First Impressions

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ReggieGasket
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First Impressions

#1 Post by ReggieGasket » Wed Aug 26, 2009 3:51 pm

Have managed a few short runs on the Falco, but it's early days. I've been riding a CB500 recently, so am suffering major culture shock right now! I can't belive how different the Falco feels.

Like most big sporty bikes, it's taking some getting used to. I had a spin on my brother's Gixer 1000 lakst year and I struggled to ride it on the B roads near his house. It felt awful.

Anyway, the Falso is easier to ride than the Gixer was. It feels very strong and the gearing is much higher than the CB. Hence, I feel like I'm time warping into the future :smt003 I need to get used to the size, power and riding position; just need more miles.

The suspension is aftermarket and set up all wrong for me. It's got Maxton forks and an Ohlins rear. It doesn't feel that great right now, but I haven't got the set up right yet. I've backed everything off a lot, but the front end still feels too firm in terms of damping. I could really do with getting it on a track day to build up my confidence.

It has a PCIII set up with Scorpion cans on the "Fast Road" map. Seems to have a bit of a power band above 6k, but it's too fast for me to appreciate right now. Managed my first power wheeley over a rise yeaterday, but I'm not really on it yet.

The engine is loud and feels a lumpy around town, but felt very nice on the motorway at 85mph. Looking forward to getting a big run in soon!
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Dalemac
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#2 Post by Dalemac » Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:25 pm

sounds great! dont get to ride mine for another 3 weeks.

coming from a gpz so i guess im going to find it similar to you.

Have fun!

Dale
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#3 Post by D-Rider » Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:47 pm

If the handling's feeling "funny" then firstly check the tyre pressures and make sure they are at the tyre manufacturer's recommended setting (normally 2.5 bar front, 2.9 bar rear - though check yourself what yours should be).

Then check the static sag ..... then the fun and games of damping settings .... most of us leave that to the experts ..........

:smt053
“Scientists investigate that which already is. Engineers create that which has never been.”
-- Albert Einstein
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ReggieGasket
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#4 Post by ReggieGasket » Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:55 pm

Thanks, yes I need to check the tyre pressures. It's certainly not handling badly, it's just not set up correctly yet. Fortunately my brother had an Ohlins on his Gixer before he totalled it, so he's giving me some lessons. Partly it's me getting used to the basic size and type of the bike. The CB is soooo different.

I suspect the GPZ will be similar to my CB, so you're in for a big shock. I'm finding the Falco very easy to ride on A roads and the motorway, but slow roads are hard work compared to the CB. I'm very impressed so far. It's just bigger and faster than I expected, but I'm pleased about that :smt001
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MartDude
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#5 Post by MartDude » Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:18 pm

ReggieGasket wrote:It's just faster than I expected, :smt001
But soon it won't be :smt077
It flies sideways through time
It's an electric line
To your zodiac sign
I've got a Black and Silver Machine!
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#6 Post by hornetrider » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:40 pm

As my username suggests I had a Hornet prior to the Falco and the way you ride the two machines quickly are totally different. For me the Hornet was great in that it lived on the rev limit everywhere and the thrill was redlining it and thrashing the nuts off it.

The Falco is a different animal - I've found that I prefer it's more relaxed style and the fact it rewards smoothness rather than frenetic - which is not to say it doesn't do frenetic. But... if you keep it from 5-8/9k and just snick up and down the gears you make very quick progress indeed - far quicker than an IL4 600. It just takes time to adapt.

Obviously though - get your suspension set up for yourself - and enjoy!
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ReggieGasket
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#7 Post by ReggieGasket » Sat Sep 05, 2009 6:53 am

Tyre pressures were a long way out and it's made a BIG improvement. Very happy. Did some roll ons from 90mph on the motorway - FANTASTIC. What a great bike. Am starting to feel at home with the position now too. Changing oil today and looking forward to first long commute on tues!!
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Dalemac
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#8 Post by Dalemac » Sun Sep 06, 2009 1:03 am

ReggieGasket wrote:Tyre pressures were a long way out and it's made a BIG improvement. Very happy. Did some roll ons from 90mph on the motorway - FANTASTIC. What a great bike. Am starting to feel at home with the position now too. Changing oil today and looking forward to first long commute on tues!!
awesome!

11 days and counting...then i will be on mine!

Dale
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