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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ahashake's Review of Honda Varadero XL125V

17th Jun 2006

Overall Rating

5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    1 month
  • Reliability
    5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2003
  • Build quality
    4.5 stars
Good Points

This is EASILY the best 125 money can buy, more than that, it's one of the best bikes money can buy full stop.

The Varadero is absolutely fantastic at every level, and compared to other bikes in the 125 class it is absolutely faultless. First and foremost, it's a Honda, great quality, comfortable, reliable.

This bike is mammoth! It is easily mistakeable for a 600 tourer, with a fantastic fairing that does a good job of deflecting headwinds around the rider and a Huge aluminium V-Twin engine that looks the part at every level.

It is perfect for the taller rider, 6 foot in my opinion being the optimum size, though it comfortable accomodates my 6 foot 3. It has a big plush seat that just doesnt get uncomfortable, for rider or passenger, and the up right riding position gives a near perfect mix of control and comfort.

The Engine. What can I say, it's all good, one of possibly two V-twins in the 125cc class, it puts all other 125's to shame, 4 and 2 stroke alike. It easily wafts it's way to 75mph far more quickly that you would expect for a bike of its size, and can reach the same speed with pillion in little longer.

At low revs the engine is extremely responsive, perfect for slow filtering, tricky maneuvres etc etc, and yet it oozes power in the top end, constantly accompanied by it's big bike grumble.

The headlights are excellent, as are the instruments, the speedo is far more accurate than other 125's in my experience, giving almost true speed top end readings consistently, and the digital miliometer, tripcounter, clock and temp guage are a classy touch.

Fantastic.


Bad Points

There is only one bad point I have been able to find with this bike, and that is corrosion of the exhaust, the standard setup is quite susceptible to quick corrosion and as such needs to be cared for often and well.


General Comments

I would recommend this Honda Varadero XL125V to the first time rider, as it will instantly hook anyone interested in becoming a biker. It would make a powerful and maneuvreable commuter with the added height as a bonus. The older ex biker trying to get back into a lost hobby would feel right at home on this bike after riding older larger bikes and last but not least as an excellent stepping stone for those gaining experience for their A2 test.

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