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Driving report: Honda Varadero XL 125 V
Driving report: Honda Varadero XL 125 V
The Minidero
Her name is and she looks like the big one. The little Varadero drives like that too?
Michael Schumann
01/12/2001
Honey, I’m pregnant, whispered the Varadero tenderly in her partner, the good-natured traveling horse Transalp. He was really happy. Who would have thought? To his old days … The little girl saw the light of day at the Intermot in Munich. It is cut out of mother’s face. And after her it should also be called: Varadero. In terms of stature, however, she looks more like her father: compact, manageable transalp dimensions. Thousands of visitors marveled at the newborn and quickly agreed: a great success. Especially for a 125cc. Now the little one has learned to walk.
And how. Because in addition to the unusually grown-up appearance for a 125cc, the extremely easy-revving 90-degree V2 engine is probably the most characteristic feature of the Varadero. You get used to the sitting position in no time, simply because there is nothing to get used to about it. Upright, arms almost straight, ergonomics fit perfectly. This is what a modern touring motorcycle should feel like. Yes, that’s right, motorcycle, because the Honda has at most 125 in the type designation of a light motorcycle. And maybe the brakes. But more on that later.
First of all, the focus is on the engine. And here it takes much longer to get used to it. From 4000 revs, which the rev counter in the straightforward cockpit documents, comes from eight-liter two-cylinder propulsion, but not yet a real thrust. The XL 125 V starts moving gently, almost like a boat: sovereign gliding, underlined by the soft whirring of the water-cooled V-engine. It’s enough for leisurely touring, but dynamic locomotion is something else. For this you have to drive the needle up over 8000 rpm ?? and suddenly the motor has the knife between its teeth. Only after 12,000 revolutions does the scale show red and threaten the limiter. Between ?? and with the help of a lot of manual work from the driver ?? the Varadero goes off like a cocky foal.
She never stands on shaky legs. After all, Honda didn’t exactly focus on child sizes for the chassis either: the tire dimensions of 18 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear correspond exactly to those of the XL 650 V Transalp, from which the sturdy luggage rack and handles come from. And the technicians proudly point out the dimensions of the fork: 35 millimeter standpipe diameter ?? the CB 900 Bol d ?? Or once had that. So is the Honda straight ahead even at full throttle in fifth gear ?? the speedometer then shows 110 km / h top? not to be disturbed.
And even when the asphalt winds and bubbles, it still plays along cheerfully: Steering precision and accuracy are absolutely fine. The Varadero, fitted with the Bridgestone Trail Wing tires as standard, also masters light gravel passages. Only in twos, then such actions become a wobbly number. The bench offers space for a whole small family. But with a corresponding load, the engine, limited to 15 HP due to the A1 driver’s license regulation, reaches its limits. Not that it isn’t enough to get ahead. But to spontaneously develop so much power on loose ground that the speed stabilizes the load is too much to ask. But nobody can seriously accuse her. Because somewhere little Varadero has to present herself for what she is. A 125cc.
Whether that was absolutely necessary for the brakes is another matter. Their effect is sufficient, but they are difficult to dose front and rear and also have a spongy pressure point. But maybe it will. Once the little one gets teeth.
Technical data – HONDA Varadero 125
Engine: Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 90-degree V-engine, transverse crankshaft, one overhead, chain-driven camshaft, two valves per cylinder, rocker arm, wet sump lubrication, (mixture manufacturer) constant pressure flat slide carburetor, Ø 22 mm, condenser ignition (CDI), secondary air system , Electric starter, three-phase alternator xxx watts, bore x stroke 42 x 45 mm, displacement 125 cm³, compression ratio 11.8: 1, rated output 11 kW (15 PS) at 11,000 rpm, max. Torque 11 Nm (1.1 kpm) at 9000 rpm Power transmission: primary drive via gear wheels, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, chain. Chassis: double loop frame made of tubular steel, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 35 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel profiles, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base , Front disc brake, double-piston caliper, Ø 276 mm, rear disc brake, single-piston caliper, Ø 220 mm. Cast aluminum wheels X.XX x 18; X.XX x 17 tires 100/90 – 18; 130/80 – 17 Chassis data: wheelbase 1450 mm, steering head angle xx °, caster xxx mm, spring travel f / h 150/150 mmDimensions and weightsL / W / H * 2140/830/1255 mmSeat height * 800 mmEmpty weight * 149 kg Permissible total weight * kg Load capacity * kg Tank capacity / Reserve * 17.5 / 2 liter guarantee One year with unlimited mileage Colors metallic blue, red, black Base price including VAT 8,770 marks
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