I have a Varadero
, an XL1000VA6 on a 57-plate. Changed last March from a R1150GS with 60k on the clock. I don't ride off-road so a trail style road bike was just what I wanted, add in Honda reliability, a demon deal and the choice was a no brainer
It has ABS, CBS, heated grips (better than BMW), full colour matched luggage (Honda badged Givi), aux power socket, hand guards etc... I've fitted a scottoiler, MRA Vario screen and wired in my Zumo GPS.
On the plus side the weather and wind protection is better than the GS, it's comfier solo or two up, the engine is great and likes to rev, and it is a really good touring bike with a tank range anywhere between 200-250 miles depending on riding style.
On the down side it is a bit on the tall side and that bit heavier than the GS, that bit less agile than the GS, and service intervals are every 4000 miles instead of 6000 like the GS (minors cost about £100 at the dealer and a major comes up every 16k - mine has 12k on the clock now).
Price wise the Honda has the advantage, mine was an ex-demo with 350 miles on it for £6k. I had the scottoiler and aux socket fitted as part of the deal, then fitted the screen and main stand afterwards. Mine came with Trailwings which lasted 3k miles before I changed them for Trail Attacks which really suit the bike. Genuine Honda spares are available from David Silver and that's pretty much it.
I bought it in March 2008 and commuted on it up to November when I got a lease car. Since then it has a quiet life but has done two trips to Europe where it performed better than I did!
