The first impression of buying a Honda Varadero is that it is not a motorcycle, but some kind of beast. You turn off the gas and it’s as if it’s trying to get away from under you, so much so that the steering wheel is torn out of your hands. Then I realized that it was a matter of habit - I rode for just a couple of weeks, and everything fell into place. I began to drive regularly every day, for work, although in the city on the Var it is not particularly convenient.
The motorcycle is wide and heavy, sometimes it is difficult to get between cars due to the wide handlebars. With a height of 190, I reach the ground confidently, but if I were a little shorter or my legs were a little shorter, it would be uncomfortable, and it’s easy to drop the Varadero due to its heaviness. It’s also hard to roll out of the garage backwards. One plus in the city is that you sit high, look over the roofs of many cars and read the traffic situation well. But the hot air from the radiators bakes your feet in hot weather, which is not very pleasant, but in cold weather it is warmer.
On the track everything is much better, where this bike is king. The acceleration is furious, the suspension is such that you can drive along the ruined road, which was last repaired under Tsar Gorokh, without slowing down. You can also drive by speed bumps without even noticing them. Large ground clearance allows you to storm curbs without the risk of getting caught. I wouldn’t recommend driving off the asphalt, even though this is a touring enduro. but purely for asphalt. In theory, with normal tires, it rushes through medium mud like a tank, but in practice, due to the high center of gravity and overall mass, it’s easy to fall over on its side.
Another review from a Honda Varadero owner.
I’ve been dreaming about the Varadero for a long time; in my opinion, it’s generally one of Honda’s best models, and it’s a shame they replaced it with the Crosstourer. I used to drive a Transalpe 650, I just drooled at Varadero until I finally decided to buy it. The motorcycle is huge, its size is amazing and even scary at first. It is very heavy, when tilted towards the “point of no return”, when all that remains is to put it down and then lift it, it goes through very quickly and unnoticeably.
The main advantages, in my opinion, are the engine, chassis and overall reliability. The engine is brutal, it pulls from the very bottom, and at medium speeds it also goes no worse. There are no tops, but they are not needed, this is not a sportbike. Vibrations don't bother me. Comfortable speed with high glass for me is up to 160 km/h. You can drive at least 200, but the consumption increases greatly, and it’s simply scary. But you don’t have to be afraid of potholes and other things, Varadero is just on the side, it will pass and not notice. As for reliability, the bike has already passed 60 thousand under me, and I didn’t buy it new. There were no breakdowns, and judging by the reviews of other owners, they have the same picture. That seems to be all, I described the disadvantages above - a very large, very heavy and high-saddle motorcycle, not for wimps.
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Review of the Honda XL1000V Varadero motorcycle
I've owned it for two years. The season is over. It was purchased in Germany. The first impression is BOMB! Huge car! Before it there was the Suzuki DR 800 and the KTM DUKE 640. Completely different devices, but nonetheless. Well, about five more motocross bikes - that's another story. I sat down for the first time - mine! My height is 182 cm and my weight is 107 kg. But it seemed a bit heavy. I was also surprised on the road - the dynamics are excellent, smooth, the seating position is relaxed. On the first day I drove about 300 km. I went for a ride. Interesting brakes, they are duplicated front and rear.
The feeling when braking is unusual - the mass seems to be large, but in an emergency there are no breakdowns! Liked. The season skated without incident. Not very comfortable at low speeds. The weight makes itself felt! Now HONDA has released the crosstourer 1200. A very similar device (as it turned out, not at all similar). I wanted to buy it. But after a ride I changed my mind. A very expensive, sophisticated, but useless toy. Lots of bells and whistles - no use! My opinion is that the Varadero is the most successful heavy enduro motorcycle. I'll ride it.
