Written on: 06/04/2012
I've had the bike for a year now, and I've never had any problems with it. Always starts like from under a palm tree. Fuel consumption is great, mine uses about 3 liters per 100km....
Read full reviewWritten on: 13/03/2012
I've had this bike a year now. I managed to ride it from Brighton to Devon then up to the Highlands in Scotland, all on A roads (didn't have my full license yet). Was amazing! no problems at all and extremely fuel efficient. It has a big bike feel and a good presence on the road. Even though I am planning on moving up to larger bikes, I still would like to keep it! My only recommendations to new buyers is to let the bike warm up before you ride it on cold days to get its full performance. ...
Read full reviewWritten on: 27/04/2011
Just a quick report as I have only had the Varadero one week. I traded a Suzuki gn 125 in for the Honda and in terms of performance, what a differance. On the way home I did manage a wind assisted 80mph, and I am 18 stone!! However I wont be riding like that much but it seemes very comfortable at 60 to 65 mph and I have worked out the first tankfull of fuel at approx. 83 mpg which will be ideal for my 8 mile commute It rides and handles superbly and I can see me hanging on to this bike for quite...
Read full reviewWritten on: 07/02/2011
Just an absolute catalogue of breakdowns and problems. Fuel injectors needed re-seating. Cogs on the coolant pump don't fit properly and rattle. Mysterious rattle from the engine. Rear brake seal failure, every single year costing £200 a time. Poor to non-existent customer service. This bike is an over-priced disaster zone. I would never buy another Honda as long as I live. Poor build quality, bad service from Honda, incredibly unreliable....
Read full reviewWritten on: 03/02/2011
its a great bike iv been on bikes for years and this the best for doing the test only ever mucked up 1s on it when i waz to blam not my dero i waz going to fast in to a bent and didnt make it lucky only whent in to a field lol made no diff to bike still whent like stick lol im only 5ft 6 and find it easy to get on and off iv hade 80 mph out of her but i am small lol and light any 1 know what to put on her to get more power lol...
Read full reviewWritten on: 19/07/2011
speak english please!
Written on: 02/08/2011
This would have been so much better if it had been written in English !!
Written on: 07/01/2011
best 125 out there cos i have had 5 bike and out of then all this is the only 1 that ant let me down or cost me an arm or leg when the mot came round yer it ant the fastes bike i have had by far but for reliability and not letting me down is gets 11 out of ten for that cos the bike i had be for is did 130but was all ways braking down but thats good old 2 stroke for u were as is is a vtwian and 4 stroke so will last a life time if toke care of which is the same for ever bike and would i pick is bike...
Read full reviewWritten on: 02/10/2011
Based on the last (and first) two reviews I've read on this bike, seems you have to be illiterate to buy it.
Written on: 16/10/2010
Simplesmente sensacional!...Conforto,eleg ncia,seguran a e muito certinha!...
Read full reviewWritten on: 30/05/2010
FIRST OF ALL I JUST WANT TO APOLOGISE FOR THE SPELLING I HAVE TROUBLE WRITING. THANKS I've owned a 2002 Dero for a week noW after coming from 3 gilera runners for many years i thought it was time to go for my test so a manual was need, saw the dero for £1400 so i traded my runner in for it. have to say I'm glad i did its a fantastic bike it was a bit weird at first as im only 5ft 8inchs and it is a big bike for its size ( i pulled a a muscle getting off it the first time lol), hell it...
Read full reviewWritten on: 24/02/2010
It a good all round bike could do so better mods on it...
Read full reviewWritten on: 12/02/2010
Love it, love it, love it. What more can I say? I am over 6 foot tall and this is the first 125 motorbike that I don't look completely stupid on! It's a stop gap for me to pass my Direct access on then I'll move up to something like the BMW 650 GS. The bike feels good to ride. Great position, I can see over most normal cars (4x4's are another matter though) Pulls away nicely but being a 125 with me sitting on top it's obviously going to be underpowererd. Great into and out of corners - disk breaks...
