Aprilia SL 1000 Falco reviews

This is a great bike. The press said it is ugly, but EVERY person who has commented on it tells me what a stunningly beautiful bike it is! I put full pipes and chip on her and she flies, stiffen up the suspension and she flat cooks in the canyons. I chased and blew by a 999 with full bags, camping gear and pillon. The guy couldn't believe it! Jack up the rear preload and the stand doesn't drag. All day comfort, realibility, and PHENOMENAL handling! I have a K5 gixxer 1000 and my RST is just as good in the canyons. A fantastic bike! Show less

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

This bike will give you that major grin factor every time you ride it. It is a highly tuned superbike in an upright package that is flat out thrilling to ride. Right out of the gate it has major torque and just keeps on pulling to well over 9k RPM. Ride and suspension are tight and responsive, in fact a little stiff on slow street rides. I have owned a Ducati Monster and test rode the new Ducati's: 999,S4RS Monster and 1000 Multistrada. One ride on the Tuono R and its all over, you will be hooked! Show less

Man, What a bike! I saw it in the shop while buying a new clutch lever for my Triumph Sprint, sat on it and bought it before I even started it up. I kept the Triumph just in case I found it wasn't what I wanted - fat chance! I put Avon Viper Sport tires on it (with Nitro)and that made so much difference in the handling - incredible difference! I took that funny looking plastic number plate thing of the back and screwed the plate into the bottom of the mufflers (has twin Staintunes). Speaking of mufflers, the Staintunes look awseome, but were still quiet, so I had new header pipes made and took the catalytic converter off. I could not believe the difference in power (feels like another 15-20 horsepower), dropped the weight by 12 kilos, sounds magnificent (very loud). I have done 22,000 kilometres in 6 months. The centre stand is a hinderence in corners - I have got an angle grinder onto it but it still hits way too easily on both sides. I LOVE IT! Show less

This bike by far is one of the most total package bikes on the market! I travel some 86 miles one way to work, and there is never a dull moment on the road. The powerband on this bike is great, not to mention the handling. I have all sorts of upgrades such as the shotgun pipes a powercommand etc, just to be sure those "PONIES" are there when I need them. Show less

This bike is absolutely stunning. That may be an overused cliche perhaps, but ride one and tell me I'm wrong. I own one of the last serial numbers for year '03, but this site begins the list at '04 for some reason. The Tuono itself is an outstanding work of art that is up to more than anyone I personally know can throw at it. The motor is incredibly flexible without being sewing machine smooth (read: no soul), like the current liter bike herd. If what you're after is being the fastest plastic repli-racer on the roads, look elsewhere. If you want a bike that turns heads (most people simply don't know who Aprilia are - I love the uneducated masses), offers all day comfort and can still tear it up through the twistys, look no further. The Racing (now Factory) versions Ohlins suspenders, radial Brembos, and SuperCorsas are total overkill on the streets, but they offer a nice bit of bling for the Sunday morning pancake crowd. And last but not least, the carbon bodywork is gorgeous. Worth every penny. But don't take my word for it, get out on one for a test ride. Just watch that throttle in first gear... Show less

My 2005 Tuono is the best motorcycle I have ever owned, and I have had several. This bike gives you the best of both worlds of comfort and sport. I just got finished taking it on a 300 mile back road ride with no fatigue, never got bored and stayed in front of the pack. If you do not like wheelies, this is not a bike for you. I just installed the Aprilia double shotgun exhaust and e-prom and all I can say is wow. I have installed exhaust systems/e-proms on several of my bikes and have noticed a minimal improvement but not with the Aprilia. They are really hiding the raw power in this bike but the exhaust and chip make it come to life. Keeping the front end on the ground is not an option in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear. I do not recommend this bike to anyone because I like being the only guy with one on bike nights and on the Sunday rides. Show less

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

The mechanics and handling are just awesome. It takes a lot of skill or stupid inexperience to bring this bike to its limits. Meanwhile, the toque band is still manageable for an intermediate rider. I personally have limited riding experience and find the sure handling, dynamite braking and ever-ready engine power/torque really assuring. This is a very pretty bike to look at. It has attracted a lot of attention from even non riders - It's very interesting how ordinary people ask questions about it in parking lots. Show less

So far, the reliability is good but then the bike isn't even broken in yet. But the Rotax engine has good pedigree, so I feel confident that it will hold up well. Hopefully the rest of the bike would be the same. Performance is awesome. Love the broad power and torque bands. But the front and rear brakes could bite a bit harder. I like a bit more stopping power. Comfort isn't bad for a crotch rocket thanks to the raised and flat handle bar. Foot pegs are not too far backward. It makes for a nice street riding position similar to my BMW Rockster. The seat doesn't offer much cushion, but that's rather expected on these sort of bikes. I can ride around 100-miles before butt discomfort start to set in and even then it's not that bad thanks to the flat and wide seat. Overall, it's a great bike. Show less