Value me please

[dyzio]

Hello,
I am a 2004 SL Falco in flamingo red. I have 19k miles on the clock.

My owner has recently replaced the battery, done the wiring mod and starter relay so I don't have any problems when starting.
I also have:
- US side stand,
- Mille R ohnlins shock,
- Blueflame singleport cans,
- 2 screens,
- seat cowl,
- braided front hoses,
- H&B rack,

I have been kept locked, cleaned and well loked after. Front tyre and c&s are new.

Unfortunately, my owner is a wimp and is thinking about selling me...

What would be a fair price to sell the bike with and without the fancy bits? A friend is interested...

[Dusty]

Why? It's not that long since he bought you! Have you two fallen out? I reckon you're worth around £2800-2900. Might be better if he sold the bling bits separately.

[dyzio]

Unfortunately, as great bike as it is, we are struggling to like each other...
I use my bike for commuting (in town), and the gearing, fuel consumption, size of the bike (and me being relatively short) just don't work well.
Out of town, it's a fantastic beast. However, my neck isn't liking it and I'm feeling absolutely knackered after a say 300 mile ride. I've also noticed how quickly the tyres, chain and fuel disappear compared to the previous sv I had.
I don't think I can afford such a monster :) or if I even if I could, it would cost me a lot more than I would like to spend...

Not 100% sure on this yet, but it's likely...

[Dusty]

I can fully understand your reasons. I love mine but agree on most points. I kept my Triumph Sprint RS, intending to sell it once I was sure about the Falco, but I've still got it and it's a better all rounder to be honest.
Fuel consumption:The Sprint has averaged 55mpg in 12k miles versus 41mpg for the Falco in 3k miles.
Tank range:I get 200 miles from a tank with the Sprint and struggle to get 140 from the Falco. When touring, that's a pain.
Chain: The Sprint, at 24k miles, is on its original chain, and I replaced the Falco's at 6k, although I have no idea how the previous owner treated it.
Riding: The Sprint is very easy to ride in traffic because it's so smooth and torquey.. Both of my bikes are 1 tooth down on standard for the front sprocket; 18 on the Sprint and 15 on the Falco but the Falco is still a bit lumpy in traffic. The riding position is slightly more upright on the Sprint but it' still sporty with clipons and tests the neck after a long haul.

BUT, the Falco stirs my soul and delivers that real kick up the tail, so I'd hate to part with it.

Good luck with your plans.

[D-Rider]

Unfortunately, as great bike as it is, we are struggling to like each other...
I use my bike for commuting (in town), and the gearing,

Have you tried a 15t front sprocket? For me this improved it no end for town work

fuel consumption,

mmm yeah, it's certainly no thrifty scooter

size of the bike (and me being relatively short) just don't work well.

A pair of these?

Out of town, it's a fantastic beast. However, my neck isn't liking it and I'm feeling absolutely knackered after a say 300 mile ride.

For me, changing to a carbon fibre helmet has made a huge difference to my neck. Used to get a lot of neck pain that I hadn't really associated with the bike. Bought myself a carbon lid and the problem reduced significantly .... eventually I twigged what had made the difference ....

I've also noticed how quickly the tyres, chain and fuel disappear compared to the previous sv I had.

Tyres obviously depend on brand and type but if you use the throttle it will be hard on the rear.

Chain .... well after 15,000 miles I'm still on the original chain ... can't complain at that. I think the Scottoiler plays a big part here.

Fuel .... yeah (though a well set up map can improve economy ... but a PCIII would be more expense)

I don't think I can afford such a monster :) or if I even if I could, it would cost me a lot more than I would like to spend...

Not 100% sure on this yet, but it's likely...

That's fair enough - we each have our own decisions to make on these things.

Dusty is probably right about the price but it is a good looking late model. I'd maybe stick it up for something over £3k and see how it goes.
That said, I'm not too well up in what they are going for at the moment.

[dyzio]

Just curious... what brand is the standard chain? Triple S by chance?

[HisNibbs]

There are a few bargains around so I'd say 2.5K or there abouts, as is.

I agree it's not a town bike. However it is up to daily commuting provided some of it is open road. I reckon around 150 miles until the light i.e. 46 MPG , I'd like more as I also consider a less than 200 mile tank range as barely adequate. Servicing cost are; chain and sprockets 20K plus with scot oiler; Tyres 4 -5k rear, 8 to 10k front; oil and oil filter every 5k; brake pads every 15k.