At first, I thought he would rip my hands out. No matter how hard you turn the gas, it tears out from under you and it’s hard to hold the steering wheel. But then I got used to it and everything is fine. The ride is simply convenient in all respects. Previously, while doing bandos, my arms and back got tired. Reclining landing. And here. You sit high, rides cheerfully, with plenty to spare. On the road - the king. Two panniers on the sides not only did not increase the dimensions of the already hefty motorcycle, but I got used to them and in traffic jams you ride between the rows with the same comfort as on a smaller motorcycle. And the panniers turned out to be simply excellent. I also put a raincoat in them and if I need to transport anything, it’s just great. I used to think it was only for tourism, in the city it would only be a burden. Moreover! High ground clearance allows you to drive close to the curb and squeeze along the right side in traffic jams. Glass cuts oncoming traffic perfectly. Previously, I drove through open areas, especially on the bridge, and was afraid of crosswinds. And this heavyweight drives like he's rooted to the spot. Heavy - yes! To get up from the ground you need to practice, if you fall on your side you can’t stop it, but you get used to it. You hold it without any problems, it is simply easy to control, turns, lane changes, everything is simple. All irregularities, potholes, and crossings on the roads without problems. It doesn't bother the police with its belly. I liked the brakes. CBS system. Distributes force to both wheels. They work great. The suspension is also excellent. The rear shock absorber is adjustable with a simple knob. The same speed bump is simply swallowed. You can drive onto a country road and drive on dirt roads and grass, well, not like on an endura with evil wheels, but it’s possible. I'm not a tourist. And I only travel around the city. Everything is fine. Just what you need. From distant places. On the third day of purchase, I went with a passenger to another city. The 250 km run passed without any stress. Average speed on the highway is 120 km. Rushing like a rocket. For me, the motik is a blast!
The most powerful motorcycle, it is huge, its size is amazing. But the Honda XL 1000V is something. 10,000 km of run, 14 days and 2 luggage containers of 45 liters each, plus 70 kilograms of weight of the passenger sitting behind him, and he, as if light, maneuverability was not affected, despite the additional wind resistance created by the suitcases. It was designed to be driven with a passenger whose weight you don’t feel while driving. The engine power plus the weight of the motorcycle make handling very dynamic and comfortable. You get a real thrill when you feel the Varadero 1000 between your legs.
The manufacturer has provided for everything. And a cool, indestructible suspension, which is especially necessary for our broken roads, and Honda’s CBS, thanks to which the motorcycle stands rooted to the spot.
There are, of course, several drawbacks: due to its rather large dimensions, it is not possible to maneuver in traffic jams. Well, a special point is fuel consumption. Varya’s appetite is far from childish, so be prepared for fairly frequent refueling. Now I spend every summer actually on wheels, or rather a month of vacation. The routes are different, but always interesting. This time I’m going to Europe to Italy, I think it’s a wonderful place to relax on the lake. In general, guys, if you want new sensations, adventures, and so on, take Varadero!
I have owned Varodero since 2007, before that I drove 60t.km in Africa. I like to travel far and alone, so Africa began to be missed, and no matter how beautiful Africa was (it was in 2000), I solved the problem of versatility by purchasing Varadero and Jebel. What to say? Really like! Allows you to move comfortably for a long time at a good speed (for two people on normal roads, a comfortable speed is 125-140 km/h, since 6th gear is engaged no earlier than 120 km/h) More than once I had to cover 1100 km in a day, with constant stops to eat , then ...., then refuel. For some reason, many people don’t like modest suspension travel. But there is no need to compare Africa and Varadero, considering it as Greater Africa. At first, I had the same misconception. Only after riding for a whole season did I come to the realization that this is a completely different motorcycle and cannot be approached with African standards. The faster the motorcycle, the shorter the suspension travel should be. Anyone who has been caught in waves while turning at speed in Africa knows what trajectory the motorcycle follows. About dirt roads. If you’re alone on a motorcycle, even with a load, then you can still ride safely on a dry one, but mud? It's all about the rubber. In 2010, a large group of 12 people gathered at Rybachy, all in Africa. On Jebel I did not fit into this group, because... the average speed will be 120 km/h. I decided to prepare Varadero. I took off the front fender and made a visor out of aluminum, like on the GS-sakh. I bought 19″ cross tires for the front wheel and Medzeller KARU for the