Observations of a (comparaively new) Falco owner

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#1 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:23 pm

I know it's been about 9 months since I got my Falco, but at last it's getting some proper action. Last weekend we went off to Wales for a blat about, and it was fantastic. The only blot on the proceedings was that I couldn't use the Ohlins shock I got off eBay (away being revalved) and had to resort to the rubbish blue spring Sachs, but even so we had a splendid time.

The bike's now in for its first service, when it will be derestricted and set up for the Akrapovic cans I got off ScottyNI, so when it comes back I'll have another step up in performance to enjoy. Half the reason it's done so few miles is due to my determination to get most of the stuff that I wanted to do to the bike out of the way in one fell swoop; now it's game on for the summer.

I'd make the following observations:

That blue spring Sachs shock really is crap. While I had the Ohlins fitted I did about 250 miles without any problem from the arse/seat interface. As soon as I re-fitted the Sachs, my arse was numb after 50 miles. Plus it's crude, agricultural and really doesn't fit with the general excellence of the rest of the bike.

Dunlop Roadsmarts are bloody excellent tyres. OK - I was coming from a very low starting point with the MEZ3's, but I swear that Roadsmarts are at least as good as tyres I was using on trackdays 8 or 9 years ago. Now they're classed as Sport Touring tyres. My, how the world moves on. Within 100 miles of fitting the Roadsmarts I had scrubbed the rear tyre to the edge; that's how good they felt.

One of my over-winter mods was to get the Showa forks re-sprung (Hyperpro progressive springs) and re-valved (Race-Tech gold valves). The front end now feels transformed - compliant and controlled. I've also dropped the forks by two notches and with the Ohlins shock fitted (and raised by half its ride height adjustment) the steering is almost by power of thought alone. Heaven.

That EasyBalance/DynaBalls stuff really does seem to work. I invested in an Abba bead breaker, tyre levers and rim protectors and changed the tyres over myself, partly because I wanted to try out the balance powder malarkey without getting odd looks from tyre fitters. All I can say is that I have had no balance issues at all; in fact everything feels great balance-wise. And my rims are innocent of ugly lead weights.

The MPL slave cylinder is worth its weight in gold. After my initial rides with the standard slave cylinder, I had serious doubts about my ability to live with the bike, having experienced major wrist pain issues. Having fitted the MPL slave (and altered the operating angle of the levers, it has to be said), the problem has simply evaporated. I can't recommend it enough.

I love this bike.

D-Rider · #2 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:34 pm

Aladinsaneuk · #3 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:44 pm

glad you are enjoying the falco

just a shame it is one of the slower colours :(

D-Rider · #4 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:01 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:glad you are enjoying the falco

just a shame it is one of the slower colours :(

.... while it's restricted you have a point ..... mango, some real fun awaits ....

#5 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 3:34 pm

I can hardly wait - a full power Falco, with soundtrack provided by Akrapovic and handling courtesy of Ohlins.

Just need an undertaking from the weather to stay like it is today...