Editing Honda XL1000V Varadero

{{Motorcycle
|name             = Honda XL1000 Varadero
|photo=Honda-XL1000V-99--6.jpg
|aka              = XRV1000 Varadero, XRV 1000 Varadero, XL 1000 Varadero, XL1000V ABS Varadero, XL1000V Varadero, XL 1000 V Varadero
|manufacturer     = Honda
|parent_company   =
|production       = 1999-00
|model_year       =
|predecessor      =
|successor        =
|class            =Dual-purpose
|engine           = Four stroke, 90°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 [[valve]] per cylinder.
|bore_stroke      =
|compression      = 9.8:1
|top_speed        = 201.6 km/h
|power            =
|torque           =
|fuel_system      =
|ignition         = Computer-controlled digital transistorized
|spark_plug       =
|battery          =
|transmission     = 5 Speed
|frame            = Steel, twin spar
|suspension       =Front: 43mm telescopic fork <br>
Rear: Pro-Link with spring preload damper, [[rebound damping]] adjustable
|brakes           =Front: 2x 296mm discs 3 [[piston]] [[calipers]] <br>Rear: Single 256mm disc 3 piston caliper
|front_tire       = {{tire|110/80 R19}} 
|rear_tire   	  = {{tire|150/70 R17}} 
|rake_trail       =
|wheelbase        = 1560 mm / 61.4 in
|length           =
|width            =
|height           =
|seat_height      = 845 mm / 33.3 in
|dry_weight       = 225 kg / 496 lbs
|wet_weight       = 255 kg / 562 lbs
|fuel_capacity    = 25 Liters / 8.6 US gal
|oil_capacity     =
|recommended_oil=Honda GN4 10W-40
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius   =
|related          =
|competition      =
}}

It could reach a top speed of 201.6 km/h.  

==Engine==
The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, 90°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.. The engine featured a 9.8:1 [[compression ratio]].  

==Drive==
Power was moderated via the Wet, multiplate with [[coil]] springs.  

==Chassis==
It came with a 110/80 R19 front [[tire]] and a 150/70 R17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 2x 296mm discs 3 piston calipers in the front and a Single 256mm disc 3 piston [[caliper]] in the rear. The front suspension was a  43mm telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Pro-Link with spring preload damper, rebound damping adjustable. The XL1000V Varadero was fitted with a 25 Liters / 8.6 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 225 kg / 496 lbs. The wheelbase was 1560 mm / 61.4 in long.  
== Photos ==
[[File:Honda-XL1000V-99--6.jpg|600px|Honda XL1000 Varadero]]
[[File:Honda-XL1000V-99--1.jpg|600px|Honda XL1000 Varadero]]
[[File:Honda-XL1000V-99--7.jpg|600px|Honda XL1000 Varadero]]
[[File:HONDA-XL1000V-99--4.jpg|600px|Honda XL1000 Varadero]]
[[File:Honda-XL1000V-99--3.jpg|600px|Honda XL1000 Varadero]]

== Overview ==

Honda's entry to the
large-capacity trailbike sector is much more road-biased than many of its
competitors. While the Varadero has the long-travel suspension, large fuel
tank and tall seating position of a typical big traillie, it has more
road-friendly aluminum wheels, with radial, tubeless tires better suited to
high-mileage use on Tarmac.
Honda didn't have to look too
hard for an engine to fit the Varadero: the firm's VTR1000F Firestorm engine
was narrow, powerful and torquey enough to make an ideal touring trailbike
powerplant. Further re-tuning in the shape of smaller 42mm carbs gives even
more bottom-end strength at the expense of top-end power. The VTR's gearbox
also lost a gear, giving the Varadero a five-speed gearbox, more suitable
for its broader spread of power.

