Early days, but ...

[landyandy]

Morning all (if anyone's lurking here, that is)...

Well, I'm now the proud owner of this 'pre-enjoyed' Varadero.

http://www.xrv.org.uk/getimage.php?id=593

Gotta say, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's only once you get something new (or newish), that you realise how worn out your current steed is in comparison. No blown bulbs or faded instruments and buttons, indicator switches that work first go etc etc.

I'll keep my initial thoughts brief, as I'm still getting acclimatised, but on the whole, I like it. There's a lot more space for two - enough, that is, for the pillion to not effect the rider, until you hit the brakes that is, and now they have more of a run up at inadvertant head banging.

Linked brakes - can't say that I've really noticed this in operation as yet, so I'm working on the assumption that it works well. I'll probably get a better idea of detection once it's doing the daily commute, as I'm a bit of a rear brake dragger.

ABS - hope not to need it.

Engine/gearbox/exhaust - gotta get used to 6 (tall) gears! If anything, I'd suggest that it's a bit over-geared, but again this might just be a case of being different to the AT. Nice smooth gearbox - 2nd gear is good from pulling away to 70 or so (not quite into the redline zone). Top gear at 70mph the engine is trundling at somewhere near to 4k rpm. As regards the sound, the jury is out on this one ... I was certainly getting a nice v-twin rumble when pottering around the 2.5 rpm zone, but there was a slight tendancy for it to sound like a bag of nails once higher up the revs and pulling hard.

Performance - deceptive, I think is the best way to describe it so far. It doesn't feel any quicker than the AT, but I think that's down to the longer gearing giving less of a sense of urgency, as I know that it is quicker in a dash. Have seen 120mph out of it without really working it too hard (a quick burst shortly before the motorway exit I was after), which is fine for me, as this was done with pillion plus all the panniers.

Riding position etc - quite similar to the AT, although Mr Honda has fallen into the annoying trap that my old Triumph Tiger suffered from, namely footpegs in the way when you put your feet down - they could probably do with going back an inch or so. The stretch to the ground is not much different to my RD04 - one foot flat, and the other one close to it (insde leg is 32inch when using the levi 501 scale of measurement). Paddling around has gone without a hitch so far, although the previous owner has clearly dropped it at some point. Dashboard is ok - I do like having a clock and a digital temperature gauge, but I hate not having a fuel gauge - I mean, how difficult can it be to bung a few sensors in the tank? It has a single fuel warning light, and no reserve. I do like having two trip meters, but then you guys with RD07s will be used to that. Headlights are permanantly on - there's a roller switch for hazards where you'd normally find the headlight controls.

Misc - not much to say in here as yet, as this section will grow as my experience with it grows, however, I think there's a slight glitch with the fuel injection system - I've had a couple of stalling moments where it's conked out when pulling away without a pre-pull-away blip, but I'm sure I'll get used to riding around something like that. Getting it on and off the centre stand seems to be no real problem either. However, I do really hate alarm systems - it has a datatool 3 system fitted, so it auto arms after a preset interval - if you're filling up with fuel, it'll arm itself, so you then have an extra task to perform mid fuelling.

Economy - too early to say really - getting used to a bike does not necessarily promote good mileage, however, the dealer gave it to me with a 'full' tank of fuel (I didn't peer in to check, but I'll take his word) - had to refill after 210 miles, and it took 23 litres, which equates to something like 41mpg. Better than my AT, but worse than some others on here. Most of these miles were 2 up with panniers - mix of motorway, London and towns, so probably not such a bad representation after all.

Anyway, this is not looking so brief now, so I'll end it here - any questions, then shout (sorry about the poor quality pic - got fed up getting it down to 50k)!

Cheers all!

[DaveS]

Performance - deceptive, I think is the best way to describe it so far. It doesn't feel any quicker than the AT,

What! A bike that wheelies off the throttle and it doesn't feel any quicker than the AT! I used to have trouble keeping the front down when pulling away from the lights when I had the Varadero for a day.

That comfort though must be lovely......

Fantastic, though it looks really good. I'm really jealous.

[Maverick]

Nice bike mate and hope it serves you well. Always nice having something new and fresh for a change.

[landyandy]

I'm breaking myself in slowly - the fuel injection and clutch need a little bit of time to adjust to.

To be honest, the comfort aspect is something yet to be enjoyed. As the riding position is a bit different, I suffered from a bit of numb palm, but I'm sure that's just an adjustment thing.

Rode the AT into work this morning (it let me down last week in London and I've only just got it going again - bluddy ignition barrel), and it did feel really old by comparision - wooden brakes, dead clutch etc, but it also felt really small and nimble.

Funny how your perspective changes ...

Oh, and I hope it serves me well too!!

[Recycler]

Nice Vara in the best colour for any motorcycle!

How good is the fairing/screen?