I now find the Falco pretty comfortable when I didn't to start with and as you lose a lot of money swapping bikes every few months, I reckon it is worth persevering.

[dyzio]

The previous owner told me the chain was replaced before I got it, that would mean it did around 10k (and I've put a scottoiler on it at 13k when I've bought the bike).

If that wasn't the truth it means it did 19k which would be ok.
What chains do the Falcos come out the factory?

[scorpio24v]

The previous owner told me the chain was replaced before I got it, that would mean it did around 10k (and I've put a scottoiler on it at 13k when I've bought the bike).

If that wasn't the truth it means it did 19k which would be ok.
What chains do the Falcos come out the factory?

Regina are generally OEM chains for wop bikes, but get a good jap one to replace it, RK DID etc.

P.S Your bike is worth about 300 quid, I have the cash waiting, crisp £5 notes Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease say yes

[dyzio]

That means the chain has done under 10k, and the last 6k with a scottoiler, not happy at all.

I wasn't 100% honest in my first post. I've written new C&S, but I've just ordered them and they will be fitted this weekend (Tsubaki chain).

I'll try and borrow a lid from my mate, drop the preload on the front and see what that does for my neck on the next rideout.

[bigun]

I used to use mine for commuting when I first got it (all year round too) and although not as good as my previous bikes, it was ok. I bought it for the weekend fun though so a little compromise didn't bother me.
The tank range and fuel consumption didn't bother me either, its a litre twin afterall and if anything, was only 2mpg down on my previous 600 fours. And touring, realistically, how much further than 140 miles do you go between stops? I normally stop at the first fuel station after 100 miles. Seems a reasonable distance and habit to get into.

There's something about these Aprilia's, I'm on my second and love them. My dad has just bought a Bandit 1200 and yes, its lovely but its 'just a bike' to me. Give it a second chance, it'll be worth it.

[hornetrider]

There's something about these Aprilia's, I'm on my second and love them. My dad has just bought a Bandit 1200 and yes, its lovely but its 'just a bike' to me. Give it a second chance, it'll be worth it.

Summed up perfectly.

If I were you I'd address the issues with the bike. Maybe get some helibars to ease neck pain and add comfort. Slap a 15t front sprocket on it for easier town riding if it bothers you (I haven't). I'm surprised about the C+S, I don't hang about and mine has done 13k and counting. Tyre life is probably the same as any other bike depending on what you buy. Touring on mine the fuel light was coming on round the 140 mark so stopping around 150 which I think is plenty.

[dyzio]

The bars are already over the top yoke, it did help but has not solved the problem.
I know numerous people have 15T sprockets, but I've read a few stories on chains snapping on 15T (probably due to increased wear) and with my luck that will happen when I'm 1000 miles from civilisation.
On the SV I've got well over 10k from PR2's, on the Falco the rear is looking at it's last mills and it's done 6-8k. And I'm not that quick :/
140 miles doesn't sound too bad, but the SV needed 4L less fuel for that.

The thing is I realise it's a great bike. I love the way it goes round corners and pulls away no matter if riding solo or 2up and luggage.
I was able to do a 600 mile ride on the sv and was ok the other day to do another one, whereas now I'm knackered after a 300 mile "bimble".
I have some ideas to try out, but if that doesn't work, me and the bike will be going our separate ways.

[D-Rider]

I know numerous people have 15T sprockets, but I've read a few stories on chains snapping on 15T (probably due to increased wear) and with my luck that will happen when I'm 1000 miles from civilisation.

Interesting.
Although I've heard of a few chains snapping, I've never heard of this being associated with the 15t sprocket.
As far as the chain is concerned, there should be almost no difference in wear - though the front sprocket will have a bit more wear (probably about 7%)

This really should not be a concern.

[hornetrider]

The bars are already over the top yoke, it did help but has not solved the problem.

Fair enough. That's not as high as heli/convertibars though. I take it the SV is not an S ie it's unfaired and has high bars?

On the SV I've got well over 10k from PR2's, on the Falco the rear is looking at it's last mills and it's done 6-8k. And I'm not that quick :/

I've NEVER heard of a bike tyre lasting 10k, so fair play to you. Look at that as the exception rather than the norm. Are the SV tyres made of wood?!

140 miles doesn't sound too bad, but the SV needed 4L less fuel for that.

Remind me how many CC's the SV has? Can it offer Falco performance???

Maybe the bike just isn't for you...