My ex VARADERO XL1000 - a very good motorcycle
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- čas přidán 17. 10. 2016
- My message to anyone interested in this style of motorcycle is try one and don't be put off by a pre V3 machine. There are plenty for sale in the UK. Most have lowish miles + they don't sell for for silly money.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Had 1 for years a 2010 love it only winge i have is the weight when moving it in a car park or at home.
Yes, they are tall, heavy, bikes. Not as heavy as an FJR 1300.
yeah, cool bike ;)
Cheers
Not sure about mine. I have a 2009 model, so 6 gears and ABS but not sure I like the ride or sound. It's very lumpy so aweful in traffic or slow speed. The gears are also very clunky and the brakes are not brilliant. I was however surprised at the handling and it also has quite a bit of power on tap. Gives a boost at about 7 or 8000 rpm which took me by surprise. I"m going to try a proper sports bike for a while but you never know I may end up going back to a Varadero. It does have it's charm and is as comfy as hell.
I enjoyed my Varadero but know what you mean about it being chuggy at low rpm. I ran mine tight and sporty by hanging onto the revs before changing up. As you say it can handle and will shift if you need it to. Had mine for 3 years but now ride an FJR 1300.
What is your experience with the variable MRA screen? I'm considering fitting one to my '99 Varadero.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Work stopped play. Standard screen gave me much wind buffet all of the time. On a motorway this destroyed the pleasure of the ride.
Ordered the MRA screen in smoked grey. Fitted easily and like a glove. Is manually adjustable. Looked good and gave the bike a very up to date look. Improved wind buffet but did not cure it. Best results were when I pulled myself low towards the tank and placed my head as close to the screen as possible. Couldn't sustain this position because my neck muscles gave out after a few miles. The screen is not too wide so turbulent air is generated by mirrors and hand guards. My shoulders weren't covered by the screen so picked up dirty air from these also. Not too expensive and still worth buying. Have since sold the bike and am looking for an FJR 1300. Bigger wider adjustable screen!
Thanks for you reply. My original screen is pretty scratchet and matt. So i'll try a MRA.
Cheers
i'm quite short legged - would this work for me. Currently ride a ST1300 Pan European, which is fine - but think this is a couple of inches higher?
Seat height is 845mm or 33.3 ins in imperial. Am I permitted to use this word as it relates to empire? Since I made this video I have owned an FJR 1300 and currently ride a Versys 1000. I can say without any shadow of doubt that the Varadero is the most comfy of ride positions. This being due to its neutral ride position, as the footrests are very slightly forward of the seat. The seat itself is OK for a couple of hours. If you are a long distance rider, you would need to buy an aftermarket comfort seat. For a lower bike I always rode with the rear suspension adjustment on soft, so that when I mounted the bike both feet could easily touch the ground. My inside leg is 31. It's chuggy at low revs but pulls like a tractor. It's also surprisingly fast. One competed in the TT and AVERAGED just short of 100mph. Check one out and swing your leg over it. Cheers
Why it's your ex bike after 2 years?
Because I had enjoyed this brilliant and versatile bike for 3 years I thought it was time to pass her on. The Varadero was fast and sporty to ride. It doesn't look it but it handles well. I sold her in January of this year [2018]. After looking at many other types I started a new relationship with an FJR 1300 in the February of [2018]. The FJR is another bike like the Varadero with a cult following. Completely different to the Varadero but - good looking in a classic sort of way, powerful, yet, thrifty on fuel. Can't handle tight corners like the Varedero but with 144 hp on tap she can thrill me with very rapid acceleration. Love the shaft drive.
No "CAT" ? Whats that ?
Short for ..... Catalytic Converter.
aha. i have 2004 and it has one i think
From 2003 the Varadero was revamped It was made more attractive to the eye but a catalytic converter + ABS etc added weight for the same power. The 6th gear only increased top speed by 5 mph. So much for the changes. Having said that the Varadero is an under estimated and versatile bike . I bought mine intending to sell it after 12 months. But have kept it for 3 years so far. Just returned from a blast around on mine. Feeling good.
I have a 2009 and love it. So punchy, comfy and handles sweet. It still looks new. The finish is so durable. Never breaks down. Slow speed maneuvers are easy now that I spent some time practicing. Love it.