New 1200 Varadero?

[Templer]

First i've heard about this, does anyone know if this is true?
Cheers!

It is expected that Honda will launch an updated version of the road biased adventure bike Varadero this autumn. To get closer to the all conquering BMW R1200GS it is believed the new Varadero will get a more sporty edge with a stronger engine. Expect the engine to increase performance from today's 93bhp to closer to the 100bhp mark. The Varadero is thought to still feature a slightly detuned VTR 1000F engine that easily conforms to Euro 3. Rather than just being a big heavy tourer with offroad design we believe Honda has lightened the chassis, used new wheels more adaptable to varying tarmac and better suspension with more wheel travel. Whilst at it we believe Honda has redesigned the whole bike for a more sleek less massive appearance to make it more agile off the beaten track. It is up for speculation whether Honda will actually follow BMW and KTM in offering one standard, ABS'd road biased model and one more sporty version more suited to gravel.

[Broomster]

You never know , could be the AT reborn. As the Africa Twin name is so old now it would make perfect sense .. let's hope so

[Templer]

Still think Honda should do a new AT as well, BMW's new 800 GS is going to sell like hot cakes for those that dont want the bulk or expense of the 1200 but want more power than the 700 Alp. Honda are missing a market there! Lets have a 850 AT !!

[Broomster]

Roger that but the Big H is too conservative for their own good so a bigger V is all you might get which is a shame as I agree with you that something like an 850/900 AT would sell like hot cakes and pull so many sales away from BMW. I posted a comment from a Honda guy on the stand at the Stoneleigh Dirt Bike show couple of months ago in which he said that they kept getting asked about a new AT all the time at the NEC show the previous week

[Templer]

I agree and to comment on staff at the shows, i put the same question to Honda at the NEC. They didnt seem to know anything about the bikes they were selling never mind future models! Whereas at the BMW stand my wife got all the info she needed, no pressure and they even arranged a test ride for her there and then using a PDA.

I hate to admit it but Honda seem to be losing the plot a little for me and their bikes are still so basic, wheres the innovation that they put into their cars?

[Broomster]

I know what you mean. You have to repect and admire the BMW set up. In this day and age and with the amount of money people are spending on bikes , second class customer service just does rub anymore and is against the Honda ethos also .. i know as i work for a "specialist" area of the company (4 wheels not 2)

[Dave]

My dealer reckons that it'll be 2009 before we see a new vara. and that it could be a 1300cc.

He reckons he has inside information!

Dave

[Templer]

Heard today that there will not be a new vara in 2008 anyway, all that will emerge is a new colour for March, that being orange, apparantly similar to the hornet colour.

[sh2515]

enquired about a vara today as I am wanting to swap xl700 for something bigger and they said it sounds like there maybe a new one with shaft drive with the new vfr 1200 engine in it late 2010/11. so will probably stick with xl700 till that appears.

[dav806]

Hi, I read somewhere there will be a VFR1200X launched 2011 if Honda Management approve it!!! Not known if the Varadero tag will stay but it will be a V4 and shaft drive, I'm waiting with baited breath!