Aprilia SL 1000 Falco reviews

I bought this bike new five years ago. I very nearly bought a Honda Firstorm as I wanted a softer sports bike with a little more comfort. I'm not sorry I bought the Aprilia Falco, it's been absolutely reliable. A minor problem being a replacement side stand switch which was under warranty. The original clutch was a little weak so I fitted a Barnett race clutch - not necessary, but it's much better. I also upgraded the rear shock for more comfort. Apart from this, the bike has been almost perfect. I have ridden this bike in all weather and it still looks good after a wash. Many riders have been amazed by the way this bike goes and often beats more expensive super bikes, I just don't understand why Aprilia didn't clean up with this beautiful designed V-twin, could it have been better? Maybe, but not at this price. I'm a very satisfied owner and I can't bare to part with it. Faults: only one bad really, that's the nasty cheap bendy side stand. Show less

I have been riding and tweaking this bike for 7 months. What a great ride. No regrets. Show less

Wow! This is the most fun I have ever had on 2 wheels. No regrets. This is the 7th bike I have owned and by far the most enjoyable to ride. Can't shake that ear to ear grin off my face. Just had it de-restricted and now I can't think of ever riding my other bike again. Most under rated bike out there. Show less

After 22 months, it's still a blast to ride. Most miles in a day: 432, average milage 43-46 mpg, have seen over 50 mpg on a few occasions (57mpg once). It is very hard to keep from twisting the throttle though. The midrange torque is what this machine is about, just roll it on and it goes. It's perfect for riding the backroads, the long straightaways are boring and I hate interstates. I have no problems to date, maintenance is not as costly as a Ducati, check valves every 9300 miles, mine have never needed adjusting, as they're still in tolerance. I'm hard on the rear tires though, just depends how hard you twist the throttle. I've been getting 3k out of a rear tire and 6k out the fronts, I ride pretty aggresively though. This is the most fun bike I ever owned. It's not a long distance tourer but a good backroader. If I lived in the mountains, I would not want anything else. Show less

I purchased my 2001 Falco last year and am very pleased I did. The first thing I noticed after sitting on it was that the riding position was not as extreme as the average supersport and rightly so as this is tauted as a "light tourer." don't let the word tourer fool you, though because this bike has power. A quick twist of the throttle will have your front wheel in the air before you can blink and the sound from this bike makes everyone take notice. These things are nice, but these aren't it's only qualities. This is an excellent road bike with good city manners and rail-tight handling. It performs just as well in the tight twisties as it does during the morning commute. I use mine for the daily commute to work and also to visit family in the Shennendoah Valley. After that 5 hour ride, I'm not overly fatigued although I'll admit, I'm ready for a break. My biggest complaint with the Falco is the stock seat which is a bit thin for longer rides and in traffic jams, it seems to transfer heat from the engine directly to your bum. Otherwise, I have no problems with it. Everytime I think about buying a new bike, I just can't bring myself to do it, because mine can do it all. Show less

This is the best sport Vtwin for the money bar none. of course I did not buy it new because a barely used one is so affordable it should be illegal. Love the HP and torque. Stretch to gas tank is a little long compared to some others but I have relatively long arms. Reliability has been excellent. Services are great but a little costly if you go by the manual. Most can be done yourself if you any mechanical aptitude. Aprilia makes a great product and extremely satisfied and will be an Aprilia owner for life. Show less

I have had this model for two years. The power is not quite what the japs are but then agian it's only a sport touring bike that out handels anything out on the road. No one can keep up with me in the turns unless they race on the track. I'm not that great of a rider. Show less

I've (like most of you out there) have had many types of bikes. Started riding when I was 16 which was...well many years ago. This is my favorite bike. Handling is very stable, the turn in is a little slow but if you hang off a bit it responds nicely. The engine has been very good, fast but without the high pitch and tension that goes with a motor that needs high rpm. The trans is smooth....after the motor warms up to 150+ degrees. Below that neutral is hard to find. Brakes = plenty. I enjoy it on the backroads and have been to 3 track schools (Reg Pridmores CLASS) at Grattan and Mid Ohio. Performance = you should see my smile! Reliability has been good too. The looks get attention from riders, bikers and the general public too, this is a fine looking machine. The only bad thing is the winter in Michigan makes the break too long. I'll be ready for pipes, a chip and air filter in the spring. Any suggestions from other Falco surfers? Ride quick & safe. Show less

I can't say enough about this bike. My friend has a GSX-R 1000 (who doesn't). I have ridden his bike. Has a lot more power higher in the rev range, but I am not a rev kind of guy. I love the rich pure pounding in your face raw torque of a good sport twin. Oh, it's like an orgasm on a bike. This bike has sport and sensibility all together. I have had a problem though. The kickstand light switch has broken. Dealer is ordering parts. Other than that the bike is perfect. I have 8200 miles of fun and planning on putting tons more. See yall Show less

I have owned 4 bikes in the last 8 years of riding. I have owned a Honda Interceptor, Ducati 900 SS, Suzuki Hayabusa, and Yamaha R1. This bike beats them all. I couldn't believe it when I had my R1. I thought that bike was untouchable. Fact is, the Falco stomps the R1. Of course the R1 will whip around a track a little bit easier, but not out on the street. The V-twin is perfect. Honda and Suzuki couldn't get it right and my Ducati I had, used to stall and have constant maintenance needs. This motor is a lot more powerful than the Duck. This bike handles beautifully. It is almost like all the bikes I have owned in the past have come together to form this perfect machine. That is really why I bought it because I expected that and it is everything I expected. The power has a perfect powerband a lot more exciting than any of my Japanese bikes. The handling is spot on, the brakes are beyond all of my previous bikes (brembo Baby!) even though the Duck had them, these feel better. I gotta tell ya, I have 14,558 miles as of this past weekend. Not a single problem. I had the kickstand part replaced already. No biggie. This bike gets better and better every time I ride it. Last year I toured over to California and back up through Arizona. Very comfortable! I am planning to go East this year. haven't quite decided. Good luck out there picking a bike, I know how time consuming it all can be to say well this bike does that well and that one is great in that area. Just get a Falco. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Oh yeah, one more thing. I have had more chicks interested in this bike than any of my others (the Italians know how to make em) and ya know I'm 28, not a bad looking guy, but have a girlfriend. Too bad. Just have to go surf some Asphalt. Later! Show less