"BUY ONE OF THESE, DO ANYTHING." 'Bike' Nov 2006

[z-weiser]

was looking at that article and it seems to criticise the fuel economy of the Varaderos??

is this an issue? or is this only when it is being ridden like a sportsbike and having the nuts revved off it!

[africajim]

As an ex carb Vara owner I can answer this one, driven reasonably, one or two up and with luggage around the 40mpg mark, driven like a sportsbike I could bring it down to around the 30mpg mark!

Yes, they can have a thirst! But it's in the riding!

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I haven't seen the article, but my guess is that the Transalp, F650 etc aren't included because all the bikes are 750cc or above.

Or maybe they're out to get you all because you have a persecution complex?

[Shep]

Z

I really do noy know where they get this fuel consumption thing from

I have an RD04 Africa and get 45 to 46 mpg my CARB Varadero does 43 to 44 and i do not hang around. What makes a big difference is Iridium plugs, highly reccomended and cheap from www.sparkplugs.co.uk it makes 2 to 3 mpg difference and the bike feels much smoother and more powerfull.

I was worried about fuel consumption on the Vara but it is not a problem. I am glad the mags hammer this becuase it means the bikes are nice and cheap secondhand. Your Mrs will love the Vara so comfy. The only problems is that a 70 mile ride on a sportsbike becomes 150 miles on an Africa Twin or 250 miles on the Vara becuase of the comfort !!!

[z-weiser]

cheers Shep!

am really in two minds - the AT is on the market only had two little sniffs thus far so am going to spread the word further!

like the dero but am wondering if given higher insurance and slightly higher running costs it is worth just upgrading the saddle, getting some panniers and then and polishing the crap out of the AT and just keeping it!

it is a great bike and has most of the mods already that i would have to do to a Vara!

(want to move house next year so am saving - versus wanting a new bike!!)