Back to biking (Honda Varadero XL125)

Member Name: smile2

Product:	Honda Varadero XL125
Date:	19/05/06 (3803 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Its big, comfy and you wont look silly on it!

Disadvantages: It may make you re- think your return to Biking strategy.

If, like me, you are reliving your youth and fancy getting back on a bike this summer after a period of growing up, being sensible and raising a family, then the choice of your return to 'One wheel drive' in my opinion has to include a look at the Varadero. With the law having changed, and no longer can you stick an L plate on a 250 for as long as you like, the 125 market could mean you just need something cheap and cheerful to mark time until you take a Full Motorcycle test. With depreciation, and having to live with a 'Make do' bike until that time, the 125s are a bit of a limbo period before commiting to the outlay of a big machine.

With probably nearly twice the traffic on the road since I last rode, and having been a car driver with a few lucky escapes, would I have the bottle not to have airbags and seatbelts?

Im not into coffin dodging road racers or trailies. I wanted something that I didnt look stupid on ( im 6 Foot ), something with road tyres, upright and most of all a bike that would be comfortable. Sort of a poor mans tourer. Touring the country lanes around Herefordshire doesnt require break neck accelleration or knobbly tyres.

The Varadero does 200 miles on a full tank. Ive never put more than £8 in it to fill it up, It will do 75mph on the red line, but its best at just hauling you around enjoying the sunshine at 40 - 50 mph. Its big. It claims your bit of road with authority, and you dont feel embarrassed as yet another sports bike waves hello.

It has got me thinking, 'Why would I need a larger capacity machine, it does what I want it to do' Grab your helmet at anytime the sun makes a brief appearance, and blast off somewhere. It doesnt matter where. Its just escapism.

Being a 4 Stroke it also doesnt sound like Kevin the spotty teenager is coming. The power is smooth,the gearbox, while very slightly undergeared in 5th is ok, switch gear is as good as the more expensive models in Hondas range and the only critisism is the rear brake. Its not confidence inspiring.

If you are considering a 125, and the Aprilia rs125 isnt your thing then the Varadero XL125 may even make you consider sticking with it for a few more summers than originally planned.

Three and a half grand is a lot for one of these, but with so many newish ones around for sale due to upgrade, there are many good clean bikes forsale. Ebay seems to be a good source. You could be back on a bike with all the necessary clothing for under £2000.

Thats a lot of fun per pound to have. Enjoy the escape from the kids, relive the days of 75p per gallon of fuel and when you could understand the words of pop songs.

Summary: Road Presence, comfort, fun fun fun.

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