From the rider's seat, the
Varadero seems huge. The tall screen stretches out in front, and the large
25-litre (5.4 gal) fuel tank swoops down either side. Faired-in side-mount
radiators allow a shorter wheelbase, but add even more width to the fairing.
The 'pivotless' steel frame uses
the engine as a stressed member, the aluminum swingarm pivots directly in
the engine cases. Suspension is only adjustable for rear spring preload, but
the 43mm (1.7in) front forks and rear monoshock offer plush damping and
plenty of travel to soak up the worst of road conditions. Honda's CBS linked
brakes are standard equipment, linking the front and rear
braking systems through a series
of linkages and control valves for improved braking control.
Equipped with hard luggage, the
Varadero (improbably named after a Cuban seaside town) makes a comfortable,
fast tourer. Two-up accommodation is spacious and comfortable. There is
sufficient power for fast 160km/h (100mph) plus cruising speeds.
The Varadero's only touring flaw
is excessive fuel consumption: ridden hard, the Varadero can return less
than 10km/l (30mpg), despite its large fuel tank.


Reviews
Enduro (Germany):

Nr. 12 - 1998, page 10 to 18. Summary: ..."Lots of wheight, lots of power,
perfect handling in all conditions...", "...No fear of unsuitable roads 
the borders are moreover being determined by the choice of
tires.","...Impresses, certainly while speeding on gravel roads...." Seeing
the size and the wheight of the Varadero, this machine is also suitable once
off the tarmac. It is certain that this Varadero is not "just" a comfortable allroad, for a bike of this calibre, it offers a host of users
possibilities (translation).

Moto 73 (The Netherlands):

Nr. 20 - 1999, page 18 to 37, comparison with the BMW R 1150GS, Gagiva Grand
Canyon, Moto Guzzi Quota and Triumph Tiger. The Tiger seems to be the big
surprise in this comparison test. Low feulconsumption, combined with good
road handling and a nice finishing touch. The Varadero offers still the best
comfort, and is placed in the same row as the Honda XL 600V Transalp, like
the Varadero an unknown, easy and friendly motorcycle. The failures: Soft
suspension, noisy windscreen, high feulconsumption and not enough
ground-clearance.

Nr. 1 - 1999, page 8 to 15. Summary: The gigantic measurements and the
bullish looks of the Honda XL 1000V Varadero, leaves a slightly frightening
impression. But taken out on the road, this new Honda proves to be a lovely
machine, which "eats out of your hand" and provides a nice ride. Hondas
latest fat all-road seems to be a fine combination between all-road and
supertourist. It is an extremely active, fast machine and covering
secondairy roads (one could also think of mountain passes), other machines
will have trouble equaling the Varadero.

Nr. 23 - 1998, page 37 to 39. Summary: Eventhough the 996 cc V-twin block is
mildly detuned, the Varadero leaves a remarkable agile impression. Perfect,
this is what weve been waiting for. At long last, a fat 2 cylinder all-road
with lots of guts! Gearchange is smooth, the clutch works well, although not
on the light side. Because of the wide handle bar, combined with a dominant
sitting position, this machine can be manouvred into any direction without
applying any force whatsoever. After a short test drive, Photographer Luc
Verbeke was so impressed, that left him with the remark: "...What a
beautiful thing, hey, this is a genuine Super-Transalp!"...

Motor (The Netherlands):

Nr. 21 - 1999, page 88 to 99, comparison with the new BMW R 1150 GS.
Summary: Good 'Big-trails' are a good substitute for touring bikes and can
make live of most sport bikes very difficult. The Honda and the BMW are very
good 'Big-Trails', and so they are definitely good motorcycles. The overall-
score of the Honda is just a little bit better than the BMW. More
protection, much more power and a lot cheaper. The torque of the Varadero is
very impressive.