rear. At first I had the impression that I was driving on ice. But after the first 1000 km the motorcycle already felt good, and then on the dirt roads to Teriberka it could easily ride at any speed, which really amazed Max-Paduchev, where he moved very carefully on his Varadero. The whole secret is in the rubber. The front toothed wheel made it possible to calmly move from one sand track to another, and this at a speed of 100 km/h. At the same time, the rear wheel moves to the sides, as on Jebel. I think for those motorcyclists who are not familiar with this kind of riding on the ground, it is very difficult to imagine that Varadero is wagging backwards at a hundred. When traveling around Rybachy, there was only one thought that bothered me - it was something like that of an overweight person weighing 150 kg doing high jumps. Those. I felt very overweight and had to fight it. The Africans passed the same obstacle much easier than me, although Africa in those places is not the most comfortable motorcycle. Sorry for such a detailed broadcast, but maybe my experience with cross-country tires on Varadero will be useful to someone. In terms of reliability: Honda is Honda. Already 70,000 km. replaced the fork guides and seals, clutch cable, and rear shock absorber silent block. The bottom of the crankcase is covered with titanium protection, which was very useful at Rybachy. Good luck to all!
Go to the Honda XL1000V Varadero
Check out the test drives:
- Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
- Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
- Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
- Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
- Honda XL1000V Varadero: comparative test drive with Suzuki DL1000 V-strom
Review of the Honda XL 1000 V Varadero motorcycle
I've owned it for two years. The season is over. It was purchased in Germany. The first impression is BOMB! Huge car! Before it there was the Suzuki DR 800 and the KTM DUKE 640. Completely different devices, but nonetheless. Well, about five more motocross bikes - that's another story. I sat down for the first time - mine! My height is 182 cm and my weight is 107 kg. But it seemed a bit heavy. I was also surprised on the road - the dynamics are excellent, smooth, the seating position is relaxed. On the first day I drove about 300 km. I went for a ride. Interesting brakes, they are duplicated front and rear.
The feeling when braking is unusual - the mass seems to be large, but in an emergency there are no breakdowns! Liked. The season skated without incident. Not very comfortable at low speeds. The weight makes itself felt! Now HONDA has released the crosstourer 1200. A very similar device (as it turned out, not at all similar). I wanted to buy it. But after a ride I changed my mind. A very expensive, sophisticated, but useless toy. Lots of bells and whistles - no use! My opinion is that the Varadero is the most successful heavy enduro motorcycle. I'll ride it.
At first, I thought he would rip my hands out. No matter how hard you turn the gas, it tears out from under you and it’s hard to hold the steering wheel. But then I got used to it and everything is fine. The ride is simply convenient in all respects. Previously, while doing bandos, my arms and back got tired. Reclining landing. And here. You sit high, rides cheerfully, with plenty to spare. On the road - the king. Two panniers on the sides not only did not increase the dimensions of the already hefty motorcycle, but I got used to them and in traffic jams you ride between the rows with the same comfort as on a smaller motorcycle. And the panniers turned out to be simply excellent. I also put a raincoat in them and if I need to transport anything, it’s just great. I used to think it was only for tourism, in the city it would only be a burden. Moreover! High ground clearance allows you to drive close to the curb and squeeze along the right side in traffic jams. Glass cuts oncoming traffic perfectly. Previously, I drove through open areas, especially on the bridge, and was afraid of crosswinds. And this heavyweight drives like he's rooted to the spot. Heavy - yes! To get up from the ground you need to practice, if you fall on your side you can’t stop it, but you get used to it. You hold it without any problems, it is simply easy to control, turns, lane changes, everything is simple. All irregularities, potholes, and crossings on the roads without problems. It doesn't bother the police with its belly. I liked the brakes. CBS system. Distributes force to both wheels. They work great. The suspension is also excellent. The rear shock absorber is adjustable with a simple knob. The same speed bump is simply swallowed. You can drive onto a country road and drive on dirt roads and grass, well, not like on an endura with evil wheels, but it’s possible. I'm not a tourist. And I only travel around the city. Everything is fine. Just what you need. From distant places. On the third day of purchase, I went with a passenger to another city. The 250 km run passed without any stress. Average speed on the highway is 120 km. Rushing like a rocket. For me, the motik is a blast!
