Modifications

Modifications & Upgrades to Aprilia Falcos.

The Moto73 Falco Endurance Test

Thanks to Befbever for this translation of the Moto73 (a dutch motorcycle magazine) endurance test - fascinating reading. Enjoy!

Installing Ohlins forks and triple clamps from a Mille R

Transplanting the Ohlins forks and triple clamp from a 2000 Mille R onto a Falco.

Installing Adjustable Rearset Mounting Brackets ("Jack-Up Plates")

johnl’s experience fitting adjustable rearset mounting brackets, or “jack-up plates,” from Euro Racing.

Installing a 2004 RSV Mille Swingarm and Shock.

This article comes from Mark van de Boom and describes the process he went through to swap out the stock swingarm in favor of a new 2004 Mille swingarm and shock. Brilliant mod—thanks, Mark!

Installing a 2002 Mille R swingarm and Ohlins shock

Replacing the stock Falco swingarm, shock and shock linkages with the curved “bananna-style” swingarm and Ohlins shock from a Mille R.

Switching to Mille Turn Signals

Think the round turn signals are a little bland?  Don’t really go with your Falco?  Change over to factory-original RSV-spec oblong turn signals and life will be complete!

Fitting a Renegade Airbox Kit to an Early Mille

There is a lot of interest in the benefits of fitting aftermarket airkits to improve how Aprilias breathe.  This story was submitted by RAG and describes how to fit a Renegade airbox to an early Mille.  It is included here because the basics of fitting the kit are the same for both Milles and Falcos, so the information should be useful to anyone interested in this kind of modification.

Installing R&G Frame Sliders

Frame sliders offer a modicum of protection in the event of a tip-over or crash.  This article documents the installation of R&G framesliders on a 2001 Falco.

Installing a Mille single exhaust system on a Falco

So you want to fit a set of RSV pipes to your Falco ?  ChazdFalco did and originally posted this article on retrofitting a single exhaust system from a Mille onto a Falco on the Aprilia RiderSite.  It is re-printed with additional photos by permission.

Installing an AF1 Top Triple Clamp

cplus fulfills a long-time jones for a skeletonized top triple clamp on his Falco.  This one is from AF1 Racing and looks great.

Installing Front Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Braided stainless steel brake lines offer improved feel and performance over the stock rubber lines.  This article shows how they are fitted to the front of a Falco.

Installing Rear Braided Stainless Steel Brake Line

Upgrading the stock rear brake line from rubber to braided stainless steel for improved breaking feel and performance.

Falco Airbox Modification

Customizing the stock airbox for better performance and that great “open airbox” sound by johnl.

Rewiring the Falco for Improved Charging

Many Falco owners have had problems with the charging system on their bike.  The bike doesn’t charge the battery enough to crank the bike over on a regular basis, so when they thumb the starter for the next ride they hear the click-click of the starter solenoid rather than the roar a healthy v-twin.  The same problem has happened to other Aprilia owners, notably Mille and Futura owner.  Some Futura owners have re-wired their bikes to improve the perforamance of the charging system.  This mod has now jumped over to the Falco, courtesy of ghostrider71 on the Aprilia Forum. 

Making a New License Plate Bracket

Why pay $100 for a custom license plate bracket when you can fabricate one out of sheet aluminum for about $20?  cplus takes the plunge.

Installing a full Tigcraft exhaust system on a Falco

Changing the stock exhaust is one of the most popular modifications to any motorcycle.  Most Falco owners typically opt for simply bolting on a new pair of end cans.  An hour or two later and they’re enjoying a refreshing beverage while listening to their bike’s new song.  Changing out the entire exhaust system to a 2-1-2 Tigcraft system designed for a Mille is a bit more of a challenge.

Removing the Falco’s Fuel Vapor Recovery System

A “Fuel Vapor Recovery” system was fitted to many Falcos, especially those destined for places with restrictive laws, as a means to lower emissions.  The idea is that fuel vapor is filtered through a charcoal canister where they are trapped.  Unfortunately, this charcoal canister consumes much of the underseat space available.  Removing the canister frees this space and some unnecessary weight.  Here’s how.

Installing Brembo 4-pad Calipers, Radial Master Cylinder and Rotors on a Falco

This article was submitted by Brian Mosher and describes the process he went through to switch from the Falco’s
stock Brembo brakes to upgraded Brembo 4-pad calipers, radial mount master cylinder, floating calipers and other goodies.  Brilliant mod!  Thanks, Brian.

Modifying the Clutch to Reduce Slip

Befbever’s cure for slipping clutches.

Aprilia Saddlebags (Panniers)

BenW’s review of Aprilia’s OEM panniers for the Falco, originally distributed on Daz’ Growthlog site in 2002.

Gilles Riser Installation

Gilles Variobar clip-ons offer some improvements over the stock bars:  Raised height and wide-ranging adjustability for improved rider comfort.  Scotteq installed a set on his Falco. 

Fitting a RSV1000 Sachs Shock

Replacing the original Falco shock with one fitted to the Mille is a quick, inexpensive upgrade that many owners report improves handling.  Adam Pike upgraded his Falco’s suspension with great results.

Falco Ignition problems

BefBever hunts down and resolves problems with the electrical system on his Falco.  The same problems may effect other Falco owners who ride a lot, especially in wet or humid conditions where the electrical connections can become corroded.

Oxford Hot Hands

ScottOiler

Befbever’s Renegade Cans Report

Gilles Rearsets for Falco

Product test: Evoluzione Clutch Slave Cylinder

Renegade High Mount link pipe Modification

Falco Bellypan

Renegade Airbox Upgrade

BenW’s report about fitting a Renegade airbox kit, and initial riding impressions, was originally published on the Growthlog.co.uk site in December, 2001.

The VENTURA luggage system / Baglux Tank System

Sheepskin seat cover

Ohlins rear shock report

Stainless Steel Carbon Can Co. Cans

Technoflex Rear Shock

Fork internals upgrade report

Befbever’s report describing the process of upgrading the stock Falco fork internals with replacement parts from Wilbers was originally published on the Growthlog.co.uk site in May of 2001.