Honda XL125V Varadero Bike Overview
Despite only being a 125, the Honda XL125V Varadero feels like a much bigger bike. It is a perfect entry level bike and also ideal for those who want something for commuting which won’t cost them a great deal in insurance or fuel.
The four-stroke 125cc engine might not seem like something to get excited about but as we mentioned above, if you are just starting out then it’s got plenty to get you going. The engine is smooth and easy to control and with the bike itself weighing in at just 149kg the handling is extremely light making it ideal for shorter journeys. If you do try to take the XL125V Varadero out onto the open road you may find the 125 engine begins to show its limitations but for city riding you won’t find much better.
Wide bars and a prominent riding position will give even the most hesitant of learners a boost of confidence as well as making this bike ideal for taller riders who struggle to find the right level of leg room on commuter bikes. Its fuel economy and low insurance group are also ticks in the right boxes; whether you want to go out cruising at the weekend or end up sitting in traffic, you’ll find the XL125V Varadero performs well.
Some suggest that the XL125V Varadero is overpriced but these are bikes which tend to hold their value well and if you are just starting out, then they can be a worthy investment with many owners saying they have found little reason to change their bike once passing their test.
Take a look at the Honda XL125V in action…
Honda XL125V Varadero Bike Spec
- Capacity124cc
- Weight154kg
- Average fuel consumption65mpg
- Top speed72mph
- Seat height802mm
- EngineFour stroke, v-twin cylinder, liquid cooled
Honda XL125V Varadero Bike Insurance
Honda XL125V Varadero Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Best things about the Honda varadero is the comfort and the impressive MPG.
Cons
Worst thing about the bike is the windscreen could be bigger as the stock one is small and gives a lot of helmet buffeting but you can put a aftermarket Givi screen on to prevent this.
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It's a 125 with V Twin engine so the ride is smooth and the seat is comfortable for long journeys so i rate this bike a solid 5/5
Since I've only owned the bike for a little time now i have not experienced a breakdown but if you look after it and keep up with maintenance it should remain reliable, the only thing I've had to change is brake pads i would rate this a 5/5 from what i have researched.
The brakes are great it has a set of nissin calipers I've paired these with ebc pads and stopping isn't any issue so I'd rate this a solid 5/5
The bike rides along nicely its nice and smooth , the bike is heavy 169kg wet weight for it being a 125cc, and it corners fairly well for the size of the bike with a nice grippy set of tyres on. So I'd rate this 4/5
The bike has 14.5hp so its very close to the limit for a 125cc learner legal bike and despise it weighing 169kg with a full tank of fuel it pulls along and will cruise along at 65mph to 70mph so o would rate this 4/5
Geat bike to munch the miles its just over £20 for a full tank it has a 17 litre tank and this will get you 250 mile if not more so this will last you easily over a month depending what you use the bike for, I've not owned a bike that can do that many miles to a tank so i would rate this a 5/5
Pros
Reliable bike
Cons
Lights
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Great to commute on and would be great for long days riding
Had engine rebuild at 33000
Could do with braided brake lines
Driving as it always has even after30000 miles
For a 125cc it can sit at 60-70 all day
Very cheap to run
Pros
I like the style and the sporty look.
Cons
A main stand.
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Very comfortable and good on a long trip.
Being an Honda the build quality is great, It’s reliable and the only problem I’ve had with it is the exhaust tends to get a lot of weather causing quite a bit of rust.
With discs front and rear it has a very effective braking capacity. And the way the bike is designed it grips well in all conditions.
Has a smooth ride is rather heavy but handles well.
For a 125 cc it’s quite a big unit but it pulls well around town.
Very economical 4 stroke twin. Cheap to run for the size and weight of the bike. Compares well against other bikes I’ve had in the past.
Pros
The best thing is that if you are tall. This bike is for u great. seating position is great and the bike is really good looking witch is a great bonus.
Cons
What could be improved is the uphill strength. It seems to me that it needs just one more gear to hold it better.
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Being a 125 the bike isn't all that powerful. The bike is used for CBT riders mainly. The pillion seat is not comfortable a short journey will be okay but long it won't be suitable.
Never broken down. Never let me down. Look after the bike the bike will look after you.
Tires and breaks are amazing. Being a heavy bike I could still stop my bike within 20 yards at top speed.
With little fuel the bike is great amazing to chuck around the corners. With a full tank the bike is very top heavy and slightly difficult on the corners.
Best 125 I have ever ridden. Great off the mark holds the cruise speed (55-60) well. Stick a stainless steal exhaust on and you will love it
250 miles to a full tank of fuel is what is said. The way u ride will be how far you really go.
Pros
Lovely bike to ride. Easy to ride for its size. .great pickup for a 125. Great on fuel looks like a bigger engined bike..
Cons
Better headlight.
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Light bike for its size. Gives you loads of confidence in corner in any weather. Really smooth and comfortable.
Plenty power from the tiny 125c engine. Twin cylinder helps for overtaking... Sits at 70 on dual carriageway no problem.
Better headlight.
No problems with the quality of Honda, never broken down on me yet
Great brakes for size of them
Pros
A great adventurer style bike for anyone entering the world of motorcycling and ideal for the taller rider. The road presence as people can see where you are, especially when filtering.
Cons
The Honda gearbox could be smoother.
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Handles very well for a tall bike. By no means sporty but holds the road well in the corners. Every gear has power no matter the rpm and is smooth throughout. The only issue is the Honda gearbox which I've found across the Honda range, is lumpy and feels quite crude.
For a 125, the engine is by far the best engine you will find. The V-twin engine endures smoothness that most 125s can't offer. In every gear, the engine just pulls without effort at all. And being a Honda, it's pretty much bulletproof!
The Honda gearbox could be smoother.
This bike has almost 40000 miles on the clock but doesn't struggle like other 125cc bikes. General maintenance prolongs the life of the bike and parts aren't too expensive. The bike cosmetically is showing it's age but is nowhere near the end of its life. This bike just keeps on going.
The brakes, for this 125, are excellent. With discs both front and rear, the stopping power is plenty for any speed. The rear brake acts nicely for a gradual stop or change in speed and the front brake will almost certainly ensure the bike pulls up in time. If anything, the front brake does take a lot of getting used to as the power is a lot sharper than most 125 front brakes.
Pros
Great bike glad I chose it never had any problems would definitely recommend the varadero 125 to anyone wanting a 125 motorbike.
Cons
Nothing.
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The bike is really smooth to ride it is a bit heavy pushing it around but completely different story when your riding
For a big bike that only has 14.9bhp it is a real nippy bike with a top end speed of 75mph
Nothing.
Not the bike has never gave me any bother at all never broke down etc: just the usual general wear and tear brakes, service, tyres
The brakes are brilliant no complaints at all
Pros
It's sheer size... It doesn't skip across the road like a smaller 125 it feels planted on the road the size as well command's some road presence and you don't feel like your competing with cars for space
Cons
As previously mentioned a fuel Guage would be amazing as would a gear indicator but it's Nothing deal breaking you just deal with it
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Soaks up the bumps in the road like a fat kid inhales cake... Super smooth tho heavy its feather light and perfectly balanced when moving
For a 125ccs it's glorious touqey enough to pop the front wheel up surprisingly for such a large bike it happily glides along at 75 all day
Efficient tho an actual fuel gage would be a massive bonus
Though mine has Fouling issues with the spark plugs I'm sure that's user error as well as age related issues such as dirt in the carb.
Though proficient, it can be spongey. I'm sure a can of Break Cleaner would solve this issue and maybe replacing the pads... It does stop... Just bear in mind the weight of. The bike