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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jimrbrobinson's Review of Honda Varadero XL125V

15th Oct 2006

Overall Rating

5 stars
  • Value for money
    5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 weeks
  • Reliability
    5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2002
  • Build quality
    5 stars
Good Points

Built with Honda's renowned and reliable 4-stroke 4-valve SOHC 90 V-Twin engine, this bike combines 'big-bike' styling with economy. Perfect balance and solid handling. An easy machine to get used to.


Bad Points

Very heavy compared to others in class, which reduces acceleration. Not a bike to rev-and-go from standing. A fuel gauge would be nice too.


General Comments

After ten-year absence I have finally returned to biking with the Honda Varadero XL125V (my previous was a Honda CM-125). Since picking her up from the shop just last Monday, I've put just short of four hundred and ninety miles on her, and arrived at my destinations with a Cheshire Cat grin on my face. As a prelude to eventually undertaking Direct Access and moving up to bigger bikes, I believe the XL125V is the ideal choice. Her size and weight are ideal preparation for bigger bikes, whilst her poise and balance are easy to master. I have pretty short legs (and small hands) for a bloke, but I have found no problems thus far. This is a bike that is nimble and agile enough for commuting, but will still pull up to 65mph comfortably. The Varadero, in my humble opinion, is the best all-rounder in the 125 category.

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Members' Comments onjimrbrobinson's Review

  • jimrbrobinson Rank: Staff Sergeant on 6th Sep 2007

    Just realised It's nearly a year since I wrote the original review. Well, my opinion of the Varadero is unchanged. Although I'm feeling the itch for something bigger, I've done trips from Manchester (Home) to Hampshire and Scotland on several occasions, and I still arrive wherever I go with a Cheshire-Cat grin on my face.

    The Varadero is a well-balanced bike, can handle carrying a lot of luggage (soft panniers, tailpack and tankbag, plus me with a reasonably large rucksack), and is quite comfortable even on long journeys.

    I no longer miss the fuel gauge (see my comment on the separate fuel-gauge forum). Take it easy for the first few fill ups till you get the feel for what your bike needs and you shouldn't have a problem.

    Altogether, when I do trade-up, I'll be sorry to let my Varadero go. Pity Honda don't make one with a slightly bigger engine (i.e. 400-500cc), which would be a great bike (the 1000cc big brother is a bit too much of a beast!).

    Happy riding.