Just bought a Falco!

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scottie58 · #1 Post by **scottie58** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 4:16 pm

Hi guys,

just bought an 04 red/ dark grey pristine falco. Only done 2,300 mls (yes that is correct). Completely original including the cans & tyres. Have only found 2 corroded clips and 1 bolt head- looks very nearly new apart from the cobwebs. I have just put it up on the workbench and can't believe that it hasn't had the "snip" on the ecu. On opening the airbox the restrictor plate is also still in place. It is an EU bike originally imported by Taz. And yes , the headlight has not been changed to UK spec after looking at the excellent thread on this.

I had a Mille some years ago and have missed the thump of a v twin. Whole list of mods planned before easter. Yippeee!

Really appreciate all the info and knowledge on the forum.

Samray · #2 Post by **Samray** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 4:28 pm

Welcome aboard Scottie.

dyzio · #3 Post by **dyzio** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 4:34 pm

Hello,

Hide your credit card :)

HisNibbs · #4 Post by **HisNibbs** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:28 pm

Welcome and sounds like quite a find.

Aladinsaneuk · #5 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:30 pm

welcome

and you want to mod it... excellent

SORT THE POXY SIDESTAND FIRST

cornish mafia · #6 Post by **cornish mafia** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:36 pm

Enjoy this place mate , anything you need to know about the bike is all here and the forum gods are worth their weight in GOLD !!!

Sounds as if you've brought yourself a smart bike there, they're great bikes and as good as the mille once set up so get the money ready....

Have fun..

#7 Post by **Kwackerz** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:43 pm

Change the tyres if theyre the originals..

D-Rider · #8 Post by **D-Rider** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:48 pm

Hi and welcome Scottie

Sounds like you've got a goodun there - and you'll find it quite familiar from your Mille experience.

Kwackerz wrote:Change the tyres if theyre the originals..

Oh PLEASE change the tyres - the OE tyres ruin the whole bike - they really were the worst bit - even more than the sidestand and shock.

Falken · #9 Post by **Falken** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 7:52 pm

Hi Scottie, and welcome.
If it's got the original Me3 tyres and 2,300 miles, i'll bet the rear tyre is like my head and the back one is nearly like it.

scottie58 · #10 Post by **scottie58** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 7:54 pm

thanks for the welcome

I now know what all the fuss is about with the stand - talk about an accident waiting to happen. Sounds like a VTR or Blade stand is the way to go. Where is the best place to get one - fleabay or a breaker? Downloaded the manual as I didn't get the handbook with it. Got every other piece of paper / booklet. Changing the oil and filter tomorrow as it was last changed in 2005!!! Raising the handlebars next as I am a lanky git.

Another question - best place to get a touch up paint stick? I have found 1 stonechip on the front fairing that will annoy the hell out of me now that i know it's there.

cheers

Dusty · #11 Post by **Dusty** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:17 pm

Greetings, Scottie. Nice bike in the best colour scheme! You will enjoy.

Willopotomas · #12 Post by **Willopotomas** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:32 pm

Welcome to the real world.

Hide that credit card as these chaps are very good at spending money for you! No sooner had I met one certain member than he sold me a pair of number plate light/bolt things.. (I'll admit that they're very good though!

)

D-Rider · #13 Post by **D-Rider** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:41 pm

Falken wrote:
Hi Scottie, and welcome.
If it's got the original Me3 tyres and 2,300 miles, i'll bet the rear tyre is like my head and the back one is nearly like it.

Blimey Ken, how many rear wheels are you running on yours these days ?

#14 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:08 pm

Nice one, Scottie; welcome. You definitely have a Falco in the best colour scheme... As you've noticed, the sidestand is pants. I can't imagine what Aprilia were thinking when they released the bike with that. I have a modified GSX-R stand on mine, but it's not a simple mod. A fair amount of engineering was required, let's put it that way.

I believe the VTR1000/Blade stand is the easiest option; either that or buy a Bubseywoo (yes, really) one off eBay for about £50.

After that, your credit card balance will be the only limit on what you can update/upgrade/modify...

Willopotomas · #15 Post by **Willopotomas** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:48 pm

I've modified a few GSX-R stands. £20 for machining, £15 for powder coat (if you want it with a finish, can be supplied as-is) and the donor stands are around £25-£30 depending where you get one from. Not the cheapest option, but by far the better one.