Hello 'Dero people!

[z-weiser]

Hello
Coupla questions!
I'm liking varaderos look as chuky as ATs but with comfier rear seats for my beloved!

so few queries

do they get through tyres faster than ATs (i ride mainly on road and use tourances now!)?
wot they like in the twisties (same as AT. better or not as good)?
are they as sound mechanically as the AT?

sorry to bug y'all but am in new bike mood and like my At save for comfort (and could do with bit more oomph!) Want to know if i should scratch the tourer itch or look to getting a test on a vara!

[z-weiser]

oh i forgot to ask - which version is which
i.e. which is the fuel injected one and which one is the carbed one??
and if i'm looking to spend about £3500 which should i look for?

[pete07bikes]

Hi mate,

I'll start at the bottom - often best!
Varadero Carb version is a 5-speeder that is reputedly thirsty - 35mpg that ran from 1998 to 2001 I believe.

2002 on saw the 6-speed fuel injected models - I've a 2005 model which gives between 37 & 50 mpg.

£3,500 should get you the newer version.

Handling wise the bike magazines say the new version is again much better than the carb models. I used to ride a Deauville & I'd say the Varadero handles as well as that did, I don't pretend to be a very fast rider but find the Varadero plenty fast enough on both straights & twisties & matches my mates CBR600.

Tyre life - my bikes done 5.5k on originals & looks as if the backs got another 2k left, front looks hardly worn.

Lastly, I've never ridden an AT but find the Varadero's seat height a problem at times (stopping on a hill can be fun) Comfort is superb, nice tank range (25 litres = 200 miles plus) & it is top-heavy pushing it in & out of the garden. On the rode it is well balanced & slim for commuting.

Go on, you know you want to!

Pete

[Shep]

hello Z

I own both, they are very different bikes

Africa Twin - Higher seat height which is also not so comfy, lighter, handles better with a more balanced chassis, also steers better. Some off road ability

Varadero

More comfy especially for pillion, bigger and heavier a better load carrier. no offroad ability, faster cruise at 95 to 100+ easily.Mine is a carb version the Fuel injected is better but mine still does about 43mpg my Africa an RD04 does about 45 so not much difference

I get about 8000 miles out of the Vara rear and 10,000 from the Africa.

Of the two bikes i prefer the Africa just more fun, but the Vara is a good tourer and pillion bike. I think the injected version is better

[z-weiser]

ooooooh this is becoming one tempted Z!!

need to go and look around and look closely at some - i quite like their honda-ness!

any other observations about your steeds Vara-dudes?

[Robster]

Hmmmm...only observation of note from me is I'M LOVING MINE!

Had it 4 months or so to replace my stolen AT. MUCH comfier, MUCH more power, a MUCH better cruiser, as Shep says it'll sit at 100mph+ 2 -up with no probs at all. Thirsty? Well, I still get around 200 miles per tank and I'm still in the honeymoon period with the bike so I'm thrashing it around a bit at the mo!

Almost identical riding position to the AT, and although heavier, the seat's slightly lower so if anything it feels less precarious to my 5'10" frame than the AT did...especially when it's loaded up.

I wouldn't hesitate in reccomending one to anyone in the market for a Tourer. If you're not into riding across Salisbury plain every weekend then it's a winner. That said, I'd happily take mine on the trip I did last year on the AT which while we were never in any hardcore offroad situations, we certainly spent some considerable time on unmade roads. The Vara would've lapped them up.

Build quality is not an issue...hey, it's a Honda! Look at the number of posts in this Vara section asking for advice about a problem with the bike. Dont think there are any!

Buy a Black one...c'mon...you know you want it!

[img]http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic?id=7900dckUTpUHlaC9yKGfJQV9oHso8Ca81*mKv4xQp5F d3Ig=&size=l[/img]

[img]http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic?id=7900dckUTpUHlaC9yKGfJQV9oGG*yzg-jZaav4xQp5Fd3Ig=&size=l[/img]

[z-weiser]

likey likey!

i must admit i like the black and silver ones!

that said i'm not too arsed about colour!

nice luggage too!

[Robster]

Mine has a silver tank but I've got a Bagster cover on there for full-on Steath Blackness! Always thought the two tone ones looked kinda odd.

Get one Get one!

[z-weiser]

right need to get AT valued

it's an 03 plate with 54,000 on the clock, some history but looked after, remus end can, Honda top box and Bagster tank bag!
only thing that is iffy is the sodding tripmaster!
even has good tyres!

anyone got any ideas?

[Shep]

Stick the Africa in the for sale section with a reasonable price it will go.

The Vara build quality is actually very good, up to Africa standards if not a bit better. They seem as all Hondas completely bullet proof

I know what you mean about Hondaish i allways feel like that the other makes do not really compare in my opinion