(Should have) picked up my Falco today...

[Viffer]

Hi Rene don't do as I did and get help totalling your VFR it almost totalled me into the bargain. Still it led me to a Falco

[mangocrazy]

And how does the Falco compare to the VFR, Viffer?

[Renevator]

Hi Rene don't do as I did and get help totalling your VFR it almost totalled me into the bargain. Still it led me to a Falco

.......mmmm, I can see from your avatar that you seemed to have forced youself into a new aquisition - hope you didn't suffer too much pain there squire and that you & your wallet recovered fully.

mangocrazy - Mine's a 1994 FR. It's a great bike, and others have called me bonkers to even be thinking of swaping the VFR for a Falco, but you know how it is. I've already spent far too much on the VFR - full stainless exhaust, end can, braided hoses, taper roller bearings, full rebuild of brake calipers with new pistons, K&N, fork & shock rebuild - which need doing again, damn, but I didn't replace the slightly pitted stanchions first time, and as I ride all year round they've finally got to the point that they need replacing. To be honest, when I get the suspension sorted, I won't really have a good reason to swap the ol' bus for a Falco, but I'm sure someone else here will tell me otherwise I've actually allways fancied having an RSV, ever since they started making them, but I need to carry a pillion, and the more I look at modded Falco's the more I like them. There's the element of exclusivity that appeals, apart for the fact that they are damn fine and rediculously cheap 2nd hand bikes. I've only ever seen 3 on the roads near me - and sad to admit, one was when I was driving thru my home town, Shrewsbury, after some shopping or summat, when I glanced it in a car park. Being a saddo, I turned the car round, parked up & took a good look - nice blue one too.
Anyway, I'm thinking of selling & buying private, not dealer route, as I'm sure that's the way to a better bargain. Good luck in your search - if I see anything else for you I'll let you know. Have you noticed though how all the really tasty one's are for sale over the pond in the USA, on the Aprilia forum?? I've even thought about importing one, but there madness lies

Rene

UPDATE - just been browsing - what about these guys:

http://www.motorcycletradeins.com/

Think it's pretty newly listed in Autotrader too.

[D-Rider]

I never had a VFR - though I had one of the predecessors - the (crappy) VF750.
I have seen a number of ex VFR Falco riders post up to say how they'd loved their VFRs but how much more they like their Falco .... but then I guess this could be an unbalanced view as they are the ones who've really taken to the Falco.
The question is, how many have regretted it, flogged the Falco and we've not heard their opinion.
My guess is there aren't many of them - but that's just a guess.

[fastasfcuk]

i had a 97 vfr 750 for 3 yrs and loved it or thaught i did until i got the falco which i find just as comfy touring on, i ride all year and can,t see a deal of difference in build quallity. i never had a problem with the vfr and in the 3 yrs i've had the falco i've had one with the kill switch so 1-0 to the vfr, but the vfr never gave me the buzz that the falco still does, so for me the falco wins hands down.

and it turns heads.

[HowardQ]

I've had a CBR1000F for 6 years, kept it when I got the Falco just over 4 years ago. In many respects the CBR is similar to the VFR, (I have ridden a few VFRs), they are both sports tourers both built at a time when Honda build quality was probably better than it is now. They'd had some issues with the VF750s and a few others and were trying really hard to make their bikes bulletproof in the late eighties and nineties.
They are both excellent bikes, that still handle/go pretty well, are comfortable and easy to own, but like most Hondas they don't seem to have much soul. In theory the Falco is in the same sports tourer class, and I personally find it just as comfortable, but there is much more character/soul with the Falco, whatever you want to call it. I never looked back at the CBR or VFR as I closed the garage door after a good run and thought "I love that bike", might sound soppy but each time I look at/ride the Falco, I still get that nice feeling, (I know the ride is going to make me feel good). It works especially well when you've had a really bad day!
The added fact that the Falco has been more reliable than any of the Hondas, or any other bike I've ever owned also helps!
(and the Hondas were all reliable).

[HowardQ]

I never had a VFR - though I had one of the predecessors - the (crappy) VF750.
I have seen a number of ex VFR Falco riders post up to say how they'd loved their VFRs but how much more they like their Falco .... but then I guess this could be an unbalanced view as they are the ones who've really taken to the Falco.
The question is, how many have regretted it, flogged the Falco and we've not heard their opinion.
My guess is there aren't many of them - but that's just a guess.

I know of one, I was the one who persuaded him to go for a Falco, he had just got rid of an early VFR750. Told him he would need about a month to really get used to it, but he decided after a few days he did not like V Twins and chopped it in for a Faser Thou.
Don't think he gave it enough time really, but lets face it, for anybody moving over from a Jap 4, it is a major culture shock.
The noise and vibration alone will be a shock, especially if you get a Duke with a dry clutch.

[Viffer]

Rene
Wallet pain nil, f****d shoulder unfortunately will be with me some time. Waiting for the NHS as we speak.

Mango.
I owned the VF750S and was lucky to get one that didn't self destruct, then moved onto the VFR800 before they messed about with the vtec bollocks. Top bike in every respect and I couldn't see me buying anything else but after the accident I felt like a change and realized I'd never had a V twin or triple.
The Falco spotted in my local bike shop and subsequent test ride sold it for me, quicker than the VFR handles better grin inducing mid range and for me believe it or not it's a lot more comfortable on long runs no shit, I am now like the proverbial dog with two wotsits, the bike is the mutts nuts.
Howard.
I know what you mean, It's still honeymoon time for me with the bike but I find myself smiling when I know I'm going for a run on it and still drift out to the garage just to look at it and think nice one.
Peter

[mangocrazy]

I'm probably a bit of a rarity amongst bikers, but I've never owned an inline-4. I came close-ish a couple of times (nearly went for a ZX-7R, but settled for a VFR750-FT instead), but never did the deed.

For the last 20-odd years I've only ever owned VFRs or V-twins (apart from a flirtation with a 350YPVS 'special'). I've owned 3 VFR750s, an 851 Duke, an 888 SP3 and a TL1000S (the first, quick one). Next bike will definitely be a Falco.

I still have a soft spot for VFRs, especially the earlier ones, but I just love the grunt and general vibe of a V-twin. They're alive and they let you know it.

[mrapriliafalco]

All I ever owned where twins until I sold my Falco around 3 years ago and bought a Blade(WIFE HATED THE FALCO).
I wrote the blade off recently and have bought another Falco and within 10 miles I felt more at home than I ever did on the Honda.
Just got to get the wife to like it also

[Viffer]

Trade the wife in for a new model on the grounds of no taste.

[bluedimension]

I also sold my VFR800 (1999) which I had for two years and which had never given me anything but sound service.
The Falco is a different beast altogether. terrific low/mid range grunt and handling is far superior to the VFR.
It is a joy to ride and always attracts attention when parked up.
I too sometimes pop into the garage just to make sure she is still there and to admire her fines lines.
Mines got Blueflame cans fitted which sound phenominal and in my view are an added safety feature.

Just a great all round machine which I shall be keeping for some time if not for always. LOVE, mmmmmmmmm! Maybe.


Blue.

[Renevator]

I know what you mean, It's still honeymoon time for me with the bike but I find myself smiling when I know I'm going for a run on it and still drift out to the garage just to look at it and think nice one.
Peter

............that just about sums up what owning a bike should feel like - nice one - may you have zillions more days like it .
Thanks for all the VFR - Falco comparisons evryone. Very interesting & informative to read what others have experienced. One day then, I'll be adding my tuppence worth.

[Viffer]

Don't wait too long