XL1000V Varadero review
It'll never set your loins on fire, but the Varadero's a worthy workhorse with a hint of fun
The Varadero surprised me. Initially it felt soulless and antiseptic but its easy-going nature soon reared its head and suckered me in. Its big twin motor has a smooth, dipped-in-Teflon power delivery that lends the whole bike a relaxed, lazy feel. At 274kg (wringing wet) it's the heaviest bike in its class (and that's minus luggage) and its weight does kill the engine's performance a little, but there's still just enough if you work the gearbox.
The Varadero churns gently away beneath you with its simple analogue clocks, narrow yet high handlebars and upright screen. All worked efficiently, without obvious fuss. Just like the whole bike, really. The suspension's nicely damped and sprung, the linked brakes have plenty of power and the ABS was spot on, in other words I didn't ever notice it. Interestingly, the Honda's ABS can't be turned off, but worked as well off-road as it did on.
The Varadero is an underrated all-rounder that handles well but lacks character. It gets on with the job.
The Varadero surprised me. Initially it felt soulless and antiseptic but its easy-going nature soon reared its head and suckered me in. Its big twin motor has a smooth, dipped-in-Teflon power delivery that lends the whole bike a relaxed, lazy feel. At 274kg (wringing wet) it's the heaviest bike in its class (and that's minus luggage) and its weight does kill the engine's performance a little, but there's still just enough if you work the gearbox.
The Varadero churns gently away beneath you with its simple analogue clocks, narrow yet high handlebars and upright screen. All worked efficiently, without obvious fuss. Just like the whole bike, really. The suspension's nicely damped and sprung, the linked brakes have plenty of power and the ABS was spot on, in other words I didn't ever notice it. Interestingly, the Honda's ABS can't be turned off, but worked as well off-road as it did on.
The Varadero is an underrated all-rounder that handles well but lacks character. It gets on with the job.
| Length (mm) | 2295 |
| Width (mm) | 925 |
| Height (mm) | 1500 |
| Dryweight (kg) | 235 |
| Seats | 0 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 838 |
| Suspension Front | 43mm telescopic fork, 155mm axle travel |
| Suspension Rear | Pro-link, 145mm axle travel |
| Adjustability Rear | Spring preload adjustable damper |
| Wheels Front | 19 x MT2.50 |
| Wheels Rear | 17 x MT4.00 |
| Wheels Made Of | Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 110/80-R19 59H |
| Tyres Rear | 150/70-R17 69H |
| Brakes Front | ABS. 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined |
| Brakes Rear | ABS. 256 x 5mm hydraulic disc with Combined 3-pist |
| Tank Capacity (litres) | 25 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1560 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 181 |
| Trail (mm) | 110 |
| Chassis | Diamond; steel tube |
| Cubic Capacity (cc) | 996 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 93 |
| Max Power Peak (rpm) | 8000 |
| Torque (ft/lb) | 72 |
| Torque Peak (rpm) | 6000 |
| Bore (mm) | 98 |
| Stroke (mm) | 66 |
| Valve Gear | DOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8 |
| Ignition | Computer controled digital transistorised with ele |
| Cooling | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
| Drive | Chain |
| Max Power | 81.3 |
| Max Power Revs | 7500 |
| Max Torque | 62.6 |
| Max Torque Revs | 6400 |
| Standing Quarter Mile - Terminal Speed MPH | 102.76 |
| Standing Quarter Mile - Time | 13.6 |
| Top Speed | 123.2 |
| Time to Top Speed | 38.71 |
