Bought a Varadero (XL125)

[Toby Leröhne]

My commute is around 40 miles depending on which route I take, usually mostly straight dual carriageway.

Think it's a little bit too much for the 90 and it's clocking up the miles since the rebuild so I have decided to get a commuter bike and sell the red 90 but keep the yellow 90 though.

Been looking for a Honda really, considered the XR 125 but there is only one rack available and I'd have to bodge a screen was also considering the XLR but too crosser-ish.

Been thinking about a Varadero after watching Royal Jordanian's video about the XL125Vx.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBUYEOmqYm0
Found one that was perfect but out of my price range for now as I prefer to spend what I have instead of getting credit.

http://www.smithshonda.co.uk/pages/used ... 413c23.htm

It's pretty much set up how I'd want it, just need to add my Garmin, and a Givi MonoKey top plate for my top box.

Been looking around but the nearest ones seem to sell "off eBay" so had a bid on a non runner (fuel issue) and got it for a reasonable price. Just need to get it brought up here and get stuck into it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-xl-125- ... 2254137062

It's an 04/V4 so I'm going to modify it slowly, thinking Givi tall screen, hand guards, SWMotech crash bars and centre stand, Givi MonoKey top plate, Givi Racks and Trekker cases or just pannier Racks and my Ortlieb Motos. HID upgrade if it works properly dipping down and to the left.

[Rattle]

This is a video of a 125 Varadero touring to Gibralter you might like to see ,pleasant and easy to watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvszjZDtF3c

[Diesel Dave]

Useful sized 125 if your a 6 footer.

Keep the chain well lubed as you will be missing the full chain case of a 90 or CG.

[Toby Leröhne]

I'm going to fit an oiler, loobman or scott or similar

[bikerbaker]

Have fancied one of these for a while, found it hard to believe it was only a 125 when I saw one for the first time. The fact that they hold their price so well speaks volumes. When my son (a 6 footer) was buying his 125 I hoped he would get one but he went the R125 route instead. Good luck and hope to hear more!

[Bogger]

I also like the Varadero 125. Good price that.

Bogger

[Harry Notts]

I like the look of them too,but I'm only 5' 7" and from down here it looked a long way up to that seat.

[Toby Leröhne]

I'm hoping it's a simple fix, guessing old fuel in the carbs/blocked jets. I'll carry out a service, plugs, oil, filters, coolant, new battery, brake fluid change, pads and discs and anything else as necessary.

The MOT expired over two years ago and it had only done 6,358 miles at its last MOT then so with luck on my side I have a bargain low milage Varadero.

Popped in to the place where I did my CBT to see about the free "geared" conversion they offered when I took my CBT.

They have a place round the corner from me so I could take it there... Thinking I might be able to push the bike round and do it on my bike rather than a CG125.

I have a weird build... shortish legs, long body and short upper arms but I seem to fit the Triumph Tigers and BMW F700GS I've sat on and the Varadro has a similar fit on http://cycle-ergo.com/ in fact the xl125v has a lower seat height than the BMW.

First time I saw one though how can that be learner legal, big looking bike with a decent sized looking V-Twin.

Looking forward to touring and commuting on it and keeping the C90 for fun

[George]

I first encountered the Varadero when I've recommended it to a friend of mine which is on L plates. Had a problem with the carb, managed to fix it at around 90% and had a go on it. I still think it's the best 125 I have ever ridden. But I like Adventure Bikes so I might be subjective.

[Toby Leröhne]

Just realised I need to MOT the Varadero so I'll have to do my gear conversion first as I'll need to ride the bike to my MOT tester.