The industry view John Fallon

These bikes are so strong and reliable the only job we ever do on them is the kick-start return spring which can sometimes fail. There’s a good parts supply network from specialists in both Italy and Germany so it’s unlikely you’d be stuck for parts. The military versions tend to be in better condition than the civilian models simply because they’ve generally been in a maintenance programme. Some, but not all, civilian machines tend to have led a far less pampered life. For a big four-stroke single the Nuovo Falcone isn’t too expensive and they make for a good long-term keeper. If you struggle to kick the engine over there’s an electric start conversion that can be easily retro-fitted. It’s installed where the dynamo lives and works as a dyna-start in the same way as the generator on a Yamaha RD200 so there’s really no excuse for not being able to start one of these characterful bikes.