Read full reviewWritten on: 20/01/2010
If you can garage this bike, or if you're a fair weather rider, I can guarantee you, this will be the best 125 you can buy - bar none. In fair weather, the ride is smooth, the engine is torquey and powerful, petrol usage is phenomenal, and as a learner, having the opportunity to ride a motorcycle with a footprint the size of a 600 tourer is invaluable experience. If you don't have a garage or you ride in adverse conditions - forget it. Firstly - as you will probably have seen, this bike is a...
Read full reviewWritten on: 06/04/2010
I dont own a garage and my 08 vara has lived outside under a storm proof cover and I have kept it clean and like new.
Written on: 15/09/2009
I have had my blue Varadero for 3 years now, since i passed my cbt. Can not fault it at all. How many bikes out their can do 200 miles for only a tenner of pertol a week. Strong and sturdy and would definetly recommend to new learners. Only bug bear is that it does struggle on motorways where you need that extra speed and power....
Read full reviewWritten on: 03/06/2011
Glad the bikes good, Just a quick observation you shouldn't be on the Motorway with a CBT........
Written on: 21/08/2009
hi there i bought a varadero 125v in july 2009 and what a bike it feels like riding a large motocycle and after riding a yamaha xl125x it is almost like riding more like a 600 ,it has a good handleing and great feel and loks superb, what more can i say about this splendid bike nice one honda. ...
Read full reviewWritten on: 18/08/2009
I have switched to a Honda Varadeo after riding a suzuki Marauder 125 for a quite long time. The first impresion was the size of the bike, its doesnt feel like 125 at all!! Marauder is not the smallest 125 as well but for a taller person, like me, I would recomended a honda. When you switch the engine on a bike rides perfectly and very smooth, i didnt know how quick 125cc can be until today :) I love the finish of Honda, you can feel the quality. Many people say that this is a heavy bike but you...
Read full reviewWritten on: 03/08/2009
HI back again i put in a report on the Honda Varadero XL125V bike after two days after i bought it which was good , I have had this bike now for three months now i just cant fault it in any way i just love it i read some off the reviews i would like to know why some can bad about it , great to handle quick respond after it is only a 125 but great bike worth buying well worth a try run before buying anythig else...
Read full reviewWritten on: 23/07/2009
I have 2 of these Honda Varadero XL125V bikes the first got written off after 2 months and the second after a year, but i have used bits from both and streetfightered one. in standard trim its a good bike comfy and easily able to beat pretty much any 4 stroke 125, its pretty slow by size standards only thing i dont like about it is the extortinate prices honda want for bits. main thing that breaks is footpeg or footpeg bracket and the bars bend easy once on the deck footpeg bracket is £75...
Read full reviewWritten on: 18/06/2009
I too have ha a few 125s the Vara being my 11th. My previous bike was a Honda CBR125R and I was looking to buy something a little bigger originally a Honda CBF250 but couldn't find a new one to buy. I heard about the Honda XL125V, read a few reviews and I liked wat I saw. I was told by one dealer that the Vara would be too big for me ( he didn't have one in stock for me to try it out) so I went to another for a 2nd opinion. Yes, the bike is big, bigger than I'm used to being 5' 4" but I got on it...
Read full reviewWritten on: 03/06/2009
I have just had the Honda Varadero XL125V bike for two days cant believe how good it handles ,Well balanced bike instant response ...
Read full reviewWritten on: 01/06/2009
I got the Honda XL Varadero v9 2009... really pleased with it.. got the looks & feel of a bigger bike... ...
Read full reviewWritten on: 06/04/2009
The Honda Varadero XL125 is a good first bike i suppose, will get you ready for bigger bikes because its heavy for a 125. bikes are supposed to have a thrill factor and sadly it is non existant in this bike and forget about overtaking! id say save a little bit more and get a 250...
