Varadero

[bodie]

Hi everyone,im new and first i would like to thank HUDDERS for introduci ng me.On his advice i am seeking anyones experiance on touring. I have only been riding for a year have a Varadero 1000 and aiming for Georgia any advice welcome,bodie

[StumpyFingers]

Welcome to the forum.
Once you are used to the weight of the bike with all the luggage touring anywhere is just a case of a trip to and from a location, the main things would be spares and the ability to get home in an emergency.

[marc lenssen]

depending on the year of build of your Dero bring a fresh petrol pump...stick it under the seat. You can also run a fresh clutch cable next to the current one, if the old one should break you only have to hook up the new one without messing about with luggage and lifting the tank next to the road.
Decent handprotectors are nice, not just to protect the hands but mainly the levers in case some local yokal tips over your bike while you are in the resto having dinner, or while doing a little unexpected slide on a ruddy road in backwoods somewhere.
Apart from that.....bring the credit card and just have fun!!!!!

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Hi and welcome. In general a Vara should be able to cope with a trip like that no problem. There are no major weaknesses that you can prepare for or safeguard against. Make sure the fuel tank breather isn't blocked; you can tell by the sound of air rushing in when you open it. On older bikes a blocked breather might cause the pump to fail. On newer bikes the pump will just suck the tank inwards and crease it!!!

[bodie]

Belated thanks to those who sent advice,one more request, i need tyres that will do7-8000 miles for a Varadero 1000 08 plate are there any.

[Monsieur]

Got 5000 miles on the front and 15000 from the rear with michelin pilot road

[bodie]

Great, spoke to my garage and this was one of 3 they recomended but would not give any mileage, i can now order them,many thanks Monsieur.

[africajim]

Hi there, the Varadero is a very capable tourer, a young one shouldn't have any problems with parts failing, I'd suggest a good service before you leave.
Tyrewise, depends how you ride, some soup-spillers on the forum claim loads of miles out of their tyres, I've been moaning for weeks now about my new Vara only managing 3000 miles out of Bridgestone Trailwings. I'm changing to Michelin Anakees at the weekend, bike's due a service soon so just as well get that over with as well as I leave for Europe in two weeks time. Anakees on my Tiger lasted around 6000 miles so I'm hoping for similar from the Vara.
Most important thing to take is your camera! Memories are one thing but pics are better! Pack light as weight is your enemy. And don't overdo it, 250 to 300 miles a day are reasonable, more turns it to an enduro. Decent maps in your tank bag, a satnav or GPS and a rough plan of your route will make life easier.
The 2nd most important thing is to remember to have fun! Let us know how you get on mate.

[humbos]

Got 5000 miles on the front and 15000 from the rear with michelin pilot road

Are you sure you got that right way round..as it dosnt seem like a lot of mileage from a front tyre? Ive had more miles out of a front tyre on a sports bike!

[bodie]

Thanks mate bike booked in a week before i go to Georgia,new heavy chain gaurenteed 12000 miles. no sat nav turning left at Dover and heading east but as you say im going to have fun. Best for your ride and thanks again.