I have one 09 model with ABS ,great bike with top speed stability, you can ride it anywhere,I went up Mount Brinchang 6700 ft in Cameron Highlands Malaysia, with standard tires, outrageous road conditions with rocky roads going up the mountain....best reliability ever
I rode my '53 plate Varadero from Windsor to Innsbruck via the Fussen Pass in one go. 7am ferry to Calais and got to Innsbruck by 11pm. No problem. Had a touring screen, cruised at 95mph whenever possible. Great bike, very reliable. Really could have done with an Ohlins/White Power as standard shock very average, poor damping. Underseat pipes look great and Honda panniers were excellent.
I hear that it's useless off road a lot, yet I've seen several videos where riders take the varadero trail riding, and it does the business. It's not new technology but wheels aside, this thing can do trails.
Good review. If you’re not comfortable taking the Varadero off road please don’t say in your review that it can’t be taken off road. I have personally lead adventure rides with a Varadero and they are a very capable bike off road. To this day after the numerous bikes I have owned and ridden the Varadero is still one of the best!
So it is not too much of a big pig? I have had 3 smaller hondas - two being 600 & 650, and i am thinking about a Veradero, an Africa twin, or something else. Any suggestions?
They are a big bike no doubt, just like the big BMW GS and KTM Adv, but they definitely can be ridden off road well in the right hands. If your comparing to the modern Africa Twin, that bike would be a better choice IMO.
Thanks Tim, I have bought a Vara recently, and had not done any off road riding at all. My buddy (with a GS) and I decided to go for an offroad trip and the Vara was a bit of a handful but as a totally inexperienced off road rider, I didn't come off and the bike was mostly well behaved.
great review thank you best I have seen on the Varadero 1000 great advise too and no bull . I ride a fi 6speed abs myself I love it I really cant fault it I think it looks great better than the crosstourer for that kind of starting price I think the Yamaha xtz 1200 looks better its more like the Varadero the Africa twin crf 1000 is a stunner it reminds me a lot of a transalp 600 same weight but Varadero 1000 power a blend of my two favourite bike's but its way way out of my reach price wise for now the xtz1200 is too right now but in a few years I might fancy a change . my Varadero is mint and only done 29000 miles so I have no reason to part with it I done 8000 on it and enjoyed every one it is a top heavy road bike but it handles bumpy country back roads just fine just be careful parking it use your head and for the love of God stay on the slab . a more versatile affordable bike for solo riding and fire roads and a bit of fun in the trails in the alps is the Transalp not up to 2 up with all the gear for touring you need a Varadero for that . a bmw gs 1200 might get you there but a Varadero will get you home too LOL . there is a good group for Varadero 1000 owners on face book . international honda xl 1000 v Varadero . so you don't feel like a strange character with your Varadero there is over 900 members on there so it has some good discussions on the bike I plan on progressive fork springs I was lucky it came with everything else it could possibly need .
thank and I could see you ride safe too you never know what's round the next bend . I have the battle scars and broken bones from riding crazy in my youth I go nice and smooth and easy now . I subscribed so i'm looking forward to your Africa twin review .
Just bought a 2015 crossrunner that is just as nice as this but lighter .I had a varadero for a month and went back due to starting problems but do miss it .
Excelent review. Thank you. Good work. Btw... mine (03) does 380km per tank on average, but i guess it all depends on the driving. I get easily over 150kmph on motorways. It just seems like you are not speeding at all ;-)
Cheers really good review and helped me choose to buy my newly acquired Varadero and I’m really happy with it other than some wind buffeting with the standard Honda screen. Great comfort and I’m surprised by the economy I’ve been getting (47 to 53mpg without hanging around). I’m looking at getting the MRA vario screen for my Varadero too. Is your one mounted in the higher or lower position? I’m a straight 6 foot and wondering if I will get as good results (there seem to be mixed reviews on forums that seem to be dependent upon your height). Thanks
I have a peaked helmet too, do you have any issues with your head being pulled around or does the screen provide enough cover it's not an issue? I'm 6 foot and dead keen on a Varadero. Standard seat hieght and will fit a screen extension. Great review, what you've done is exactly what I want to do when I get one. Nice long tours!!
Hey Tim, there is an mra screen on this one which has a deflector at the front which is adjustable and does a great job , no buffeting. I also have an Arai tourx3 helmet .I have put tyre weights under the peak just with ordinary duct tape which stops any vibration on the peak and works really well also. I am 5'9 so this may help too :)
@@NomadAdventureBiker interesting about the wheel weights! I've been learning on a cb600 (I think) and discovered that unfaired bikes are rubbish above about 50mph while wearing an adventure helmet! Not a problem I'll have for much longer... hopefully! Thanks for your reply, can't wait to get a xl1000v and be out touring too.
You need to fit a deflector on the screen, otherwise its rubish if you around 180m. I could not drive with my modular helmet open without the deflector. Wind was getting directly into my face. After the defletor was applied the problem was gone and i have had alot of fun with it ever since. Its the most comfortable bike i have driven in its class in mho. ;-)
I'd recommend doing the test on a 600 something like a hornet or similar. You could get one from your instructor for the test. If you haven't ridden a Varadero before it could be awkward to u turn as they are top heavy with plenty of dive on the front. I suppose I'd be making it as handy for yourself as possible for the test . Something light and easy to manoeuvre . Just my 2 cents but you could be 6ft 2 and well built and the weight height might not be an issue . After the test you could ride what you want .