Read full reviewWritten on: 03/05/2009
I disagree with this review because... the information is of no use to anyone wanting to buy a 125cc motorbike.
Written on: 24/03/2009
as a new biker training for Enduro India and no longer in the flush of yoof the Honda Varadero is a dream. It even has other bikers nodding at me on the road until they see the L plates and all think the bike is much bigger than the billed 125. I am 15 stone and it still sees 70mph on the flat, its tall frame and solid presence means that drivers have no problem in seeing me. I also wanted practice in handling and manhandling a heavier bike in preparation for the trip. Comfortable, good presence...
Read full reviewWritten on: 29/04/2009
Good review, I rode one for 2 years, cant say I could have expected anymore than the machine gave me, agreed with reviewer and for people who say its slow, well the clue is in the 125cc engine.
Written on: 22/03/2009
I have owned a black Honda Varadero XL125V since 06/08, and have covered just over a 1000 miles. I dont use it for commuting, but mostly on my days off to enjoy. I have used it in all weathers as i believe most people who say they have used bike for dry use only are always telling a few white lies. Everyone gets caught in the rain at some point. Bikes like these are made to use in all weathers! It handles both really well in rain and sunshine. You do feel the presence on the road is great as described...
Read full reviewWritten on: 05/08/2009
I agree about the mirrors! I take it yours are mounted to the fairing. If so, what type of extender did you go for?
Written on: 05/08/2009
What sort of extenders did you get for the mirrors?
Written on: 05/08/2009
Got the extenders from ebay, standard Honda Mirror extenders,same thread, but be warned, the actual mirrors seem to be impossible to undo from attachment, i still havent been able to fit extenders as i dont want to damage original attachment on mirrors. I will try it again sometime with a longer allen key to see if that can make them loose. Hope you have better luck mate.
Written on: 17/03/2009
I bought a Honda Varadero XL125V on a 56 plate 4 months ago. It's my first and only bike to date so apologies for not having much to compare it against, but I've been really pleased with it so far. It's acceleration and top speed are nothing to shout home about, but hey, it's a 125! I can't imagine it's any worse than it's competitors. On A roads it can cruise easily at 70mph, topping out around 75mph (although I've got an indicated 80mph a couple of times - probably wind-assisted!). It's just a...
Read full reviewWritten on: 25/02/2009
i am a big guy and this Honda Varadeno is the first bike i have owned that fits and suits my needs. good fuel range and waring light when low...nice touch. a big bike with a big presence and a joy to ride. well done honda....
Read full reviewWritten on: 05/02/2009
The Honda Varadero XL125V is a good overall tourer bike really suitable for myself over 6 ft , built quality is excellent and easy to ride , built up to speed very slow but stands out at lights due to its full height and stance. Excellent bike for learner prior to moving to bigger bikes....
Read full reviewWritten on: 28/01/2009
I have been riding my Varadero for about 8 months now and I am about to take my DAS. I really love this bike as it really is a joy to drive. It is not the fastest off the marks at the traffic light as the bike is quite heavy. I commute into central London on the A4 and the bike easily get's up to 60-65. You can do 70, but it will take you some time to get up to that speed. Fuel economy is great as the reserve warning light comes on after about 225 miles and then be prepared to fill her up with 16...
Read full reviewWritten on: 22/01/2009
The Honda Varadero XL125V has a strong Engine! Able to carry bags and do long millage. Great for experience and novice rider as well. This bike done 10 miles with me on the first year on the road. I been doing about 1000 miles a month and I had no Engine problem at all. When I sold it as i broken my leg not related to the bike. I was sad but the Engine is Strong and Very Reliable. I even gone from London to Cornwall in one day. Taken me about 7 hours on the A roads and gotten there before the trucks...
Read full reviewWritten on: 20/01/2009
My Honda Varadero is the 125 version and it is superb, it cruises at 50 which is just perfect to commute to work and back....