Nr. 2 - 1999, page 12 to 23, comparison with the Ducat ST4. Summary: The
Varadero is not shy of light terrain! The Varadero is an enormous "sweeping"
machine; handles brilliantly, lots of grip, In the plus: Supersport
motorcycles beware! Enourmously predictable, comfort for two, brute power
and yet, a kitten.Nr. 45 - 1998, driving impression;

Motoren & Toerisme (Belgium):

Nr. 12 - 1998, page 22 to 29. Summary: A set of traveling cases, spray
painted in the bikes colors, is available as an accessory. Looks very
smart, but spoils the adventurous character of the Varadero. OK, the
Varadero wasnt meant to be a better or larger Africa Twin, but to be a
larger Transalp. And that it is in all aspects. The Varadero is a thick
trailbike, which also lends itself for a competitive style of driving , it
can easily travel a gravel road, but it can also easily deal with all the
hassles that the concrete jungle throws at it.

Nr. 12 - 1999, page 28 to 43. Comparison with the BMW 1150GS and the Triumph
Tiger 900. Summary: The Varadero is an intimidating big motorcycle. The
finishing touch is placed on a very high standard and the fearing covers
mostly the entire engine and protects the rider against all weather
conditions, except from minor turbulences round head and shoulders. The bike
feels like a big, and powerfull Transalp (A sort of 'Transhimalaya'), and
like his little brother the road handling is very easy and not likely to
fail. The Varadero is not only the most powerfull bike in this test, but has
the best overall brakes. A full stop at 70km/h results in a braking distance
3 meters shorter as the BMW and the Triumph. The ride is very comfortable,
the pillion has the best seat in his class. The biggest disadvantage: the feulconsumption, a legacy from the VTR Firestorm.


Nr. 7 - 2001, page 16 to 37,
comparison with the BMW 1150GS, Triumph Tiger 955i, Gagiva Navigator and the
new Aprilia ETV Capo Nord. Summary: The new Tiger is the all-over winner of
this test. Although it is not the most powerful, the steering is not that
sharp and the comfort is not that good the bike's overall design convinces
through his unity and originality. The Capo Nord is second, well done for a
new competitor in the big-trail class. The BMW has some minor disadvantages;
the warranty lasts just for one year, the gearbox still doesn't convince and
the reactions from the shaft drive are annoying. The bike is the most
expensive of this five, but doesn't come with that much equipment as the
other competitors. The biggest disadvantage of the Varadero is - again - the
poor suspension (Note: for this test rating a model 2000 was used, the 2001
model has had some minor adjustments to the rear- suspension!) which
influences the road handling badly. According to this test rating, the
Varadero could come up to the Capo Nord with improved suspension. Biggest
advantage of the Varadero is the comfort and protection of the fairing.
Other advantages are the engine, the Combined Brake System (CBS), the light
from the headlight, and the customer- friendliness during overall use.
Besides the suspension, the fuel consumption, ground clearance, distance
under emergency-brake, shortness of the jiffy and the feullid (not attached
to the tank with a hinge). Disappointment of this test rate is the Gagiva;
although it has been put on the marked as a big trail bike, the character is
not comparable with the other test bikes.

Motorrad (Germany):

Nr. 6 - 1999, page 22/23, comparison with the Honda ST 1100 Pan European.
Summary: ..."The Pan European has been for sale for the last 10 years and is
famous for his qualities. With the new Varadero Honda produces a very strong
competitor in his own stable. The Varadero is the strongest big-trail on the
market, a men buys the Varadero with his mind, not with his eyes. The
Varadero combines touring qualities on a very high level with a sporty touch
if his rider asks for it. And that's a quality the Pan European doesn't own.

Nr. 6 - 1999, page 12 to 19, comparison with the BMW R 1100 GS and Triumph
Tiger 900. In this comparison the Varadero again ends on first place.
Summary: Honda has proven it again! An ideal combination of perfect
ergonomics, comfort, safety and good road handling and a powerfull 1000cc
V-twin. The twin does his job under almost al conditions. The frond-
suspension could be a bit more progressive, and the bike could use a bit
more ground-clearance. Overall, the Varadero convinces under all conditions.

