What is wrong with a Montesa Varadero?

patzx12

Registered user
Joined
Jun 18, 2007
Messages
4,706
Reaction score
0
Location
Galway Ireland
Not a bike I ever considered or thought about owning.
Never ridden one. I think it's because it is a 1000 and a backward step from a 1200. But with the sheer pleasure of riding my CBX1000 I am thinking 1000cc will pull me down the road.
The I spotted a Cat D bike for sale and took an immediate fancy to it.
€2000 was offered and curtly refused, I had to call back next day and eat a bit of humble pie and give them the €2500 they requested. I just had a mad desire to fix it.
The worry was is the frame damaged? The bike had bent forks but the front wheel and bodywork was undamaged except for the screen.
Frame was carefully examined before purchase and I checked the bearing cups once I stripped it.
I turned up steel blanks the same dia as the bearings and fitted them into the bearing housing to ensure the were not "ovulating".:D
It was a well kitted bike with full luggage, heated grips, ABS, scottoiler.
 

Attachments

  • 20161015_213515.jpg
    20161015_213515.jpg
    55.8 KB · Views: 664
  • 20161015_213533.jpg
    20161015_213533.jpg
    50 KB · Views: 638
Easy fix, I had a set of Vara forks in bits but then I dropped on a set of NOS brand new forks in the bubble wrap for €350.
Second hand tripples were sourced.
 

Attachments

  • 20161015_212308.jpg
    20161015_212308.jpg
    46.3 KB · Views: 675
  • IMG_3151.jpg
    IMG_3151.jpg
    60 KB · Views: 659
I blinged it up by painting the engine bars with chrome paint, added some used "UKgser" spotlamps with home made alloy covers, a GSA screen and my old 660 Zumo.
 

Attachments

  • 20161109_140449.jpg
    20161109_140449.jpg
    111.7 KB · Views: 660
  • 20161109_140536.jpg
    20161109_140536.jpg
    118.1 KB · Views: 615
  • 20161109_161850.jpg
    20161109_161850.jpg
    88.5 KB · Views: 650
  • 20161109_172402.jpg
    20161109_172402.jpg
    56.8 KB · Views: 643
  • 20161109_180158.jpg
    20161109_180158.jpg
    23.6 KB · Views: 658
Result:
I have now added a 2010 Varadero ABS to the fleet and I struggle to say anything negative about the bike, it rides really well all the controls are sweet, the comfort is exceptional.
Co-pilot thinks its great.
These bikes get little attention but they are just about as good as any adventure bike out there.
The may be lacking somewhere but not in performance, it goes like stink easy smooth power and cruising at a effortless lazy 100
 
I bought a Varadero a couple of weeks ago, 2010 with only 1800 miles, brilliant bikes and so underrated.
 
superb bikes did the NC500 with 2 brothers who had these 15yr old bikes and they were brilliant
 
Put a picture up.

14695498_10157620243325512_6039467185815691305_n_zpsoxnugrt6.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
Got one. Love it. Did the Grossglock this year 2 up.
But it takes 3 men to lift it when (not if) you drop it.
 
Here's mine on the Grossglock with her indoors
Flxufsz.jpg


And on the Bwlch Y Groes
q5JhHcU.jpg
 
Got one. Love it. Did the Grossglock this year 2 up.
But it takes 3 men to lift it when (not if) you drop it.

I have to disagree, 1 man + 1 little woman (dropped it wheeling it into the garage).

The battery ran down with all the accessories running, I know its only a cheap battery.
Is the alternator output poor?
I am installing a Yuasa and look for some LED H7 bulbs for the spotlights.
 
I am getting a bit fond of my winter hack, hard to fault.
I made dog bones and dropped the forks 15mm
Does anyone have info on a de-cat? I am not an environmentalist and would like to create more pollution ( + noise).
 

Attachments

  • 20161209_130407.jpg
    20161209_130407.jpg
    79.9 KB · Views: 337
  • 20161209_131017.jpg
    20161209_131017.jpg
    69.9 KB · Views: 331
I sold mine because riding it gave me such a pain in my coccyx that I needed a break every 40 miles. It was fine for the first 100 or so miles each day, but once the pain started, that was it for the day.

My wife thinks it is the most comfortable bike we have ever had. The GS comes second.
 


Back
Top Bottom