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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Guest's Review of Honda Varadero XL125V

3rd May 2008

Overall Rating

1.5 stars
  • Value for money
    1 stars
  • Length of ownership
    1
  • Reliability
    2.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2006
  • Build quality
    3.5 stars
Good Points

Size and weight


Bad Points

Exceptionally poor acceleration and top speed.


General Comments

I have owned a Varadero since January 2006. It is the first bike I have owned. It's a useful bike for those, like me, who wish ultimately to buy something much bigger to tour on; largely because of its size compared to other 125cc machines. The Varadero has two, quite glaring, deficiencies; first, its acceleration. At traffic lights, prepare to be the last off the blocks each and every time. I'm afraid that you will be left for dead by the very smallest scooter no matter how much you try to rev the engine. Second, the top speed is laughably low for a bike of its size. Ignore the comments you see around this one claiming a top speed of 70 mph or anything near it. You'll be lucky to get up to 50 with a hurricane-force wind at your back. Make no mistake, good reader; this is a good first bike to practice on, but its a Potemkin Village; all image and no substance.

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Members' Comments onGuest's Review

  • Tom H Rank: Colonel on 8th May 2008

    I suppose that's one of the things with a 125cc scooter - they're cheap and economical, but aren't really built for speed. Most riders I know use them as city commuters rather than full-on bikes.

  • JamesQGM on 15th Jun 2008

    Whether you got your varadero from i'd take it back.
    65/70mph cruising is easy and acceleration is good compared to many 4-stroke 125's.

  • danielvaradero Rank: Sergeant on 22nd Jul 2008

    I totally agree with JAMESQGM, it sounds like your Varadero is broken. I've just come off my scooter and now have a varadero the acceleration is awesome and feels like a hypeblast compared to my scooter, its top speed is about 70-75mph and can cruise at 60-70mph and it can beat vitually any car at the lights and gets up to speed in no time.

  • VaraDave Rank: Lance Corporal on 16th Aug 2008

    Sorry mate you had a bad one.

    Reader :- take notice of everybody else saying top speeds 70 - 80mph. I'm 13 stone, have done 5000 miles since April on my 08 'dero an my normal crusing speed would be between 70 / 75 mph, with 80 on the downhill.
    The V-Twin copes with most wind, slowest I've been in top gear flat out was 57mph, and that was a storm force 10 wind head on, most 125's would have stopped.
    Before the first service she was sluggish but thats to be expected. Only thing beats me off the line is 400cc +

  • hobgoblinner on 12th Nov 2008

    I found this review helpful because...it seems to be written by a genuine person.