Honda XL1000 Varadero (2001-current)

Well the Bike is beginning to impress a lot more. Handles far better without the luggage, I am going to refit the standard screen for better visibility. The fuel consumption hasnt dropped below 45mpg. The Metzeler Tourance tyres really impress !!

I have got a 2000 XL1000. Its very comfortable, plenty of leg room, however on the motorway with 3 case luggage I have found it to be susceptable to wind interferance from HGVs. It is top heavy. This is the first bike that I have ever nearly dropped at slow speed whilst turning right downhill at a junction..If I was not 6 foot 2 it would have gone. The honda luggage is sculptured around the exhaust and doesnt have the capacity of black givi boxes. The engine has plenty of clout for overtaking and the brakes are powerful. I put engine bars on, but removed them because they made it further top heavy...Not a bad bike, but I think that I would rather have a CBR ZZR BMW with luggage again

I ride 600+miles a week on this beast and for two years it has never let me down once. It's quick, has bags of torque and is comfy. A negative for me is the weight of thing. I get 240-250 miles to a tank. The review above is not really fair to a top notch bike.

What can I say about the Honda XL1000? It's a big heavy tank, the seat is to high, it runs out of puff at 100, it so ugly it makes babies cry BUT what a bike. 200 plus miles on a tank, comfy mile munching, peg scraping fun even fully loaded (knocking on for 300kg before I climb on). Crash bars are a must especially if you go off road. Love it to bits. If your thinking of buying one, stop thinking and just do it.

Like the writer of the last review this my first V twin and so I am finding it different.Having owned 4 Blackbirds over the last few years and loved everyone of them because I was riding it ensuring I did not get nicked for speeding ie far too slowly I thought it was time for a change. I had tried a GS1200 before I brought my last BB and of cause it felt far far different to the BB and because of the price I decided to buy another BB. I would like to try another GS some time now the BB is out of my system. Anyhow spotting a demo Vara in the dealership I arranged to take it up the ride for a test ride.I was not expecting a lot to be honest but within 2 miles I realised that I really really liked it and I did the deal.I have yet to have the first service so that is how few miles I have done.Having been out on it a few times now the niggles I have found are no fuel gauge and I live in fear of running out of fuel so I top up every time I go out and the seat is still feeling hard but I intend to get that adapted. What is a real revelation to me though and something that I wanted, even though some say the BB is comfortable, is the riding position. I can sit back enjoy the road and my field of vision is now brilliant.The engine is something I am getting use to and there have been a few times when I have dropped down a cog more than I needed to and it certainly, as you would expect feels different to the BB.The BB engine is so silky smooth and powerful and I do miss it but out of the two Rider Comfort or Engine I am at the age when I have to opt for the latter. All in all I am pleased with the bike and I cannot wait to get over to France on it soon.What I cannot work out though is given the sales of Gses is why Honda have never fitted this bike with shaft drive because I am sure if they did given Honda quality it would steal some of BMs market.

first time with a v twin only been back to bikeing for last 3 years after 20 yrs off doing family,the bike is excellent in every department good suspension no diving under braking for me and it corners just as good as the yamaha fazer 1000 ive got and i aint a light fellow 16stone and 6. 2 heated grips a revelation just running her in the now 450 miles and its better each time i get on her the brakes are shit hot for me just filled her up with gaz and she did 242 miles at 60 70 miles an hour,so i expect it will only get better the more miles i get on her,seat is a little hard but will get better with more miles.Only weakness so far is shes a heavy bitch to get onto center stand and when getting it going,its a tall bike thats no good for any body under 6 foot wind on your helmet at 80 is a bit much but you can ajust screen ,so going to try that,seems to be idleing a bit fast 1600 revs going to see garage,over all shes a beauty and only cost £6150.00 from Two wheels Honda Einburgh for a 58 plate with 35 miles on her

First long term relationship with a V-twin after years of across the frame fours so have a slight tendancy to rev the T*Ts off the old girl.I bought the Vara as 3k cheaper than the nearest GS1200 and apart from the 50kg extra weight is a right larff to ride.Its so tall you really can see far enough down the road although when going through traffic you are very conscious of the width and a topbox plus tankbag is my prefered combi without the panniers for day to day commuting.Tank range I would say varies with laries - 180 miles to 260 miles take your choice ! Heated grips - first bike with and what a luxury! but still suffers from cold hands even with hand guards,Tall Givi screen absolutly necessary for commuting , although I prefer the standard screen if cracking on a bit down an unfamiliar road.. Front end dive on the brakes .. YEEE Haaaarr ! forks will be sent to Maxton in due course ,probably after about 10k, Brakes mmm ok ish..not like my CBR's Radials but the forks, tyres and weight may play a huge part in that!First time with ABS as well - got to say it has a certain entertainment value when scudding into A1 roundabouts. I was surprised with how sensitive mine was to tyre pressures and I could tell that mine was at a lower pressure than normal,What I would say about comfort is that my 93 ZZR1100 is more comfortable!and the backside hurts after about 50 miles - must still need breaking in! all in all a good commuter and road bike,can corner but needs picking up otherwise the footrests continue to scrape for a couple of years after. Would like to try a GS after getting used to the lumps and uglyness but in no rush..but would like the hernia's to subside after putting this beast on honda's easy to fit centre stand. The only thought now is is when to chop in for a new bike when this hits 20k - 30k or do I keep it going for 60k or so? Summary - if you're less than 5' 6" tall and weigh less than an average Sumo wrestler then buy something more suitable..I'm 17 stone and 6 foot and it can be a handful ,especially when you have had 2 cans, up a ladder and then the ladder and you slip down 15ft, knocks the Vara over trapping both your legs underneath...but thats another story! Great bike.

Who wrote that tosh for MCN?Mine averages out around 230 miles for a full tank,plenty of poke to keep up with sportsters,most comfortable ride ever,great breaking. I will agree with one thing though, it does dip with frontend breaking as Iam a big bloke>

having now owned two of these (one replaced by honda)i would never buy another.it constantly fails to start .the first did exactly the same so they replaced the bike.honda seem to have no idea what is wrong ###

You lot must all have duffers as mine does 200 miles/tank hammering it and 230-250 tickling it. Wonder if the LeoVince SBK's & K&N make the difference? Do your self a favour, get a main stand, heated grips, hard luggage and crash bars (Givi part TN367) and you've swam the channel. Cars shift out your way, and compared to the over engineered GS1200, a) you still have £3000+ left in bank and b) don't have to use your green flag cover for breakdowns half way up the Alps(ha, ha, they were German as well which added to our amusement!)