Honda XL125 Varadero (2001-current)

I have owned the Varadero for a year but rode a few other 125s before. The Varadero is in a class of its own though. The suspension allows for more rider weight than other 125s so it is suitable for heavier riders or taking a pillion. Being a full 15bhp V twin, the engine can also easily cope with any additional weight. Because of the excellent build quality, it also feels more sure footed when travelling at speed or cornering. It has the quality and feel of one of Hondas larger bikes but with the smaller engine. I have passed my test to ride a larger bike but am keeping my Varadero due to the fuel ecconomy, big bike feel and the fact that you can still have fun on it.

Having not ridden a motorbike for 25 years, I decided that with retirement looming I'd like a weekend "toy" for runs out on minor roads in the good weather (wife permitting of course). Decided that a 125 would fit the bill - but which one? I was tempted by a new Honda CBF but there was just something about it I didn't feel comfortable with. I looked at the Yamaha offerings, but was equally unimpressed. I even considered a Chinese bike. Whilst they looked OK, close inspection showed the finish to be nowhere near as neat as the Japanese products. Then, when browsing the "net" I was attracted to the Varadero. Very expensive new, but some reasonable second hand deals. I finally found my machine, a 2007 model, 4 years old with only just over 4k on the clock and a solid service history. Have had the bike a fortnight now and am enjoying it a lot. Being 5'10 and 15 stone I needed a fairly large bodied bike and the Varadero is just that. It looks good and isn't instantly recognisable as a small engined runaround. The motor is perky enough but oh what I'd give for a sixth gear. I toddle around at about 50/55mph which is what I bought the thing for, however the engine feels a bit strained at this point with the revs well up for a fairly ordinary speed. A sixth cog would help enormously, but ho hum! That said, for a 125 it's a quality bit of kit, well put together and a truly solid feel, nothing flimsy at all. I'm going to keep it for a couple of years at which point I'll either consider my biking days over or, on the other hand, move up to something bigger. At the moment however, I'm pleased to say that my Varadero is living up to expectation and I'd recommend anyone to buy one - it won't be a disappointment.

I have owned this bike for almost a year now. Having owned a CBF 125 before, I have to say that the Varadero handles better, is far more comfortable and has a much better build quality. Despite being 15 bhp compared to the CBF's 11 bhp, it isnt that much faster. Maybe an extra 5 mph at best. You also really need to rev the Varadero to get it going. It redlines at 12,000 rpm and hits 6000 rpm when in top gear going only 40 mph. The fuel ecconamy is slightly behind the CBF. However, for me being 6 foot 1 and 18 stone, the Varadero is the much better bike. If you are looking for something that you can comfortably ride all day, the Varadero is the bike for you. If you are considering paying the extra money purely because it offers the full 15 bhp allowed by law, I would probably say save your money as its not much faster than 11 bhp 125cc bikes at half the price.

i have owned this bike for 5 months now and really enjoying it, bar far the best 125 ever. well worth spending the money on i have had all sorts of bikes and this is good im 22 6ft 12stone, pulls really well keep mine at red line and it has never had a problem. servicing this is really easy aswel pop it up on centre stand to do chain, changing sparks and oil is simple too. i did change the brake lines as they can be abit spoungy but well worth it feel like could get my knee down when going around an island. will give you confidence and put a smile on your face everytime you sit on it

I clock up 100 miles a day going from dep dark essex to London & back and I must admit I can;t believe that a 125 can be so good she goes fine up the A12 sitting at 65-70,has done 80 with the wind behind me downhill, and I'm not exactly a small chap anymore (6ft or so & about 15 stoneish). Now the suns out its even more fun on the back roads and only takes a tenner or so every 2 days to fill up which I think is amazing. I'm looking forward to getting a bigger bike but this things so good I'm no rush at all.

