I generally concur with these comments, Bill. The later plain bearing engine ( which was known as the Mille ) is the ultimate refinement of the bevel...getting teary eyed now....engine. A real modern engine, which alas, was promptly replaced by the Pantah engine, the father of the current Monster and SS engines. ( Bordi said it was 30% more expensive to build and the rest is history. But I like the earlier bikes better. Less refined in the details.
I had a chance to ride an early MHR two weeks ago up in Minnesota and fell in love with the thing. Unlike the others which I have ridden, this one's owner had spent some time with the suspension ( ride height, modern shocks etc.) and I fell in love again. Not nearly the truckish, well, as truckish handling of the other bikes.)
If you really want it you need to spend some time in the saddle with it, and get the very best estimates of what the internals really are. If the seller can't deliver an extensive ride for you, or find a way to assure you that the engine is solid...uh, poor choice of words there...in great condition, then just walk away.
The Paso is a far better handling bike, and lovely to look at, but just no grunt at all. Personally, I would pass. As an aside, I have seen several with 916/996 engines in them, and I was really impressed with this "update". Now the Paso could really walk the talk. But otherwise, they just don't move my soul.
Lastly, I agree with Richard's ranking below. Ultimately it is your money, so take your time. If you like, I will take some photocopies from the Falloon/ Walker literature and fax it to you if you are really interested. Just PM me your fax number.
b.
trid741 said:
Hard to say whether you'd like a 750 Paso or an original Mike Hailwood better. Depends on your type of riding, and what you like.
The Paso is 16 inch wheels front and rear, and carburation is hard to get right with the Weber unless you switch to Dellortos or Mikunis.
I think the 907 was a better bike.
The Mike Hailwood is a big, long bike, fairing can scrape cornering, and it doesn't like traffic. Hot and noisy with that full fairing.
I think a 750SS or 900SS is a better bike. Or even my 750 Sport.
Boith are acquired tastes I think.
Happy hunting!
Richard