Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Brochure: AF1 Sintesi 1989

 AF1 Sintesi 1989 brochure - unfortunately its not original copy but I am working on getting a high-res update. :-)






Monday, July 21, 2025

my bike, swing arm rebuild

After getting the swing arm powder coated I wanted to get it back on to the bike could get back on its wheels and I could have a shuffle about.

First thing was to get the main bearings (4) back in to the pivot, these are super snug so lots of grease is needed. TIP, place the bearings (4) in a freezer for 10 minutes then install them in to the swing arm. The cold will make the bearing contract a little and make installing them a little easier. Fit the O-rings (7) to each side of the roller bearing and grease liberally. At this point I put the pins also (5) in the freezer to shrink a little while the roller bearings expanded to their normal size. Next I just slid the pins (5) in the bearings (4), easy!
Next I installed the bearing shields (3) to each end, again with grease so they wouldn't easily drop off.


The next stage was to offer up the swing arm to the main frame and slide the main pivot axle (2) in to hold it there.


The next stage was to get the rear shock and the shock linkage fitted. The shock can go in via the top or bottom but you will have to raise and lower the swig arm at points to get every bolt it. Again grease all bearings, and plenty of it.


I re-fitted the rear hub then re-fitted the wheel to be able to move the bike around but it will need to come off again for power coating.

Note, the wheel has a boss (1) on it which mates to a cut out on the rear wheel, make sure you do this.


Lastly I fitted the chain slider.


Torque values. 

The workshop manual states torque values in daN.m- Dekanewton, where the more common values now are in Nm - Newton, the conversion is just one decimal point or x 10 for ease, I have included both.

Shock linkage bolts including the top shock mount (fig 88 + 89) = 5 daN.m or 50Nm

Main pivot = see fig.92 follow correct procedure:

  • Complete unscrew the adjustment boss on the right hand side (3)
  • Insert the pivot axle and screw it in a few turns
  • Screw the adjustment boss (3) and torque to 1 daN.m or 10Nm
  • Tighten the retaining lock nut (1) in using the notched Aprilia tool to 2.5 daN.m or 25Nm
  • Tighten the main pivot axle to 8 daN.m or 80Nm

Wheel nuts = 8 daN.m = 80Nm

Main axle shaft nut (fig91, part 4) = 8 daN.m or 80Nm




this nut is torque to 80Nm, which may require an extension bar... 

main pivot requires a procedure to correctly tighten.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

My bike, powder coating

As part of the freshen up I decided to powder coat the swingarm and rear sub frame. The swing arm is highly visible so desperately needed doing, where the subframe could of been rattle canned on the parts you can see, however it was a bit rusty in the parts you couldn't see so I wanted that addressed also.

I use a local powder coater to my work and I have used them before and been pleased with the results, check out http://www.plasticoat.co.uk/ if you are in the Portsmouth/ Gosport area. A good powder coater will mask all holes and bearing surfaces all you need to do is remove everything including bearings.

The colour I chose isn't the same as the original Aprilia colour, the original is more of a grey which over time looks quite drab especially next to the brilliance of the main frame and footrests. I went for a silver with a little sparkle like a Honda swing arm, I hope this will lift the bike a little and give it a slightly more premium look... I hope I am right about this!

Swing Arm

before

After

After

After

Subframe

Before

After

After

Join the new Facebook Aprilia AF1 group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/apriliaaf1

Thursday, July 3, 2025

My bike, chain sliders

The rubber chain sliders that fit to the upper and lower swingarm are no longer available, part numbers 8120491 (upper, 15) and 8120492 (lower, 16). My upper is salvageable but the lower is falling apart and they are essential for the finish of any restoration or if you intend on riding. Fortunately they are being reproduced in Italy via 3d printing and are readily available via ebay.

Ebay link




I'll update this post when I have some feedback on fit and finish. 

Join the new Facebook Aprilia AF1 group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/apriliaaf1

Brochure: AF1 Sintesi 1989

 AF1 Sintesi 1989 brochure - unfortunately its not original copy but I am working on getting a high-res update. :-)