Author Topic: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update  (Read 1562 times)

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« on: August 09, 2022, 08:31:29 AM »
I've received more than one inquiry about my Nuovo Falcone Civile since I mentioned it in a recent message.  Yes, I still have it and I ride it regularly.  As I've waxed on in the past, it is a very enjoyable bike to ride.  It's capable of Interstate speeds if the need arises and it's very happy slipping along farm roads at 55-60 (or lower) for a simple, relaxing outing.







.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2022, 07:25:07 AM by leafman60 »

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4246
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2022, 09:15:33 AM »
Great looking bike and I am guessing, uber rare.  I have seen many more Falcone Sports than the Civile.  Very nice. 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2022, 09:37:46 AM »
Thanks, Dave.  That's high praise coming from a connoisseur such as yourself! 

The Nuovo Falcone (NF) Civile IS very rare.  Most of the NF's  made were the Militare or military models with slightly different engine specs and a shorter, fatter gas tank.  Guzzi never exported any of the NF models to either UK or USA.  1974 was the last year for the Civile and the only year with the maroon paint.  Prior Civiles had white tinwork and a red frame. I know of only 2 other Civiles in all of North America, only one of which is a  '74 and not in prime condition.  Mine was part of a collection and had been brought over to the US by a previous owner. It had very low miles on it when I bought it and now about 12k miles on it. The paint and decals are all original. Maybe too much info but, as a collector, I expect that's the kind of thing you enjoy hearing.

I still remember the standard, original Shovelhead H-D you picked up not long ago.


Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4246
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2022, 10:31:37 AM »
Thanks, Dave.  That's high praise coming from a connoisseur such as yourself! 

The Nuovo Falcone (NF) Civile IS very rare.  Most of the NF's  made were the Militare or military models with slightly different engine specs and a shorter, fatter gas tank.  Guzzi never exported any of the NF models to either UK or USA.  1974 was the last year for the Civile and the only year with the maroon paint.  Prior Civiles had white tinwork and a red frame. I know of only 2 other Civiles in all of North America, only one of which is a  '74 and not in prime condition.  Mine was part of a collection and had been brought over to the US by a previous owner. It had very low miles on it when I bought it and now about 12k miles on it. The paint and decals are all original. Maybe too much info but, as a collector, I expect that's the kind of thing you enjoy hearing.

I still remember the standard, original Shovelhead H-D you picked up not long ago.

TMI?  Not nearly!  That's a special bike indeed!

You must be referring to the 1980 Superglide.  The only thing rare about this FXE-1200  is that it is still as it rolled off the factory floor. 

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2022, 10:31:37 AM »

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #4 on: August 10, 2022, 06:54:30 AM »
TMI?  Not nearly!  That's a special bike indeed!

You must be referring to the 1980 Superglide.  The only thing rare about this FXE-1200  is that it is still as it rolled off the factory floor. 



That's a nice one too, Dave but the one I had in mind was a bone-stock Electra Glide.

.

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4246
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #5 on: August 10, 2022, 08:00:19 AM »
That's a nice one too, Dave but the one I had in mind was a bone-stock Electra Glide.

.

Hard to believe I've owned the Eglide for 20 years.  I got tired of finding places to stash the stock seat, fairing, and Tourpak so I put the bike back to full dress. 

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline Furbo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1614
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #6 on: August 10, 2022, 11:20:01 AM »
Great looking bike and I am guessing, uber rare.  I have seen many more Falcone Sports than the Civile.  Very nice.

It's sweet & rare. I have a '72 Civile I bought back from Italy.

They made 2 models: The Militare (military) and the Civile (civilian). The Civili are quite rare. They are mechanically identical but differ in a few ways. Body design - the Civile looks far more modern with it's long tank and upswept exhaust. The Militare had a squat round tank and a side mounted airbox with a Del carb that had no pumper. The Civile had an exposed airfilter, VHB 29 with a pump, dual guages as you'd find in a V7 and a crude electric start that would reverse the polarity of the generator to be an electric motor. They aren't the rolling art works that the original Falcone's were, but they give the same sounds & experience. Slow - 70 maybe tops...IF you weigh about 130lb and dress like Rollie Free!!
Killeen, TX
'96 Sport 1100
'72 N. Falcone
'72 Eldo

Eccl 9:9,10

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #7 on: August 10, 2022, 12:31:56 PM »
Hard to believe I've owned the Eglide for 20 years.  I got tired of finding places to stash the stock seat, fairing, and Tourpak so I put the bike back to full dress. 



No, no, no.  Don't you have a later model Shovel touring model????

.

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #8 on: August 10, 2022, 12:36:28 PM »
It's sweet & rare. I have a '72 Civile I bought back from Italy.

