Honda XL 1000V Varadero

Review

Sacacomie, Que.–Adventure touring is big these days but it doesn't automatically mean off-road. After spending a full day aboard Honda's new Varadero in the wilds of rural Quebec, I discovered that once you're away from the Trans-Canada Highway, virtually every road can be an adventure.

The $13,999 Varadero XL1000V is powered by a modified version of the wonderful 996 cc V-twin used in the VT1000 – only with sophisticated fuel injection instead of monstrous carburetors. Throttle response is immediate, precise and very predictable – no spikes, lurches or surging.

Suspension is pretty standard stuff with 43 mm traditional forks boasting a cushy 155 mm of travel while a preload and rebound adjustable Pro-link shock with 145 mm of travel brings up the rear. The suspension was particularly forgiving over all the horrible conditions Quebec's winter ravaged byways threw at me.

The Varadero is an easy motorcycle to ride – once you're aboard. Seat height is listed as 838 mm and it's all of that, as even my gangly legs were barely flat-footed at stops.

Most adventure tourers are built for all-day comfort rather than off-road agility and the Varadero, with one of the best seats in motorcycling, is no different.

Ready-to-roll weight with all fluids and a full tank of fuel is 276 kilograms, so only a dirt-riding expert would seriously consider taking one on the trails.

All controls are exactly where I'd put them. The bars are wide enough for good leverage but narrow enough to slither through tight places. They seem to be at an optimum height for cruising, touring or backroad strafing. The Varadero has more steering lock than just about any other motorcycle I can think of – feet up U-turns are a snap, even on narrow, two-lane roads.

The six-speed transmission's ratios are well matched to the Varadero's power characteristics and the shifting action itself is short and crisp. The cable-operated clutch on the bike is likewise, light and progressive.

The boonies northwest of Quebec City are an interesting mix of small towns with omnipresent huge churches, crisp pine forests, scattered dairy farms, and rushing rivers with the snowy remnants of a cold, hard winter lingering in the bush.

My 400 km route was mostly two-lane roads that varied from wonderful to mediocre to sand-covered cart paths and back with a side order of potholes, divots and craters thrown in for good measure – in other words, an adventure, and perfect conditions for the Varadero.

The linked ABS brakes were incredibly helpful when cresting a blind rise with the road veering off-camber to the right with Major League frost heaves pock-marking the surface. Or when you're accelerating around a smooth, increasing radius corner, only to be suddenly plunged into something resembling a fairway bunker at St. Andrews.

Over approximately 15 km of pure gravel road, a relaxed touch on the bars kept the Honda tracking straight and true, even when the front end was skating on marble-sized rocks or plowing through scattered small sand dunes.

The Bridgestone 110-front and 150-rear buns are an excellent compromise for most conditions and the relatively narrow sizes quicken the handling without sacrificing stability – this thing really rails through turns with an ability that inspires confidence.

Virtually everything about the Varadero reflects Honda's approach to a specific design parameter. The frame and fuel tank are steel; both for durability but for ease of repair should something untoward happen when far away from civilization. The radiators are protected within the frame rails while the stainless exhaust with catalytic convertors meets strict emissions standards while being extremely durable.

The 25 L tank should give a cruising range of 350 to 375 km before the low fuel light comes on, leaving 4.1 L to find a gas station. I'd gladly trade the digital temperature indicator for a fuel gauge, but that's just me. I wasn't able to measure fuel economy but will do so later when we get a Varadero for a full test.

The Varadero is also at home on the freeway with 100 km/h coming up at a very relaxed 3500 rpm in sixth. Even loafing along at 90 km/h on two-lane roads, passing rarely requires a downshift. A flick of the wrist and you're quickly and safely by that overloaded logging truck or line of minivans.

The fairing and windscreen look ridiculously narrow and inadequate but are surprisingly functional – the screen deflects most of the wind (as does the fairing) leaving a nice, still air pocket around the rider.

And, to enhance the adventure experience, Honda's options include hard bags and top box, heated grips and Garmin GPS units.

The Varadero is a remarkably competent motorcycle. It'll cruise the Trans-Canada all day; it'll tackle dirt roads or swing through the twisties as well as any other adventure tourer while hauling two people and their luggage as far as they want to go.

That's what adventure touring is all about – finding and visiting places you've never gone before.
 

Source wheels.ca