Anyone install Mille R forks on a Falco?

[Silverfalco]

Hello Falco owners,

I have had my 02 Falco for two months now and really love the powerband.

I have seen a few Ohlins forks on ebay and wanted to know if it would be worth while to install a set on the Falco and what other parts would be needed to complete the job.

Thanks,
Mike

[exdukenut]

As someone who is in the process of doing said upgrade, I did it because the price was good, (and in actuall fact wasn't the winning bidder, but second highest in one of those auctions), I also bought them because I already had an Ohlins AP840 shock on the rear, and wanted to complement them.

What you will aslo require are triple clamps and steering stem, either a custom built one, or from an RSV-R, plus handlebars, as the Ohlins forks are 51mm diameter, whereas the Showas are 53mm. I'd suggest you also factor in a new set of headstem bearings (Aprilia cost - $50US (2 reqd) each approx)

Are the shocks worth it? Haven't tried them yet, but they should be on, by the end of the weekend. I've read good reviews from people on genuine RSV-R's.

I must also point out that at the vary least the std Showas aren't that bad a shock, but for at least one third of the price/pose value of the secondhand Ohlins (they do look very nice in the flesh mind you), you can get Racetch or similar shock service to revalve (Goldvalves), service & respring (if required) your current forks, or get them nitrided, the choice is yours.

Either way, you'll get a better handling bike.

Comes down to your budget, I suppose.

Hope this helps.

I'll post up a picture shortly, and what was involved.

[scotteq]

IMHO, for a street rider, proper springs and a revalve of the OEM forks is a VERY valid option. Figure $400 for a complete job on a set of forks.

I happen to have an Ohlins shock, and was quite happy with my Race-Tech internals, but an accident earlier this year tweaked my forks and teh tech that rebuilt them got WAAAAAAY too happy with them. Of course, that eventually gave me an excuse to install Ohlins internals (Kit # 3200-01) that I got from Ohlins USA. (Sweeeet!)

But keep in mind: The trick is NOT the make/brand of the components themselves. It is all in the details of their assembly, your willingness to be painfully honest about your riding style and abilities, and (unfortunately rare...) also dependent upon the Tech actually listening to what YOU need instead of giving you "what the fast guys run." So if you ride on the street, TELL that to the tech, and make sure he understands that you are NOT looking for a track setup. If you do the occasional track day, do tell that to the tech, but make sure he understands not to get too happy while he's in there.

Whatever you decide, DON'T let a tech talk you into the setup "The Fast Guys" are running. 99% of the time, all you'll accomplish is creating a bike that wants to tie itself into knots and may well spit you off. And consider the bike as a whole: This especially means matching your spring rates front and rear to you and to each other. Get spring recommendations from a couple sources to get a REAL idea of what you need, thoug it's been my experience that Race-Tech's site gives pretty good advice for most.

I see the track only once or twice a year, and am very happy with my street oriented setup. My only concession for track use was to ask the tech to setup the springs so that I get my 40mm front sag with the preload adjuster fully out. That way it's easy for me to add more preload when it's hammer time. Any good tech should be able to do that for you.


Is there a good race shop in your area? (This does NOT mean "Dealer" at all...) If not, then you should check out:

(East Coast) www.traxxion.com/about.shtml (http://www.traxxion.com/about.shtml)

(West Coast) www.le-suspension.com/ (http://www.le-suspension.com/)

(Everywhere, so SHOP THE TECHNICIAN!) www.racetech.com (http://www.racetech.com)

Regardless, Race-Tech's site is a good place to start researching. Use their Valving Search to find appropriate spring rates and get an idea of what you would be looking for.

Also, Ohlins recommends annual servicing on their stuff (forks and shocks). I strongly recommend having anything you bought from ebay or whatnot checked and serviced before you install it on your baby. I just had Ohlins USA (NC) do mine (rebuilt a Mille-SP shock to my spec, and install their internals in my forks), and they did a SWEEEET job. The bike feels awesome! (I just wish the weather wasn't so crappy now...) Reasonable cost for routine servicing too: $160 labor for the forks, and $130 for the shock, and that included doing the valving for me.


Öhlins USA Inc.
703-C Old Spartanburg Road
Hendersonville, N.C. 28792
Tel. +1 828 692 4525
Fax. +1 828 692 0595
E-mail: ohlinsusa@aol.com

Pettersson Pro Suspension
4065E, La Palma Avenue
ANAHEIM, CA 92807
Tel. +1 714 630 4777
Fax. +1 714 630 4788

TUF Racing Products
1901 E. Lincoln Hwy.
DEKALB, IL 60115
Tel. +1 815 756 3588
Fax. +1 815 756 3528


Hope that helps!

Scott :)

[exdukenut]

Just put up an article on the changeover at:


www.apriliaridersite.com/forum/messages/4/2443.html?1036944448 (http://www.apriliaridersite.com/forum/messages/4/2443.html?1036944448)

[dave333]

Call lindemann or traxxion. I believe the Mille and Falco forks are very similar. If you have a line on the ohlins forks for a good price, go for it. imho, not worth the money...