The place to discuss any issues with your Aprilia, share tips and handy reference links
Moderators: Aladinsaneuk, MartDude, D-Rider, Moderators
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GregD-UK
- SuperBike Racer

- Posts: 825
- Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:21 am
- Location: North East - Sunderland
#1
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by GregD-UK » Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:17 pm
Hi all,
Got on her this afternoon, noticed when I engaged 1st it was quite a clunk! duly adjusted my clutch lever another notch, just to be safe. When I was out stopped for a spell and found that the clutch reservoir was quite dirty

So am thinking, is that small iron filings in there or what
The guy who I bought it off said there was a new clutch fitted about 8 months ago. Am abit worried really....
Help

Not a mechanic as such.....
Thankx in anticipation
Warranty yeah rite!
My warranty is the clear/smoked tail lights around the corner!!
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D-Rider
- Admin

- Posts: 15560
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 1:09 pm
- Location: Coventry
#2
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by D-Rider » Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:54 pm
HaHa ... the good old Falco clutch fluid issue!
Yep it goes black in no time at all - treat it as a feature - they all do that and they work just fine.
There are various theories why but I don't think we've a definative answer.
I think that those who have changed to an aftermarket slave cylinder don't have this issue - but, honestly, it's not a worry - as I said, they all do it.

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danowat
- Track Day Addict

- Posts: 142
- Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:38 am
- Location: Norfolk
#3
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by danowat » Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:56 pm
Mine is the same, black and also leaky, god knows where the brake fluid goes

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D-Rider
- Admin

- Posts: 15560
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 1:09 pm
- Location: Coventry
#4
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by D-Rider » Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:58 pm
danowat wrote:Mine is the same, black and also leaky, god knows where the brake fluid goes

Although Black is normal, Leaky is more of a worry!

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Thumper
- SuperSport Racer

- Posts: 400
- Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:45 am
- Location: norfolk
#5
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by Thumper » Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:50 pm
Most times a fluid leak is from the slave cylinder donowat, it normally drops out around the engine sprocket so it looks like chain grease residue
If you are regularly topping up I would strip out the slave cylinder remove the seal and clean the bore replace with new fluid and generally that will do the job. New seals are available but aprilia dealers can't be bothered, it is possible to pack a worn seal with ptf tape but don't go made
Or if your flush just buy a bling one
Seal part # was 810-69-35 but you could check that.
http://www.geocities.com/sl_mille/slave.html
The seal itself looks similar to this Bm one.
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment. ... entid=6732
So why do they leak read this (Part B):
http://www.tawvehicle.com/brembo_tech_info.htm
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GregD-UK
- SuperBike Racer

- Posts: 825
- Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:21 am
- Location: North East - Sunderland
#6
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by GregD-UK » Mon Mar 12, 2007 9:57 am
Hi all,
Thankx D-Rider + Thumper, thought I had a big blow-out on the clutch! Or worse thought my cogs were getting worn out with the thud of engaging gears. I am looking at an MPL replacement for the clutch anywayz
Cheers 4 the advice.
Warranty yeah rite!
My warranty is the clear/smoked tail lights around the corner!!
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loafersmate
- Despatch Rider
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:38 pm
- Location: Nr Gainsborough
#7
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by loafersmate » Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:11 pm
don't bother spending money on the crappy std one, just fork out £50ish for an MPL machnined ally one off the bay.
If you don't like it, don't look!
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Gtrain
- Despatch Rider
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:51 am
- Location: melbourne
#8
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by Gtrain » Tue Apr 10, 2007 12:12 pm
If it clunky make sure you spay the gear linkage ball joints with wd40 or similar product, you will be surprised with how much of a difference it makes.
I opted for the Mpl slave when mine started leaking, very nice bit of kit, but theres two things about them, 1 you need to cut a hole in you standard falco sprocket cover (about a 35mm holesaw hole) or replace it with a rsv/tuono sprocket cover (if you get a new one buy one for a tuono, same thing but they charge you less

)
2 it can be hard to bleed, when I fitted mine I bled it twice to get it feeling alright, then bled it again a week later and still got bubbles out, since then its been great, easier clutch action (don't feel like I've got arm pump after a full days riding) and clear fluid still after ten months

The problem with common sense is, its not very common
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mgoode180566
- Despatch Rider
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2007 3:59 pm
#9
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by mgoode180566 » Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:49 pm
I love my Falco except for the gearchange. Its so heavy and clunky not very Japanese like at all. What do i need to do ? I have adjusted the chain but no improvement. It clunks into 1st and is really tricky elsewhere.
I would say that WD40 removes any grease on the linkage. Are you better to use copper slip or something ?
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Fausto
- SuperBike Racer

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- Location: Sunny Suffolk
#10
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by Fausto » Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:13 pm
mgoode180566 wrote:
I would say that WD40 removes any grease on the linkage. Are you better to use copper slip or something ?
You need to keep these linkage balljoints lubricated somehow. WD40 or similar works wonders instantly but will disappear at the first sign of rain or a wash. If you go down the WD40 route you need to keep re applying.
I use grease here as it stays put far longer. BUT it collects dirt and needs cleaning out and replacing every so often.
Shame Aprilia don't fit those rubber boots like the Japanese do.
