Help me save my mate from a terrible mistake ....

[D-Rider]

A good friend of mine recently told me he is thinking of buying a Ducati ST2.
He'd heard they could be picked up cheap and as he's always wanted a V-twin, thought this might be a solution.
I've tried talking some sense into him but it's been hard work.

Tonight he asked be if he could have a go on my Falco to see what Italian V-twins feel like.
I told him that he can but he'll probably end up wanting one and the ST2 might not be so attractive once he's sampled a Falco.
He took the point, he appreciates Aprilia build quality but was of the view that one would be too expensive. I've told him that may not be the case ... and even tried to play up the fact that those crappy old black ones might not be so bad.
So .... can you help?
Anyone know of a Falco in fair condition going for an attractive price?

Secondly, to fund it, Will needs to offload one of his bikes.
The one he wants to sell is a classic Kawasaki

1983 Kawasaki KZ1100 LTD.
Just under 20,000 miles.
Imported to uk in 98 (from USA)
A few marks and scuff's, but not bad for a bike that's nearly 30 years old.
Emissions system disabled - Runs and performs better than standard .. fuel economy is also improved
Good tyres

Basically one bike must fund the other so I'm guessing that probably something around £1500 or so might be a general guide as to where things may work. The more the Kwack will fetch the more would be in the Falco kitty.

Knowing that there are Kawasaki enthusiasts and Falco enthusiasts here, just maybe we can save him from the ST2.

I'll keep on to him about joining us here ... he can then tell you about his Triumph 6T and his chop.

Any help, info offers to buy or sell gratefully received.
I'll try to get some pics of his Kwack.
In the meantime here's a picture of one I found on 'tinterweb (not his one EDIT: Actually is his one - as it turns out .... what are the chances?!):

[Aladinsaneuk]

i came to the falco BECAUSE a dealer would not sell me a ducati st2 = he knew i ride all year round and knew the duke would not last long

and do not even get me started on the electrics on my old 750...

as the meerkat said - simples.....

obviously he is a man of taste but a black one may be too fast for....

[mangocrazy]

To be honest, if he wants a cheap V-twin I'd probably steer him in the direction of the VTR1000.

If he wants a proper V-twin, then obviously the Falco is the discerning gentleman's choice of elegant conveyance.

[MartDude]

If he's attracted by the sports tourer aspect of the ST2 he'd find the Fut a better choice (if funds allow). The ST2 had a reputation for an under-padded seat - uncomfortable after a while; the Fut's seat is superior to many in that regard. Mirrors are better too.

[Nooj]

If he can't find a Falco, could he stretch to a used ST3? Better than the ST2, but cheaper to run and insure than the ST4.

[Gio]

A good friend of mine recently told me he is thinking of buying a Ducati ST2.
He'd heard they could be picked up cheap and as he's always wanted a V-twin, thought this might be a solution.
I've tried talking some sense into him but it's been hard work.

Tonight he asked be if he could have a go on my Falco to see what Italian V-twins feel like.
I told him that he can but he'll probably end up wanting one and the ST2 might not be so attractive once he's sampled a Falco.
He took the point, he appreciates Aprilia build quality but was of the view that one would be too expensive. I've told him that may not be the case ... and even tried to play up the fact that those crappy old black ones might not be so bad.
So .... can you help?
Anyone know of a Falco in fair condition going for an attractive price?

Secondly, to fund it, Will needs to offload one of his bikes.
The one he wants to sell is a classic Kawasaki

1983 Kawasaki KZ1100 LTD.
Just under 20,000 miles.
Imported to uk in 98 (from USA)
A few marks and scuff's, but not bad for a bike that's nearly 30 years old.
Emissions system disabled - Runs and performs better than standard .. fuel economy is also improved
Good tyres

Basically one bike must fund the other so I'm guessing that probably something around £1500 or so might be a general guide as to where things may work. The more the Kwack will fetch the more would be in the Falco kitty.

Knowing that there are Kawasaki enthusiasts and Falco enthusiasts here, just maybe we can save him from the ST2.

I'll keep on to him about joining us here ... he can then tell you about his Triumph 6T and his chop.

Any help, info offers to buy or sell gratefully received.
I'll try to get some pics of his Kwack.
In the meantime here's a picture of one I found on 'tinterweb (not his one):

I know my son is interested in selling his cos I'm the only one riding it now :(

If your friend is interested then I'll put it to him.

[FlyingKiwi]

Don't wish to rain on Gio's parade but there are 2 for £1800 on Visordown
Here and Here but ads seem restricted maybe you need to register to see them.

[D-Rider]

Thanks one and all for your replies so far - keep them coming - and if you have any leads on flogging the Kwack to buy the new one, then they would be very welcome .... as that has to happen first to finance the deal.

Will is not yet totally convinced he wants a Falco - he still has quite a hankering after a Ducati .... but the Aprilias are now a serious consideration on his radar.

I'll let him have a go on mine - though it's not the most representative of a standard Falco .... unless the mrs happens to be reading this - in which case it's as it left the factory ....

Gio ... I'll be sending you a PM.

[Willopotomas]

It's me! Andy, the picture you managed to find on t'interweb is infact mine..lol..

Yes peeps.. I'm the one who was seriously looking at ST's until Andy put the idea of a Falco in me brain.. A lot to answer for that bloke.. More so when i buy one..

[Kwackerz]

'Kin nice looking KZ that

[Aladinsaneuk]

low saddle as well tim - better than a vespa .....