New Varadero owner!

[landyandy]

Yes ... it's me (well, it will be on Saturday).

Watch this space for lots of informative news, views, and opinion.

I managed to get a 1 year old, 4k miles one for the best part of 3 grand off list (not including the extras, which come to 900 quid), so I'm very impressed with it so far!

Was off to look at a Blackbird, but swmbo decided that the rear perch was the clincher on the Vara ...

[xrv_jim]

A new thread :shock: Just because you bought one :shock:

[landyandy]

I know we're getting a bit short of space in here, but figured that 1 more new post wouldn't break the bank ...

[jabba]

Let me know about the fuel usage I have been looking in to getting one but all the local dealers steer clear of them :?:
They reckon they only do about 30mpg :shock:

[banger]

Did you take a Blackbird for a spin before buying the varadaro

[landyandy]

Nope - no spin on either the varadero or the blackbird. Couldn't be bothered with all of this pre-booking test ride malarky, so just shoved down a deposit, twisted the dealer's arm for some cash off, and robert's your mother's brother.

Re fuel economy - I hope it's better than 30 mpg - my AT only returns about that - ok, so it gets flogged, but I'm getting fed up with being dry of fuel after 150 miles, and yes, I have checked the choke cable.

It's a fuel injected model, so I'm hoping it'll be less thirsty as a result, and I'm working on the basis that it won't need to be driven so hard as the AT ... will keep a record of how it goes.

[jabba]

Let me know how much it costs to fill to right up then how many miles it does to reserve ive tried to mpg but prefer to know my milage to how much I am putting in at the moment my @t is doing 100 to about £6.50 to £7 i think this is good want to cmpare to the varadero?
Well in saying that I have never used reserve just fill up at 200 miles about £13.75 or something.
I hate trying to work out mpg :roll:

[landyandy]

Interesting, 12 Inch.

My RD04 roughly goes 100 miles for a tenner. Generally put 15 or 16 quid in, and will find myself biting my nails after about 150 miles (both fuel lights on - no reserve switch on the 04). It has a 100 mile round trip - 10 miles of fast A-road (say 80 - 90mph) - 35 miles of motorway (normally hovering around the ton), then 5 miles of filtering through the London traffic.

Know there's an anomaly here somewhere, as most people on here get 200+ on a tank, and I don't think I ride it as hard as I could.

[DaveS]

Yes, I'd be interested in the tank range. I hate filling up and the AT is much better than some of the bikes I've had.

We're also lacking on some core Varadero data as well, so send that across when you get a Haynes manual or something.

[jabba]

My RD04 roughly goes 100 miles for a tenner

That is really bad I used to get that out of a 1200 bandit which i caned everywhere :shock:
If I was to be honest the xrv is the cheapest bike I have ever run.

Went to the varadero site today they seem to have alot of problems listed.
Im starting to have second thoughts so what you tell me with fuel etc will throw the vote I need it like yourself for an all purpose all year.
Ive also been unable to locate one locally and dont want to go to far incase anything goes wrong with it want to be able to phone up and get any problems sorted!
They dont seem to bring much second hand either the @t are fetching much more on equivalent years.

I also phoned a local main dealer and he slated them its not exactly confidence inspireing shame red has bailed could do with some seasoned advice I reckon :?

Still if you cant stand the heat.

[landyandy]

I noticed on the other site that they seem to have a number of problems. I'm working on the (dodgy) assumption that, like any car or bike, you get good 'uns and bad 'uns. I'm hoping that I've got a good 'un.

If anyone was looking for an AT and came across this site, I'm sure they'd wonder if we spend all our time fixing them, and not riding.

That said, it pretty much applies to all bikes. The build quality is, frankly, dreadful, when compared to a car these days.

I need it all year round, and I'm looking at an annual mileage of around 20k miles, so it better behave itself.

It does have a couple of bits of gadgetry that I'm curious to try aswell - linked brakes, and ABS - both new departures for me.

