1st run this yr on Vara

[africajim]

I washed the Varadero and gave it a polish today, as the weather was fine I took it for a quick spin. Around town then out the coast road west, great to get back out on the mighty Vara again!
Just a word of warning for anyone who's been off the road for a few months over winter, apart from the roads being a bit slidy with sand, grit and salt, the Varadero can accelerate quite sharply! I was surprised how fast it climbed to three figures on the speedo and how the brakes weren't as sharp as I remembered!
Compared to Fiona's Beemer I found the Vara blistering quick, and of course with speed, slowing down can take a bit longer! Take care out there folks.
As a side note; Got home and decided to fit the new float needles into the carbs of my old Kawasaki KLE500. Seems to have done the trick, runs a treat now! Pity winter's past! DOH!

[Boris]

Good run Jim. I was out on mine this week but I didn't go too far and only managed just over 100 miles. It's been a fantastic bike and I'll be sorry to see it go.

[largewayround]

Glad you got the Vara out today , bet it needs a wash again..

I took a spin up to Braemar today , it was nice weather but still cold..
Road were interesting !! but careful driving and slow (as usual) ..

Found 10 brave bikers hiding in the braemar cafe..

[africajim]

Aye aye mate, was fine to get it out for a run, graceful old ship would be best description for the mighty Vara!
I've looked at the BMW but just can't, I've ridden a BMW and cannot deny the torque is interesting but sorry mate, it's just not for me.
The Varadero was the 2nd choice after the 1050 Tiger but in reality the Vara has proven to be the better bike in my eyes.
I understand we all have to move on eventually, to what? I don't know. If I didn't tour two up so much I'd consider the Yamaha Tenere 660, or even perhaps the BMW 650GS or 800? Perhaps even a 700 Transalp!
For now I'm happy with the Varadero and will run it for yet another year!
Have you contacted the ferry company regarding your change of bike? You'll have to pay to change the details or they won't let you on the boat in June!
A week to go to the Scottish bike show at Edinburgh! Whoopee!

[Boris]

Aye aye mate, was fine to get it out for a run, graceful old ship would be best description for the mighty Vara!
I've looked at the BMW but just can't, I've ridden a BMW and cannot deny the torque is interesting but sorry mate, it's just not for me.

You're right on the vara. As for the Beemer I felt the same a few years ago but bottom line was it's time for a change and the BMW was the only one that floated my boat. I may hate it and end up with another Vara but at least I'll have given it a go.

Have you contacted the ferry company regarding your change of bike? You'll have to pay to change the details or they won't let you on the boat in June!
A week to go to the Scottish bike show at Edinburgh! Whoopee!

I checked with the ferry company last week and they say it's a free change as long as the vehicle type stays the same.

Are you def going to the bike show? If so I'll look forward to seeing you. I'll have my new bike by then so you have a hurl if you fancy.

[africajim]

I moved from the Vara to the 955i Tiger, what a great bike! One up, it's brilliant, two up, it is capable.
Due to the price of the new 1050 Tiger I decided to go back to Honda. The new 2009 Vara I bought with 6 speed and EFI was a superior bike to the Tiger, especially two up touring. Agree, if Honda will not provide the bike we want (@T replacement) then yes, as I did, we need to try others!
Yes, still planning the bike show in Edinburgh next weekend, staying down that way on Saturday night so look forward to meeting up later in the day Boris mate.