Some advice please. Not quite sure which one to go for.
Budget = £3,500.
Bikes I have seen that potentially fit the bill and are all under 15k mileage are;
Aprilla SL1000 Falco, 2005 (current favourite, not sure of the ride position, high mileage service costs/reliability, side stand problems I hear?? Is there a centrestand?).
Honda VFR800 vtech (a few 2002/03 models at around the £3200 mark), I do like these but am concerned about service costs and electrical problems.
FZS1000 - I did like the riding style when I had the 600 but wanted a bigger engined bike. I bought a vfr750 which was a nice ride but an economical disaster! I am assuming the FZS1000 will be cheaper to service than the VFR vtech? How costly do they get when you start racking up the miles?
About me – out of the saddle for about 12 months. 6 yrs NCB. Last bike a 1987 VFR750FH. Also owned a Fazer600, Honda Revere, Kwak GPZ500s, Honda CG125.
I am mechanically inept. I can just about tighten the chain and I can change the oil but not the filter. Thankfully I have a family run old school mechanic firm up the road. I therefore need something that will be reliable while racking up the miles. Out of the 5 bikes I have bought the 2 I have purchased privately have proved to be utter lemons and cost me a fortune so I am a nervous buyer!!
I will be primarily using the bike to commute daily from East London to Staines (60 mile round trip). So town and motorway. Naturally I will also be up for having a blast at the weekends and will occasionally take a pillion.
I prefer an upright seating position but I hear this can be remedied with the Falco with clip ons?
Now I know you're all going to be biased but I was hoping I might catch a few comments from people who have owned one of the other bikes I'm also considering.
All advice much appreciated.
P.S I have posted a similar message on the fazer and vfr forums as I have been an owner rider on both. I'm sure you will be pleased to know (or unsurprised!) that the Falco has received favourable comments on each site, I guess that should make my mind up for me.....
Falco v vfr800vtech v Fazer Thou Advice please
Moderators: Aladinsaneuk, MartDude, D-Rider, Moderators
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Aladinsaneuk
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GregD-UK
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Choice...
Hi all,
The falco is an all-round bike, that can do commuting, blasting at w/ends, and more importantly, make you smile when you get on it
As for the wrists, clip-ons can make it easier or a new top yoke....
Enjoy the choice of colours for a falco fella
The falco is an all-round bike, that can do commuting, blasting at w/ends, and more importantly, make you smile when you get on it
As for the wrists, clip-ons can make it easier or a new top yoke....Enjoy the choice of colours for a falco fella
My warranty is the clear/smoked tail lights around the corner!!
ta
why does your head say the vfr? Is the falco expensive to run/maintain?
I've heard the vtech can be v.expensive service wise and can have some difficult electrical problems that a mechanically inept individual like myself cannot fix without a large wallet? then again if you get lucky you can be in for many thousands of miles of enjoyable motorcycling.
Decisions decisions....
why does your head say the vfr? Is the falco expensive to run/maintain?
I've heard the vtech can be v.expensive service wise and can have some difficult electrical problems that a mechanically inept individual like myself cannot fix without a large wallet? then again if you get lucky you can be in for many thousands of miles of enjoyable motorcycling.
Decisions decisions....
Hi and welcome .... and hopefully your stay with us will be a long one
Yes, we're biassed - it's inevitable. Fortunately there are some ex VFR owners on here that can give you comparative advice - and if they are a bit slow, try the forum search function - I expect a search word of VFR should do the trick.
Not sure whether we've any ex FZS riders.
The other thing I'd say is try to get a ride on a Falco (well all 3 I guess). That will probably sell it to you far better than we can!
Yes, Aprilia sidestands are poor - but not that hard to sort out - there are even some bolt on solutions.
Standard shock is not wonderful either - but that's more of a thing relative to the standards of the rest of the bike and again is no biggie to sort out.
Riding position is not upright. That's fine by me but others with bad backs on here have repositioned the clip ons above the yokes or fitted convertibars or similar to change the riding position. They seem pleased with the outcome.
If you really want a more comfy upright position then don't discount the Aprilia Futura .... but only if a Falco really won't do.
I've had my Falco for 4 years now and I love it. You'll hear that echoed time and again I'm sure. I've no plans to trade it in for anything else for sure (unless an unbelievable deal were to come up on the new V4 ... but then I'd just want both).
They are also pretty reliable - although there are a few areas of regular frustration ... batteries .... starter relays etc - but easily fixed and those of us that ride them regularly seem to get fewer of these problems.
They do come with a permanent grin on the rider's face.
