newbie (ofsorts)

[scottyni]

hi too all,

falco rider here who has bought a 2003\4 Tuono. pick it up next week of a mate.

looking too buy carbon goodies for it... hugger, chain guard, toe protector, air intakes

Currently working in Afghanistan so time on the bike has been very limited!! now i have 2 so the choices....

[D-Rider]

Hello again Scotty! Welcome back as a Tuono pilot

[Okamoto]

Hi scottyni

I did the same as you ... the Falco is a great bike but it hurts my shoulders sometimes...so I bought a 04 T to go with it

Both cracking bikes in their own right, ...but I tend to use the T more now as it's just a fun bike ...you'll love it welcome aboard.

[Falcopops]

Awrite mate,

Getting about a bit I notice you've moved from Bangor, as well as going to Afghanistan.

[Fausto]

So I would be very interested in a direct comparison between the Falco and the Tuono from you lucky guys that have both.

Mostly I'm interested in engine characteristics and comfort(windblast and arsenumbness)

Any comments ?

[Okamoto]

In a quick comparison I would say ...

Falco..more refined ride/suspension yet handles as good, less power but still flighty, seems a little more harsh an engine and not as torquey at low revs, heavier bike, comfort very good - but you're stuck in the same position with weight on your wrists and can't really move anywhere else.

Tuono..lighter and seems MUCH taller bike, more power and torque at low revs and can catch you out, motor seems slightly more refined, I was surprised to find not much more windblast than the falco (80-90 cruising no problem), comfort also very good and arse numbness not really a problem plus you can move your body around due to not leaning forward with the weight on your wrists.

BUT....both bikes not standard, ie: Tuono 2 into 2, renegade, ohlins rear, chip, pc3, mra screen, 16-42 sprockets (I wouldn't fit a 15 it would be like riding a loose firework!)....Falco leovince cans, sargent seat, moded airbox, pc3, ohlins rear. rebuilt forks, 16-44 sprockets)

would be good to hear some other views.

[Fausto]

Well I am surprised that the Tuono seems to have more low down grunt. That would make it preferable in my book. I note your comments about modding though. Am I correct in understanding that standard the Tuono could possibly have less lower down grunt?

[Falco9]

I'd agree with Oka on the riding position etc... I had my old Falco very well sorted in the handling department so it's difficult to compare on that score. And I still need the forks re-valving on the T but that will have to wait till winter.

The Tuono (I have the Gen2 07 model) has a lot more power much higher up the revs and it's taken a long time to adapt to this. Out with my mates this week on a quick run I found myself knocking it down a gear or two like an old 2 stroke!!! coming out of some corners. I never had to do that with the Falco. Don't get me wrong it's still a bloody good "V" twin but it ain't got the sub 5k pull of the old motor, over 8k though and yeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa!

But.........it's a completely different bike in all but name, I loved my Falco but this is a beast, 3rd/4th gear 120mph wheelies, fast as f**k through the twisties, nice tourer (Spain this year) and very comfortable. But it makes a lunatic out of you, it encourages bad behaviour and you can't ride it slowly and I wish I'd had this bike when I was in my twenties (although it may have killed me!)

Fuel economy is awful, I get about 80 miles till the light normally, it can stretch to about 100 if going slow, I'm expecting 65-70 at the TT, this year and I'm running Map2, Cored Cans and a DNA filter, but it looks superb and always gets attention wherever it's parked

All in all I love it!

F9