Setting up a Falco for touring?

Message

#61 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:17 pm

dyzio wrote:
irich wrote: Does this mess around with the steering geometry? (I'm thinking TL tankslapper type scenario here)
I've done around 20k with this setup and never had a problem however since re springing the bike I felt the front twitch, a wee bit of a slapper.

Whta have you done to the spring rates, Dyzio? And who did it for you? Im rather intrigued... And was any other suspension type work done at the same time?

I wouldn't worry about your Falco turning into a TL, irich... The TL had a basic instability that couldn't be entirely eradicated no matter what was done to it. The Falco is as stable as gold in a sea of devaluing currencies, all we're doing is sharpening up the steering response a touch.

dyzio · #62 Post by **dyzio** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:43 pm

See here: http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... ice-needed

#63 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:47 pm

Ah yes, I remember now. I'm a bit surprised you had a slap-ette with softer springs; it's normally the other way about. Did you have a lot of luggage or a passenger at the time? Sometimes if too much weight is on the rear the front can go light and that can happen.

Aladinsaneuk · #64 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:43 pm

When I first switched the bars I also had a few light slap moments... And that was before I fettled the performance

I did acquire a red Sachs steering damper off a Mille that I fitted to good effect - I do think I had also learned to alter my riding style for the more upright riding position.... The falco will wheelie very easily in standard trim!

irich · #65 Post by **irich** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:11 am

I'll maybe look at fitting a steering damper as I'll be doing some high speeds in Germany. Dropping the yokes will decrease the rake and trail?

Next on the list guys, the fascinating world of sprockets.

Would you stick with stock or change front or rear tooth count for touring (3 days motoway/A roads, 4 days mountains)?

dyzio · #66 Post by **dyzio** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:25 am

I think putting a 15T front was one of the best mods on my bike, certainly if you consider the price.

Yes your rev's and fuel consumption will go up slightly, but 100+ autobhan runs weren't a problem.

irich · #67 Post by **irich** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 11:40 am

Thanks Dyzio.

Any of you guys tried this kit for the bars?

Looks like a new yoke, bars, and all lines. I'm assuming this might not clear the fairing:

http://www.topyokes.com/comfort_kit_+_handlebars/46

D-Rider · #68 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 11:48 am

Probably easier to buy a Tuono

irich · #69 Post by **irich** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:05 pm

D-Rider wrote:Probably easier to buy a Tuono

I like a challenge.. and it's a good way to learn your way around a new bike :)

D-Rider · #70 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:28 pm

Yes I know .... I'm just trying to save Falco plastics from unspeakable butchering

nteck uk · #71 Post by **nteck uk** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:19 pm

I'm thinking your not old and crotchety.
Then the standard set up will be fine.
I did le-man and Bolder in my mid twenties on a GPZ 900r with no pains or ache.

D-Rider · #72 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:32 pm

nteck uk wrote:I'm thinking your not old and crotchety.
Then the standard set up will be fine.

True - I'm only in my mid 50s so I might need to do this myself in 15 or 20 yrs too.

irich · #73 Post by **irich** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 8:23 pm

I'm heading off to Europe in a couple of weeks.. couple more queries thanks to reading the AA website:

Do I need a set of spare bulbs ??? and if so where is the best place to source these from?

Do I need to adjust or mask the headlight beam??

I see France will now require all riders to carry a breathaliser soon. Who makes this shit up?

Aladinsaneuk · #74 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:39 pm

Yes to the headlight being taped

Yes to the bulbs - cheaP set from halfords or where ever - I paid 5 quid for a nice box of bulbs that look right - they aren't but...
Iirc you also need a first aid kit - there is no specification as to what's in it.... A trip to boots to get a cheap and nasty kit for a fiver that fits in the cowl

#75 Post by **Kwackerz** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:01 pm

http://www.bike-stay.net/europe/advice.html