and too damn short (I.E. not enough ride height!). Ive bought the RSV linkage and ordered a Penske to fit. Should get that in the next two weeks so ill let you know how that goes.

Yea thats what I thought... about getting the RSV (when I saw the insurance I made up my mind... Falco half the insurance of the mille!?).

You get the same engine (as 1999-2000 mille engine - 2001-2003 mille got slightly bigger valves and about 2BHP ), same dimensions but with a better looking frame (imo) and the majority of bits are the same. Infact the only differences really are frame swinging arm rear shock and fairing!

You can put the RSV swinger on, the RSV-R wheels and the better shocker with minimal effort.

Also ive heard of a fair few people that can ride a Falco faster than an RSV! No lies. There are some gone to RSV and hated it too. Plus as you said comfort!

Originally Posted by punyXpress

Three hours & Gr33k hasn't risen to the bait.
Where is he?

Originally Posted by gid

pushing his bike home

Aye... I was riding back to base. Man it is a cool night.

[punyXpress]

Originally Posted by ThEGr33k

Glad you enjoyed it Here is some info you may be interested in...




Aye... I was riding back to base. Man it is a cool night.

3 HOURS - is yours the restricted version??
I'm only jealous
and there's me blaming all the heavy lorries for my house falling down when it's you all along!!

Originally Posted by punyXpress

3 HOURS - is yours the restricted version??
I'm only jealous
and there's me blaming all the heavy lorries for my house falling down when it's you all along!!

Im sorry

No it didnt take 3 hours... Its just I wasn't on here just before I set off...