Falco | Sv1000 to replace 08 Z750

Message

#16 Post by **Kwackerz** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:59 pm

I think rick will definately be a modding victim.. he's already started low level tinkering.. and so soon after purchasing one..! if he sees yours in the flesh (bike) i think his credit card and current account will be renamed 'falco fund'

winrow3745 · #17 Post by **winrow3745** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:51 pm

That article is a glowing report for a Falco and the fantastic response from this forum thinks that a Falco really is the way forward.
Just seen this on ebay, does anybody know anything about this Falco in St Helens?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... Track=true

HowardQ · #18 Post by **HowardQ** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:52 pm

I've had dozens of bikes over many years, mostly Hondas in last 15 years or so.
The Falco is the best bike I have ever owned and the most reliable.
I've had it for 6 years this summer, also currently have a 2002 ZX9R F1P.
The Falco has more character than any Honda could ever dream of having and that is what makes it special, it is also still pretty rare so that adds to the appeal.
Love the Kawasaki and Kwacks probably have more character than other Jap bikes, but it will never match the Falco for me.
Yes this possibly leaves me a little biassed but I am biassed for good reasons.
Sidestand is iffy but some on here are still using the original (£50 max to fix). The rear shock is not great but all models after 2000 were slightly improved and these units are better than a lot of standard equipment shocks on many bikes. Try it and change when you can afford, I used the standard unit for 2 or 3 years.
Think you will find it great compared with the Z750!
Finally it's the V/Twin thing.
Some people who have only ever had Jap IL4s can never get on with them, others (like me), luv 'em to bits, which will you be?
who knows?
The Falco is one of the best sporty V/Twins made in my view and also revs out to nearly 11k so has plenty of top end.
It may take a few weeks to fully tune in to it, think you'll end up loving it like we do.

D-Rider · #19 Post by **D-Rider** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 1:11 pm

winrow3745 wrote:That article is a glowing report for a Falco and the fantastic response from this forum thinks that a Falco really is the way forward.
Just seen this on ebay, does anybody know anything about this Falco in St Helens?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... Track=true

Just had a very quick look.

Seems a tidy bike
Very low mileage for the year
Pifkee bellypan (don't see so many pifkees these days)
Footrests and heelguards changed
Exhausts
Mille swingarm .... but is that a standard Falco shock in there ? can't see enough to be sure but looks like it .... now why oh why would anyone change the swingarm and not the shock - the swingarm does nothing but look better the shock actually makes a big difference.
Chain looks as though it's been replaced at some point.
Ohlins steering damper .... some have fitted them, this one is nice bling, few of us have felt them to be necessary.
Double bubble screen and different indicators.

As I said, from the pics it looks a tidy bike - probably worth a look.

Samray · #20 Post by **Samray** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 1:44 pm

Just about run in, nice and local, price looks right?

robertorolfo · #21 Post by **robertorolfo** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 2:38 pm

+1 on the Falco quality and reliability. Just take a look at the pics (in the article linked) of the front ends of the Suzuki and Honda. The Falco and Ducati kit (which are similar), blow them away. I also have a Honda (not the chickenhawk, but an I4) and honestly, the Falco is simply a higher spec. The Honda is built well, but some of the parts simply aren't as nice/robust as the Aprilia stuff. And this is Honda, not Suzuki.

The reliability bit is true as well. They really do seem to be close to bulletproof (I always have to knock/touch wood when I say that). Every bike has little issues particular to it. My Honda has plenty, and you know all the BS people talk about that brand.

The Falco is a great deal. For the money they cost, you really can't find a better bike and package.

Aladinsaneuk · #22 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:05 pm

bike looks ok

as in worth what he is asking for BUT

getting close to needing the shims check - think that is 18k miles but am likely to be wrong

i would also factor in a service - just to be sure that it has been done but looks as if the fluids have just been changed - the clutch fluid is not black yet....

if it is local call him up, go see it and give beer vouchers after a ride

oh - andy is right about the standard shock - but you can live with that until something else comes along

winrow3745 · #23 Post by **winrow3745** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:00 pm

I've also just spoken to somebody about another one, its a 2003 in blue with only 4k on it from new. Full history etc and only two owners for around £2800. I know its a bit more money but maybe for the few years newer and the low miles it might be worth spending the extra. After all I will hopefully get around 4k for my Z....
Thinking about it I am quite tempted by this, later year, extremely low mileage bike.

D-Rider · #24 Post by **D-Rider** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:08 pm

Yep very low miles - though look at overall condition and any improvements made and weigh it all up against price.
Neither of those bikes are high mileage - so it's down to how they've been looked after.

I'd try to look at both.

JFYI, the blue colour scheme was introduced in 2001 and also ran through 2002.

2003 onwards were the twin colour bikes (Bronze/Black, Red/Black and the ultra-rare Green/Black)

Not uncommon for them to be built one year and hang about a year or two (or more) waiting to be sold. For example, mine was built in 2004 and registered in 2005.

Aladinsaneuk · #25 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 4:29 pm

the cheaper one is the better buy imho - has had more done to it that would be considered worth doing

and we then know how much credit you have left for the other important things :)

winrow3745 · #26 Post by **winrow3745** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:07 pm

Interesting, I was looking for some sort of resource that has the different years and the different colours, is there something like that somewhere? So I guess the blue one that's registered as 2003 is a 2002 model.

#27 Post by **Kwackerz** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:15 pm

Yep, in the aprilia tech area:

https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?t=6289

Aladinsaneuk · #28 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:21 pm

and locked so i cannot state how slow the rust brown, admin owned ones are....

D-Rider · #29 Post by **D-Rider** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:34 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:and locked so i cannot state how slow the rust brown, admin owned ones are....

But if you bother to look, it contains a link to an associated thread for as much Falco colour abuse as you want to spray around .... and that's not locked.

BTW didn't realise admin had any Falcos .... Congrats Tim - do you make sure you always park close to tall kerbs ?

Aladinsaneuk · #30 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:44 pm