Honda Varadero XL125V Review

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Honda Varadero XL125V
4.6 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.6 out of 5

From 19 ratings and 48 reviews

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jud995's Review of Honda Varadero XL125V

20th Mar 2006

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    3.5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    4 weeks
  • Reliability
    4 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2006
  • Build quality
    4 stars
Good Points

A bike to suit normal sized people, as opposed to the usual 3/4 scale 125's the market is awash with.
Remarkably smooth engine and suspension, combined with very forgiving steering and cornering.
Just the thing for a totally out of practice returnee to biking.


Bad Points

It had to have a new battery fitted when I went to take delivery.
This is on a brand new, recent stock, bike.
The battery is of a good make, and of a type that holds its charge even under very adverse conditions.
Most odd!


General Comments

I bought a Honda Varadero XL125V to replace a Suzuki 125 Burgman.
The improvement in road behaviour and comfort is very noticeable over the Burgman.
However it would be nice to have at least some useable storeage space. When is a manufacturer going to combine the advantages of a scooter and a motorcycle?????

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Members' Comments onjud995's Review

  • damienmcguire84 Rank: Corporal on 25th Apr 2006

    If your after a 125 bike with a bit of storage space (aka like the underseat on a scooter) have a look at the Gilera DNA 125, the "petrol tank" in front of the seat is actually a big helmet locker, my mate got a 12 pack in his.

  • jud995 Rank: Sergeant on 26th Apr 2006

    Everything O.K. so far with the Varadero. However, could someone tell me how to stop other 125 riders pulling up alongside at traffic lights, and then thrashing away at max throttle so as to beat this perceived "big bike" with the 'L' plates. I fear I may soon be the inadvertant cause of a nasty accident. It is freeing up nicely and will now reach the magic 60mph if given enough space and time.

  • RodS Rank: Lance Corporal on 14th Jun 2006

    Useable storage space on a motorcycle? What would you like next - free fuel?

  • jud995 Rank: Sergeant on 17th Aug 2006

    The Vara. is six months old now and nicely freed off, 50mph, easy peasy; 60, give it time; 70, on a good day with a following wind and lots of space.

    No real problems, but it isn't the ideal bike to take a test on, a bit top heavy and not the best bike to do tight U turns on.

    Otherwise; the comfortable ride is still comfortable, even after a couple of hours, and running costs are so low even a tight old git like me can't complain.

    All in all highly recommended.