I have owned my 2005 varadero for nearly a year now, and despite only clocking up 7000 miles so far i am pretty sure it is nearly the perfect 125. I took both my module 1 and 2 tests on this bike and passed first time, which goes to show that despite the big bike looks and weight it handles great, taking on every manoeuvre with ease. The wide bars and seating position give the rider a dominant position, which is just what i needed after getting swiped on a roundabout on my old cg by a driver who 'didn't see me'. The engine has reasonable pull considering the capacity and the weight it has to heave, with most of the power(typically V twin) in the higher range, with nothing much happening until 8 grand. It redlines at 12,000 rpm and if you want to be doing motorway or reasonable A road speeds then thats about where you will be sitting. The bike doesnt like going above 50mph I find and being mechanically minded I hate to pin it over long distances at high speed. despite it being a Honda I find my hand hovering over the clutch every time I am travelling long distance at 60mph +. I think that if the gear ratios were revised and a 6th overdrive gear were added, it would be perfect. Brakes are ok but really need some gripping to come to a halt quickly and two up you'll need to chuck out an anchor. I find that MPG is pretty good, taking into account the weight, gear ratios and the rev range that you need to shift about in to keep the power on. I get about 200 - 250 miles to a tank, but mine is the carb version, not fuel injected. The clocks are adequate,displaying revs, speed and the usual idiot lights while a little digital display houses coolant temperature, odometer and trip meter info. There is also a handy little 12 hour digital clock. The chunky tyres give bags of confidence but I find the suspension wallows a bit with preload adjustment on the rear monoshock only. Overall this is a cracking bike and even though i am now opened up the the world of sub 33bhp bikes I am still keeping this smashing little all-rounder.

Hi all. Got my varadero 9 months ago and been commuting to daily.What a fabulous starter/ beginner bike,I took it in for mot last week and it sailed through with no faults.Also Passed my module 1 last week on it 1st time due to its easy ride....Brilliant

I bought my Varadero to get more practice after failing my Mod 1 test twice on the slow speed sections. It feels so comfortable & stable that I am considering taking my Mod 1 & 2 tests on it despite the fact this will restrict me to 33bhp for two years. I'm 6'+, 17St & 49yo but the Varadero feels like a 600 for size & gives you much more confidence in traffic due to its ride height. I feel I'm 'eye to eye' with the 'Chelsea Tractor' drivers. More expensive than other 125's but well worth it if you have the money.

Had my 09 Varadero six months now and I've just clocked up 10,000 miles. The 09 (and I think from 07 upwards) is the fuel injected motor and it runs just fine. Fuel consumption averages out at 78 mpg (usually get around 280 miles out of the tank), she handles my 80 mile a day use very well and being 20 stone she is phyiscally great with most people thinking it is a 600. Performance even with my weight is good you will see 70mph any day of the week, cruise happily at 60-65mph and on a good day will go off the speedometer without hitting red that would be 85mph but thats on the clock even if it is 75mph in reality its not bad. Bad points are service intervals ... 2500 mile service intervals are ridiculous at that rate i would be paying my dealer £140 every six weeks ... essentially for them to check the oil and do nuts and bolts ... I now service the bike myself every 2500 miles, I've lost the warranty but since I am unlikely to sell this bike on probably handing the bike on to my 16 year old son in a years time the money i save will pay for any repairs. Other moans are ... well the Gel batteries are poor, my bike is on its second in six months, the honda heater grips are poor (probably something to do with the Gel battery!) and the fairing mounted mirrors are next to useless if you are of a certain size. As a bike though this is hard to beat biggest mileage I have ever done is 390 in one day, no problem, and have ridden from Coventry to London a number of times with no issues, just stick to the fast A roads ... its good fun. Another tip is to junk the standard Bridgstone Trail Wing tires for Pirelli MT90s as soon as you can ... no comparison there ... would i buy another yes but not if I was just looking to pass my test and move on too expensive ... buy to keep and its a great machine

i love evry minuite of learning to ride on it. it inspires and helps you grow in confidence . i love it.