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Long Time no See

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:54 pm
by FalcoJock
It's 11 months since I jumped ship and swapped my Falco for a BMW R1200S. It's a great bike but very different from the Falco. I've been able to hold higher corner speed on the Beemer, but harsh low speed ride has always troubled me. It has Ohlins front and rear but I haven't been able to dial out the harshness.

So I took it to Revs to have the suspension overhauled. He found the rear had internal damage due to the ingress of dirt, so it's had a bit of work done. The front was serviced, so I'm hoping to pick up a transformed bike on Saturday - weather forecast looks ok so far.

In the meantime I have had a hankering after a classic old British bike, probably a BSA A10 650. A mate of mine has a vintage bike and he recons it is brilliant for those days when you don't want to go fast but you can't be bothered peddling (I've never had a don't want to go fast day -but I think I know what he means).

So I've been watching BSA prices ready to pounce when I see a good one. About half an hour ago, a light went on and I suddenly knew what I really, really want as my other bike...

...I want my Falco back. I really miss that bike and I know why I kept it 9+ years. I think I'll look out for a good Falco in the new year. The BSA will have to wait until I experience a 'don't want to go fast day'.

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:09 pm
by FalcoJock
Though Falcos are getting like hen's teeth compared to BSA A10s.

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:28 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
welcome back

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:33 pm
by Gio
Well Jock I've been looking for my old Blackbird for 9 months now with no luck at all :smt010

So I'll wish you good luck in your endeavours.

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:36 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
didn't she elope with leroy?

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 12:20 am
by HowardQ
Sounds like a good idea to me Jock. :smt115 :smt023
Good luck with the search.

Be interesting to see how they fit with you.

When I bought the ZX9R 3 years ago, many people thought they would be too similar, they are and they're not.
They are both quite comfortable and are fun and fast in different ways.
I just wanted to sample other bikes before I have to pack it in, but no way could I sell the Falco. The Kwack has 150bhp and 175 top wack, so it has to be fun, but the Falco is much more fun at lower speeds.
The Falco is also my bike soul mate and nothing could better it now.
I think you may find the BMW and the Falco more alike than my pair, but still different enough, so come back and let us know how you get on with the search and the comparisons afterwards.

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 8:53 am
by Gio
Aladinsaneuk wrote:didn't she elope with leroy?
Nah she has more taste than that :smt003

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 10:00 am
by D-Rider
Hi FJ - good to hear from you again and glad you're looking to restore a Falco to the garage
:smt003

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 6:47 pm
by FalcoJock
I picked up the BMW last Saturday from Revs at Halesowen after they'd overhauled the Ohlins suspension. I was hoping to get the bike I thought I was buying last January, but was a little dissapointed with all summer. The low speed harshness, like it had wooden wheels and no suspension, was driving me nuts, and I hadn't been able to dial it out.

Well, the bike is transformed. The harshness has gone completely and it just rides so much more smoothly; it's brilliant. And John's wife picked me up from the train station, and plied me with coffee and cake in the office, and we chatted pleasantly about common interest such as the theatre and music. A thoroughly nice morning was spent in pleasant company, and then to realise how good the suspension is now - just brilliant.

So, I would have no hesitation in recommending Revs if you need your suspension sorted.

Have a great Festive Season and happy & safe New Year. Lang may yer lum reek!

(translation available on request).

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 3:42 pm
by mangocrazy
John certainly knows his stuff. Sounds like his wife does, as well... :smt003

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 8:22 pm
by Gio
Have fun, IMO its a great bike when its sorted. :smt003