Not the usual Varadero questions

[unluckyluke]

I know everyone highly rates the Varadero 125 but has anyone got any experience of owning the 1000 model? Looking for something cheapish to do some miles touring around on and they seem pretty cheap for a Honda bike. If they're anywhere near as good as the 125 version then surely they're a bit of a bargain.

[gavbriggs]

I believe they are a bit Lardy and not really meant for anything more off road than a gravel drive. They seem to do the miles though.

[unluckyluke]

Yeah I just seen they weigh in at over 230kg! They look bloody comfortable though and aren't badly priced. Wonder what they're like on fuel.

[yen_powell]

I've done about 50,000 miles on mine, it's got 74,000 on the clock now.

I've got the FI ABS model and it has linked brakes. It weighs the same as a small neutron star.

I use it for my daily 100 mile commute plus bike rallies etc. I get about 45mpg from it, I am usually travelling everywhere at 90 though.

I had to buy a power commander to sort out the rubbish low speed running. This worked straight from the box, proving that Honda have gone all out to please the emissions people and made a pigs ear of it.

I change the oil and filter every 8,000 miles, spark plugs are good for 16,000 miles. I do the air filter at the same time because removing the fuel tank is a pain.

I get about 12,000 miles out of my rear Tourance tyres (the old fashioned Tourance, not the poncy newer versions that no one wants). The fronts last forever, I change them probably after about 18,000 miles. Chains last about 20-25,000. I have fitted an oiler for my new chain so will see if that improves life.

Front brake pads last about 20,000 miles, the rears can go very quickly, I hate linked brakes.

It's okay as a tourer I suppose, nothing to get excited about. It'll do a 100 on the motorway two up with no problem, I've got Honda panniers, thinking of getting rid of them and getting proper old school Givi ones though.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[gavbriggs]

I think it's the vtr engine, not sure what it'd do to the gallon but I would imagine mid 40's plus on a run.

I was looking at those when I first decided to do my tests toward the end of last year but by the time I had done the tests I'd gone off them.

They were a bit pricey for what I wanted so was looking at the cbf 1000 but then ended up with a bandit 1200(which is very comfortable)

The cbf with the lower fairing looks very nice as does the bandit with the GT fairings. They all seem a good buy in that sort off class so it's a case of viewing whatever's close enough I would say and choosing a good un

[unluckyluke]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorted of what I was hoping/expecting really I suppose it's a case of test riding one and seeing how I get on. Currently riding a zx6r at the moment which is fine for a weekend blast but would like to start seeing a bit more of the world on a bike and want something comfy and reliable that I'm not going to worry about scratching when I strap luggage to it.

[yen_powell]

[gavbriggs]

Just fit rollers on the bottoms of the panniers and your fine!!

[merquis00]

[Fladdem]

No first hand experience, but a mate borrowed one for a couple of weeks.

Said the engine was lovely but the fuel was horrendous. The tank was so big, he could feel the fuel sloshing to one side and throwing him off balance mid corner.

He reckons either some baffle plates in the tank, or maybe a couple of smaller tanks would alleviate this hitch.

Take from that what you will. I still wish there was a 350cc ish Varadero knocking about. My ultimate bike.
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Current:1991 Honda MT50 (Soon to be a H100/MTX/MT5 hybrid), 1976 Honda Cub C70, 2005 Honda Varadero 125, 1993 Yamaha TTR250 Open Enduro , 2010 Road Legal Stomp YX140, 1994 Honda CRM 250 MK III, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 1992 Honda CB400 Super Four, Stomp T4 230, 1984 Honda H100s, 2009 Sym XS125K
Past:2003 Aprilia RS125, 1982 Kawasaki GPZ550(FREE BIKE!)
I'm having more fun than a well-oiled midget.

[nelmo]

I had one years ago and it was a great bike - extremely comfortable and decent power. It is the VTR engine, de-tuned a bit, but economy was bad - I doubt I ever got into the 40s mpg (although in those days I never bothered about economy).

They're old tech, which is probably why they're cheap but not a bad bike - as always, take a test ride - only way to be sure.

[map]

[Fladdem]

[P.addy]

Honda SLR650 is my likely "upgrade" for the Vara, just sayin

[unluckyluke]

I think low 40s mpg would probably make me cry! How about a Transalp? Anyone any experience of these?

[Shaft]

[P.addy]

[Fladdem]

I was about to say, as well, it looks like a city fly 125. I very nearly bought one when I was 17, but my Varadero popped up in better nick for similar money.

What about an NX650 Dominator? They appeal to me, and slightly more off-road biased, if you're into that.
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Current:1991 Honda MT50 (Soon to be a H100/MTX/MT5 hybrid), 1976 Honda Cub C70, 2005 Honda Varadero 125, 1993 Yamaha TTR250 Open Enduro , 2010 Road Legal Stomp YX140, 1994 Honda CRM 250 MK III, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 1992 Honda CB400 Super Four, Stomp T4 230, 1984 Honda H100s, 2009 Sym XS125K
Past:2003 Aprilia RS125, 1982 Kawasaki GPZ550(FREE BIKE!)
I'm having more fun than a well-oiled midget.

[Shaft]

I ended up with my XL600, which is great around town, just about acceptable on more open roads, but bloody hopeless if you want to spend any time at high speed.

IMO big singles are just too vibey and they don't produce much power, so at NSL they are starting to feel like they are running out of steam.

If the OP is hoping to get something with a comfy riding position and softish suspension, I would go for a twin, if there's any chance of motorways being involved.
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20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
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