The Honda XL1000V Varadero is a dual-sport motorcycle produced in various forms from 1998 to 2013. Fuel injection was introduced in 2003, bringing smoother running and throttle response along with ABS, and the bike was designed for long road trips with limited off-road use.
Honda Varadero at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2013 |
| Class | adventure tourer |
| Engine | 996 cc liquid-cooled V-twin |
| Engine origin | VTR1000F Firestorm |
| Shown at | Munich motorcycle show, 1998 |
| First model year | 1999 |
| HISS immobiliser | 2001 |
| Production site from 2001 | Montesa Honda, near Barcelona |
| Fuel injection | 2003, with a six-speed gearbox |
| ABS | 2004 |
| Smaller version | XL125V Varadero |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the XL1000V Varadero.
History of the Honda Varadero
The big brother of the Transalp
The Varadero is the big brother of the Transalp. Honda’s earliest XL1000V flagship adventure touring motorcycle, with a 996 cc V-twin, was introduced at the 1998 Munich motorcycle show and launched as a 1999 model. Its engine architecture is based on the Honda VTR1000F Firestorm, and the Adventure category refers to motorcycles designed for long-range touring with basic off-road capability, as opposed to the dual-sport label Honda uses for the XR650L. All versions feature a liquid-cooled V-twin engine.
Updates
In 2001 Honda introduced its HISS engine immobiliser, and production moved to the Spanish Montesa Honda factory outside Barcelona. For 2003 the Varadero received major changes: fuel injection, a six-speed gearbox, cosmetic alterations and a new instrument panel, which brought better torque and fuel consumption. ABS arrived in 2004 and is now standard in a number of markets.
Smaller version and successor
A smaller 125 cc version, the XL125V Varadero, was also produced. Since 2015 Honda has offered a newer design, the Africa Twin 1000, available in some markets with a DCT transmission.
Design and features
- Firestorm-derived V-twin: 996 cc tuned for touring.
- HISS immobiliser: added in 2001.
- Fuel injection: from 2003 with a six-speed gearbox.
- ABS: available from 2004.
Honda Varadero versions
- XL1000V (1999): the original carburetted model.
- 2003 model: fuel injection and six speeds.
- 2004 model: ABS introduced.
- XL125V Varadero: the smaller 125 cc version.
The Varadero sits in Honda’s adventure range beside the Transalp and Africa Twin, and uses an engine related to the VTR1000F. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda XL1000V Varadero, English Wikipedia: engine, launch, updates, ABS, smaller version
