new owner of a xl125v Varadero

[frazer1981]

Hi,

I am picking up my new bike tomorrow. It's a 2005 xl125v Varadero 6k on the clock. I have a few questions regarding the bike. I have noticed that the exhust pipe is quite exposed ( the front section ) what's the best way to protect this as the winter weather will soon be apon us.

The bike will be used for a 54 mile round trip comute to work and back each day so what would the service intervals be for this kind of mileage?

And does anyone know if the 2005 model was FI or carb and what kind of tank range should i get from a full tank.

Many thanks in advance.

[Freerangestormer]

Hi,

And does anyone know if the 2005 model was FI or carb and what kind of tank range should i get from a full tank.

Many thanks in advance.

First of all welcome, you have certainly found a very lively and useful place to be

There a couple of other recent new 125 owners here and some old hands that should be able to offer the needed advice.

[Ian1970]

Hello Fraser1981,

I've been running (and sometimes pushing) a baby vara for a few months now on a 20 mile commute. Mines an 05 and it has carbs. I think the 07 version was the first to get fuel injection. I'm getting about 70 miles to the gallon through town and A road riding.

Don't even need to push it anymore as the garage I bought it from removed the pesky Spyball immobiliser which was cutting the engine out all the time.

Take care out there.

[monkeyboy44]

welcome... im new aswell....

i filled my tank right up about 3 weeks ago and ive done 158 miles and havent hit reserve yet, still working out the mpg.

as for the exhaust, i 'think' you can get a front hugger but the best bet is a fender extender, a little mudguard that hangs of the back of the existing one

no idea about carbs sorry.

oh i would suggest you get a rea hugger (buster do them), im going to order one, the amount of crap that has covered my rea shock is amazing! need to get the hugger before the winter sets in as im commuting every day.

[MacP]

Welcome!

A fender extender is a good idea. Also get some stuff like ACF50 and apply it to the metal parts like downpipes (avoid rubber parts) this is a protection spray and will help with keeping salt problems to a minimum

[MandoBear]

I'll second the ACF-50 tip! Brilliant stuff. I had a 2005 baby Vara - carbs. I got about 70-80 mpg from mine or about 230-250 miles before I hit reserve. A Fenda Extenda is a great idea - makes a huge difference for a smallish bit of plastic. Personally I never bothered with a rear hugger - just regular hosing off of the muck, and spraying on of ACF-50. Service intervals are every 2500 miles if I remember correctly - relatively simple checks at 2500 and 5000 miles with a big service (valve clearances etc) at 7500. it's probably worth changing the oil and filter at every 2500, though Honda say only at every 7500. You might also get a little condensation in the oil level window in the winter - this is common on the baby Vara. There is a cure - but probably best saved for another post.

Oh... and... Welcome!