Show me the twins...

Pete burst my SP2 bubble by telling me how crap their tank range is (80 or 90 miles)

Have you thought about the old model mille? They're a lovely bike.

Originally Posted by plowsie

SP2's are almost at the top of the insurance pack according to the TWO magazine we were in... Group 17.

Yep. higher than a busa . I went on to see about insurance for a laugh... £2000 fully comp, busa & RSV-R £1500.

The SP2 is top of the list when it comes to handling, fantastic bike! Some people complain about the hard seat, But I have found that not to be an issue. Insurance is a little high, and the running costs will be high compared to most other bikes in its category. Its sister the Firestorm is a nice bike, very smooth but limited by its standard suspension (a quick fix will turn that around amazingly) and its small tank range (depending how you ride).

The TL's are a good choice, either R or S, I'm considering getting another to sit along side my SV. They are not as dangerous as some people claim, well they are a bit but its so easily sorted, and it should not be over looked simply because of a reputation. Many second hand TL's are probably sorted by now anyway. You can run a TL without a steering damper, my TLS hand a Ohlins rear shock and the forks lowered 8mm and I had never had a problem (this includes fast backroad riding). The R is also well suited to the back roads and I and my mate (the owner) have never had any such wobble issues, and we don't hang around!

The good thing abouth the TL's is its just like an SV, there are so many different ways to customise and tune the bikes!

Aprilia's are nice to ride, the early RSV suits some riders better than the later version. Only problem is they aren't quite as reliable as the Jap's and it varies on reliability from bike to bike. You can have one which is completely problem free but then have an identical model which is tempermental! Also the spares back up is terrible!

Originally Posted by Dangerous Dave

Also the spares back up is terrible!

Its not that bad anymore since they go taken over. They got a good and seem to have all but sorted it.

The falco got 15th in the rider power think in Ride mag this year and has been high in others. 5th in one of them I think. Only bikes that beat it were honda Pan Euro's VFR's and quite a few BMW's. Must mean something.

^^This is actually how I came to contemplate and buy a Falco.

Like someone says go out and ride a few.

Ill warn you though I think the Falco is more like the SV650 in riding position and throwability than the SV1000. Wierd aye.

Not interested in the Buell. Friend has a 900 model. Great bikes, but not for me. Terrible to travel on to.

SS600 is the next "logical" step IMO yes. More power, less weight, and generally good reliability. But i find them a little "common" (as in bloody everywhere) and not sure the screeming 4 pot is for me.

LOVE the RSV, but would want a twin exhaust model, out of price range though again.

TL - Old man had one, still raves about it. Memories of that bike with twin carbon ART cans. ohh im nursing a semi just thinking about it. SV is obviously newer.

Not keen on 955's. Love the 675, but ot of budget. I find the seat quite hard on them too. Lovely bikes though.

Falco, well its actually looking at TheGreek raving about them thats raised the interest.

Still considering the Benelli. I can get a GREAT deal on a Benelli Cafe Racer, and TRE as well, 1130cc, triple, lovley ride, lovley engine, and i've got good support (but shouldn't need it these days . Still hankering for a 900 Tornado, but it would get ruined using daily.

Its all thoughts at the moment, but i like to look into what I buy, so can use the time to look into the bikes more. Reviews etc.

Well if you have any Falco questions then feel free to ask them :tup:

[arc123]

Can back up TheGr33k - had a Falco for 2 years and was a fantastic bike. Haven't had it for nearly 3 years and still miss it!

How much have you got to spend?

Maybe £4k when it comes round to it....

Ah, damn. You could get an RSV if you could streach to a little over £5k...

Although the reliability ain't there.