Yes, we're biassed - it's inevitable. Fortunately there are some ex VFR owners on here that can give you comparative advice - and if they are a bit slow, try the forum search function - I expect a search word of VFR should do the trick.
Not sure whether we've any ex FZS riders.
The other thing I'd say is try to get a ride on a Falco (well all 3 I guess). That will probably sell it to you far better than we can!
Yes, Aprilia sidestands are poor - but not that hard to sort out - there are even some bolt on solutions.
Standard shock is not wonderful either - but that's more of a thing relative to the standards of the rest of the bike and again is no biggie to sort out.
Riding position is not upright. That's fine by me but others with bad backs on here have repositioned the clip ons above the yokes or fitted convertibars or similar to change the riding position. They seem pleased with the outcome.
If you really want a more comfy upright position then don't discount the Aprilia Futura .... but only if a Falco really won't do.
I've had my Falco for 4 years now and I love it. You'll hear that echoed time and again I'm sure. I've no plans to trade it in for anything else for sure (unless an unbelievable deal were to come up on the new V4 ... but then I'd just want both).
They are also pretty reliable - although there are a few areas of regular frustration ... batteries .... starter relays etc - but easily fixed and those of us that ride them regularly seem to get fewer of these problems.
They do come with a permanent grin on the rider's face.
“Scientists investigate that which already is. Engineers create that which has never been.”
-- Albert Einstein
-- Albert Einstein
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Aladinsaneuk
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D-Rider
The fact you've had it for 4 years is a big help. What kind of mileage do you do on it?
I get bored of bikes pretty quickly but I think that is in part to having picked the wrong ones in the past or when I was new to biking starting on low cc and doing the classic 'I want a bigger bike' progression.
If I had more money I would go for either a brand new Honda CB1000R or a Speed Triple to be honest.
I'm hoping if I go for a Falco my lust for a bigger bike will wane. It's not necessarily about speed, I've never been an out and out speed freak and the thought of riding to Dorset (where I grew up) from London on a track bike for the road makes my wrists and back shudder! plus I'd lose my licence. I don't want to be riding a bike that is tempting me to thrash the knackers out of it
To be honest, I don't need to be sold on the bike itself.
The question is can it sustain being a day to day work commuting tool without getting too pricey to maintain?
The fact you've had it for 4 years is a big help. What kind of mileage do you do on it?
I get bored of bikes pretty quickly but I think that is in part to having picked the wrong ones in the past or when I was new to biking starting on low cc and doing the classic 'I want a bigger bike' progression.
If I had more money I would go for either a brand new Honda CB1000R or a Speed Triple to be honest.
I'm hoping if I go for a Falco my lust for a bigger bike will wane. It's not necessarily about speed, I've never been an out and out speed freak and the thought of riding to Dorset (where I grew up) from London on a track bike for the road makes my wrists and back shudder! plus I'd lose my licence. I don't want to be riding a bike that is tempting me to thrash the knackers out of it
To be honest, I don't need to be sold on the bike itself.
The question is can it sustain being a day to day work commuting tool without getting too pricey to maintain?
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Aladinsaneuk
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yes
and you can mod it a lot = to make it exactly what you want
and just read through here to see what we do.....
if you buy a falco then i would budget a few quid for some things .... we like to spend folks' money
and you can mod it a lot = to make it exactly what you want
and just read through here to see what we do.....
if you buy a falco then i would budget a few quid for some things .... we like to spend folks' money
Let's face it, you wouldn't go to a nurse to get good advice on a problem with a Falco - you'd choose an Engineer or a mechanic...
My 2000 Falco's clocked over 40k and over 30 with me, during the last 4 years.
Failures have been the starter relay and the speedo sensor. Not difficult to fix or diagnose with a little help from your friends......
Servicing has been limited to changing the oil every 4 - 5k and the plugs once. I've checked the valves twice and they have not moved from the figures recorded on the first check. Just fitted my second new chain and sprocket set. I've replaced a battery, cleaned my air filter a couple of times and replaced tyres around every 4-5 rear 8-10K front.
The bike still runs and when cleaned, looks pretty much like new. It is definitely a practical well made mileage bike.
I'd take it any day over a Honda or Yamaha in fact why stop there ......just about anything. Though fair to say I have not ridden the other bikes you are considering.
For the sort of riding you are talking about which is pretty heavy traffic even on the motorway or long car park, with lots of filtering if you raise or get raised bars and lower the gearing you will benefit.
