Ask anyone remotely interested in motorcycles to name an Italian big twin sports bike and they are almost certain to come up with the name Ducati, writes John Gilbride.

The Italian manufacturer has a reputation for hi-tech sports bikes which until recently was in a league of one. Ask the same question about small twin two-stroke bikes however and the answer would have to be Aprilia, builders of world-beating 250cc and 125cc performance machines and winners of the 250cc GP World Championships for five of the last six years.

Well all that has changed now, and Aprilia have thrown down the gauntlet and moved into the big league with a range of bikes set to take on its rivals head to head.

Following the success of the supersport RSV Mille, the latest bike to hit the showrooms is the SL1000 Falco, a one litre, half-faired and more user-friendly bike than its big brother which falls into the sports tourer category and is clearly intended to take on the likes of the Triumph Sprint RS and BMW R1100S.

The Falco's all-new triangular section twin beam alloy frame employs a detuned version of the Mille's liquid cooled 60 V-twin. Power from the 118 bhp lump is awesome with lots of typically twin grunt from low down and a strong mid-range.

Warp speed kicks in with a punch at around 5,000 rpm and the 'Priller just keeps on going through the slick six speed gearbox up to a claimed top speed of over 150 mph fast enough for any mere mortal.

Electronic fuel injection seems to be the way forward these days and the system fitted to the Falco is smooth and feels less lumpy at low revs than some I've ridden.

Upside down forks not only look good but keep the front end in shape and fully adjustable rear monoshock keeps the back end sorted.

Pillion passengers get a decent seat and grab rails and should be comfortable for the 160 or so miles between fuel fill-ups. In true Italian fashion the Falco is undeniably a handsome bike.

The half fairing nicely exposes more of the gorgeous lines of the V-twin power plant than its bulkier brother, while still doing a brilliant job of protecting the rider from the elements.

As a tall rider I have to say that tucked in behind the screen of the Falco I felt more comfortable than on most sports tourers I've ridden and everything from the position of the footpegs to the sculptured lines of the fuel tank fitted my long pins perfectly. Considering that up until 12 months ago Aprilia had zero experience in the 'big bike' market the transition from the smaller classes has been both swift and successful.

The Falco is more than a sports tourer, it handles and performs like a sports bike and yet offers the same level of comfort as some of its longer legged competitors.

I loved the idea of riding an Italian bike that I could actually get on, let alone ride with a modicum of comfort.

If you like the idea of a twin with Italian styling and want to stand out from the crowd with something a little different give it a go.

It's got bags of attitude, stonking performance and enough street cred to give Ali G a hot flush.

FACT FILE

Engine: Liquid cooled 60-degree V-twin DOHC

Power: 118bhp @ 9,250rpm

Gearbox: 6 speed

Seat height: 815mm

Fuel capacity: 21 litres

Dry weight:190kg