I thought that $400+ for the first service (@ 600 miles) was a bit pricey, but it does involve checking the valves, and therefore dis-assembling the bike a bit. In retrospect, I would push for including this in the purchase price of the bike during negotiations with the dealer. Also, I was a bit...
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I thought that $400+ for the first service (@ 600 miles) was a bit pricey, but it does involve checking the valves, and therefore dis-assembling the bike a bit. In retrospect, I would push for including this in the purchase price of the bike during negotiations with the dealer. Also, I was a bit upset when I got it back; the bike was rough-shifting, stuttered, and tended to stall, even when simply putting it in first with the clutch held all the way open! It came alive again after I adjusted the idle up a quarter turn and set it to about 1200 RPM, where the owner's manual says it should be. The adjuster knob is on the right side of the engine, near your knee. It's still a bit rough off the bottom for the first few miles after starting it hot, but otherwise runs beautifully.
Insurance is/was a major pain. Neither Rider, nor Progressive carry coverage for the Falco yet. My Allstate agent kindly told me that "While I would be very happy to add your new bike to your car policy, I'm equally sure you wouldn't be happy paying for it." I didn't bother to ask him what it would have been.
I ended up getting coverage from a Florida-based company called Fernet. Despite my efforts to convince them otherwise, the Falco is classified a Sport bike, and a 34-year old man living in New Jersey with a perfectly clean (no accidents/tickets) driving record, 10+ year experience, and MSF course completion (Me!) will pay over $2,000/year for full coverage (around $700 for liability only). OUCH!!! By way of contrast - I am leasing a loaded 2000 Acura 3.2 TL and my $11,300 motorcycle costs 10% more to insure than my $30,000 car. Needless to say, I continue to look for an offering based in reality. Alternatively, I may just partake in whatever it is the insurance folks have been smoking.
Looks-wise it is simply gorgeous - riders and non-riders alike have commented on it. And unlike my old (fridge-white) VFR, I can sit in the garage and stare at it. My full-on sport bike friends have yet to demonstrate any supposed backroad 'superiority,' and I arrive fresher and look better doing it. Do you get the feeling I love my bike??? Scott
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