I created the above chart with all of the part numbers for shocks,
triangle linkage plates and dogbones for 99+ Aprilias that I could find
from the original Aprilia microfiche diagrams. I have color-coded the
part numbers, so you can see which ones match up on different models.
Feel free to PM me with your email address for a larger and more legible
version of this chart.
Now, the question constantly being asked by riders and new owners is
"which shock fits the Falco?". Well, here are the answers, all summed
up in detail and in one straightforward reference:
1998-2005 SL FALCO:
Low-performance economy Sachs unit with very limited adjustment (preload
only). This unit is NOT rebuildable. Also, internal valving is not
ideal for swapping springs and performance is difficult to dial in for
any rider type. Replacement, rather than repair, is highly recommended.
Stock spring rate Sachs = ~ 800 lbs./in. or 14.3 kg/mm
Compatible rider weight on stock Sachs spring: ~165 lbs.
Recommended spring rate for ~240 lb. rider: 950 lbs./in. or 17 kg/mm.
1998-2000 RSV MILLE:
Any 1998 to early 2000 Sachs shock (black body/white spring) from an RSV
will fit using the stock Falco linkage plates and dogbones. Features
Ride-Height, preload, compression and rebound adjustment. Rebound is
adjusted via small screw on side of shock body. Some riders find they
have to shave/trim the schrader valve on the extended nitrogen canister
to get the shock past the Falco subframe, but this is easy to do and
many have found that the shock simply slips right in without the need
for modification. Traxxion Dynamics can service, revalve and rebuild
the Sachs shock with great results.
Stock spring rate Sachs = ~820 lbs./in. or 14.5 kg/mm.
Compatible rider weight on stock Sachs spring: ~175 lbs.
Recommended spring rate for ~240 lb. rider: 950 lbs./in. or 17 kg/mm.
2001-2003 RSV MILLE:
Any 2000.5 to 2003 RSV Sachs shock (gold & silver body/yellow
spring) or Ohlins will fit, but you must use the matching triangle
linkage plates and dogbone from a 2001 to 2003 model RSV, as well. 2003
models have a different part number for the triangle plates, but the
difference is negligible. The shorter nitrogen canister on the
2001-2003 Sachs shock means no modification is needed to fit this shock
behind the Falco subframe. These shocks also feature ride-height,
preload, compression and rebound adjustments. Rebound was changed to a
small click-dial on the bottom of the Sachs shock and can be adjusted by
hand. Both the Ohlins and Sachs shocks use a significantly lighter
spring rate than the 1998-2000 versions due to very different linkage
ratios. Traxxion Dynamics can service, revalve and rebuild the Sachs
shock with great results.
Stock spring rate Sachs = ~525 lbs./in. or 9.5 kg/mm.
Stock spring rate Ohlins = ~542 lbs./in. or 9.7 kg/mm.
Compatible rider weight on stock Sachs spring: ~160 lbs.
Compatible rider weight on stock Ohlins spring: ~175 lbs.
Recommended spring rate for ~240 lb. rider: 600 lbs./in. or 10.7 kg/mm
2002-2005 TUONO:
Same shocks, linkage and dogbones as found on the 2001-2003 RSV models.
Again, you must have the appropriate linkage to make a 2002-2005 Tuono
shock work properly on the Falco. Traxxion Dynamics can service,
revalve and rebuild the Sachs shock with great results.
Stock spring rate Sachs = ~525 lbs./in. or 9.5 kg/mm.
Stock spring rate Ohlins = ~542 lbs./in. or 9.7 kg/mm.
Compatible rider weight on stock Sachs spring: ~160 lbs.
Compatible rider weight on stock Ohlins spring: ~175 lbs.
Recommended spring rate for ~240 lb. rider: 600 lbs./in. or 10.7 kg/mm
NOTES:
2004-up RSV and 2006-up Tuono model shocks are NOT compatible with the Falco.
Ohlins-equipped bikes (early "R" & "Factory" models) feature the
same linkage plates and dogbones as found on the standard Sachs-equipped
bikes for the 1998-2003 RSV and 2002-2005 Tuono model years. Stock
spring rates between the Ohlins and Sachs bikes are nearly identical for
any given year, as well.
Most standard Sachs/Ohlins springs feature a 57mm/2.25" I.D. and
160-170mm/6"-6.5" length. Many 60mm I.D. springs can be made to work on
most shocks with careful alignment. Shorter 150mm length springs, such
as Ohlins 1093 series, can be used on most shocks, but preload spacers
may be required.
Replacement springs are abundant. Many automobile "coil-over"
replacement springs will fit. Some recommended brands are: Ohlins,
Eibach and Hyperco. There are other good companies, such as H&R and
RaceTech, but beware "budget" springs and "ebay
specials"...manufacturing quality, long-term reliability and accuracy in
spring rate reporting do matter.
1998-2003 RSV/2002-2005 Tuono Sachs shocks can be professionally
re-sprung, re-valved and re-built for $300-$350 from good suspension
companies, such as Traxxion Dynamics, and offer 85-90% of the
performance of an aftermarket unit. Even for aggressive street riders,
rebuilding a Sachs unit is often the best way to go when looking at
performance vs. cost. For the most serious Canyon Carvers and Track
Riders...or those with extra cash burning holes through their wallet...a
good Penske, Ohlins, Hyperco, etc. simply can't be beat. Note,
however, that...particularly when buying these units used...aftermarket
units may require that they be rebuilt more often and may demand the
same type of personalization and setup (revalving, spring rates, etc.)
as rebuilding a Sachs unit, but at a higher financial cost.