Aprilia SL1000 Falco review

The Aprilia SL1000 Falco engine is the same as that fitted in the supersports RSV, with a major revision of the injection mapping and tuning to optimise performance for the less extreme riding style of the SL use, improving usability and evenness when functioning at low revs. It delivers 118HP to the shaft at 9500rpm and a maximum torque of 9.75 kgm @ 7000rpm. As in the RSV 1000, the decision to use a 60° V-twin engine originated from the need for a light, compact engine to avoid having to compromise the design of the mechanical components in any way with less than optimal technical solutions and weight distribution.

Aprilia SL 1000 Falco Systems

Furthermore, the twin engine also maximises riding pleasure, combining perfectly with the mechanical and handling characteristics of the SL 1000 FALCO.
We can therefore find all the technical characteristics which have made the Aprilia SL 1000 Falco famous and well-appreciated:
- longitudinal 60° V-twin engine; timing with four valves per cylinder and double cam shaft in the cylinder head, controlled by a mixed chain and gear system;
- electronic fuel injection system with dynamic air intakes; 51 mm diameter throttle bodies and continuous self-diagnostic system with display of any system anomalies on the dashboard;
- CDI type ignition with a Twin Spark Ignition system using two spark plugs per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by the engine`s integrated control system which also controls injection
- dry crank case lubrication using a second recovery trochoidal pump and an external oil reservoir. The external oil reservoir consists of a single aluminium casting to guarantee maximum seal, constructional quality and improved cooling.
- mixed gear/chain timing. The pair of gears (one for each timing chain) in the engine block enables the size of the cylinder heads to be reduced;
- Further confirmation of the exclusive technology comes from the exclusive Aprilia patents used in the SL 1000 FALCO R:
- the AVDC (anti-vibration double countershaft) double balancing countershaft system, based on an anti-vibration countershaft rotating in the opposite direction to the engine shaft, balancing the first order forces.
- the power-assisted hydraulic controlled clutch covered by the PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch) patent to control rear wheel bounce.

Exhaust
One of the distinctive characteristics of the Aprilia SL 1000 FALCO R is the exhaust system with two silencers made entirely from stainless steel, fitted with catalytic converter in line with EURO 2 limits.
The position and volume of the terminals was determined after in-depth aerodynamic and ridability analyses. The system chosen:
- guarantees the equilibrium of the motorbike;
- ensures low noise levels;
- does not generate irritating turbulence at high speed;

Road test Aprilia SL 1000 Falco
After their success with the stunning RSV Mille it was only a matter of time before Aprilia rang the changes with the 60-degree V-twin motor and produced a sports tourer to take on Hondas Firestorm and the Ducati ST4. The engine has been slightly detuned - power is down from 130bhp @ 9500rpm to 118bhp @ 9250 rpm, but the twin silencers that replace the single can on the Mille and a remapped fuel injection system combine to bolster the mid-range grunt for two-up touring. The Falcon also gets a new twin-spar alloy frame that shows off the black painted engine, and an angular fairing that you will either love or hate. At least it keeps the windblast off rider and passenger. Decent grab handles mean that a pillion feels more secure as you make the most of this Italian thoroughbred`s handling and stuff it through a series of bends. And you will because this bike handles better than any tourer has a right to. You could even use it on a track day complete with panniers and still embarrass sportsbike riders. More specsand user manual of Aprilia SL 1000 you can see in next overview.