A year with my Falco

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Fausto · #1 Post by **Fausto** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:12 pm

I just had an MOT and it reminded me that I've now had the Falco for just over a year. Thought I'd note my observations.....

It was stock when I got it barring the basic airbox/snip mods.

I never noticed the much discussed flat spot at 4 - 5000 rpm and took to the v twin power delivery like the proverbial duck.

All I have added are Beowulf cans for some extra 'presence' and changed to a 15t sprocket to make it pull better.

I fitted a double bubble screen which I never liked the look of and it's off again now - a new standard shape dark screen is on it's way from Skidmarkx. However I think the bubble screen is marginally more comfortable on long runs

So I'll keep it.

Michelin Pilot Sports on when I got it. Rear lasted about 3500 and was replaced with the same which lasted 3500 funnily enough. Now I am trying Conti Road Attacks which feel superb and I prefer them so far.

I did the sidestand mod almost immediately (VTR version) and promptly forgot all about the sidestand which I guess was the whole point.

So after 1 year and nearly 8000miles ( not one of which was commuting) I absolutely love this bike. There are small niggles of course but I cannot think of a bike that would tick all the boxes I need it to - Torque, Comfort, Economy, Torque, Looks, Sound, er... Torque, Exclusivity etc...

You know you have the right bike when you can wander around the bike park at shows and not see anything that you would rather ride off on.

Gio · #2 Post by **Gio** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:10 pm

Thats a good mileage considering its all pleasure, IMO it shows how good the bike is.

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:27 pm

Gio wrote:Thats a good mileage considering its all pleasure, IMO it shows how good the bike is.

...... if you can keep it in one piece for a year, eh?!

(sorry)

Hishy · #4 Post by **Hishy** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:31 pm

Glad to see your loving the falco, i dont get the chance to ride as often as i'd like but a recent trip up to DK and a few other local bike shops i'm pleased that i only came across one bike that could possibly tempt me away from the falco and that was the rsv-r factory, damn thats a sexy bike :), but not worth shelling out 8K + for looking forward to winter and getting some mods done :)

Aladinsaneuk · #5 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:15 pm

very similar views paul - my one year is up next month so will add a post with my observations then

btw - did you try what we discussed re the tyre pressures
??

Gio · #6 Post by **Gio** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:37 pm

D-Rider wrote:
Gio wrote:Thats a good mileage considering its all pleasure, IMO it shows how good the bike is.
...... if you can keep it in one piece for a year, eh?!

(sorry)

I'm glad you put the sorry bit in

.

Funny thing is I used to hate the looks of the Falco with its double rails, made me think it was a revision of a blancmange frame. I was like all the other people I wanted a Mille, but that bike isn't worth the effort now I've had a Falco. Its a poseurs bike (Mille/Factory) looks best on the Kings Road, London (just in case it needs some fettling).

I'd like to keep mine, but as a track bike it'll be wasted, I don't ride like I need to to justify it.

Nooj · #7 Post by **Nooj** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:57 pm

You know you have the right bike when you can wander around the bike park at shows and not see anything that you would rather ride off on.

I'll second that!

HowardQ · #8 Post by **HowardQ** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:02 pm

I have had mine for 38 months now, Black 2001 model, bought
in 2004 with 6K mls on the clock. I have added another
16K plus miles all pleasure use, (Great pleasure).
Have made similar mods to Fausto –

It had already had the usual snip etc., so added
NWS Hugger, Skidmarx dark tint D/Bubble (which I like),
Belly pan from RSVR Net (Skidmarx), uprated headlights,
Smoked rear tail light, (Thanks again Greg),
Mille White Spring rear shock, uprated HH pads,
Beowulf Gold Shade Titanium Oval cans, K&N filter,
Changed sprocket to lower gearing, etc..
Renegade + 10 Chip just about to be fitted.

Have usually run Bridgestone tyres –
BT014 on front, last one did 7,500 miles.
BT021 rear, last BT020 did 5k miles, (new 021 feels even better).

Previously tried Avon Azarro SPs but only got 5k front and 2800 rear.
Not really any better than the above in summer, worse in winter!

In the 3 years or so I have had it, it has been almost 100% reliable.
Only failure as been a rear brake light switch, but seeing as I ride
all year round it just got clagged up with salt.
Still on original clutch, some rusting bolts on calipers etc. from salt, but minimal.
Like other people I sometimes look around bike parks and showrooms and wonder what I might get next.
Very difficult question,

Not one I've managed to find an answer to yet, so plan to keep for a long
time yet. It has so much more character than in IL4 (I’ve had a lot),
and has all the performance I need.

If I do ever get another bike, I will probably keep the Falco until I give up biking.

Fausto · #9 Post by **Fausto** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:05 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:very similar views paul - my one year is up next month so will add a post with my observations then

btw - did you try what we discussed re the tyre pressures
??

Yes - pumped them up to Conti recommended pressures. Can't honestly say I noticed any difference but that's ok as I think they are superb.