[landyandy]

Tricky to say at the moment - the screen is adjustable - you can place it higher up with the help of a screwdriver. I have it on the lower of the 2 settings at the moment, and will leave it like that for a week or so, then may try the high setting.

From the scientific tests I've performed so far (ie, putting your hand behind the screen to see where the wind starts to catch it), it comes onto the lid just above visor height. It doesn't buffet your head so much as the screen on my AT, and, more importantly (to me), when riding with a pillion, they are sufficiently far enough back to not interrupt the airflow around the lid.

The real test of the fairing/screen combo will be when it's next tipping down with rain and I'm on the motorway - then I'll know what the airflow is doing etc, and whether I suffer from annoying misting up problems.

And yes - I'm very pleased with the colour - it was the clincher really - seems to me that the bikes that are multicolour enhance their ugliness, iyswim.

[Northy]

And yes - I'm very pleased with the colour - it was the clincher really - seems to me that the bikes that are multicolour enhance their ugliness, iyswim.

I'd agree there looks nice ...... miles better ..... very tempting.
(was going to test ride one last friday but its was a wash out !)

Northy

(Still can't figure out what to replace an @ with ??? - so confused ..... even looked at the Deauville :( .....boy I must be getting old ! :( )

[croydon@twin]

When my previous bike was at the dealers for 2 weeks being fixed under warranty they lent me a DullVille and, although I wasn't looking forward to it, I was pleasantly surprised. It goes well enough, is very well balanced and those panniers didn't get in the way as much as I thought they would. I don't think I would buuy one but I don't treat them with the same derision that I used to.

Tony

[landyandy]

Northy,

Suggest you try out a fuel injected Varadero. I'm pleasantly surprised by it - so far. Feels like a grown up AT, which is kinda odd!

Ok, so it doesn't have the 'character' that my RD04 has (I know that this has been discussed in the 'zzzzzzzzzzz' thread), but I'm sure that will develop over a period of time.

[Gregger]

However, I do really hate alarm systems - it has a datatool 3 system fitted, so it auto arms after a preset interval - if you're filling up with fuel, it'll arm itself, so you then have an extra task to perform mid fuelling

I've got that on my Super 3, what a pain in the arse!

Intersting reading so far mind!

I bet lots of us AT riders are reading this with thoughts of a switch at some point!

[landyandy]

It's not going to be any good for those riders who want to leave the tarmac however. Well, you need to be braver than me anyway. The 2 times I've taken the AT off road, I've managed to bin it both times. Just too heavy, imo.

I'll keep the updates coming ... I'm surprised Fewtrees hasn't made any comment yet ..............

[Northy]

Landandy, Yes must do another test ride trouble is the formula works like this :-
Test ride yes = I want a another bike yes = spending money (glup) = pain (no) = sod it stick with the @. (This when get back the @ and it feel right)
There's a bit missing, that extra something that says sod it get another bike I can always sell and get another @ if its no good !
The something is either a pleasant surprise, a bargain, the @ playing up or I'm suddenly rich :lol: and the wife and kids haven't spend it.

Your bike looks so good, trouble is the demo bike at Kent M/C is the multi coloured job (blue/silver) and it's an instant turn off.

Northy.

I sure fewtrees will along shortly .........(hand bags at the ready :lol: )

[fewtrees]

Ok I will... but only because you want me to!!! ;-) But I've had therapy so it might not be what you expect!

Keep the updates coming in even at the expense of possibly converting some AT owners... I think everyone wants to know how you get on with the bike.. From what I read, a lot of people would swap their AT for something else, but the problem is, for most, there isn't currently a replacement!....and everyone hankers after a new bike...any bike.. that bike.. that'll do...

Good luck!

BTW. Why didn't you buy a Pan Euro.......... Only kidding!!!!
:twisted:

[landyandy]

Very good, Fewtrees.

I think the best answer to your question would be cost, and styling.

Not sure how much a 1 year old PE wiht 4k on the clock would cost, but I don't think it would be anywhere near the cost that I got the Varadero for.

I actually went to look at a Blackbird, but a) there weren't any, and b) the black varadero kind of stuck out as being different. I like the riding position that a monster trailie has (and that the Varadero has cloned), and I enjoyed the looney handling that the AT had, and that the Varadero has hopefully inherited. I just don't see that I could ride a PE in the manner that I enjoy, ie hooning about the place at stupid lean angles, and I don't want something that looks/behaves too much like a bus (and comments such as mine looks like the back of one are not to be encouraged).

Northy - if you fancy a meet up on Friday evening (that's the only time I can do this week), then give me a shout/PM/thoughtwave. You're right - they are particularly colour sensitive - I don't think I'd have bought any of the others that were up for sale at Chiswick Honda - couldn't really take to the silver/blue paintwork.