The most powerful motorcycle, it is huge, its size is amazing. But the Honda XL 1000V is something. 10,000 km of run, 14 days and 2 luggage containers of 45 liters each, plus 70 kilograms of weight of the passenger sitting behind him, and he, as if light, maneuverability was not affected, despite the additional wind resistance created by the suitcases. It was designed to be driven with a passenger whose weight you don’t feel while driving. The engine power plus the weight of the motorcycle make handling very dynamic and comfortable. You get a real thrill when you feel the Varadero 1000 between your legs.
The manufacturer has provided for everything. And a cool, indestructible suspension, which is especially necessary for our broken roads, and Honda’s CBS, thanks to which the motorcycle stands rooted to the spot.
There are, of course, several drawbacks: due to its rather large dimensions, it is not possible to maneuver in traffic jams. Well, a special point is fuel consumption. Varya’s appetite is far from childish, so be prepared for fairly frequent refueling. Now I spend every summer actually on wheels, or rather a month of vacation. The routes are different, but always interesting. This time I’m going to Europe to Italy, I think it’s a wonderful place to relax on the lake. In general, guys, if you want new sensations, adventures, and so on, take Varadero!
I have owned Varodero since 2007, before that I drove 60t.km in Africa. I like to travel far and alone, so Africa began to be missed, and no matter how beautiful Africa was (it was in 2000), I solved the problem of versatility by purchasing Varadero and Jebel. What to say? Really like! Allows you to move comfortably for a long time at a good speed (for two people on normal roads, a comfortable speed is 125-140 km/h, since 6th gear is engaged no earlier than 120 km/h) More than once I had to cover 1100 km in a day, with constant stops to eat , then ...., then refuel. For some reason, many people don’t like modest suspension travel. But there is no need to compare Africa and Varadero, considering it as Greater Africa. At first, I had the same misconception. Only after riding for a whole season did I come to the realization that this is a completely different motorcycle and cannot be approached with African standards. The faster the motorcycle, the shorter the suspension travel should be. Anyone who has been caught in waves while turning at speed in Africa knows what trajectory the motorcycle follows. About dirt roads. If you’re alone on a motorcycle, even with a load, then you can still ride safely on a dry one, but mud? It's all about the rubber. In 2010, a large group of 12 people gathered at Rybachy, all in Africa. On Jebel I did not fit into this group, because... the average speed will be 120 km/h. I decided to prepare Varadero. I took off the front fender and made a visor out of aluminum, like on the GS-sakh. I bought 19″ cross tires for the front wheel and Medzeller KARU for the rear. At first I had the impression that I was driving on ice. But after the first 1000 km the motorcycle already felt good, and then on the dirt roads to Teriberka it could easily ride at any speed, which really amazed Max-Paduchev, where he moved very carefully on his Varadero. The whole secret is in the rubber. The front toothed wheel made it possible to calmly move from one sand track to another, and this at a speed of 100 km/h. At the same time, the rear wheel moves to the sides, as on Jebel. I think for those motorcyclists who are not familiar with this kind of riding on the ground, it is very difficult to imagine that Varadero is wagging backwards at a hundred. When traveling around Rybachy, there was only one thought that bothered me - it was something like that of an overweight person weighing 150 kg doing high jumps. Those. I felt very overweight and had to fight it. The Africans passed the same obstacle much easier than me, although Africa in those places is not the most comfortable motorcycle. Sorry for such a detailed broadcast, but maybe my experience with cross-country tires on Varadero will be useful to someone. In terms of reliability: Honda is Honda. Already 70,000 km. replaced the fork guides and seals, clutch cable, and rear shock absorber silent block. The bottom of the crankcase is covered with titanium protection, which was very useful at Rybachy. Good luck to all!
