Aprilia SL1000 Falco (1999 - 2006)

Dorset Bikes
Reviewed: 10 January 2012

Re your write up on the Aprilia Falco

The change up light you refer to is in actual fact a warning light for the bikes running in period. It's recommended that you do not exceed 6000rpm during the first 600 miles.
Hold down button A for 20 seconds and the KPH will change to MPH. Button B will tell you max attained avg speed attained trip mileage etc

Do not try to start the engine with a poor battery. You will kill the starter sprag and that is expensive £600

The main difference between an RSV engine & the Falco is the size of the inlet valves and throttle bodies. It gives a better mid range on the Falco but it's not as fast flat out.

slappy2guns
Reviewed: 23 August 2011

not a town bike

excellent bikemmore than enough power for uk roads and handling is top class.brakes are the best iv come across.mines got eprom chip and renegade airkit fitted and it pulls like hell.good mod is to fit rsv rear shock,works much better.needs a good battery as swinging this lump over takes some.mine only does around 25 -30mpg but it is so reliable,two up is good as well.best gearbox of any bike iv had.tyre life is good but the chain needs adjusting once a week if i use it hard but i love it.headlights 10/10 and all controls superb.big bike so if your short in the leg id check 1st.

high fuel consumption and it eats chains if you use it hard.back brake could be better(fronts are awesome)and i find not a lot of protection from the elements.

gorgeous bike that i would go anywhere on and enough power to take on most things except the latest stuff out there.id rate it 9 out of 10 but if you buy one check for sticky calipers as if the pads have been run well down then service the caliper otherwise they can catch fire(happened to me)as the previous owner hardly ever used the back brake and always do.

Patricio
Reviewed: 02 December 2010

Lots of bike for the money

Seriously low used prices
Great combination of exotic parts and super build quality
Involving riding experience
tour - scratch - commute
looks and sounds distinctive

Awkward at low speeds.
Requires modifications to realise potential and overcome some design shortfalls.

It's a very involving bike and certainly keeps your attention. There are mods required as most people mention (side stand, gearing, suspension) but at the age they are, the suspension upgrade is due anyway. The low prices mean that it's well worth keeping hold of, and 2 grand purchase will get you a big return. The fuel economy varies greatly, so you only have yourself to blame! I've seen low 20s on the track and high 40s on motorway runs, which ain't bad. Battery upkeep is key; keep it charged up, as a big twin takes a big kick to get going. You won't bump-start it! I've 20k miles on mine and there's nothing for less than half the price to compare. Firestorms and SV1000s are poor relations. The riding position, like everything else, works well on the move but it's heavy on the wrists/clutch/engine temperature when in town. The computer clocks take some getting used to, but anyone'll suss it in a couple of hours. The build is exemplary and it still looks fresh despite my lazy approach to bike cleaning. And as for reliability, I've a 2006 BMW R1200GS Adventure with the same miles and endless trouble. The Falco is better put together and hasn't even used a bulb. Not what I'd have thought. I've toured (Aprillia panner kit), track-dayed (starting to get overrun by the 600s nowadays) and done everything apart from off road and the Aprillia is just a great road bike. We'll see if an Aprilia V4 equivalent turns up sometime soon!

twinz
Reviewed: 19 May 2010

Sexy, unusual, great all-rounder

beautiful, comfortable, fast with good mid-range torque, easy handling when sorted

needs the charging modification as described in forums and a trickle charger; rear shock is crap, a bit top heavy at low speeds

The US spec sidestand is excellent and recommended to those with Euro-specs bikes. With a 15-tooth sprocket, Ohlins shock, aftermarket exhaust and chip, and the charging system fix (see the AF1 forum)the Falco is perfect. Fun on the track, in twisties or on tour. I've used mine for weeks long tours and commuting and just love it. It never fails to draw admiring questions and really stands out from the usual Japanese or German bikes.

cbr_woody
Reviewed: 31 March 2010

Great fun - comfortable, fast enough, very solid and reliable.

Gold wheels and Brembo's!
Decent handling now the OE shock has been replaced
Good compromise between sporty and comfortable
Delivers fun at a track day

Can be reluctant to start after being left for a couple of weeks - keep it on a battery conditioner and NEVER touch the throttle before the starter.

Its a shame they don't make them any longer - there is nothing quite like it out there now.