I was doing a fair bit of traffic filtering and I thought I'd change the bars but never got around to it. I've lowered and now reverted back to standard gearing as its just perfect for the tucked in 5 - 6K motorway loafing I've been doing recently.
With a few tweaks it is also a scratcher's delight and pulls strong from 3K and can go ballistic a little after 6....
There's a clean looking Yellow one or a red Streetfighter on ebay as we speak, currently well within budget. In fact there'd be plenty left for a little personalisation.
Failures have been the starter relay and the speedo sensor. Not difficult to fix or diagnose with a little help from your friends......
Servicing has been limited to changing the oil every 4 - 5k and the plugs once. I've checked the valves twice and they have not moved from the figures recorded on the first check. Just fitted my second new chain and sprocket set. I've replaced a battery, cleaned my air filter a couple of times and replaced tyres around every 4-5 rear 8-10K front.
The bike still runs and when cleaned, looks pretty much like new. It is definitely a practical well made mileage bike.
I'd take it any day over a Honda or Yamaha in fact why stop there ......just about anything. Though fair to say I have not ridden the other bikes you are considering.
For the sort of riding you are talking about which is pretty heavy traffic even on the motorway or long car park, with lots of filtering if you raise or get raised bars and lower the gearing you will benefit.
I was doing a fair bit of traffic filtering and I thought I'd change the bars but never got around to it. I've lowered and now reverted back to standard gearing as its just perfect for the tucked in 5 - 6K motorway loafing I've been doing recently.
With a few tweaks it is also a scratcher's delight and pulls strong from 3K and can go ballistic a little after 6....
There's a clean looking Yellow one or a red Streetfighter on ebay as we speak, currently well within budget. In fact there'd be plenty left for a little personalisation.
Don't put off 'till tomorrow what you can enjoy today
sfole .... I had a Falco, great bike....never had any reliability issues, comfy, great build quality, stonking motor ( and that vtwin throb stirs your soul ! )
...but I had old shoulder injuries that made it unbearable to ride after an hour or so ..especially when filtering.
so i bought another alternative ...a Tuono !! ....more or less the same bike but with more stonk and an upright position, same great handling and a hoot to ride! ...
, and probably the best bike I have had.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t202 ... CF1763.jpg
My Bro' has a Fazer which I ride regular, another great bike with great handling, and very quick!! ...but just does not have the vtwin heartbeat to get your blood pumping
is a Tuono not on your list?
...but I had old shoulder injuries that made it unbearable to ride after an hour or so ..especially when filtering.
so i bought another alternative ...a Tuono !! ....more or less the same bike but with more stonk and an upright position, same great handling and a hoot to ride! ...
, and probably the best bike I have had.http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t202 ... CF1763.jpg
My Bro' has a Fazer which I ride regular, another great bike with great handling, and very quick!! ...but just does not have the vtwin heartbeat to get your blood pumping
is a Tuono not on your list?
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fastasfcuk
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welcome to the site.i owened a vfr for three years and the only problem i had was the rectifier, done a fair bit of touring and found it comfy i do my own serviceing so cost is'nt an issue. usual honda build quality.
16000 mile service on the vtec is a big one. the bike did it's job and i thaught it could'nt get any better.
i've had my falco 4 yrs 05 the only problem being the kill switch bit of super glue problem solved. toured ireland, scotland, france, for me just as comfy as the vfr. serviceing no problems and the build quality is just as good as the honda. after four yrs i still look at the bike and think YES.the ride is adictive and still makes me grin, believe me you won't get bored.i'd had enough of the vfr after 3 yrs, i'm on my fourth year with the falco and still love it.
i rode my mates fazer 1000 06 and by the time i'd got to the next rounabout i'd had enough.
16000 mile service on the vtec is a big one. the bike did it's job and i thaught it could'nt get any better.
i've had my falco 4 yrs 05 the only problem being the kill switch bit of super glue problem solved. toured ireland, scotland, france, for me just as comfy as the vfr. serviceing no problems and the build quality is just as good as the honda. after four yrs i still look at the bike and think YES.the ride is adictive and still makes me grin, believe me you won't get bored.i'd had enough of the vfr after 3 yrs, i'm on my fourth year with the falco and still love it.
i rode my mates fazer 1000 06 and by the time i'd got to the next rounabout i'd had enough.
right, that's it then. You've all persuaded me with your helpful comments.
Okamoto - I hadn't considered the Tuono a) because I had forgotten about them! b) I want some weather protection c) now having just checked a few falcos are cheaper. A low mileage Tuono is creeping over my budget.
