The Varadero is, implausibly, named after a seaside resort town in Cuba. Using the same 90° V-twin engine as the firm’s VTR1000 sportsbike, the Varadero is undoubtedly at the roadbike end of the adventure sports spectrum. Its road-biased tyres and suspension work well enough on the street, while the VTR engine gives a reasonably powerful punch. Early models of the Varadero, from 1999, used carburettors, but later bikes have fuel-injected engines. Both designs offer smooth, predictable drive all through the rev range. The engine is an old design now though – it first appeared a decade ago – and this shows up in the relative lack of power and a certain lack of sophistication.
The chassis isn’t quite at the cutting edge either. The suspension components are unexceptional, basic items, and the XL lacks a bit of precision in its handling. Optional ABS brakes give an extra level of security in poor conditions, although the CBS linked brake system isn’t as refined as on more recent models.
Soft suspension and lacklustre engine aside, the Honda is a pretty sound package. Owners love its civilised nature, and high levels of build quality. And while it’s not the best adventure sportsbike, it’s by no means a bad bike.
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