Why should I buy a Falco ?

[piratibelgium]

I'm currently riding a '93 K1100RS, which I think is fantastic, but I'm looking for a second bike, to have some more 'fun' with.

It has to be European, lighter than the beemer, preferably a twin, not a pure sportsbike, but something that can be driven for everyday use, ... You get the picture.

Since now I heard and read (almost) nothing but positive things about the Falco and the Aprilia bikes in general (apart from the fuel consumption).

I first looked on some belgian web-sites and boards for anybody who drove a Falco, but guess what: I didn't find anyone. For that case, I never saw a Falco on Belgian roads (only in the dealer's showroom).

So that's why I turn to the 'international' forum - you guys.

Some of my questions ? How is the fuel consumption, is it OK for tall guys like me (1m90), how is the handling, the build quality, ... ?

I'm already enthusiastic, but you guys (and girls) can give me some pro's and con's based on everyday use.

Thanks a lot, hope to be a proud owner in a while...

[exdukenut]

It's a good question. What does the Falco offer?

From my experience it offers a bike that is very competent in all tasks thrown at it, but with a few modifications it is a fantastic bike.

Out of the crate, the bike can handle pretty well everything thrown at it. However, I spent 4 months researching what I wanted to buy. I have an old Bevel Drive Duke, and have been riding Dukes for some 20 years, It unfortunately has been started only once since I bought the Falco.

The reason I bought the Falco were the following:

1. It can tour
2. It is very capable on a track, because it has the same spec motor as an RSV
3. It has slightly higher bars than an RSV- this helps as my old Duke was starting to kill my back. (I'm also 190cm in height).
4. The price was right
5. It is more unique than an RSV
6. It can handle day to day tootling in traffic well
7. It's not a Japanese clone (V2) or I4
8. Into and out of corners, there isn't much that can keep up.

Some things that you should be aware of are:

1. The rear shock out of the crate is shite, that's why I've put an Ohlins Rear Shock on, although you can get an RSV shock and install it without a problem for a lot less money (just ensure that you get the right version of it, otherwise you will need to get the spring changed as 01/02 RSV's had there linkages changed, and as a result the spring is lighter than would otherwise have been installed). This addition on it's own is worth every cent, as it transforms it into an absolutely great handling bike, and I say GREAT.

2. A capable rider on a Falco, on the track, is a surprise package. Most people are stunned to see me going round the outside of I4's and other high performance bikes, and this is from a sports tourer!

3. Around town a gearing change is worthwhile, either by a 15 tooth front sprocket (cheaper option) or by adding a 42/43 tooth rear, but with this second option you will need a new chain as well.

4. Ensure the dealer you buy your bike from, or the secondhand bike you buy has been derestricted. There is lots of info on this site as well as Aprilia Ridersite re this. Note this website has more European riders on it than any other site.

5. Add an Airkit and this unleashes an amazing amount of midrange grunt. And it's also a cheap upgrade.

6. Get yourself a decent set of pipes. I personally use the Renegade pipes (www.renegade-exhausts.com), which come with a chip. Some pipes don't. Great sound.

7. The std Brembo rotors will at some stage warp, but this afflicts Ducati's with the same rotors. It comes down to how much of a demon braker you are! I personally swapped my rotors out for Brembo full floating rotors just after I bought the bike, and they are superb.

8. A V-Twin is awseome when it comes to getting into and out of corners. I've been riding V-twins for some 25 years now, and people are amazed at how quick the things are, even though they are less powerful than I4's.

9. The std front end is very good for riders of weight 85-110kgs, although I have just put on an Olhins RSV-R front end on my bike.

10. Fuel consumption is in the vicinty of 200kms before resrve around town, about 240kms on a tour (120km/h average speed).

I absolutely LUV my Falco, I love modifying it and have a Mille swingarm to put on it shortly.

Cons: Aprilia warranty claims haven't been great but there really hasn't been that many claims, that I've heard about, except for the front brake rotors. Parts availablity hasn't been great, but there again I haven't really needed any.

Contact this guy who is a Belgium - falcorider@hotmail.com, he will give you a full rundown on why he loves his bike. He has 40,000kms up on his.

Hope this helps in your decision. I might be biased, but it REALLY IS A GREAT BIKE, PERIOD!

Don't hesitate to ask further questions at any stage, and we hope to see another Falconeer somewhere in the world. I'm in Australia by the way.

[biggums]

I totally agree with exdukenut's great reply. I am 6' 4" and fit the bike easily. The taller you are the easier are the long rides. I can go 300 mile days with ease.

Mines a 2001 yellow Falco that was derestricted by the dealer. Here in the states they do that right away.

Ilove my Falco more and more each time I ride it. They seem to get better with miles. You can't go wrong!

[crmc33]

If youre searching for a Belgian viewpoint, why not speak to 'Befbever' on www.apriliaridersite.com?
HTH

[pirati belgium]

Well, thanx a lot, the reactions are very helpful.
Although I'm hoping to get some more opinions.

See ya round

Pirati

[mph9146]

Best bike I've owned, bar none. I've owned a yamaha R6, 2 different harleys, and i've ridden almost every japanese sportbike there is.

The way this bike makes its power just puts a grin on my face from ear to ear. I even think the exhaust note (with my staintunes) is more exotic and racy sounding than the ducatis I hear around here. It'll leave 600 class bikes choking on your exhaust fumes, and it will scoot away from liter class bikes on corner exits. The power it makes is very usable for the street, making most of its power in the midrange. Oh, and this bike has a very strong tendency to wheelie (especially if you only weigh 145 like I do.)

The bike handles great, but the saddle height is a tad high for me (i'm 5 ' 7"). Other than that, no complaints.

Aesthetically, I think it's a gorgeous bike. It's very unique looking with its twin frame rails.

[parkec]

2002 Red/Dark Falco w/ upgraded Aprilia Cans & Chip..


Y E A B A B B Y ! ! ! ! !

[amaner]

Red/silver '02 w/ RSC cans and chip here...

parkec, you will LOVE it!