Honda XL125V Varadero Review (2007)
What Is It?
The Honda Varadero 125 is a learner friendly semi-faired bike and is powered by a Euro 3 compliant liquid cooled 124.7 cc 90° V-Twin four stroke engine, producing 14.2 bhp at 11,000 rpm and maximum torque at 8,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (800 mm / 31.5 inches)
- Weight: Average (169 kg / 373 lbs)
- Economy: Very good (85 mpg / 3.3 l/100km / 30.1 km/l)
- Range: Very high (310 miles / 499 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.083 bhp/kg / 0.062 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Average (80 mph / 129 km/h)
Pros
- Plenty of oomph
- Big bike feel
- Range
Cons
- No fuel gauge
- Headlight
- Heavy
- Looks
What Is It Like?
What's Good?
It's a lovely big and comfortable bike to ride. I had the pleasure of owning one in 2007 and now I have have the pleasure of the final 2017 model. Honda have refined it with a different body shape, the chain has been upgraded and the 2017 model is fuel injected.
The ride is super comfortable, it sits comfortably in traffic where being higher up is an advantage and has enough power to keep up with the traffic. It's quite heavy for a 125cc but has good fuel consumption and handles well on the standard tyres. With the XL you have the feel of a big bike and can cruise at top speed in smooth comfort!
Any Downsides?
I'm unimpressed with the lights, to me they lack power and I find the normal beam poor.
For such a big bike I really thought Honda would have added a centre stand in the package on the 2017 model, but it's nice to see we have a fuel gauge now. It's a super bike to ride and I'm delighted with its performance.
- Steve B, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Honda XL125V (2001-2006) - Previous version.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.