RSV-R from Falco

[bigun]

Well,

Thought I'd put a few brief words down about my new bike and the differences from the falco. I've only done 200 miles so far and need to set up the suspension properly but still.

Comfort - I knew the riding position would be more focused which it certainly is. There is slight discomfort on the wrists at town speeds but nothing major and I'll get used to it. Can't feel it on the road. If anything, leg wise, its much more comfortable but thats probably due to the gilles rearsets I have on this bike meaning I can adjust it to suit. I've ridden Greg_D's Falco with Gilles on and it was superb compared to my Falco. I probably feel more comfy on the Mille for fast riding I think.

Handling - where do I start? It is simply sublime and thats even without the suspension set up for me. Its so light on its feet, you can throw it around and flick from corner to corner so much easier. I'm sure this is all down to the Ohlins and the OZ wheels. If you can get them on a falco, do it. Its so stable too but no more so than the Falco I'd say but you do get the distinct impression the suspension is working more effectively.

Brakes - Brilliant! Its got the 4 pad calipers and they're a lot stronger and more sensitive. I had full braided hoses on my falco and the brakes were superb, these just seem to have moved things on a little. I wouldn't justify the cost of changing the Falco ones for these though,

Engine - those who think there isn't much difference in performance between the two need to have a ride on this. It would wipe the floor with my falco. I don't know whats been done to it yet but I'm tempted to put it on a dyno just to see. It absolutely flies at any speed in any gear. Totally addictive.

Looks - mmm, it does look good but my Falco might just have the RSV-R beaten there I think. I reserve the right to change my opinion though!

Overall - I loved my Falco and still do and it has its practicalities over the RSV (two seats for a start) but for me the RSV-R has moved things on a bit in terms of what I want out of a bike. I admit, I wouldn't have a normal RSV as I don't think it'd be much different to the Falco and its the Ohlins etc on mine that give it the edge I was looking for. A Falco with Ohlins/OZ and a bit more grunt would be a totally different kettle of fish but it'd have cost me significantly more than the £1k it cost me to change to the RSV-R to buy all the bits separately.