Uglyfatfook wrote:I bought my Mille R 2 years ago and really really like it, didn't take much notice of the Falco at the time but just recently been noticing what a nice looking bike the SL is. Bumped into Squdron Nero a couple of weekends ago and was very taken with his black Falco.
Anybody who's owned both the SL and the gen 1 RSV R care to write a comparison? Not that I'm considering a change any time soon, just curious about handling and rider comfort. The power seemed pretty good judging by the way SN Carl took off out of the petrol station.
The bikes are very similar.
Yours /mine rsvr came with all the goodies as we know.
Ohlins and oz wheels.
The rsv motor on the 2001-2004 has the big valve heads where as the sl uses the same heads as the pre 2001 models rsv, it really is just the early mille motor.
The bikes pick up more or less the same until around 5-6000 rpm when the rsv motor delivers a bit more power.
Some say that the falco has more low down grunt than the mille, but I can't tell if this is true. I don't think so
A falco with some of the trick bits like the rear shock from the mille, especially when serviced etc improves things a lot for the falco.
And this single modification alone really does sharpen things up.
The riding position does differ with the rsv race breed, you are in a more racing position. Laid slightly more over the tank.
The falco is a little more relaxed on the arms, but I notice the distance from the seat to the pegs seems less than the mille.
Both bikes are very competent and ride very similar and are both rewarding.
Insurance wise there is two groups difference according to my insurer, and I pay nearly double for the mille than what I did with the falco.
I have a multi bike policy, and the falco when it was my main bike cost me £220 a year with every bike after costing £50.00
Where as the mille r is £370.00 a year with my falco costing £50.00 as an additional bike.
The last question might be which is best?
The rsvr is better than the falco handling wise with the falco in standard form.
But changing things over like a shock, there are different types but the mille/ Mille r tends to be favourite. The falco is nearly as good and in some cases better than the mille especially on long runs for the more mature rider.
Lastly I think the falco could do with, to make it more comfortable is a set of adjustable rear sets. Or some lower peg configuration which can be bought off ebay, as I did point out earlier the falco seems a little more cramped on the legs.
Best thing to do is ride a falco for the comparisons
I did notice that you will be going to marches meet, and I would say this would be the best chance you have to experience one. As I am sure somebody with a falco would like a chance at riding the rsv
