2004 Aprilia SL 1000 Falco

Make Model	Aprilia SL 1000 Falco
Year	2004 - 05
Engine	Four stroke, longitudinal 60°V twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	997.6 cc / 60.9 in
Bore x Stroke	97 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	Fuel injection.
Ignition	Digital electronic, two spark plugs per cylinder
Starting	Electric
Max Power	86.7 kW / 118 hp @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque	95.6 Nm / 9.75 kgf-m / 70.5 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	Ø43mm Showa upside-down fork
Front Wheel travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Swing arm in aluminium alloy, progressive linkage with APS system. Sachs hydraulic shock absorber, adjustable in rebound and preload.
Rear Wheel travel	130 mm / 5.1 in
Front Brakes	2 x Ø320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single Ø220 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	180/55 ZR17
Seat Height	736 mm / 29.0 in
Dry Weight	190 kg / 419 lbs
Fuel Capacity	21 liters / 5.5 US gal
Fuel Reserve	4 liters / 1.1 US gal
Consumption Average	5.6 L/100 km / 17.7 km/l / 41.6 US mpg
Standing ¼ Mile	11.8 sec / 201 km/h / 125 mph
Top Speed	249.6 km/h / 156 mph
Road Test	BIKE 2002

The Aprilia SL1000 Falco is a generally well-regarded, half-faired, ‘street sports’ version of RSV which never quite took off in the way it could have. Unique twin beam frame and slightly detuned V-twin made it more streetable, although still very much a sportster. The Aprilia Falco is often overlooked so is a potential used bargain.

Ride Quality & Brakes
The Aprilia SL1000 Falco's frame was an all-new double twin spar designed to show off the engine. With geometry bordering on the sporting it allows the Aprilia SL1000 Falco to change direction quickly while maintaining stability. Where the RSV is tall and uncompromising, the Falco has a lower seat and less extreme footpeg positions. The result is that you sit 'in' the Falco, rather than 'on' it, which makes for better cornering with confidence.

Engine
The Aprilia SL1000 Falco uses a detuned version of the 60° V-twin engine from the Mille sportster. Less powerful it may be, but the Aprilia SL1000 Falco will still reach 155mph and wheelie when the throttle's wrenched in anger. Broader power comes from a twin silencer exhaust and remapped fuel injection, which crops the peak power slightly but bolsters bottom and mid-range.

Build Quality & Reliability
Aprilia has something of a reputation, in terms of build quality and durability at least, as an ‘Italian Honda’, and the Aprilia SL1000 Falco is as good example as any of that. The standard of components, fit and finish is high and there have been few reliability issues. Instead, the biggest blackmark against Aprilia in recent years has been patchy dealer back-up and spares availability

Value
Less is sometimes more. By making its roadster less extreme than the RSV Mille sportster it's based on Aprilia broadened its appeal and produced a motorcycle that's both easier and more fun to ride. The Aprilia SL1000 Falco is a bit of a wolf’s in sheep’s clothing (and price) too. If you like the rather subdued looks, the Aprilia SL1000 Falco is a damned good value all-rounder with a sporting edge.

Equipment
Angular styling and fairing give the Aprilia SL1000 Falco a unique look while providing adequate weather protection and pillion accommodation. Large grab handles mean an easy time for passengers. Other components shared with the Aprilia Falco's more sporting sibling are the brakes, and they are just as sensitive and powerful as on the out-and-out sportster. In all, far posher than its sober looks suggest.