Beginner questions Varadero 125..

[monkeyboy44]

Hi All,

My first post so go easy on me, I've searched and found a few threads to some answers but thought I would post all together.

I'm taking my CBT on the 5th and was advised by a few people the Varadero is the way to go.

I have about 2k to spend on a 2nd hand varadero, there are a good few around and the prices do vary depending on mileage.

1 - Most bikes I see are about 2003/2003 some have about 25k on the clock some as little as 1,200 what would be the average mileage for that age, at what mileage would you walk away from?

2- I will be using the bike in all weather for commuting, I notice most of the bikes have stock tyres, what are they like? I want to get a good set of rubber, what is a good winter tyre I don't care about drag or anything like that I would rather have a winter tyre on knowing im covered for when it rains.

3- The bike will not be garaged but will be kept under a lean to roof and have a bike cover over it, anything I should know about or preventative measures for when the weather gets really cold.

4 - Finally probably in the wrong forum but any advice on riding in the rain/bad weather. as i said i will be using it mon-fri for work.

Thanks for any replies and apologies If this is posted in the wrong bit etc.

Cheers

Iain

PS- I'm based in south wales, are there any clubs near me for advice?

[Sharribee]

Monkeyboy, welcome of course we go easy on you the p*ss taking comes on the 3rd and 4th post

The Baby vara is a lovely looking bike and there are a few members here who have had them whilst they were learing.

Not sure about what the other guys with Varas think but I have tourances on my transalp and they are a cracking tyre especially in the wet. I ride all year around and love the tourances.

When it gets cold, put extra layers on sorry you meant the bike.

Usual stuff, keep it well maintained, try to wash the salt of before covering up and make sure your checking and lubricating your chain enough.

Riding in the rain, just slow it down a little, take the corners a little easier. Personally I think riding in all weathers improves your riding skills in general. I don't mind the rain, or cold it's the high winds I hate riding in but again it's about keeping it steady and riding within your abilities.

As far as clubs in south wales, we have loads of members who are from south wales,

there's me "j", DDY, Phil W, Cabbage, Offroader, goodfoodguy, squirrel and lots lots lots more.

If you fancy a ride out or meet up for a cup of tea post it in the meetups bit and I am sure that we'll be able to get some guys together.

Which bit of south wales in particular. We've got quite a few around Cardiff, Bridgend and Swansea.

[Sharribee]

Scap that last bit just read your profile and it says Pontypool

[StumpyFingers]

hello and welcome to the forum.
The baby varadero is a very capable little bike, one made the trip from Essex to the national with no problems.
I think like any bike if it is maintained properly it does not matter too much about the mileage.

[Critch]

Well done Good Choice of Bike

As Stumpy Says above, I paid £1600 for my 05 plate with 7000 miles on it two owners, i was shopping around for 3 months.

i asked the same question, there is no ave mileage, but there are a few over priced bikes out there ie older , high mileage not the best condition so best thing is to shop around and go look at the bikes, you will soon know when you see the one for you ...

I have the standard Goodyear Deathwings, sorry i mean trailwings on mine i have had a few scary moments on the corners with these, they are not a confidence inspiering tire what so ever on the 125, yet on other bike i have heard good things..

Most People on the 125s have changed these for pirelli Scorpion, or Syrex on this forum had Pilots on his and loved them..

[monkeyboy44]

Thanks for the replies and tips...

Its just a bit baffling with the choice out there, i mean take these two for example

1- £1,575.00 - 12,500 miles - 2002/02
Very good condition, partial service history, Silver, 9 months MoT, 9 months Tax, only bought 2 months ago, raising funds to move abroad, garaged, gutted I'm selling to be honest

2 - £1,595.00 - 4,954.00 - 2003/03
Good condition, Partial Service History, Silver, 5 months Mot, 8 months Tax. Centre Stand, Belly Pan, Honda/Givi Top Box and Alarmed with 2 remotes. New Rear tyre and fork seals just done. Comes with original manuals, Toolkit and 2 keys. Excellent learner bike as full size. Passed test so now moved up to a 600.


Excuse my ignorance but either the guy in ad 1 is taking the p*** and trying to get over the odds OR the guy in the second ad has no idea how much his kit is worth and ad 1 is a genuine asking price? Ironically ad 1 is not too far from me but the other is miles away

I guess don't go for the first one you see

Last questions

Why do alot of the bikes have centre stands put on, i guess the side stand is facotry fitted and a pain?

Cheers again!

[Lord Vader]

Do I get this right
2: is for £1595 and got 4954 miles???
If yes buy it now
Can not go wrong.Lady Vader got one and its a brilliant bike.She just went to the Narional to Dartmoor(254 miles) and had no problems(well she knows now what a rev limiter is and that you start relaxing once you off!!! the bike)

[monkeyboy44]

thats what i thought...... from what ive learnt in the last few days vara's go fast.

any other websites i should check bar MCN & Autotrader?

cheers

[Lord Vader]

thats what i thought...... from what ive learnt in the last few days vara's go fast.

any other websites i should check bar MCN & Autotrader?

cheers

Well Deb gets up to 80 mph on her little Varadero

[Critch]

The Guy in the second ad, may not have paid much for it when he bought it,
And has now moved up to a bigger bike, and could possibly just want to get rid of it with out charging the earth.

Rather than ripping some one off, thats how i got mine.. my bike was going for around £2195.00 sim year and mileage...

i pref the side stand, just flick it out with the foot, but the center stand i use for uneaven ground and working on the bike, oh and when i have the panniers on,