[Northy]

I've PM you as the thoughwaves don't work that well :)

Northy

[landyandy]

Right ... a little update, should anyone wander this way (I see there have been some more people having a rest in the other thread on this forum)...

Have nearly covered 1,000 miles now on the Varadero, and they've all been trouble free. And fairly comfy too. Performance is pretty good - have just about got used to 6 gears instead of 5 - at 70mph in top, it's pulling just a tad under 4k rpm. I've had about 135mph out of it, 125 two-up, but over that it does begin to weave quite a lot, but I think that's down to the top box. Besides, I'm unlikely to be able to ride it for long if I keep those speeds up.

The dual trip meter is handy - less so, the fuel economy meter - instant mpg (actually, it's mpl) is not so interesting as accumulated mpg/l.

Handling seems pretty good - managed to give myself a minor heart attack this morning by scraping a footpeg - was slightly artificial, as I was hard on the brakes into a turn (for those that use the Limehouse Link, it was the turn from the A13 onto Cotton Street), so the forks would have been compressed somewhat - however, I wasn't going for a conscious pegging down attempt, hence the shock - never managed it on the AT!

Now, the results you've all been waiting for - FUEL ECONOMY

DATE MILES LITRES MPG
5/6/05 3929 23 41.90
10/6/05 4121 23 37.94
11/6/05 4347 21 48.92
15/6/05 4536 21.5 39.96

Much better than my old Africa Twin. The only tank that I've made a conscious effort over fuel economy was the 48.92 mpg tank - the rest I've ignored.

[DaveS]

Very interesting.
That's not bad at all.
I'd thought the mpg would be worse than that.

Glad you're getting on well with it.

[landyandy]

Yep - I'm pretty chuffed with it.

I'm expecting the next couple of tanks to be a bit worse, as I'm beginning to get addicted to the exhaust note when you load the engine. Otherwise, you can just ride the wave of torque, and keep the gearchanges to a minimum - it'll pull reasonably happily from under 2k rpm.

I'm surprised that when I rode the RD04 a few days ago, it suddenly felt like a little scrambler bike. Suddenly didn't have any fears about manouvering it on the pea gravel driveway (worst nightmare surface, imo).

Will continue to monitor fuel and general behaviour, and post more as and when I feel the need to see some action in this forum!

[fewtrees]

I know this won't be popular but I reckon the fuel consumption will drop.

Reason is that with all new bikes with extra power, we tickle it a bit to begin with.. Once you're used to the power, you'll give it some more.. and the fuel consumption will drop.. In any case, let us know..

[Northy]

Thanks to Landandy,he even allowed me to ride his Vara last week. (trusting fool :lol: ) - bet my old @ felt like a bag of nails.
What you do notice is the power, smooth and torquey and no rattles , so quiet. Not sure about the cornering sound OK - pegs down ! but even ride the bumps well.
In the flesh I can report his bike isn't as ugly the multi colour ones, in fact looks slimmer ! Its starts to look good, even better when you ride it.
Oddly I started looking at the detail loads of pipes for the braking system and the questionable Spanish Honda build quality, now to clean it.

Then top it off good MPG ,except on the 10/6/05 (guess when we went for a thrash! :lol: ) however I suspect I was working my engine a lot harder but still getting 43mpg .

The next day drove a Deauville (just to be sure !) .... yeap OK bike but tad to boring for me, Ok to go to/ from work - suspect handling on the bumpy stuff.Reminded of the old honda 400 superdreams. Sort of bike that would get cleaned much !

If I was to buy a vara , its would be the newer 6 speed, injector ones but that still a lot of money still - I don't do the miles to justify it and limited DIY (hence the test of the deauville - but it just too boring)
Suzuki DL650 is next on my list :lol: but its the same price a good 2 nd hand Vara ? :? Too much choice !

Northy

[landyandy]

Northy - pleased you enjoyed the ride. I think the peg decking out this morning was exceptional circumstances - hard on the brakes, then throwing it straight at the corner, a la Africa Twin riding-style. I was pretty surprised, but fairly chuffed too! Haven't got a peg to ground out in ages - well, the last time it was shortly followed by @rse, engine bar, handlebar, and ouch.

I filled up with fuel before meeting up with you, so in fact my best economy was achieved when we went for a blat!

Yes, there are a lot of brake pipes etc, but if you were able to find a Vara without ABS/linked brakes, then I assume there would be a lot less plumbing.

[Northy]

Once you're used to the power, you'll give it some more.. and the fuel consumption will drop..

