New owner - returning to bikes

[Tonyunn]

After thinking about a bike again I looked into getting a big v-twin (last bike Monster 620) after looking at Firestorms and SV's a Falco turned up at a local dealers, cut a long story short I bought it, 2002 Blue 21000 miles.

All of the research I have done has told me that no one seems to have anything bad to say about them.

I have found a common set of faults, the side stand, the battery and the rear shock.

I got it yesterday from the dealer has anyone got any information that I should know or things to look for.

I have only managed a couple of miles as a test so far but it was excellent even for a short ride.

[flatlander]

How do sir and welcome things to look for first a credit card the rest will come along with the sensible answers shortly.

I just wanted to be first with that one lol

[anzacinexile]

I have found a common set of faults, the side stand, the battery and the rear shock.

s

Battery is not an issue as long as its in good nick and well charged. You've listed my my personal choice as to what I would address first but lock you credit card away - we're good at spending other peoples money

[Aladinsaneuk]

ok....


first thing is the sidestand - various solutions - but do NOT buy a bubseywoo one from evilbay....

(Do a search - lots of information around - i think that the fireblade solution is probably the easiest for most folk....)

Get an optimate - use it - the big v twins - as you are no doubt aware like to eat batteries...

take the saddle off and check the country code - you bought it from a dealer, presumably with an mot - make sure it has the right headlight fitted - if not - get them too change it.... https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?t=2015 for more info)

clutch fluid is black - thats normal

shock - i would suggest that you research a little here and then start looking around

finally, set up a new bank account and arrange for stuff to be delivered to your work address....

[DavShill]

Welcome - lots of fun and frantic spending ahead. As Alad says, sort the sidestand out first then take it a bit at a time, tweaking as you go along and get used to the bike. It won't be standard for very long and the list of mods is bloody endless.
Enjoy.

[Samray]

Welcome aboard.

[Tonyunn]

Cheers for the replies, I did all the mods on the Monster, high level cans (Sil Moto), belly pan and loads of carbon so I know what to expect although this bike has the BP already so there is one less thing to buy.

Just waiting for one dry clear day so I can get it out on a dual carrigeway for at least one go before I close it up for the winter.

[Tonyunn]

Just managed 40 minutes and the roads were just about OK, felt fantastic, the last time I had a twin I had no idea what to expect but this time it felt good.
The similarity to the Ducati is that it all felt the same just the Falco has twice as much of everything.

More questions, the red line limit (red light) is set to 6000 is that about standard.

The question everyone must ask is what is the best and or fastest way to sort the side stand?

And I can now see why everyone raves about these things.

[DavShill]

The red line light is just a warning light. The actual rev limiter is set at around 11k I think. You can adjust the trigger point of red led - Have you got an owners manual, if not there is a hot link on the forum somewhere.

Side stand - the easiest mod is to go for a Honda VTR Firestorm. It's practically a straight swap. Don't get the VTR SP1/2 because that is almost identical to the Falco. There are a few other options too, fireblade, GRSXR but others will tell you which models.

[blinkey501]

check and see if it has a 16 tooth front sprocket, if so fit a 15 tooth one. your falco will behave better around town ,And excellerate quicker, unfortunatly your top speed will suffer. But has long has you dont want to do 160 MPH you should crack 150MPH

[blinkey501]

Just managed 40 minutes and the roads were just about OK, felt fantastic, the last time I had a twin I had no idea what to expect but this time it felt good.
The similarity to the Ducati is that it all felt the same just the Falco has twice as much of everything.

More questions, the red line limit (red light) is set to 6000 is that about standard.

The question everyone must ask is what is the best and or fastest way to sort the side stand?

And I can now see why everyone raves about these things.

My red light flickers at 6000 revs, it lets me know i am doing around 100MPH, it for me is a good thing has i know a ban could be coming my way

[flatlander]

the rev light is set at your discression howeb=ver the manual makes recommendations according to age / mileage

Left Display:
Settings:
km/h <-> mph: A(5 sec), B, A(5 sec)
Reset service indication: Lap, R(5 sec)
While stationary:
Reset trip counter: R(2 sec)
Show max. speed: B(1 sec)
Reset max. speed: B(1 sec), R(2 sec)
Show avg. spd & 2nd trip: B(1 sec), B(1 sec)
Reset avg. spd & 2nd trip: B(1 sec), B(1 sec), R(1 sec)
Lap Timer:
Enable: Lap, D
Start timer: Lap
Lap time: Lap (display lap time & start new lap)
Display stored times: B, Lap (cycle through up to
40 laps)
Return to lap timer: B
Reset stored lap times: A + Lap(2 sec)
Exit lap timer: Lap + D
Display Test:
Switch on ignition while
pressing A + B
Rev limit indicator:
Set: C, C(hold/press
repeatedly)
Show: C(short)
(Rev limit indicator can only
be set with engine off)
Right Display:
D cycles:
- Temp & Time
- Batt. Voltage
- Clock: Set hours
- Clock: Set minutes
- Temp: Set deg. C/F

lap button to change

[anzacinexile]

unfortunatly your top speed will suffer.

Actually, in reality it doesn't. The bike cant hit the limiter in 6th with either sprocket.

Cant remember who but a smart arse on the "other" forum computed that the Rotax motor would have to produce around 175bhp to pull top revs with a 15 tooth so Gawd knows what it needs to pull a 16

[Aladinsaneuk]

You can get an indicated 160 on the clocks with standard gearing - though I think the speedo error would likely show a real speed of 150

[flatlander]

i wouldnt know I have usually closed my eyes by then