Honda Varadero 1000?

[crazybigal]

how about a scan of it and post it on here?

Can I sell my copy of Kiwi Rider??? $50.00??? Anyone?

Having actually read the review (By Ross McKay) it's very positive, the summary is:
Heavy, 238 Kg, more V-strom than BMW GS and more capable on sealed roads than gravel. Liked the engine, ergonomics and handling but wasn't so convinced of the linked braking. Only negative was a lack of centre stand.

No price listed but Honda should have that.....

[Crisis management]

how about a scan of it and post it on here?

That involves technology...have you seen the bikes I ride?

Given that it is yet to hit the news stand I don't think thats fair on the suppliers so you'll just have to buy one!

[Oscar]

how about a scan of it and post it on here?

Buy yer own, ya cheap bastidge....

[oldrider]

Can I sell my copy of Kiwi Rider??? $50.00??? Anyone?

Having actually read the review (By Ross McKay) it's very positive, the summary is:
Heavy, 238 Kg, more V-strom than BMW GS and more capable on sealed roads than gravel. Liked the engine, ergonomics and handling but wasn't so convinced of the linked braking. Only negative was a lack of centre stand.

No price listed but Honda should have that.....

Thank you, interesting stuff!

We are fickle in what pleases us, I read a short review of the TransAlp in "Bike Rider" magazine and it was the most positive review I have read on the T/A.

From an owners point of view, I was so pleased to read something positive about my bike for a change, I bought the magazine, to show other T/A owners the comments! (we all have our price and I was bought, cheaply)

Nearly all commentators on the T/A (and other brands) are sports bike riders, rather than venture bikers and they have no real appreciation of the bikes' virtues from a "fit for purpose" point of view.

I just expected the same sort of thing to be the case when they reviewed the Valadero!

After all Ross McKay could hardly be described as a venture biker! (or could he?)

Every review of the T/A, (including the one in Bike Rider) refers to the engine as "gutless" or lacking real zip, yet it does not get left behind by the bikes that they favour or compare it to.(is this just another case of Honda blandness?)

The Valadero has a litre motor so power is not the focus point of the review, I share his concern about the linked braking, especially off the tarmac and the ABS should be able to be turned off or on too.

I will be concentrating on the Valaderos ability to provide, rider and passenger protection from the elements and comfort, as a long distance tourer, capable of handling whatever type of roads "I" decide to ride it on.

So far the information, impressions, comments and reviews that I have read, all seem to support that this bike could be just what I want and need, except it doesn't have a drive shaft!

The only remaining question seems to be, am I getting too old and weak for such a big heavy bike?

Never mind, I still have my trusty old TransAlp to fall back on! (or off) Cheers John.

[crazybigal]

hey you dont ask you dont get!

Buy yer own, ya cheap bastidge....

[Bonez]

I didn't have any problems with the fuel cap.

Tell that to the gent at the last cold kiwi.

Seems a few others are having issues too- http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...58198&forum=51

[Jantar]

There is write up on the Valadero in the latest Bike Rider Magazine. Although it was only tested on the seal it did get good comments. Most telling was how well it compared to a Yamaha FZ1S in the tight twistys.

It looks to be very similar to the VStrom, only its 35 Kg heavier and $4000 more expensive. It does have ABS which the Strom doesn't. Overall I believe I'd be happy to take it on any gravel roads, maybe not so good offroad.

[Edbear]

There is write up on the Valadero .

Funny how one person makes a small error and it is perpetuated...
I think you'll find the bike is a Varadero?

[warewolf]

Funny how one person makes a small error and it is perpetuated...
I think you'll find the bike is a Varadero?

Vara-dear-oh-dear-oh-dear!

Almost as bad as the Yamaha Tedium - which was anything but.

[oldrider]

There is write up on the Valadero in the latest Bike Rider Magazine. Although it was only tested on the seal it did get good comments. Most telling was how well it compared to a Yamaha FZ1S in the tight twistys.

It looks to be very similar to the VStrom, only its 35 Kg heavier and $4000 more expensive. It does have ABS which the Strom doesn't. Overall I believe I'd be happy to take it on any gravel roads, maybe not so good offroad.

