1200 mile report

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ReggieGasket · #1 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:47 am

I've now done about 1200 miles on my 2000 Falco and here's a preliminary report: Most of the mileage is a commute from Preston to Coventry which I've done 3 times now. The Falco has proved to be quick and secure on this trip which is mostly motorway. I've averaged 50mpg, which is better than expected and the weather protection has been OK. I've swapped the standard screen for a Skidmarx DB, which has given a bit more protection, but not a massive amount (maybe 4 inches higher). The main negative has been the riding position, which is more sporty than expected. When in full winter clobber it can be a bit of a stretch and my neck can get sore. I'm confidnet this can be sorted though by lifting the clip-ons above the yoke. The bike has proved to be amazing value for money as it has an Ohlins rear shock and PCIII fitted already. I think the main impression has been a sense of surprise by the sporting ability and power of the bike. In my mind it was a sensible option - being a sports tourer - but in reality it's more of a big sports bike. I'm really looking forward to taking it on a track day because I really think it will rock. The noise and presence of the bike has been a shock too. I bought the bike on ebay without even looking at a Falco in the flesh (recently). When I picked the bike up and the owner started her up I was really surprised and excited. This was nothing like a VFR800 (the other bike I was looking at)! And I'm getting serious pleasure from rolling the bike on.

In summary - I'm surprised by my purchase. It does the practical stuff perfectly (when I get the position sorted), but also has the big bike grins. Despite having a sports tourer image, this is a real big bike with presence and sporting ability. Yes, it has alround ability but I wouldn't use it for a short commute on urban roads. Very pleased so far and looking forward to next summer for a blast around Silverstone...

bluedimension · #2 Post by **bluedimension** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 9:40 am

Reggie,
glad to hear you're enjoying the Falco. I had a VFR before my Falco and although they are both billed as sprts tourers there is no comparison.
The Falco can do much, much more than just eat mile after mile in relevant comfort. It can run with top sports bikes on the road and can destroy the same bikes on the track.
Keep working on the riding position. It may be that you'll have to raise the bars and that was something I was considering as I was experiencing pain in my left leg. However, my pain issue was resolved by changing my boots to a more flexible and supple pair. It may be all in my head but it seemed to work for me.

Stick with Reggie and keep on grinning.

Blue.

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 10:31 am

As for the neck ..... I've found a carbon fibre helmet to be the answer - much lighter than others (HJC HQ1).

Didn't buy it for that reason but eventually realised I got a lot less neck pain .... which I hadn't previously even associated with the bike.

Wouldn't consider anything else now.

Oh, I've crashed in one too ... again it impressed

ReggieGasket · #4 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:04 am

Yes, I know from past experience that a riding position can just be about getting used to it. I've noticed that my Arai helmet, which is lighter, gives me less pain than the Schuberth. I also think part of the problem is the winter clobber which is tight around my neck and makes it difficult to find the right position. Am experimenting with this. Do like the carbon helmet option though

Falco Frank · #5 Post by **Falco Frank** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:08 am

Interesting post RG.

I've done the bars on top of yokes bit and IMHO its only a slight improvement. I think something like variobars or similar is the real answer.

I ride with a Arai helmet and get neck strain after an hour or so & was thinking of going to a lighter helmet, must check the weight of mine sometime.

Perhaps the falco is so fast that without realising it, a partial vacuum is produced - pulling the riders head forward.....

Nurse, more pills please!

Frank

Aladinsaneuk · #6 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:20 am

can i also make another suggestion to you chaps

do not grip the bars - rest your hands gently on them - too many folk grip tightly and that puts strain on the wrist that will refer to shoulders and neck....

fastasfcuk · #7 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:16 pm

also as educated by griff, make sure your levers are set right.riding back after mine were adjusted no wrist ache or neck pain.

ReggieGasket · #8 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:02 pm

Thanks chaps. Yes, I'm confident I'll sort the position out in time. I weighed my Arai and it was around 1.3/1.4 kg. I think the carbon ones are close to 1kg, which is a significant saving.

Chabby · #9 Post by **Chabby** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:03 pm

When I first rode the Falco after nearly 20yrs on a Gpz 750 (really! - 1987, a year old when I got it) my first thought was " I'll have to raise the bars".
However, after a while I thought I'd rather persevere than put up with the increased wind blast higher bars would cause.
After two years and 6000 miles (I know but I've got four bikes) I'm glad I kept it standard.
I have fitted a double bubble and now find the position very comfortable at anything over 45mph.
Wrist ache sets in riding around town for any length of time but I can deal with that in shortish bursts.
Coincidently, I treat myself to a new Arai a while back but I hadn't consciously thought about it making a difference regarding aching neck syndrome, but looking back to my older, heavier AGV days, it probably has.
But I think it's all relative.
When i ride my Gpz now, my lower back aches after about ten miles and I always considered it one of the most comfortable bikes I'd ever been on.
Maybe we just think too much - you know like how you can feel a pain in your knee (or anywhere else) if you concentrate on it.
Maybe physique/age plays a role. I'm 6'2" with longish arms and I'm on the plus side of 50.
I think the Falco would be perfect if I was about 5' 10" but I'm not really complaining - just happy to be riding at all.

ReggieGasket · #10 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:00 pm

Thinking about it, I haven't had much neck ache recently. The problem I'm getting now is I can't see far enough ahead as the top of helmet viewing hole is blocking my view. I think this is because I've got a body warmer with a high neck which is getting in the way of my bike jacket, hence I can't lift my head up easily to find the right head angle. I tend to like to get down into a half racer crouch when I'm zipping along at 80-90, but this means I need to be able to lift my neck back to see properly. I've never had this problem before, but I've never been so clobbered up at I am now. I may need to change the bike jacket to get more flexibility. I'm sure I won't have this problem in summer. Still fancy the carbobn helmet though

D-Rider · #11 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:44 pm

I had similar - if I wore a hoodie under my jacket it would bulk-up at the back of the neck - my old helmet would foul on it and I'd not be able to tip my head enough to see far enough up the road (especially cornering).

I have a different helmet and jacket and haven't noticed this problem for some time.

Dusty · #12 Post by **Dusty** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:51 pm

New helmet and jacket, DRider? Might have been cheaper, and more sartorial to bin the hoodie!

D-Rider · #13 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:04 pm

LOL the hat and coat were bought for other purposes - needed new ones anyway.

I like hoodies - they are nice and practical and let you dress as either a monk or a ninja

Aladinsaneuk · #14 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:14 pm

and do cover up that hunch back.....

D-Rider · #15 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:08 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:and do cover up that hunch back.....

I see you've dropped the Leeds United avatar - presumably through embarrassment ....... so why, I ask, have you gone for a character wearing a Newcastle United kit?