Hi from South Wales 🏴 Did not put a link for the seat please. I have got a 2009 and like to lower my stock seat like this. But I’m not sure where to start Thanks
Lovely bike .. suit a lanky git like me... But I read it's top heavy with a full tank.. and dodgy u turning at low speeds because of that.. not sure what other issues they are known for aside from being a gas guzzler...
Hey road warrior , I always use the clutch to change gears. Sometimes I will check the smoothness of gear changes between 3rd and 4th just to see how the box is but that's not recommended of course 😉. Anyway you can get quick shifters for most bikes now. And with the right exhaust will make a beautiful sound too as you're banging up through the gears. It would be interesting to see how the Varadero would sound quick shifting with a set of Akropovic cans.
I used to ride many different bikes and The Honda Varadero is one of the best bikes i had.
Out of all the bikes I've driven this is the most comfortable highway bike I've ever ridden and the power to pass is excellent 👍🇨🇦
I think underated too , truly a great Honda
I have one 09 model with ABS ,great bike with top speed stability, you can ride it anywhere,I went up Mount Brinchang 6700 ft in Cameron Highlands Malaysia, with standard tires, outrageous road conditions with rocky roads going up the mountain....best reliability ever
Great review, thanks for doing it and sharing. Bought one after watching it.
How was it.
Hi, i agree with you, a underrated bike, i own a 2000 sd 01, this bike can do everything, also be driven off road! Greetings from Germany
You are a braver man than me James :) A light gravel road would be the extent of my off road skills !
I rode my '53 plate Varadero from Windsor to Innsbruck via the Fussen Pass in one go. 7am ferry to Calais and got to Innsbruck by 11pm. No problem. Had a touring screen, cruised at 95mph whenever possible. Great bike, very reliable. Really could have done with an Ohlins/White Power as standard shock very average, poor damping. Underseat pipes look great and Honda panniers were excellent.
I hear that it's useless off road a lot, yet I've seen several videos where riders take the varadero trail riding, and it does the business. It's not new technology but wheels aside, this thing can do trails.
Good review. If you’re not comfortable taking the Varadero off road please don’t say in your review that it can’t be taken off road. I have personally lead adventure rides with a Varadero and they are a very capable bike off road. To this day after the numerous bikes I have owned and ridden the Varadero is still one of the best!
So it is not too much of a big pig? I have had 3 smaller hondas - two being 600 & 650, and i am thinking about a Veradero, an Africa twin, or something else. Any suggestions?
They are a big bike no doubt, just like the big BMW GS and KTM Adv, but they definitely can be ridden off road well in the right hands. If your comparing to the modern Africa Twin, that bike would be a better choice IMO.
Thanks Tim, I have bought a Vara recently, and had not done any off road riding at all. My buddy (with a GS) and I decided to go for an offroad trip and the Vara was a bit of a handful but as a totally inexperienced off road rider, I didn't come off and the bike was mostly well behaved.
Just bought a 2003 model with 12000 km on it, same color... Can't wait to get it Saturday...
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did . stay safe
Great review. Cheers.
Thank you .
Clear and concise..thank you ..
Thanks , please subscribe , more bike reviews coming soon for 2021 .
the info for the designer was new to me.. that explains :) i own a great SD2
great review thank you best I have seen on the Varadero 1000 great advise too and no bull . I ride a fi 6speed abs myself I love it I really cant fault it I think it looks great better than the crosstourer for that kind of starting price I think the Yamaha xtz 1200 looks better its more like the Varadero the Africa twin crf 1000 is a stunner it reminds me a lot of a transalp 600 same weight but Varadero 1000 power a blend of my two favourite bike's but its way way out of my reach price wise for now the xtz1200 is too right now but in a few years I might fancy a change . my Varadero is mint and only done 29000 miles so I have no reason to part with it I done 8000 on it and enjoyed every one it is a top heavy road bike but it handles bumpy country back roads just fine just be careful parking it use your head and for the love of God stay on the slab . a more versatile affordable bike for solo riding and fire roads and a bit of fun in the trails in the alps is the Transalp not up to 2 up with all the gear for touring you need a Varadero for that . a bmw gs 1200 might get you there but a Varadero will get you home too LOL . there is a good group for Varadero 1000 owners on face book . international honda xl 1000 v Varadero . so you don't feel like a strange character with your Varadero there is over 900 members on there so it has some good discussions on the bike I plan on progressive fork springs I was lucky it came with everything else it could possibly need .
Thanks Harry , Im glad youre enjoying the big V ride safe !
thank and I could see you ride safe too you never know what's round the next bend . I have the battle scars and broken bones from riding crazy in my youth I go nice and smooth and easy now . I subscribed so i'm looking forward to your Africa twin review .
ruclips.net/video/oI_azd-_J0g/видео.html
totally agree, very underrated bike, abit like the kawa zzr600
Just bought a 2015 crossrunner that is just as nice as this but lighter .I had a varadero for a month and went back due to starting problems but do miss it .