I say that our blat around Kent on (10/6/05), we weren't touring ! and he seemed to be used to it .
Trouble is the on the Vara its doesn't feel like your trashing it. Tens years difference in age does show .
They may be aimed at the same type of rider but the @ and vara are totally different bikes IMO


Northy

[landyandy]

Mr Fewtrees,

Fair comment, however, for my part, I reckon I've already bottomed out the fuel consumption stuff. The first couple of weeks have been as much to do with 'exploring the parameters' as anything else. I've purposely not spared the horses when it comes to fuel, as I don't particularly care if it's thirsty or not. The Africa Twin was only 'too thirsty' as I found that I could not achieve two round trips to work without going to the petrol station, and that got on my nerves (not to mention did not fit in with fag smoking purchase requirements). On the motorway, I travel between 90 and about 110 if I'm feeling naughty (sorry officer - didn't realise - new bike and all that).

I'm quite happy if I'm getting 40mpg or 50mpg - it's not really something I'm unduly bothered about, as long as the tank is sufficiently large so that I don't have to feel as if I live in a fuel station.

[DaveS]

So what's the tank range like?

[Recycler]

on the brakes into a turn (for those that use the Limehouse Link, it was the turn from the A13 onto Cotton Street),

I know that junction well but only used it when heading the other way - to Blackwall tunnel. The whole area is chaos & mayhem come rush hour.
My commute now is 15 miles through mainly countryside - lovely but not a challenge. Before it was up through Streatham & Brixton and back down through Clapham & Colliers Wood - or Blackwall if in a car (3 hours to do 34 miles).

Have they still got the sign at the garage on Cotton St warning people that driving off after saying you can't pay is illegal? It was in response to Pikeys.

[fewtrees]

I'm quite happy if I'm getting 40mpg or 50mpg - it's not really something I'm unduly bothered about, as long as the tank is sufficiently large so that I don't have to feel as if I live in a fuel station.

Not like my VTR then.. I park it in petrol stations overnight! Abismal 110 mile range!

If you're getting 40mpg avg, then I think you're getting good return for a Varadero - which is good.. The newer ones I remember reading were better on juice.. The older carb ones were similar to the VTR, between 32 and 36 if lucky..

Have you tried the premium unleaded? Don't know if it really works but it does make my AT feel a bit smoother..

[landyandy]

Tank range is pretty much what I'm doing - it's supposed to take 25 litres, the last 5 of which switches on the low fuel light. Must admit that I preferred having 2 warning lights as I had on the RD04 - one to be ignored, and one to be actioned.

Cotton St fuel station does indeed have the anti pikey sign up, but I don't suppose they can read it.

Fewtrees - I forgot about your connection to a Varadero via your VTR - I guess that's not fuel injection.

[Silverman]

Filled up the tank yesterday and thought I would see how many miles she did before the fuel light comes on. Did 207 miles and still waiting. I hope the light is working. :shock:
P.S I wasn't hanging about either.

[landyandy]

Hello everyone. Hello? ... hello?... HELLO? ... anyone out there?!

Just a further notice about fuel economy ... have now done approx 2,500 miles on the Varadero, and have been a good boy, jotting down my mileage and fuel fill ups.

The average figure works out as 41.25mpg. Some of this is 2 up - 50% of these miles are pummelling the streets of London, and the rest is made up of high speed 'cruising'.

So, not so bad after all.

[Northy]

Yeap still here :lol:

MPG looks on par with the @ (well my @ at least)
My last tankfull worked out at 40 mpg -liberal use of the throttle

oh I could do with a bit more power ! :)


Northy

[redmarcus999]

Just started using my vara this week, will keep track of mpg and report back. Have herd reports that my carbed version will do 50+ mpg ! will soon see............................to be cont...........

[landyandy]

Blimey - I thought the carb versions were thirsty....

The best I've got from mine (FI) is an average on 48.92 over a tank.

[redmarcus999]

Ok as promised fuel figs,
First tank light came on at 165 miles, filled up at 180 22lt this work out at around 41 mpg(if my maths are correct) not quite the 50 but im happy with this fig. this is mostly made up from 85-90mph dual carriageways and a bit of built up area.

I will post my likes and dislikes of the vara V's the @ when i have a bit more time.
Marcus

[Salad Dodger]

Not like my VTR then.. I park it in petrol stations overnight! Abismal 110 mile range!

If you're getting 40mpg avg, then I think you're getting good return for a Varadero - which is good.. The newer ones I remember reading were better on juice.. The older carb ones were similar to the VTR, between 32 and 36 if lucky..

Have you tried the premium unleaded? Don't know if it really works but it does make my AT feel a bit smoother..

Fewtrees, I agree with you about the Firestorm, had one a few bikes ago (98 Firestorm) worse out of the tank was 65 miles :shock: , best was 118 miles.

The newer Varas are a bit better on juice but the Carbie isn't anywhere near as bad as the Firestorm with its 48mm carbs, they dropped the size of the carbs down to 42mm I believe for the Carbie Vara.

I have tried premium unleaded to see if it made any difference and I didn't find that to be the case with my Vara. :salute: