been looking at a 99 varadero

[zxtrevr]

Been looking at a 99 Varadero and it looks really clean and price is too bad either its got full luggage, is there anything specific I should look out for on these? It has had a new cam chain tensioner fitted.

Only bad thing is I'd have to sell my Africa Twin?????????????????????

[Jackdaw]

My V reg Vara has just passed 90k miles and is still a great bike. However it's a bit like Trigger's broom in that episode of 'Fools and Horses'. In addition to the routine replacements (tyres, filters, pads etc.) I've had 5 (yes five) regulator/rectifiers and 2 new rear shocks. A Scottoiler has more than covered its cost in terms of chain/sprocket replacements. The seat has been recovered and the standard screen swapped for a skidmarx flip screen which works well. It lives outside in all weathers, is ridden every day and has never let me down starting wise. It doesn't like the cold weather though. Someone said this might be to do with the carbs freezing. I tried blanking off part of the rads with foil and this helped a bit The winter salt has taken its toll, especially on the wheels and forks. One time I came back from a long ride to dicover one of the calliper lugs had fractured and the calliper was hanging off. Just lately I'm only getting 175 miles before the fuel light comes on whereas I'd expect nearer to 200. I regularly ride 400 miles in a day without too much discomfort. Longest trip was Sicily a couple of summers ago. It never missed a beat. A great bike. I'd like 6 gears and fuel injection, but can't bear to part with it. (Hope I haven't put you off)

[pete h]

Bout ye' zxtrevr!

I bought my T reg 99 vara about 18 months ago and compared to other bikes I've had it's been really easy to live with.

I've spent a bit on luggage and a scottoiler, but next to nothing on maintenance, (excepting the 250 quid to replace the shock when it failed at 36k), it sailed through the mot last year, a full service cost me £99. It's all day comfy, whether on m-ways or a and b roads. I'm still getting to the 200 mile mark before seeing the fuel light.
I drop a dose of redex in the tank every 1000 miles, keep an eye on the oil levels and it just keeps going strong.

It's done 40k and I don't see me changing it for a few years yet.
Like Jackdaw said, I'd like a sixth gear, but really that's only when I can't avoid using a m'way or dual carriageway to get somewhere, rest of the time the five is fine.

Shame you'd have to lose the @ though.

[Freerangestormer]

It has had a new cam chain tensioner fitted.

That's a good thing.

The local Vara group (about 20) reports very few problems with either carb or injection. All the usual suspects seem to be well documented and consistent.

Cam chain tensioner usually between 80 - 100 k km, gives plenty of audible warning and is progressive not sudden. Fuel pump, any time after 60k km, depends very much on usage. Regulator occasionally after 60k km, again usage and make of battery seem to be the main factors but some bikes are well over a 100k km without failure. Rear shock generally seems to be well past it any time over 40k km with 50k km being the norm for visible wear / leakage.

The carbaradero's do fare a bit worse on fuel but generally about 30 - 40 km less range while touring loaded at 140 - 160 kph. Lack of a 6th gear doesn't seem to hold some of my mates back, one of them is a big guy (100 kg) and his favourite pastime is baiting Ducati Monsters with his carbie.

The @ guys that join tours seem to keep up OK but appear to flag over the longer distances, I think it's more down to comfort rather than machine capability.

[jasonbc]

Been looking at a 99 Varadero and it looks really clean and price is too bad either its got full luggage, is there anything specific I should look out for on these? It has had a new cam chain tensioner fitted.

Only bad thing is I'd have to sell my Africa Twin?????????????????????

What can i say i've had mine 5-6 years she's been halfway around europe twice (but has only covered 32000miles) it's never missed a beat the only problem i've had with it was the year shock packed up, i got a new shock from david silver on the 2 week wait for around £240 that was genuine honda shock so i bought the bearings bushes and seals and replaced the suspension linkage bearings at the same time. I've done over 600miles in a day on her and that was 2up with full luggage and both of us were still able to walk afterwards. Motorway comfortable cruising speed i find is around 90-95mph but it did cruise comfortably most of the length of spain (were possible) at 110mph. My fuel light normally comes on around 180miles but does vary on how you ride it. I've shod her with bridgestone 020's and get around 8000 miles to a rear tyre i've never changed chain and sprockets and the adjuster is only halfway back now but i do use a scottoiler. I also have an ice alert, satnav, brake-text unit, hugger, givi top box fits 2 helmets and hepco and becker boxes.

I wouldn't get a newer one couldn't bear to get rid of her. The new ones are a lot more unfomfortable, taller and built in Honda's Spanish factory so don't expect them tgo be finsihed aswell or last as long.








Why would i want to chang it when it's in this condition. If you can get it for aprice your happy with buy it, you won't be dissappointed

[zxtrevr]

Going to look at it again tomorrow you guys are really talking me into it! To tell the truth i didn't really like the Varadero much til i got up close to this one and sat on it. Now i think it looks great.
I've got a Euro trip planned for July and August and 2up comfort and power is a big issue, the Africa twin isn't that comfy 2 up wife keeps sliding forward and pushing me into the tank, ouch
Will prob have to sell the Triumph too, what will i take to track days? and the Isle of Man TT to blast around the mountain rd? decisions decisions!!!

[Freerangestormer]

Collect all your bits and drop them on the dealer forecourt / fleabay. At the price you could probably afford the Vara and an earlier Daytona 675

[zxtrevr]

675!!!!!!!!!!! gimme gimme gimme

[blue skies]

answers to your delima - buy the wife her own bike or travel alone.

DONT SELL THE AT WHAT EVER YOU DO

[pete h]

what will i take to track days? and the Isle of Man TT to blast around the mountain rd? decisions decisions!!!

Easy : A varadero.......you wouldn't be the first.


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