Read full reviewWritten on: 13/12/2008
I bought an xl125 as my 1st bike, after my 2 years i progressed to a CBR600... in all honesty i save the cbr for the weekends and use the vara for commuting.... Briliant bike all round. Looks and feels like a big bike but is surprisingly light. Good range and sounds excelent with it's v-twin rumble. Loads of accesories and a belly pan finishes it off....
Read full reviewWritten on: 24/11/2008
I bought my Honda Varadero 125 about 4 weeks ago from new as I was moving from Cleveland to London. I new nothing about this bike, so I asked the dealer for a bike to fit my size as I am 6ft 4in. He pointed me in the direction of this big bike that I thought was a 500cc, I could not believe it was only a 125 so that was my bike then. As I was moving to Kent and work 40 miles away at Stansted I thought it would be ideal, only problem was I can ' t use motorways, it took me 8hrs of riding from Cleveland...
Read full reviewWritten on: 20/11/2008
I have had the varadero for one month now took a couple of weeks to get used to the weight of it but now am loving it have done 600 hundred miles and have put 40 pounds in the tank fabulous this bike is fantastic....
Read full reviewWritten on: 13/09/2008
I bought my Honda Varadero 125 brand new in June, is black, and I love it, had a 100cc scooter a few years ago, but now this is so much better, is comfy to ride, has an excellent upright position, and is great in city traffic! Can't go wrong with this bike, is worth the big price....
Read full reviewWritten on: 09/08/2008
This is the best 125 bike anyone can have and is a fantastic bike to learn how to ride on. It really gives you the feel of a bigger bike whilst restricting you to a low speed....
Read full reviewWritten on: 22/07/2008
I've just come off my 50cc scooter and the Honda Varadero feels like riding heaven. First of all the comfort is outstanding with even pot holes being hard to feel, its brakes are awesome, massive tank feels like it never runs out, it purrs like a cat and goes like a cheetah, I love its feel it feels well planted in the road and not skittish like my moped, I got it at a bargain price of 1k with 12 months tax and test and have saved up for this bike ever since I heard about it and its worth its weight...
Read full reviewWritten on: 06/10/2008
Hi there all, quick update to you all I have sold my varadero (due to many things needing replacing and i didnt have the money to repair them and if you do want a varadero pay a bit more and get a excellent condition one and you will not be disappionted).
<br/>But now I must put down the varadero and compare it to my new bike an 06 Yamaha XT 125 (the 4 stroke version of the dt) with 1,500 miles on the clock I've owned it for about 2 months now and got it for £850 and I love it even more than the varadero, the accelleration is miles better (me and my mate with a vara had a race[abit chavy I know but I had to see how much of a difference it had) and it won the vara up to 60mph which is about its limits), the yamaha is miles lighter and you can get some serious lean of the chuncky supermoto tires).......sorry for disrupting your reading but im gonna go on about the Yamaha for a bit so i might as well do a review to help others.
Written on: 02/07/2008
I bought this bike 3 months ago, she was 11 months old when purchased. It takes a bit of getting used to but I have now done over 2000 miles and she just gets better as my confidence grows. I am only 5ft 6" and I thought I might have had a problem getting my feet down but I am still upright with no problems. I have been caught in very blustery wind and rain and only for the bikes weight I might have had problems staying up, although it definetly catches the wind. I am only getting back into biking...
Read full reviewWritten on: 21/06/2008
Dont care what everyoe else says the Honda Varadero is the best 125 on the market.... If you need a good all round bike the varadero is the one for you....
Read full reviewWritten on: 15/06/2008
Had a few 125s and this is far the best bike. Solidly built, the bike seems to take over and drive its self. You can relax on this machine and again nobody believes its a 125. Over all good value for money....
Read full reviewWritten on: 19/05/2008
Pleased with my Honda Varadero, had it 3 months and love it, good all round bike, feels bigger than a 125....
