honda varadero 1000

[cossiemetro]

anybody got one what are they like do they have a good tank range etc
whats the best year to get etc
i'd love a bmw gs but a bit too pricey for me

[Twit]

I think they have a decent range but that's more because they have big tanks. The early ones are 5 speeders and have a truly shocking thirst; later ones are 6 speed that help a bit but its still not great.

Comfort wise i've only ridden one a short distance but it was fine. The weight is high so I would reckon its really tarmac only, think with all the plastic it would get scary if you dropped one.

Have you considered the Africa Twin? Much better bike, utterly bombproof; will go just about anywhere and is almost immune to neglect! I'd be more tempted to try and find a late, low mileage version of that. Aside from anything else it is a much cooler bike!

[sclayto2]

Assuming you're talking about the 1000, my missus has one and loves it.

Depends what you're after, shes ridden it all over Europe and it has never missed a beat.

If you're coming from a GS, try and go for one with scottoiler. Coming from a shaft drive it is one hassle you could do without.

If you ride all year try and get heated grips, but Oxford will do a set for £40 so don't pay extra for one with them.

I'll have to check, but ISTR that the luggage is rebranded Givi, which comes up on ebay now and again.

I've got a 1150 GSA and the Varadero is a lot quicker, it is much more road focused. We took it off road once and it is not worth it.