Falco vs Blackbird

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ReggieGasket · #1 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:36 pm

I bought an old Blackbird this spring for a touring trip with friends. Given the Falco and Blackbird are both regarded as sports tourers I've been amazed at the difference between the two bikes. I did 1500 miles on the Blackbird last week and when I jumped on the Falco to go to work this week, I couldn't believe how small and manoeuvrable it felt. It feels like a very grunty middle-weight.

I'd tended to think of the Falco as a large bike, but the Blackbird is much bigger and heavier. The Blackbird goes like a train and appears to want to go everywhere at break neck speed. I must have cracked 100mph a dozen times in the last week; that's not something I ever do on the Falco. The Falco seems happy moving effortlessly everywhere in perfect balance. At present I love both bikes, but am genuinely worried about my licence. It's made me realise what a great bike the Falco is; again. But the Blackbird is the one for munching the miles.

D-Rider · #2 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Jun 06, 2016 9:25 pm

Aprilia doesn't class the Falco as a Sports Tourer - that was the Futura.

The Falco is designated SL - Sports Light.

Glad you've got a couple of bikes you really like.

KitchenSync · #3 Post by **KitchenSync** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 10:57 am

I followed a guy on a Blackbird from Hawes to Skipton at the weekend.

He was hunched over it like the bars were by his ankles - it didn't look at all comfortable and sure enough he started doing the 'shaking the right hand to get some blood to it' thing that I was also having to do until I raised my clipons above the clamp two weeks ago.

I remember taking an MT-09 for an hour's test ride a while back. I liked the comfort, didn't like riding with bent arms, quick handling but a dull engine.

When I got back on the Falco it felt like a Falabella pony on steroids. I'd always thought it was big but after an hour upright I felt like a jockey.

ReggieGasket · #4 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 5:52 pm

Yes, when I first picked up the Blackbird I was disappointed with the riding position. Even more of a stretch to the bars than the Falco. I have bar risers on mine now and it's similar to the Falco (I have my clip-ons above the yoke). The main advantage over the Falco is whole body wind protection, although you need ear plugs as your helmet is exposed. The engine is also very smooth and effortless.

ReggieGasket · #5 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Tue Jun 07, 2016 7:10 pm

Also, the weight and stability of the Blackbird is relaxing at speed.

Gio · #6 Post by **Gio** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 8:55 pm

I've had both and they are nothing like each other. For me the Falco was a midget, whereas the bird is just a normal size. Its to easy to lose your licence on either of them, but when it comes to mileage its got to be the bird.
BTW if its stock, you will need to spend some money on it to get the best. On my 1st bird I had the suspension changed and the nose dropped by about 2 inches with the rear up by the same amount. chuck the centre stand away and get a pair of high levels fitted. and if its a carbed model get it rejetted. I spent about 2k on mine 13 years ago and it was the best money I've ever spent on a bike.

I now have a FI model and currently looking at changing that as it will be my last bike, so money will not be the issue.
I hope you enjoy it for what it is and can be, one of the best built bikes around, such a shame they never designed a new model.

ReggieGasket · #7 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 11:51 am

Thanks for the comments. Yes, it's a great bike. From an empirical point of view, it's the bird that will cost me my licence. I found staying below 100mph difficult on the bird. The Falco is a fast bike, but for various reasons I don't go that fast on it. The bird seems to bring out that sort of behaviour.

I've made changes to the screen, fork springs and riding position on the bird. I may raise the rear a bit too. Rest is OK at present.

Viking · #8 Post by **Viking** » Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:48 am

To me, the Blackbird is a giant electric turbine powered cruise missile. Goes really, really fast without you noticing how hard it's working. Sort of a quiet and refined courtesan who will get you where you're going with the minimum of fuss and bother.

The Falco, on the other hand, is that wild and crazy redhead who's always screaming for more.

D-Rider · #9 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Jun 21, 2016 3:48 pm

Viking wrote: The Falco, on the other hand, is that wild and crazy redhead who's always screaming for more.

What you and Nooj get up to is something the rest of us really don't want to know.