Nr. 1 - 1999 (December 1998), page 30 to 35, comparison with the BMW R 1100
GS. Summary: The Varadero has some advantages on the BMW. If you ride
normally on asphalt roads, and if you enjoy a competition with sport bikes,
the Varadero offers just a bit more than the BMW does. More performance,
more perfection, more protection. The Varadero offers a lot more comfort,
because this Big Trail gives new dimensions to this word. Above all, the
Varadero proves to be a very quick, and very active motorcycle. The only
disadvantages: The main-stand is an accessory and there is no catalyst
convertor.

Nr. 24 - 1998, page 18 to 20. Summary: For all unanswered questions we will
have some further test rides with this new Honda...


Motorrad Enduro 'Xtra' (Germany)

Nr. 1 - 1999, page 54 to 58, compared with the Honda XL 600V Transalp.
Summary: "The design of the Varadero proves that the Transalp is the mother
of all travel (all road) enduro's. The design of the Transalp defines the
standard of the forthcoming generations. One thing is certain and without
discussion: the Varadero is one of the best traveling bikes today. Although
the off-road capabilities are almost non excisting, this is hardly noticed.
Just an excellent bike, nothing more, nothing less".

Motorradfahrer (Germany):

Nr. 12 - 1998, page 8 to 9. Summary: With the Varadero, Honda has put a
motorcycle on the road which has the potential to make life ss. Now the Pan
European gets competition from within its own stable, this from the
currently strong, up and coming allroad, the Varadero. Those who use their
brains, will buy a Varadero. To feast your eyes, one will buy somthing else.
Varadero combines a high level of touring qualities, together with a potion
of tension, as soon as the driver asks for it. Just this, lacks on the Pan
European (translation).

Motorrad Reisen & Sport (Germany)

Nr. 8 - 1999, page 6 to 11. Comparison test between the Varadero and the new
BMW 1150 GS. Summary: "The 1000cc literally burns the asphalt. It leaves
tracks on the tarred surface such as one would expect from a supersport.
Unfortunately, the bike's frame is doesn't meet the expectations, the tail
end misses that last bit of stiffness and stability, especially when driven
in a sporting manner. Contrary to the BMW, the Varadero offers more space
and comfort".

Promotor (The Netherlands):

Nr. 10 - 1999, page 10 to 12. Summary: All in all, the Varadero is a bike
for owners of "genuine" all-roads, who wish for more comfort and more power.
With the Varadero, Honda puts a motorcycle on the market which can set a new
trend in the segment of travelbikes. Even if you dont like the looks, take
it out for a trial run.

Nr. 2 - 1999, page 48 to 51. Summary: "Conclusion: Ill be honest, at first
when I was confronted with the Varadero, I wasnt impressed. Clumsy, ugly,
strange. I have done my utmost to find arguments to totally degenerate this
bike. But I didnt succeed. In fact, after my first ride on this weird
thing, I became totally converted. The Varadero is one of the better
representatives of the fat all-road types. The sitting position is more
comfortable than on a custom, you can ride it like a superbike and in the
touring sector, it will make mince meat out of a Pan European".

Nr. 9 - 1998, page 31, overview Motorrai 1998: Other important news is the
XL 1000V Varadero. The Varadero can be seen as the larger and more powerful
brother of the Africa Twin.

Tourenfahrer (Germany)

Nr. 8 - 1999. Page 24 to 37, compared to the Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin.
Included are 2 pages accessories news. Summary: "The XRV 1000 would be the
solution to the genuine fans. The handling capabilities of the Africa Twin
and the comfort of the Varadero".

Topbike (South Africa)

Nr. 5 - 1999. Page 16 to 17. Summary: "We spent an entire day exploring
every aspect of the Varadero's on- and off-road performance, and every step
of the way it endowed the rider with reassuring confidence. Even when riding
two-up gravel, the XL 1000V soaked up the bumps, dips and jumps with ease.
The breaks never misbehaved, and sufficient power was always on hand to
blast out of corners in thrilling power slides. The bike's on-tar
performance with a pillion passenger on board was excellent. Honda
describels the Varadero as an 'Adventure Sport' bike - an apt title for a
truly competent motorcycle. Fitted with the optional panniers, it would make
the perfect companion for exploring every interesting facet of the glorious
South African countryside..."

