- Suitable over a wide range of terrain
- Comfortable ride
- Huge fuel tank
- Plenty of pulling power
- The optional top box is perfect for those one-day solo tours
Engineering and appearance
The 996cc four-stroke eight valve DOHC 90-degree V-Twin is related to the old SP-2 that took Colin Edwards to the 2002 WSB championship. It may be in a slightly milder state of tune here, and have slightly newer technology, but it's still a pretty decent donk.
There seem to be lots of features which, in isolation, would at best be pointless and at worst look daft. The motocross style handguards, for example, should seem silly on a bike that nobody in their right mind would take offroad, while the rather odd looking half fairing doesn't look big enough to make much difference. But between them I was able to wear summer gloves and a light jacket on a pretty chilly spring day. And they kept the bugs off my visor as well.
The analogue clocks are clear and easy, and the high-tech LCD panel tells you exactly what you want to know.
The skinny, throwback mirrors give a clear picture of the road behind.
Performance and handling
The Varadero has one of the best seats in motorcycling, and is built for all-day comfort rather than offroad agility.
Ready-to-roll weight with all fluids and a full tank of fuel is 268kg.
Though it is a very large motorcycle, getting a leg over the 838mm seat height is easier than it might seem. The low centre of gravity made it easy to hold the bike up.
Suspension is pretty standard with 43mm traditional forks boasting a cushy 155mm of travel, while a preload and rebound adjustable Pro-link shock with 145mm of travel brings up the rear. The light clutch and easy gearbox make pulling away and getting moving fuss free.
The wide bars give huge leverage for cornering, and although at low speed the front feels a little vague, no doubt as a result of the long forks and plush springing, town behaviour is predictable and safe.
Handling was easier than expected, but I found the linked brakes slightly lacking. I also feel the lack of underseat storage as a result of the fashionable high level exhausts is a bit of a disappointment.
To read in-depth motorcycle reviews see the latest issue of Motorcycle Trader & News, on sale now.
See the Honda XL1000 Varadero for sale here.
Specifications
Engine type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC 90° V-twin
Displacement 996CC
Bore x stroke 98 x 66mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Max power output 69kW / 7,500rpm (95/1/EC)
Max torque 98Nm/6,000rpm (95/1/EC)
Starter Electric
Gearbox 6-speed
Final drive 0-Ring sealed chain
Suspension front 43mm telescopic fork, 155mm axle travel
Suspension rear Pro-Link damper with 40-step spring preload adjustment, 145mm axle travel
Brakes front 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers and sintered metal pads
Brakes rear 256 x 5mm hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
Tyres front 110/80 R19
Tyres rear 150/70 R17
Wheelbase 1560mm
Trail 110mm
Seat height 838mm
Ground Clearance 181mm
Kerb weight 268.7kg
Fuel capacity 25 litres including reserve (including 4-litre warning light reserve)
