What nicknames did not earn the famous motorcycle "Honda Varadero"! And “off-road locomotive”, and “tourist with a sports soul”, and “heavy cruiser”, and much more, including even the pet name “Varia”. This amazing bike evokes hundreds of comments wherever it appears. Even those who are faithfully devoted to completely different categories of motorcycles are unlikely to be able to calmly pass this handsome man. What can we say about fans of tour enduro! Surely every second of them secretly dreams of his own such “Var”, equipped with a powerful liter heart and just incredible appearance.
Model Features
The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the Honda Varadero motorcycle is its magnitude. The manufacturer hardly set itself the task of refuting or confirming the popular bike that size is not the main thing, but simply took and created one of the largest serial bikes. In the parking lot, the "Varadero" looks like a purebred shire among light-footed Arabian horses.
Challenge accepted
Some believe that it was a bit of an abandoned glove towards the BMW concern, which was very successful in tour-enduro building. Honda was not in vain making ambitious plans to conquer this market segment, because the experience with Transalp and Africa-Twin was very successful. The new creation embodied the best traditions of the manufacturer, its invariable quality standards and the most advanced developments.
Production history
In 1998, the first Honda Varadero motorcycle with a thousand cubic meters engine was launched. This model is made in the Japanese city of Hamamatsu. In 2001, production was moved to the Spanish city of Montesa. Since this year, the model has received a built-in HISS immobilizer. 2003 was marked by a number of restyling activities. The design was updated, the bike got new suspensions and a fuel injection system (PGM-FI), which replaced the carburetors. A 5-speed gearbox was replaced by a 6-speed. Since 2004 - ABS is standard on the motorcycle. Another restyling was carried out in 2007. As a result, the appearance of the motorcycle has changed slightly. Since 2011, the Honda Varadero 1000 motorcycle began to be produced in Italy.
2012 was marked by the fact that the new Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer came to replace the Honda XL1000V Varadero model . She became a worthy continuation of the concept and became one of the flagships of the tour-enduro class among Japanese and European motorcycles.
The technical side of the issue
Planning to buy a Honda Varadero motorcycle? The characteristics of this bike are very remarkable, carefully study them before making a final decision.
Full name | Honda XL 1000 V Varadero |
type of motorcycle | enduro tourist |
motor | 4-stroke, V-twin, DOHC |
volume | 998 cm 3 |
cooling | liquid |
number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
fuel supply system | injector (until 2003 - carburetors) |
ignition | digital |
power (max.) | 94 l. from. |
torque (max.) | 99 Nm at 6000 rpm |
frame | steel |
drive unit | chain |
rear suspension | pendulum with monoshock |
front suspension | telescopic fork |
rear brakes | ABS, 1 disc, 3-piston caliper |
front brakes | ABS, 2 discs, 3-piston caliper |
speed (max.) | 209 km / h |
acceleration to hundreds | 4.3 sec |
gas tank | 25 l |
motorcycle weight (dry) | 244 kg. |
Little brother
Honda Varadero 1000 is not the only member of the family. He has another brother, of the same name, but with a motor of 125 "cubes."
It has less weight (149 kg.), And much less power. This model is positioned as a city bike. It is possible to disperse this frisky iron horse up to 115 kilometers per hour, but it has excellent dynamics. Honda's undeniable quality, economical fuel consumption, spare parts availability and excellent handling are the hallmarks of the Honda Varadero-125 motorcycle. It makes no sense to compare it with a powerful liter unit, these "brothers" have completely different purposes and different destinies. Each of them has its advantages.
Needless to say that the Varadero subcompact got the same sports and tourist soul? Is it possible to wave into the blue distance on this motorcycle as boldly as on its liter relative? Everyone searches for answers to these questions independently. After all, the owner always knows his bike better than all the experts and researchers combined. And in a motorized vehicle, someone is riding on "little helmets".
In other words, objectively evaluate your plans and the tasks that the motorcycle will have to perform. And if you liked this motor-family, but you do not plan to drive along the highway for a long time, and spend most of the time in the city, then the Honda Varadero-125 can become your faithful companion and reliable friend. It fits perfectly with the high pace of the modern city, feels calm with the threat of traffic jams, does not require too much care. This bike accelerates quickly and shows remarkable stability on the roadway. And his appearance is modern, stylish and expressive. What else does a good urban bike need?
Honda Varadero 1000 in a motorized vehicle
Decided to use a heavy tourist for its intended purpose? Well, let's take a closer look at the bike from this point of view.
Those who have managed to leave more than one hundred miles behind usually speak about the “Varadero” in approximately the same way. He disposes to distant wanderings. It was created just for them. He can and should be entrusted with a long journey.
Old bikers say 1,000 kilometers a day is a solid indicator for a long trip. All that is less is not serious, and all that is more is an ordinary sports race. The philosophy of motodobnoye not only involves overcoming as many kilometers as possible, but also not "sticking" for several days in the same place. “Varadero” has all of this.
A spacious seat provides the proper level of comfort for both the passenger and the driver. You will not have to stop and warm up every hundred, you will not have to forget about the contemplation of the surrounding beauties, languishing from pain. Soft suspension with a huge stroke as if created for Russian roads - it confidently absorbs bumps and potholes. Another noteworthy option is the huge windshield. It protects from the headwind and as if spurs the driver to break at completely no tourist speeds. According to the descriptions of those who have a long driving experience on the "Varadero", the motorcycle holds speed very well. And although tourism does not mean reckless races, different situations happen on the road. Sometimes the opportunity to get to the island of civilization in the shortest possible time can save someone's life.
Striking and carrying capacity. And so a difficult bike weighing almost a quarter ton, confidently drag on itself two riders along with their luggage.
There is no limit to perfection
Perhaps no one doubts the legendary quality of the Honda. Varadero motorcycles are no exception. Nevertheless, even they are tuned. Often this applies exclusively to the modernization of the appearance. Still, each bike should have its own face. Improvement of the lighting system and painting are the most frequent upgrades.
Spare parts for the Honda Varadero today are easy to get, which is ensured by a developed dealer network. Often these bikes are equipped with additional wardrobe trunks, because on a long journey you need to take everything you need.
Cost
In our time, you can still find through the officers the new Honda Varadero. Its price will be at least 7 thousand US dollars. The secondary market is also filled with these motorcycles, where you can find a good option for 4.5-5 thousand US dollars. Devices without run across the Russian Federation will cost a little more than those that have passed the local run-in.