HONDA XL 1000 VARADERO + Other options

thepeteh

thepeteh

thepeteh

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Joined
2 Jan 2009
Posts
1,222
Location
North Yorkshire
Got a test ride booked for one (2008 model) of these next weekend, looking to replace my cbr6 and africa twin with a bike that can do it all, or at least have a go! :p

I know the vara gets slagged in the press and forums for being ugly as sin, heavy, and un economical. For me, the fuel consumption + the range doesn't seem that bad, I'll only be using it on very light trails to get to camping spots off the beat and track so picking it up isn't a big concern and I think they look alright too but I know this is subjective :)

Was wondering if there's any vara owners on here who have any advice, opinions to share.

So my budget will end up being £6-7K, I've also been browsing KTM Adventure 990's, BWM R1200GS', now theres a bike* thats just too damn ugly for me! :D
 
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I've got an 04 KTM 950 Adventure,i can quite easily say it's the best bike i have ever owned.The KTM's need a bit more love and care than the jap and german rivels but it always puts a massive grin on my face.
 
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Europe last month :cool:
 
Service every 4.5k and shims every 9k.Wind protection is fine for me with a road lid,peaked lids are a bit turbulent.You can get taller screens though.Fuel consumption varies from 30ish mpg(ragging it) to 60mpg(sitting on 70 on motorway).I have not had any problems with it(yet!) but i have replaced/fixed all the known issues since i have owned it.The early water pumps are a know issue,the fuel pump points fail and the cluch slave cylinders are week(still need to do mine)a lot of the early problems where ironed out with the 990.The LC8 engine is just awsome,pulls like a train :)And the WP suspension is very very good.
 
Varadero is so mundane - I dont think its a bike you could ever love. Dave, the guy who came out on our ride on his 1200GS has just bought a new one....another 1200GS but limited edition triple black colour scheme. Looks awesome. If I was after that type of bike I'd have a GS without a doubt, although I do like the Tiger 1050's too, and that KTM above looks awesome.
 
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