The Sachs shock on the Falco leaves a lot to be desired. Less high-speed compression damping, a stiffer spring, and ride height adjustment would be useful improvements. A remote reservoir is also desirable with the proximity of the rear header.
Will a Mille shock fit? This is an ongoing question. The answer is PROBABLY yes with a remote reservoir, no with a piggyback. But it's still unclear. Reportedly, with a Mille swingarm, the Mille shock will just fit (Ohlins or Sachs, I don't know). Anyone with first hand information on this please share...
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Manufacturer: | Ohlins (NL) |
Type: | DeCarbon with piggy-back reservoir | |
Adjustments: | preload, rebound, compression |
Ohlins has a
shock for the Falco. The part number is AP 941 46
PRC
. Ohlins typically selects one model shock
for a given bike, taking a guess at what the price point of
the bike and riding style needs. Unfortunately, this may
be a compromise (just like the stock shock) as no two
people are alike. I believe this particular model has
preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment, with a
piggy back reservoir. No remote reservoir, remote
hydraulic preload adjustment, or ride height adjustment.
There are US sources, such as Mototek. You used to be
able to import the shock from Wim Kroon Import in the
Netherlands, for about $505 plus $25 shipping, but I
believe Ohlins has put a stop to this because the pricing
was too low compared to US dealers ($800 or more).
Pros:
Cons:
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Manufacturer: | Penske (USA) |
Type: | DeCarbon with remote reservoir (cheaper emulsion option available from Traxxion Dynamics) | |
Adjustments: | preload, rebound, compression (several options), ride height |
Penske has fitted a shock to an SL-1000, Penske's base model (one compression adjustment) lists at $725. Their base shock (8100 series) has preload, compression , rebound and ride height adjustment, with a remote reseroir. Two premium options are also available to increase compression damping adjustability.
Pros:
Cons:
Here's some pictures of the Penske shock on Javier's bike click on images to enlarge
More Penske info
I've installed a Penske on my bike. Read my report before ordering.
New Product Option
Max McAllister of Traxxion Dynamics has arranged a deal with Penske to sell their 8900 series race shock in emulsion form, without
the remote reservoir. Called the "Sport Shock", it will still offer adjustable ride height and rebound damping, and can be upgraded at any time with
a 8100 or 8700 reservoir if compression adjustability is desired. This is supposed to be available for limited applications, but they are
going to try to make the shock for as many models as possible. At $550 (free shipping) it comes with a spring rate for
your weight.
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Traxxion Dynamics offers an 8900 Penske racing body with the reservoir port blocked off |
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Manufacturer: | Works Performance |
Type: | DeCarbon with piggy-back reservoir (plus cheaper emulsion option) | |
Adjustments: | preload, rebound, compression (on DeCarbon) |
Works Performance is reported to have two shocks for the Falco now. Their standard upgrade unit, and a premium unit with remote reseroir and adjustable compression and rebound. Their website does not yet list Aprilia applications, but US pricing is likely to be $480 standard, $699 premium).
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Manufacturer: | Technoflex (NL) |
Type: | DeCarbon with piggy-back or remote reservoir | |
Adjustments: | preload (remote available), rebound, compression (high and low speed) |
Technoflex (Netherlands) hase a Falco shock now. I am not familiar with their company, but their website shows a good selection of competition quality, rebuildable shocks with a large adjustment range. Typical remote reservoir units are priced at EU 591. Piggyback sells for EU 745. Remote preload adjustment is available. A good Falco unit with optional preload adjustment and separate high and low speed compression adjustment is US$630.
NEW
(Added September 25, 2001)
Hugo has installed a Technoflex on his Falco
Here's a picture of the Technoflex shock on Hugo's bike (Click on image to enlarge) |
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Manufacturer: | Fox (USA) |
Type: | DeCarbon with remote reservoir | |
Adjustments: | preload, rebound, compression, ride height |
Fox has fitted a shock to an RSV, so they may have an SL-1000 application soon. Fox shocks typically list for $599 or $735 depending on the type but are often discounted.
Go back to the Falco home page.