They made 2 models: The Militare (military) and the Civile (civilian). The Civili are quite rare. They are mechanically identical but differ in a few ways. Body design - the Civile looks far more modern with it's long tank and upswept exhaust. The Militare had a squat round tank and a side mounted airbox with a Del carb that had no pumper. The Civile had an exposed airfilter, VHB 29 with a pump, dual guages as you'd find in a V7 and a crude electric start that would reverse the polarity of the generator to be an electric motor. They aren't the rolling art works that the original Falcone's were, but they give the same sounds & experience. Slow - 70 maybe tops...IF you weigh about 130lb and dress like Rollie Free!!

Yeah the Militare carburetor is also smaller than the Civile carb.  Mine pulls 70MPH pretty easily.  If you lay low on it, it'll edge up to 80 the last time I tried it.  I regularly run it 70 on the Interstate.

.

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4246
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #9 on: August 10, 2022, 02:49:09 PM »
No, no, no.  Don't you have a later model Shovel touring model????

.

OK, now I know which one you favor.   :grin:  84 FLH - last of the breed.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #10 on: August 10, 2022, 02:52:50 PM »
OK, now I know which one you favor.   :grin:  84 FLH - last of the breed.



THERE YA GO!! I WANT THAT BIKE!  Please sell it to me......

PM me, lol.

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #11 on: August 16, 2022, 01:54:30 PM »
Late last week I had an unexpected opportunity to make a quick trip to Western North Carolina and I took my Nuovo Falcone Civile along.  Although it's been in the North Georgia mountains a few years ago, I've never ridden it in the big stuff of North Carolina.

For two days I ran it on some of the best curvy roads up there including The Dragon (129 at Deal's Gap, pictures below). I was pleasantly surprised and very happy with the way it performed. The frame of the bike is very stiff with no discernible flex and it tracked very nicely when leaned over pretty good on those curves. The engine was also up to the task and never failed to provide reasonable thrust and roll-on power out of the curves.  Of course, I was never unaware that I was riding a 50-year-old bike with 50-year-old brakes but the thing did remarkably well.  The riding experience gave me a better appreciation for this relic of a bygone day. 










..
« Last Edit: August 16, 2022, 02:33:15 PM by leafman60 »

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4246
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #12 on: August 16, 2022, 03:31:05 PM »
Excellent.  I wonder how long it's been since a Nuovo Falcone Civile has ran the Dragon?  Could be a first! 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline Off @ 90

  • Heron Head Heretic.
  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 80
  • Location: Top of Southern Isle, NZ, Roaring Forties.
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #13 on: August 17, 2022, 10:48:47 PM »
That Civile looks great quite sporty Leafman .Have been reading the NF thread on Adv Bike with interest.
 How much difference is there as far as engine /gearbox internals go between a 1970 NF to the end of production in '76 ?
If looking to own one of these fine work horse machines is there much advantage  buying a later model ?
Duncan

Offline huub

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 768
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #14 on: August 18, 2022, 05:36:04 AM »
technically hardly any differences between the years , even between the civile and military bikes
the differences are bodywork , exhaust, airfilter.
and a shorter gearing on the military bikes. 

Offline Chuck in Indiana

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 29445
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #15 on: August 18, 2022, 06:55:11 AM »
Thanks for the pix, David.  :thumb: :drool:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

  • Instagram: @Mayor_of_BBQ
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3618
  • 'Ever thus to deadbeats, Lebowski'
  • Location: Asheville, NC
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #16 on: August 18, 2022, 07:53:19 AM »
So glad you are back in the fold Leafman! This is one of my very favorite WG member bikes, and I never tire of seeing the pics or hearing the ride reports!  :boozing: :boozing: :boozing:
Chad (Shadrach) in Asheville NC
1979 LeMans CX-100 (battle axe)
2007 Breva 1100 (Sport 1200 tribute)

Offline Guzzistaracing

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 622
  • Norwegian with a love for all Italian
  • Location: R�ldal, Norway
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #17 on: August 18, 2022, 01:31:37 PM »
Imported a `71 from England to Norway some 15 or so years ago. A very capable bike with a good frame that could have handeled twice the power it has. Mine was a white Civile model. After a while I got bored  :violent1: with the meeger power output and tuned it massively. Bigger bore(570cc), ported and larger channels in the head, larger valves, bigger carb, light flywheel, dual plug and of course the extra oil line for the top end.  :evil: Got the job done by, if I remember correctly, Moto Speziale, Germany. Ended up with a very strong engine that when it ran was fun! Never managed to iron out the trouble with the engine so I traded it for a BMW R100 RS.  :embarassed:
Ex.85�suzuki katana
 85`Le Mans 1000
`?? 1100 sport
`51 Ariel KH500
`07 Griso 850, black
`71 Nuovo Falcone civile
`78 BMW R100RS
`98 Centauro
`07 Norge
Current:
`99 Quota
`84 V65

