City slicker with cred

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Feb 17, 2006

Byline: By Andy Feeley

Looking at this week's test bike it would be easy to think it was a big adventure tourer, a style that is loved on the continent and starting to get a following here

But, in fact, it is a learner-legal 125 from Honda with styling cues taken from the 1,000cc Varadero.

One problem for some youngsters coming into motorbikes is the relative size of most machines.

They might be fine for a 17-year-old that has yet to fill out but a 12 stone, 6ft young adult will just look plain silly.

Well, here's the answer ( the Varadero XL125V ( which is big on looks, if not on performance.

The bike feels much larger than it's engine size and although it's perfectly acceptable for a 125cc machine, the performance is irritating in that you expect more. It's not Honda's fault, they are playing by the rules which state a maximum power output limit of 11kW.

I found myself thrashing the engine to the redline and although a top speed of 80mph is available, the chassis is capable of handling much more power.

All this will not matter to a novice that may have just jumped off a scooter, the soft power delivery will be a bonus and at least they are riding a "proper bike".

Power may be low but the specification is high, everything on the 1,000cc Varadero is here ( twin headlamps, classy dash, three-spoke wheels, twin high level exhausts and alloy rack.

At pounds 3,299 it could be classed as expensive and compared to the CBR 125R at pounds 2,400 it is, but if you are anywhere near 6ft tall it's your only choice.

This "Adventure Touring" class of bike is taking off. It's the equivalent to the four-wheel drive in cars.

I didn't take the Varadero off road because, to be honest, it would be useless. The tyres may have a chunky tread but they are designed for tarmac and one spill would shatter those expensive fairing panels.

As a city commuter with a bit of style it works. The engine has enough power to keep it ahead of traffic and that high riding position gives good forward vision.

And no stickers on the flanks to tell others that you are only on a 125cc machine is good for your street cred.

Facts and figures

Make: Honda

Model: Varadero XL125V

Price: pounds 3,299

Insurance: 5

Max speed: 80mph

Economy: 56mpg

Test machine supplied by Ken's Motorcycles, Newcastle.

Tel: (0191) 232 1793