I've seen this Falco which looks great, I think it's slightly overpriced though
It's a hell of a trek for me to go and test ride it but at least if I do like it the ride back to London will be a good way to introduce myself!
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/bi ... 0334205029
Okamoto - I hadn't considered the Tuono a) because I had forgotten about them! b) I want some weather protection c) now having just checked a few falcos are cheaper. A low mileage Tuono is creeping over my budget.
I've seen this Falco which looks great, I think it's slightly overpriced though
It's a hell of a trek for me to go and test ride it but at least if I do like it the ride back to London will be a good way to introduce myself!
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/bi ... 0334205029
OK - from the crappy blurred photos, this is what I've spotted:sfoley1 wrote:
I've seen this Falco which looks great, I think it's slightly overpriced though
It's a hell of a trek for me to go and test ride it but at least if I do like it the ride back to London will be a good way to introduce myself!
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/bi ... 0334205029
1) USA market colour scheme - very few in this country like that (fastasfcuk has one)
2) Double Bubble Screen fitted
3) Higher and Lower crash bungs fitted
4) Aftermarket Front Indicators fitted
5) Original blue spring shock fitted (that's a minus)
Can't tell from the picture but I'd guess it may well have a US market sidestand as it's a US market colour (though it was also an Australian market colour and they got the crap sidestand ... so maybe not).
Can't tell what the tyres are but it's low mileage so check they are not the original Metzler MEZ3 .... they are truly awful .... no, honestly, I really am not exaggerating - the handling is transformed when you ditch them.
If it has them, insist they are changed as part of the deal.
Price - well I think that's a bit uppish. I bought mine brand new in May/June 2005 (ie about the same time as that one). It cost £4999.
Even at that mileage, just £1200 less than what they were going for then is steep - particularly as it seems to come without any significant goodies.
Hope this helps.
“Scientists investigate that which already is. Engineers create that which has never been.”
-- Albert Einstein
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hornetrider
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I rode a VFR800 (1999) for the first time last month. We were on our way back from LeMans and were doing a bit of bike swappage. I was really looking forward to it as they have such a stellar reputation, but how disappointed was I? It just felt utterly dull, there was no involvement at all, it's difficult to describe but I guess it just felt like white goods. In fact my other mate's bike (CBR400RR) was more fun to ride.
On the other hand, when we swapped back and my mate hopped off mine he had a grin from ear to ear, was stunned at the pull over 100, 'wow it just keeps pulling hey!' he couldn't get over the handling and noise and was basically a grinning idiot.
Kind of says it all to me.
He also confessed last year that he was gutted when I got a Falco as he had been considering one himself - but he won't get one now. In fact another mate told me the same. They bought a Firestorm and R1100S respectively.
At your budget you've got the pick of any Falco for sale, so you can get a good one. I think you'll get bitten by the modding habit though. Since buying my mint 54 plate I've added:
- new sidestand (too late though - get this done first)
- Ohlins shock (I found the standard shock very harsh, a lot do)
- Helibars - (standard ones were a bit too 'Sports' for me - I now have the perfect riding position for scratching and big miles)
- OZ wheels (£ for £ the best mod EVARRRR! Totally transforms the bike, braking, acceleration, handling all in another league now)
- Heated grips (cos I'm an old man!)
- Givi rack (for the touring)
- Oh and I've just bought some new Carbon Fibre cans
So basically just over a grand on mods since splashing my three and a half G's.
Love it though!
On the other hand, when we swapped back and my mate hopped off mine he had a grin from ear to ear, was stunned at the pull over 100, 'wow it just keeps pulling hey!' he couldn't get over the handling and noise and was basically a grinning idiot.
Kind of says it all to me.
He also confessed last year that he was gutted when I got a Falco as he had been considering one himself - but he won't get one now. In fact another mate told me the same. They bought a Firestorm and R1100S respectively.
At your budget you've got the pick of any Falco for sale, so you can get a good one. I think you'll get bitten by the modding habit though. Since buying my mint 54 plate I've added:
- new sidestand (too late though - get this done first)
- Ohlins shock (I found the standard shock very harsh, a lot do)
- Helibars - (standard ones were a bit too 'Sports' for me - I now have the perfect riding position for scratching and big miles)
- OZ wheels (£ for £ the best mod EVARRRR! Totally transforms the bike, braking, acceleration, handling all in another league now)
- Heated grips (cos I'm an old man!)
- Givi rack (for the touring)
- Oh and I've just bought some new Carbon Fibre cans
So basically just over a grand on mods since splashing my three and a half G's.
Love it though!