2009-10年Honda XL 125 V Varadero

Honda XL 125V Varadero

Modelled on the famous Transalp 650, the Honda Varadero is unquestionably one of the most impressive 125 cc motorcycles on the market.

 As well as offering real on-road capability with maximum comfort, this low-displacement road/trail bike - one of a kind - proves to be a great all-rounder and pleasant to ride on a day-to-day basis.

A smooth evolution

Honda has made no changes to the machine's philosophy. The dimensions remain exactly the same as those of the old version: the Varadero 125 is more of a motorcycle for tall riders, and so much the better, because there aren't that many around.

 The only modifications, looks-wise, of this new version concern the front half-fairing, which has a sleeker, more aggressive design and now carries the rear-view mirrors, and the rear light cluster, with a design taken from the CBF series. Incidentally, the lights are more powerful but, fundamentally, owners of the 2006 Varadero will not be out of their element with the new version.

An agile motorcycle but a "specialist" engine

The riding position is typical of a road/trail bike, therefore perfectly natural, but the considerable weight of the motorcycle does not necessarily make it a wise choice for beginners.

 The engine, an impressive V-twin, is very sluggish at low revs. The arrival of electronic injection on this 2007 version makes no difference there. So you have to make frequent use of the gearbox, which is fortunately precise and smooth, to remain in the right range, above 6,000 rpm.

 Once you have mastered this style of riding, the Varadero proves agile and very well balanced. Above all, the V-twin's original layout makes it possible to develop a top speed that is particularly high for a 125 cc (timed at 117 kph/73 mph, 130 kph/81 mph on the speedometer) and which can be maintained on a long journey without affecting reliability. Unfortunately, the rev limiter intervenes too soon when going downhill.

Top prize for comfort in the 125 cc category

As for the chassis, the Varadero still offers a certain exclusivity as far as the efficiency/comfort ratio in the 125 cc category is concerned. 

 With very comfortable suspension and seating for both rider and passenger (extremely rare in the 125 motorcycle category), the Varadero holds the road perfectly and is reassuring at high speed. Its success stems above all from the fact that it is the only 125 motorcycle with such a high degree of versatility.

 The braking system, typical of a trail bike, proves very progressive, therefore ideal for beginners.

More practical but not yet perfect

The instrument panel of the old version was unworthy of a motorcycle of this standard and price, with owners mainly complaining about the lack of a fuel gauge and having to open the fuel reserve themselves by turning a tap under the fuel tank!

 Although this is still the lot for too many 125 cc motorcycles, those days are gone for the 2007 Varadero, which now boasts a new, more attractive and sufficiently extensive instrument panel. The most particular riders will, however, regret that they have to make do with an automatic fuel warning light instead of a gauge, and will note that there are still no high beams or central kickstand (which remains an option). Lastly, the arrival of electronic injection means that riders can dispense with the manual starter to get the engine going in cold weather.

Still in a class of its own

Despite an elitist price tag for the category (￡3,499), and considering the lack of any serious competition in this GT 125 niche, the Varadero should continue its fine career and win over those who were already delighted with the old version. This is the way it will be until Yamaha decides to find a replacement for the TDR 125, the Varadero's only real rival, which was withdrawn in 2002 because of its highly polluting two-stroke engine.

Source Viamichelin.mapdv.com