Jantar, I think you will find the Honda being ridden with the Yamaha FZ1N and written about in "Bike Rider" magazine was an XL650v TransAlp, not a Varadero!

Varadero come in two sizes, 125cc and 1000cc, I think Honda are only importing the litre model.

I read the KiwiRider report by Ross MacKay and while it is quite a fair report, it is still a sport bike enthusiasts opinion, not that of a venture bike rider, for whom the bike is targeted. Picture 2 on page 28 says it all really.

He only road it briefly on a gravel road! Venture bike review???

At least he was honest and mentioned that it is not the same bike as the new import model, it is an older bike and that is immediately obvious from the magazine cover picture!

My first response was that they were dumping old models on New Zealand customers but I was wrong, nice one Ross Mackay, clearly stated, different bike!

Cheers John.

[Edbear]

Vara-dear-oh-dear-oh-dear!

Almost as bad as the Yamaha Tedium - which was anything but.

Quite right! The TDM was a very good machine, much loved by the Ambos in Aus, I might add! But like most manufacturers, Yamaha heard the call for more excitement and sportiness so developed it into the current 900. Still a good bike but lost something along with the gains.

Just picked up both BRM and Kiwi Rider yesterday and it is the Varadero in BRM. A good report, but missing a go on gravel, only sealed roads. Stacked up well with the FZ1, too! Will read KR today!

[What?]

The only remaining question seems to be, am I getting too old and weak for such a big heavy bike?

You'll have to try it - I thought it was a heavy slug until it was in gear and the clutch engaged, then it was all good.

[oldrider]

Quite right! The TDM was a very good machine, much loved by the Ambos in Aus, I might add! But like most manufacturers, Yamaha heard the call for more excitement and sportiness so developed it into the current 900. Still a good bike but lost something along with the gains.

Just picked up both BRM and Kiwi Rider yesterday and it is the Varadero in BRM. A good report, but missing a go on gravel, only sealed roads. Stacked up well with the FZ1, too! Will read KR today!

It must be the February issue of BRM, which of course I haven't seen anywhere yet, my one is December/January!
We seem to be about a "month" behind all you city dwellers, Alexandra must be right up there with them Janta! Well done that Southern town.

The V-Strom 1000 is still arguably the best value for money bike I have seen around lately, very tempting! (IMO) Cheers John.

[Oscar]

Quite right! The TDM was a very good machine, much loved by the Ambos in Aus, I might add! But like most manufacturers, Yamaha heard the call for more excitement and sportiness so developed it into the current 900. Still a good bike but lost something along with the gains.

Just picked up both BRM and Kiwi Rider yesterday and it is the Varadero in BRM. A good report, but missing a go on gravel, only sealed roads. Stacked up well with the FZ1, too! Will read KR today!

That right there is why I don't buy BRM.
The only one I ever bought had them comparing a ZZ1000 Kawasaki to a BMW GS1150. Now we have them testing a Varedeo and NOT riding it on gravel! What a bunch of maroons...

[Jantar]

Jantar, I think you will find the Honda being ridden with the Yamaha FZ1N and written about in "Bike Rider" magazine was an XL650v TransAlp, not a Varadero!

Varadero come in two sizes, 125cc and 1000cc, I think Honda are only importing the litre model.

I read the KiwiRider report by Ross MacKay and while it is quite a fair report, it is still a sport bike enthusiasts opinion, not that of a venture bike rider, for whom the bike is targeted. Picture 2 on page 28 says it all really.

He only road it briefly on a gravel road! Venture bike review???

At least he was honest and mentioned that it is not the same bike as the new import model, it is an older bike and that is immediately obvious from the magazine cover picture!

My first response was that they were dumping old models on New Zealand customers but I was wrong, nice one Ross Mackay, clearly stated, different bike!

Cheers John.

Nope... I have the latest issue in front of me right now. And it is the Varadero, 1000 cc. This is issue number 35 (February/March) and I received it yesterday.

The TransAlp was in Issue 34 (December/January).