2002 Aprilia SL1000 Falco
Miles: 6,500
Clean Georgia Title
Listing Price: $6,500
Listing Ends: September 5th, 2024
Unfortunately most likely named for the bird of prey, and not the 80s German pop singer, the Aprilia SL1000 Falco was the more practical stablemate to the race-replica RSV Mille. At its heart was the same 998cc 60° Rotax v-twin, but retuned slightly for better midrange and less peak horsepower, and hung in a completely different aluminum beam frame with a stylized twin-spar design. The geometry was more relaxed, as were the ergonomics, and the package was very well received by reviewers when the bike was new, although it didn’t sell well, likely due to the classy, but very understated styling. An excellent real-world sportbike, if you can find a clean one. And this example is very clean.
Absolutely gorgeous example of one of the finest Italian sport bikes ever made. Very low original miles, always kept indoors in a climate controlled space. New battery and tires, runs and rides like new. Rare factory carbon fiber performance pipes and chip, HELI bars, rear fender delete kit, Euro light switch. Recent oil change and brake fluid flush. Get on and ride!
Very few cosmetic blemishes- some small scratches on tank and pipes, barely noticeable. If you’re planning on bidding please send me a DM and I’ll reply with video of it running and closeups of anything that might be questionable.
It’s an extremely fast motorcycle with great handling characteristics, beautiful sound and a lot of character. I hate to see it go, but I’ve got too many bikes and it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Like a favorite pet or an unwanted child, I’d like it to go to a good home where it’ll be well cared for and loved.
“Like a favorite pet or unwanted child“? What the…? Strange choice of phrasing aside, this is an extremely low-mileage example of a very versatile sportbike. I’m not sure how collectible it is or ever will be, but it is rare and charismatic. It doesn’t have the race credentials of the Mille, but is far more comfortable and was billed as a bit of a sport-touring bike when new [Aprilia even offered luggage bags], although this one obviously hasn’t seen much of that. $6,500 is strong money for a Falco, although everything seems expensive these days, and this is surely one of the nicest examples in existence.
-tad
Kudos on the title! Falcons are rare but not due to people hanging onto them. This was Aprilia’s answer to a VFR and the likes. Yeah, it’s a cool bike but I’d rather get and RSV or a Tuono than always being asked “what is it” though you’d get that question asked in the US virtually about any Aprilia. The phrase about unwanted children doesn’t complement the seller not his stab at humour.
Just like the rest of the market, I never quite knew what to make of the Falco.
Once – when selling a tricked out ST4S that had just carried me on a massive round-the-country tour – had a guy offer to trade me for a decent low-mileage Falco AND a “fully operational cappuccino street vendor business”.
I passed on the coffee maker (and his Falco) but they always make me smile remembering the offer.
They’re cool bikes, with plenty of Italian charm (and quirks).
With genuine respect to the prior commenter, part of the APPEAL of a bike like this is precisely that it’s a bit under the radar, except to those who know.
I have a few big Ducs, including a 998, and it is undeniably fun to reminisce about the pinnacle of the 916s that graced many a bedroom wall for us “gentlemen of a certain age”. However, flying under the radar is fun, too.
Always enjoyed riding my random cafe bikes (inevitably / always in a bizarre state of Frankenbike) and the conversations those created.
It’s a big sport. Love that we don’t all love the same thing. Helps make the world go round.
Hope someone finds a cool Aprilia a new home, flying well under the radar all the while.
About $3K to high…