Отличный мотоцикл
I'm getting One.
Excelent review. Thank you. Good work. Btw... mine (03) does 380km per tank on average, but i guess it all depends on the driving. I get easily over 150kmph on motorways. It just seems like you are not speeding at all ;-)
Cheers really good review and helped me choose to buy my newly acquired Varadero and I’m really happy with it other than some wind buffeting with the standard Honda screen. Great comfort and I’m surprised by the economy I’ve been getting (47 to 53mpg without hanging around). I’m looking at getting the MRA vario screen for my Varadero too. Is your one mounted in the higher or lower position? I’m a straight 6 foot and wondering if I will get as good results (there seem to be mixed reviews on forums that seem to be dependent upon your height). Thanks
Forgot to mention mine is a 2013 late model.
Thanks glad I could help . Enjoy the big V and ride safe 👍
Yes it's in the lower position
just bought one. 2005 model 14k miles and looking forward to some great times together.
Enjoy the ride !
Price Steve I picked up an 08 with 38k this spring , put 10 k on it. Awesome ride
I have a peaked helmet too, do you have any issues with your head being pulled around or does the screen provide enough cover it's not an issue? I'm 6 foot and dead keen on a Varadero. Standard seat hieght and will fit a screen extension.
Great review, what you've done is exactly what I want to do when I get one. Nice long tours!!
Hey Tim, there is an mra screen on this one which has a deflector at the front which is adjustable and does a great job , no buffeting. I also have an Arai tourx3 helmet .I have put tyre weights under the peak just with ordinary duct tape which stops any vibration on the peak and works really well also. I am 5'9 so this may help too :)
@@NomadAdventureBiker interesting about the wheel weights! I've been learning on a cb600 (I think) and discovered that unfaired bikes are rubbish above about 50mph while wearing an adventure helmet! Not a problem I'll have for much longer... hopefully! Thanks for your reply, can't wait to get a xl1000v and be out touring too.
You need to fit a deflector on the screen, otherwise its rubish if you around 180m. I could not drive with my modular helmet open without the deflector. Wind was getting directly into my face. After the defletor was applied the problem was gone and i have had alot of fun with it ever since. Its the most comfortable bike i have driven in its class in mho. ;-)
@@armandopereiraPT brilliant, thank you. I'm 1.8m so deflector for sure!
🏍👍
Ma varadero de 2009 a a165000 km et roule comme au premier jour 👍
vous devez le remettre à Honda pour la qualité de construction
Would you recommend it for a first full licence bike ? I’ve yet to pass my full licence (>35kw) and I like these
I'd recommend doing the test on a 600 something like a hornet or similar. You could get one from your instructor for the test. If you haven't ridden a Varadero before it could be awkward to u turn as they are top heavy with plenty of dive on the front. I suppose I'd be making it as handy for yourself as possible for the test . Something light and easy to manoeuvre . Just my 2 cents but you could be 6ft 2 and well built and the weight height might not be an issue . After the test you could ride what you want .
@@NomadAdventureBiker thank you for your honest answer !
Hi from South Wales 🏴
Did not put a link for the seat please. I have got a 2009 and like to lower my stock seat like this.
But I’m not sure where to start
Thanks
tonyarcher.co.uk/services/bike-seats/
There ya go
Thank you very much.
I will enquire about this next week fabulous
Youre welcome 👍
si normalny 1500 otacok na 2 prevodovom stupni?
Güzel faydalı paylaşım için teşekkür ederim 👍👏👏👏🇹🇷🏍🇹🇷
Teşekkür ederim, daha yeni yorumlar 2020'de geliyor.
over 400KM per tank?? wow. I think mine SD02 from '03 is done at 350
Mine did just over 250 miles last week and mixed riding too which is just over 400kms
If you compare this bike VS 125cc varadero, is the balance and drive skills almost the same? I haven't try this yet 🤔
The only things they share in common is the name and upright riding position . 2 completely different motorcycles
Lovely bike .. suit a lanky git like me... But I read it's top heavy with a full tank.. and dodgy u turning at low speeds because of that.. not sure what other issues they are known for aside from being a gas guzzler...
That model not too bad on juice ,the older model certainly was . The lankier you are the better for the xl thats for sure
in 3:20 you start to change the gears....you use clutch?
maybe maybe not :)
@@NomadAdventureBiker I always use the clutch on any bike to change gears, can you change without pulling in the clutch?
Hey road warrior , I always use the clutch to change gears. Sometimes I will check the smoothness of gear changes between 3rd and 4th just to see how the box is but that's not recommended of course 😉. Anyway you can get quick shifters for most bikes now. And with the right exhaust will make a beautiful sound too as you're banging up through the gears. It would be interesting to see how the Varadero would sound quick shifting with a set of Akropovic cans.
what mpg are you getting?
In or around 40 mpg
Looks like my 2006 VStrom DL1000.
I've had a 2005 Vstrom 1000 since . Better if you're shorter . Nice engine too . I liked it more to be honest.
.