Read full reviewWritten on: 03/05/2008
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...
Read full reviewWritten on: 08/05/2008
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.
Written on: 15/06/2008
Whether you got your varadero from i'd take it back.
<br/>65/70mph cruising is easy and acceleration is good compared to many 4-stroke 125's.
<br/>
Written on: 22/07/2008
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.
Written on: 16/08/2008
Sorry mate you had a bad one.<br/><br/>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.<br/>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.<br/>Before the first service she was sluggish but thats to be expected. Only thing beats me off the line is 400cc +
Written on: 12/11/2008
I found this review helpful because...it seems to be written by a genuine person.
Written on: 22/04/2008
Great bike. Costs a little bit more, but still best 4-stroke 125cc you can find....
Read full reviewWritten on: 14/10/2007
I bought this Honda Varadero XL125V 3 months ago after my scooter got trashed in a crash and I'm very happy with the purchase. I have done about 2000km on it and all of those kilometers where full of pleasure and enjoyment. Of course the 125cc engine is no monster and it feels a little bit too weak for the weight and height of this bike, but compared to other 125s, it performs surprisingly well. It accelerates very fast until about 90-100km/h (55-60mph) and the top speed is about 120km/h (72mph)....
Read full reviewWritten on: 24/06/2007
I cannot stress just how impressed I have been with my XL125 Varadero. I already owned an ordinary 125cc bike, which was OK as a commuter bike, But since buying the Varadero has become so much more fun. It's quick, reliable, Well built, looks good and is a full sized bike which at a glance cannot be distinguished from a 600cc or bigger bike. Most single cylinder bikes seem to suffer from vibration, not so with the Varadero, it's like riding silk compared to the rest. It will easily cruise at 60-65mph...
Read full reviewWritten on: 15/12/2007
Is it not a V twin rather than single cylinder?
Written on: 27/03/2007
This is a perfect if slightly expensive 125, enough power and comfort with maneuverability and presence to do whatever you want from quick commutes and traffic dodging to extended tours. In fact after my first one was stolen I brought another!...
Read full reviewWritten on: 15/10/2006
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...
Read full reviewWritten on: 06/09/2007
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.
<br/>
<br/>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.
<br/>
<br/>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.
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<br/>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!).
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<br/>Happy riding.
Written on: 17/06/2006
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....
Read full reviewWritten on: 10/05/2006
First geared bike I had ever owned and after over 12 months I am finding that this Honda Varadero is fantastic. I have been in 2 accidents but the bike still stood. Changed tyres and chain but everything else still running perfect after 8000 miles. I regulary run my bike on 200+ miles now as I am in a 125 Bikers Club and we ride all over the UK. I also find no problems riding with the 600cc bikes on the twisties.
Lovely bike, never want to get rid, why didn't they make a 600 version???...
Written on: 28/04/2006
The Honda Varadero XL125V is a lovely bike to ride looks good, feels good. Comfortable to ride long distance....
Read full reviewWritten on: 15/04/2006
I have only owned my Varadero for around a month now but so far I'm very happy with it.
It is a large bike for a 125 so needs to be ridden to the higher revs before changing gear to enable you to reach the required speed you want(the engine is restricted so this should'nt do any harm).
In regards to the top speed I would say that it can achieve 70mph on a flat road but in a strong head wind it can be reduced to 55mph and you sometimes find yourself dropping back into 4th gear to help you...
Written on: 02/04/2006
The Honda Varadero is a great bike,comfy,cheap to run,no problems,well recommended....
Read full reviewWritten on: 29/03/2006
Bought a Honda Varadero 2005 model on 17/02/06 with less than 1000 miles on clock. Never ridden before and at age 35 wanted something to take me to work and back and put a smile on my face, have found the ideal machine. Very forgiveing in everything I do, wish I had done this years ago....
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