[jabba]

Aw you have the 6 speed with fuel injection my bugdget only stretches to the five speed with knarly carbs.


Although looks like it aint gonna happen was only offered £2500 part ex for mine sod that.

[DaveS]

It does have a couple of bits of gadgetry that I'm curious to try aswell - linked brakes, and ABS - both new departures for me.

Yes when I tested one the ABS was confidence inspiring but the linked brakes were wierd. I wonder if you can disconnect them?

[landyandy]

Dunno - guess it depends on how much of a brain the bike has, or whether they work off the hydraulic system only.

I don't tend to fiddle with bikes - I work on the basis that the Honda boffins know better than me when it comes to the black art of engineering (mechanical and electrical), so I'll leave well alone.

[robelst]

I believe disconnecting the brakes is quite involved because of all the component dependencies (both hydraulics and electronics). Many owners seem (to grow) to like linked brakes in the end so good chance you may want to keep them anyway.

BTW: You realise you need a new mug now as well? I reckon the Vara-mugs will be a few sizes bigger :P

[landyandy]

Yes, I realise that I may be in need of a new mug ... think I'll just take a photo to Snappy Snaps or something - not convinced the economies of scale will add up for the varadero mugs.

[iswoolley]

I wonder if you can disconnect them?
I remember reading about Honda's first attempt at linked brakes. The front 3 piston calipers had 2 pistons actuated by the front brake lever, and 1 piston actuated by the rear foot brake. The rear 2 piston calipers had 1 piston actuated by the rear foot brake and 1 piston actuated by the front brake lever. It's all done hydraulically, so in theory you could plumb the front brake master cylinder into all the pistons in the front calipers, and the rear brake master cylinder into all the pistons in the rear caliper. However there'd be a mass of hoses, especially around the front of the bike!

[Dunno if the Varadero has the same linked brake system, or if Honda are onto Mk2 or Mk3 by now...]

[landyandy]

Hmm ... I think I might have some warranty issues if I chose to do some plumbing mods. Anyway, see my other thread on this forum for my thoughts about linked brakes etc.

[DaveS]

I reckon the Vara-mugs will be a few sizes bigger :P

And the tea will disappear at a quicker rate. :mrgreen:

[africajim]

I'm sure I've answered this before but here goes;

2 yrs with Varadero 2001 5 speed with carbs. Average mpg 40, top speed 135mph on the rev limiter (autobahn).

Link brakes - brilliant! Far more confidence in the wet.
Lights - phenomenal
handling - ver good, stable
tyre wear - ok, 8000 miles. (Bridgestone and Michelin)
Chain - 22,000 and plenty of life left

I've spoken to a few owners of the newer 6speed, same issues as the RD04 to RD07 @T, more BHP but less torque, meaning it'll lift the front wheel off the throttle on the older carb and feels harsher accelerating. The 6 speed is smoother but feels flat in comparison. (I found the @T the same).

It can have a thirst, high speed (+100mph)and aggressive driving can bring it down to 30 ish mpg but on a long run behaving 45mpg.

My overall impression is it feels very alike to the @T but with a slightly comfier seat and more power. It's a great touring bike, bit heavy and bulky offroad (yes, I've tried it). Personally I prefer the @T for looks and all round ability but the speed, power and comfort are worth the change. I've spoken to guys who have changed from the big Beemer and the Triumph Tiger who prefer the Varadero so all in all, a very good bike with Honda build quality. Yes, I would buy another, but I'd have to test the injection first, although they are supposed to have greater top speed I like the torque of the carb model.

Hope this helps guys, one last suggestion, ride one, you don't have to look at it when your riding it! It's an experience.

[Mr Minx]

Hope you enjoy the Vara, I have had mine for around 3 years 1999 MK1 44000 miles
Never let me down yet, a very good work horse.
Saying that its not as much fun as my Africa.