Honda 125 VARADERO XLV 2002 — Specifications

When Honda decided to offer its large Varadero in 125cc form, many smiled. A twin-cylinder trail in legal displacement – the idea was surprising. Yet, the XLV 125 Varadero established itself as a serious proposition in a segment where the single-cylinder reigns supreme. The lines are directly inspired by the larger 1000 model, giving the machine a presence that its direct rivals cannot dispute.

Under the 17.5-liter tank lies the 90° V-twin from the Shadow, an engine with a compression ratio of 11.8:1, producing 15 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. These figures speak for themselves: this is one of the most accomplished 125 four-strokes on the market at the time. Flexible and smooth-running, it propels the Varadero up to 115 km/h without complaint. The downside is the 9.8 Nm of torque available at 9,500 rpm, which weighs on a mass of 167 kg when fully fueled. Acceleration requires anticipation, and the rider seeking the liveliness of a sporty 125 will be disappointed. That is not the machine's vocation.

What truly distinguishes this trail is its suitability for the open road. Autonomy easily exceeds 300 kilometers, the wind protection is convincing in standard configuration and frankly effective with the optional tall screen. The 800 mm seat allows a rider of average height to place their feet without acrobatics, which is reassuring both in the city and at a stop on a national road. The suspension — 35 mm fork with 150 mm of travel, identical mono-shock — filters the asphalt with a frankness that contrasts with some lightweight trails with nervous behavior. Those seeking reviews of the Honda 125 Varadero XLV 2001, 2005 or 2007 will find a broad consensus on this point: road comfort is the true strength of this motorcycle.

The braking, a 276 mm disc at the front and 220 mm at the rear, does the job provided you apply firm pressure. It is far from the bite of a sports bike, but for the use to which this motorcycle is destined, it is sufficient. In the city, despite its generous size, it handles without hostility. Its main rival remained the Yamaha TDR 125, whose two-stroke offered a much more incisive character, particularly in de-restricted form. But it is not the same program: the Varadero targets the A1 license dreamed of by those who want to travel, not those who want to drive hard around roundabouts.

Priced at 4,700 euros at launch, it was expensive for a 125. It is worth it if you are looking for a versatile machine, designed for long distances as well as daily urban use, with Honda finishing that has never let down its owners.