Mopped (Germany)

Nr. 8 - 1999. Page 6 t/m 9, comparison test with Triumph Tiger, BMW R1150GS
and Gagiva Navigator. Summary: ..."The Varadero combines a great engine with
a high level of comfort, a large feultang and great breaks. The Varadero is
a quick, comfortable big trail suited for travelling. Disadvantages are the
noisy windscreen and feulconsumptions at hight speed (+160km/h). The Gagiva
offers the most riding pleasure, the BMW convinces trough is high stability,
Kat and suspension. The Triumph is suprisingly feul efficient with good
performances, comfort and excellent breaks...".

Motorrad News (Germany)

Nr. 7 - 2001. Page 8 t/m 14, comparison test with Triumph Tiger 955i and BMW
R1150GS. Summary: ..."Lets make an exception and start at the bottom line.
We find the Varadero there at third place. The frame suffers under an
exaggerated comfortable setting of the suspension, which make's more sporty
tours on twisty roads more like "walking on eggs". Looking at the
performance, the engine is very desirable, and the lack of an catalytic
converter has been replaced by a more simple 'secondary air-intake', which
cleans the exhaust emission somehow... The fuel consumption is far to height
and will only make the owner of your fuel station smile. 2nd place is for
the BMW. Great frame and suspension, but the engine somehow can not
convince. Test winner of this ratting is clearly the Triumph Tiger 955i:
Great new, powerful engine, but pitiful the front suspension can't keep up
with all this violence.".


{|  class="wikitable"
|- 
!Make Model
|Honda XL 1000V Varadero
|- 
!Year
|1999-00
|- 
!Engine Type
|Four stroke, 90°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
|- 
!Displacement
|996 cc / 78 cu-in
|- 
!Bore X Stroke
|98 x 66 mm
|- 
!Cooling System
|Liquid cooled
|- 
!Compression
|9.8:1
|- 
!Induction
|3x 42 mm Keihin CV carbs
|- 
!Ignition
|Computer-controlled digital transistorized
|- 
!Starting
|Electric
|- 
!Max Power
|94 hp / 69 kW @ 8000 rpm (86.1 hp @ 8000 rpm)
|- 
!Max Torque
|99 Nm / 73.0 ft.lbs @ 6000 rpm
|- 
!Clutch
|Wet, multiplate with coil springs
|- 
!Transmission
|5 Speed
|- 
!Final Drive
|Chain
|- 
!Frame
|Steel, twin spar
|- 
!Front Suspension
|43mm telescopic fork
|- 
!Front Wheel Travel
|155 mm / 6.1 in
|- 
!Rear Suspension
|Pro-Link with spring preload damper, rebound damping adjustable
|- 
!Rear Wheel Travel
|145 mm / 5.7 in
|- 
!Front Brakes
|2x 296mm discs 3 piston calipers
|- 
!Rear Brakes
|Single 256mm disc 3 piston caliper
|- 
!Front Tire
|110/80 R19
|- 
!Rear Tire
|150/70 R17
|- 
!Trail
|110 mm / 4.3 in
|- 
!Dimensions
|Length 2295 mm / 90.3 in Width 880 mm / 34.6 in Height 1460 mm / 57.4 in
|- 
!Wheelbase
|1560 mm / 61.4 in
|- 
!Seat Height
|845 mm / 33.3 in
|- 
!Ground Clearance
|195 mm / 7.6 in
|- 
!Dry Weight
|225 kg / 496 lbs
|- 
!Wet Weight
|255 kg / 562 lbs
|- 
!Fuel Capacity
|25 Liters / 8.6 US gal
|- 
!Consumption Average
|16.4 km/lit
|- 
!Standing ¼ Mile
|11.8 sec / 177 km/h
|- 
!Top Speed
|201.6 km/h

|}

[[Category:Honda motorcycles]]