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #18 on: August 19, 2022, 07:55:35 AM »
That Civile looks great quite sporty Leafman .Have been reading the NF thread on Adv Bike with interest.
 How much difference is there as far as engine /gearbox internals go between a 1970 NF to the end of production in '76 ?
If looking to own one of these fine work horse machines is there much advantage  buying a later model ?
Hi, Off90.  I haven't ignored you but I've been out of town a few days. My old friend (edit: long-time friend), Hubert aka Huub, replied to you and I respect his knowledge of the NF. I add the following from my experiences:

The basic platform of this bike is shared by both the Civile (Civilian) and Militare (Military) models.  However, there are a few differences between the two versions. First the aesthetics. The appearance, of the Civile and the Militare are quite different. The Civile has a long, slender tank and also a tachometer next to the speedo both of which reside above the headlight.  The Civile also has a larger VHB carburetor, 29mm, compared to the 26mm carb of the Militare. The intake runner from the carb to the head on the Civile has less of a bend to it than does the same on the Militare. If the gearing of the two bikes is different, I believe that is accomplished by different final chain sprocket size rather than internal transmission gears sets. My bike, the 1974 Civile was the last issue of the Civile and, only that year, came with the rich maroon paint and bright fenders. Prior Civiles, had white tinwork, painted fenders and a red frame. 

The earliest version of the Militare had a 225mm diameter flywheel but that was soon upped to 270mm before the Civile came along. A sharp eye can identify the small flywheel bikes by their smaller flywheel cover. My Civile, as others, came stock with the bigger flywheel but I am lucky to have both flywheels and I currently run the smaller, lighter flywheel. I also replaced the stock old-fashioned one-piece, solid, Briggs&Stratton style oil scraper ring with a modern 3-piece assembly that does a great job with less tension on the cylinder walls and less friction on piston motion.

My advice is to determine which bike you want and then seek the best-condition version you can find regardless of year.  All of these are almost non-existent in North America.

On hop-ups, several of my fanatical European NF cousins have spent large amounts of money trying to hop up this engine.  It can be done if money is not a limiting factor.  However, I think all of the guys who have done this have experienced day-to-day problems with their hopped-up motors. If you want a rocket ship, you'd be better off buying a bike that was intended for that purpose rather than a Nuovo Falcone.  Mine is no slouch, though.  Running 70 ain't bad and clipping 80 on a good day while crouching down is icing on an occasional piece of cake.

Thanks to all the rest of you for your positive and generous comments!

« Last Edit: August 23, 2022, 07:42:02 AM by leafman60 »

Offline Off @ 90

  • Heron Head Heretic.
  • New Egg
  • *
  • Posts: 80
  • Location: Top of Southern Isle, NZ, Roaring Forties.
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #19 on: August 19, 2022, 08:57:56 PM »
Thanks Leafman for that detailed reply to my question. I live in NZ there are a few NFs here but have not seen one.
They seem reasonable priced in Europe just a matter of getting it back here.
Duncan

Offline Denis

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 766
  • Information is not knowledge.
  • Location: Raleigh, NC
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #20 on: August 20, 2022, 08:01:42 AM »
That's a beauty! I need one!
Show me a Le Mans IV and I'll show you a Le Mans 1000.
'87 SPII, '74 Eldorado, '85 LeMans, '91 California, '71 Ducati 450 RT, '41 Indian 841, '40 Indian Model 640-B ex-Canadian Army

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #21 on: August 29, 2022, 08:53:37 PM »
I know you guys are getting tired of seeing pics of my NFalcone but just today I received an email with some pics of it it action on The Dragon during that recent trip.  By the way, I'm led all around and fashioned an led insert into my non-modified stock CEV tail light housing.





.
« Last Edit: August 29, 2022, 09:19:58 PM by leafman60 »

Online Anomaly

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 265
  • Location: Southern Tuscany (mostly), Rhode Island (sometimes)
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #22 on: August 30, 2022, 03:34:32 AM »
By the way, I'm led all around and fashioned an led insert into my non-modified stock CEV tail light housing.

Looks great! What are you using for the LED headlight?
1981 T3 California, 1983 Piaggio Apecar P2
Sold: 98 BMW F650, 2012 v7 Classic

Offline leafman60

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6795
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #23 on: August 30, 2022, 10:26:40 AM »
Looks great! What are you using for the LED headlight?

Thanks.  For the headlight I use a Cyclops H-4 conversion bulb.  I have several of those in use on various bikes and have used them for years with no problems.

https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/Cyclops-100-H4-LED-headlight-bulb_p_192.html

.

Online Anomaly

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 265
  • Location: Southern Tuscany (mostly), Rhode Island (sometimes)
Re: Nuovo Falcone Civile Update
« Reply #24 on: August 30, 2022, 03:45:58 PM »
For the headlight I use a Cyclops H-4 conversion bulb.  I have several of those in use on various bikes and have used them for years with no problems.

Thanks!
1981 T3 California, 1983 Piaggio Apecar P2
Sold: 98 BMW F650, 2012 v7 Classic

 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here