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Page 1 of 2 REVIEW: HONDA VARADERO 125
With elegant new styling and the top performance in Europe’s
competitive 125cc beginner’s class, the new 2007 XL125V Varadero 125
dominates the street with luxurious full-sized comfort, distinctive
good looks and the dependable power of a newly fuel-injected V-twin
engine to carry two with ease. Offering spacious proportions and
comfortable seating one associates with larger motorcycles, and a
unique Adventure Sports style that turns heads and exudes the
confidence to tackle any road one might want to travel, the new
Varadero 125 has been tailor-made to deliver sporty, full-bodied riding
enjoyment in a versatile, beautifully executed motorcycle designed for
everyone.
The
Varadero 125 first debuted on the European motorcycle market in 2001
powered by a quiet and reliable 4-stroke V-twin engine as an exciting
alternative to the raft of beginners’ bikes and 2-stroke screamers that
dominated the class at the time. Its sleek, full-sized Adventure Sports
styling also offered larger, more comfortable proportions than ever
before seen on a 125. All this and more has attracted a large following
of riders taken with the Varadero 125’s distinctive style and
full-bodied proportions.
Pumping out impressive power and strong
acceleration, and tuned to deliver the maximum power permissible in its
class, the Varadero 125’s slim and powerful liquid-cooled V-twin engine
has now been further improved with the smoother, more precise control
of new electronic fuel injection. This new system also achieves lower
emissions and fuel consumption for greater compatibility with the times
and the environment.
Appealing not only to young novice riders,
the Varadero 125 has proven to be especially popular among older, more
affluent and experienced riders who can clearly see that its superior
value and inherent quality of construction easily justify its higher
price compared to other offerings in the 125cc class. Likewise, its
excellent versatility and easy riding capability have greatly
contributed to its widespread popularity.The perfect choice for a
wide range of riding needs, from top-class basic transport to thrifty
and reliable commuting and even delightful week-ends worth of light
touring for one or two, the Varadero 125 now reasserts its place at the
top of the 125cc class with sleeker style, smoother performance and
sophisticated panache.
Development Concept
Initially based in concept and looks on its namesake, the XL1000V
Varadero, the Varadero 125 provides many of the appealing features of
larger-displacement machines while maintaining the light handling and
brisk operation one normally associates with the 125cc class. Its main
design concept dictated a large front fairing that provides protection
against the elements while projecting a modern look of speed and
agility unlike anything ever seen before in its class. This concept
also called for a large fuel tank that could ensure long days of riding
enjoyment from its highly efficient and ultra-reliable 4-stroke V-twin
engine for nearly a week’s worth of normal commuting, or approximately
400km of riding between fill-ups.
For
its new second generation, the Varadero 125’s development team focused
on fashioning an even more attractive form that emphasises its ample
size and proportions while including a new PGM-FI fuel injection system
combined with Honda’s most advanced HECS3 low-emissions system for top
performance combined with clean emissions and the highest possible fuel
economy.
In formulating the dynamic look of the new Varadero 125,
its design team turned to proud image of medieval knights, or
‘chevalier’ suits of armour for a more powerful expression of elegance,
strength and quality that could give the new machine even more
credibility as a mid-sized motorcycle, rather than just another little
beginners’ bike. It was also important that this new look should
augment the Varadero 125’s well-established attractions of light and
swift handling, strong, dependable performance for its class and a
go-anywhere versatility that gives its rider the confident assurance
that this bike can venture off the paved highway and the beaten path
whenever the urge or need arises.
The new Varadero 125 consolidates
all these desires into a well-integrated and balanced design that is
certain to offer even greater appeal to not only new license holders
with an eye for a bike that really stands out from the crowd, but also
seasoned riders who can appreciate its ample comfort, perky
performance, easy handling and unbeatable economy. Like its
predecessor, the new Varadero 125 sets the pace in the 125cc class with
performance, panache and a wide range of all-day riding pleasure that
is difficult to match, yet easy to enjoy.
Styling
Standing out proudly from every other motorcycle in its class, the 2007
Varadero 125’s elegant and distinctive new half-fairing features
sleeker, more sinuously integrated lines that emphasise the intrepid
look of an experienced world traveller. A new concept in its class from
the very start, the Varadero 125 combines ample size and impressive
styling that isn’t humbled standing side-by-side with a larger
displacement machine.
Sleeker and Sportier Aerodynamic Fairing
Giving
the Varadero 125’s distinctive bodywork a more curvaceous and sleekly
integrated design was a main priority in its development. Exuding
elegant quality of design coupled with a dynamic sense of agility, the
Varadero’s new fairing features a lighter and sportier image with a
slimmer and lighter-looking front cowl that is both more aerodynamic in
look and more cleanly integrated into its overall form.
Though the
Varadero 125’s new front cowl appears to be more compact than its
earlier iteration, wind protection has been increased and its taller
and wider range of protection plays a more effective role in deflecting
wind and even light rain away from the rider for superb long-term
riding comfort for even taller riders. As before, a vent system flows
air in under the windscreen to helps deflect the rush of wind up and
around the rider by raising the air pressure within the cockpit area.
New Design Dual Headlights
The
fairing’s dual headlights have also been changed, and provide a
sleeker, more aggressive look while brilliantly illuminating the road
ahead. Large, clear-lens front indicators have also been integrated
into the new fairing’s design, and attractively accentuate the new
cowl’s more dynamic form. Smoothly integrated into the tapering lines
of the Varadero 125’s tail is a newly designed, one-piece combination
light featuring form-fitted clear-lens indicators surrounding a large
central brake light that provides an attention-getting rearward display.
Even
the Varadero 125’s rear-view mirrors have been updated in design, and
these new, more sturdy and stylish units are now mounted directly to
the upper surfaces of the fairing instead of on the handlebars for a
more high-quality look of intrepid on-road style.
Deluxe Version Also Available
The
new Varadero 125 will also be made available in a more Deluxe version
that features a high-quality two-tone seat, an attractive moulded
emblem attached to the upper surface of its front cowl, and more ornate
silvery rims around its instrument panel dials, for a proud look of
quality and prestige.
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