So go on than, how does it compare for you? I had a go on Debz' T a few days ago and was surprised at how different it felt in character when getting straight off the Falco, I was expecting it to feel just like a Falco with motocross bars but it's definitely got it's own feel.
Neither of our bikes are standard, but I was surprised at how different the engines felt considering that one is based on the other. The Tuono has a much more refined lighter feel to it whereas the Falco feels more raw and solid. Tuono = block of aluminium, Falco = lump of iron. (I know which one I like best :D: ).
The fuelling map for the Falco isn't quite there yet, but it's loads better than the Tuono's at slow speeds which was noticably lurchy and hunting on small throttle openings through the 30 limits.
Get the revs up and it's a different matter though, the Tuono's much more willing to take off from 7k up to the redline, not surprising as my Falco is running too lean here, but the extra BHP of the T's motor are certainly evedent. Along one section of (private
) road I managed to get up to 145mph and it was still pulling strongly. That was about all the windblast I could take and the front wheel was only skipping along the surface of the road, yet it still felt completely stable at that speed. Once I get my fuelling properly sorted though, this will be a much narrower gap in top end performance and I'll still have the low speed smoothness that the T doesn't.
The new Tuono definitely has a much, much better gearbox, if it's possible to fit it into the Falco motor then it's going to be very high on my mod list. A slight flick of the toe and it goes up all the gears nice and smoothly whereas the Falco needs a possitive lift of my whole foot due to the long lever and wobbly linkage bits.
The front brakes of the Falco are very good, especially now I have the CRG levers. The Tuono ones (with the same levers) are awesome, massive stopping power, they should fit them to trains.
The Tuono also wins with it's headlights and mirrors, both of which are more effective than the Falco's. However... I can fit a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and three pairs of socks under my rear seat hump without having to leave the toolkit at home. The Tuono would probably only take one pair of socks.
Handling wise both bikes feel very neutral yet extremely responsive (OZ wheels on them both). Debz had her susspension set up (for free!!) by Southern Cross Aprilia at the last service, but I get extra smugness as I did mine myself and they both corner in exactly the same way. The Tuono is possibly a little more arse-friendly over the bumps, so I may experiment some more with the damping on the Falco.
Verdict? The Falco needs a few tweaks here and there, I'd upgrade the fuel map, headlight, brakes and gearbox (if possible) first, but overall it's still the better bike for me. I prefer it's looks, it sounds fantastic with the Renegade Airkit fitted, has loads of storage space, is easier to clean, has a better fairing, a slightly larger tank capacity and a shorter seat height, so I'll not be adding to the Tuono collection in the garage. The Tuono is great fun in it's own way, refined and well engineered, yet still a proper lairy muscle bike, it's a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there all the time.
Maybe we'll all get to see it at the next V60 rideout (I'm broadening the scope so's you can join in!!!).
It is a very nice looking bike (although I'm not generally a fan of 'older' style bikes probalby because I got into biking so late). Its definately classy and, yes, mine probably will look dated in a few years whereas the Falco has a traditional look which will stand the test of time.