Honda Varadero??? Why not?

[msheron]

It shockingly looks like the V-Strom to a certain extent. I do wonder why Honda refuses to bring these into the US market? With the success of Suzuki with the Strom you think Honda would like some of the pie!

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/013103top.jpg

It is a nice looking bike!

[Patio]

Seen one yesterday at the Toronto Bike show. It had a different belly pan. I was told by the salesman that they are going to be available in Canada and the States in the spring of 2008. 1000 cc., twin exhaust, 25 litre tank, abs for approx. $14,000.00 - $15,000.00. A guesstimate on his part.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_xl1000v_veradero07.htm

[fryeg7]

Seen one yesterday at the Toronto Bike show. It had a different belly pan. I was told by the salesman that they are going to be available in Canada and the States in the spring of 2008. 1000 cc., twin exhaust, 25 litre tank, abs for approx. $14,000.00 - $15,000.00. A guesstimate on his part.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_xl1000v_veradero07.htm

that price seems a bit steep for that kind of bike. not competitive at all . . . .

is that USD$?

frye

[liljoec]

I think I have said it here before but, I would buy a Honda over a Suzuki any day of the week. Settled for the strom since Honda has nothing of the sort stateside. Love the Strom but I will always buy Honda if it is an option.

[Patio]

Canadian $

But we will see when it arrives. The salesman didn't know much about the bike.

[liljoec]

Canadian $

But we will see when it arrives. The salesman didn't know much about the bike.

These days, thats about the same USD right? If so, that does seem pretty darn high.

[larolco]

These days, thats about the same USD right? If so, that does seem pretty darn high.
Of course, that doesn't mean it will retail for the same in the US. Historically, CDN prices are significantly higher than in the states, regardless of currency values.

I was in Argentina this summer and saw quite a few Varaderos down there. They definitely caught my eye. I'll be looking to take one for a spin when they arrive up here. If I like, it might be my next bike - after I rack up another 100 000 km on the Strom and do my wife a few favours.

Of course, my next bike could also be a Multistrada, or who knows, maybe even another Strom... I do like the beast.

[roger123]

If they bring it here I will buy one. I've owned Honda cars since '91 and have a Honda lawn mower and weed wacker.

I own (and love) the Wee as Honda dosen't sell something similar here.

[JONNYREB]

Wow they sure are impressive looking bikes! Like everyone else has already mentioned: Honda makes the best engine run equipment manufactured. If the price is closer to 10,000 U.S. it'll be hard not to consider one. Look forward to seeing that one in the dealerships...J.R.

[Big B]

I like them very much too.

[O-9]

I dream of the new Transalp.

[WeThereYet]

The Varadero deserves a very serious look. I heard that the 'dero's were only going to the single line mega dealerships. Even so, Honda reliability, the Honda dealer network and parts warehouses are hard to beat. That bike seems like it would be real highway touring warrior. Priced correctly, I think the Varadero will be a winner, especially if the Vee goes the way of the dodo in the next 2-3 years. This bike may just help that along.

[Jimding]

I don't disagree that Honda makes very good products. But it has been my experience, at least with their bikes, that they like to change things every couple of years. So if you have something that appears to be the same bike, year after year, it actually has numerous small changes, with different parts, meaning the dealer often doesn't have those parts in stock, and when you order them, if the parts person is not having a good day, you'll get something that doesn't fit. Probably not an issue for you folks that wear out a bike in a couple of years, but I tend to keep mine for a decade or more. Honda also seems less tolerant than others about selling only a few (relatively speaking) units of a particular model, and will quit importing it if it doesn't meet expectations. On the other hand, I doubt Honda would find the "chudder" issue tolerable and perpetuate it.

[roger123]

After looking at this bike for awhile one thing I'm not excited about is the color of the frame and wheels. I really like the black frame/wheels of my Wee.

[dirtgeek]

14 to 15 k! ouch!

al

[msheron]

Yes what a formidable looking 700 cc off-road adventure tourer here we have.

Why these aren't in the US is beyond me.

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/2008/XL700VTransalp/images/gallery_large_02.jpg

Love the color too!

[chris swann]

i like the fact that a v strom has no spokes , on a bike that can go over 100mph spokes can be a problem . after alot of miles you end up with wobble wheels

[TCBronson]

Does anybody know what it takes to buy a motorcycle in Canada and bring it to the US, how do you register it, license, insurance, taxes, etc. Does Canada charge anything to bring new bikes accross the boarder to the US? I am sure it can be done, just want to get all of the details before I go up there and get one.

Is there a recomended Canadian Honda dealer that could help with this transaction?

I really like my DL1000 and I know I would LOVE the Varadero!

[mokusbajusz]

First of all you should know that I am a Honda fan. Their products are like industrial masterpieces. I had two Honda bikes (VT 500 C andf VF 500 F-II) before my DL650 and I loved them so much that really wanted to buy an other Honda.


BUT in the segment where Suzuki has the V-Stroms Honda has NO competitive bikes. The performance of both the Varadero and the Transalp are far from what the DLs present. Not to mention the price and the poor availability of aftermarket farkles.

They are very nice and very good bikes, the V-Stroms are just better.

[KildareMan]

I've a 04 Wee but if I had a step ladder to hand I would have a Varadero. Over here they are one reliable bike. Will do all day high speed, low speed, touring etc, etc. Might be a little heavy for rough trails, but then they might be honestly spec'ed. Honda reability and build quality are second to none. All that said I love my Wee. It's just harder to keep in the same condition as a Varadero.

[grdaemon]

Both bikes are sold over here for years. Vstrom model sells more than all bikes together.And I mean all-together...That should mean sthg...

Varadero has been a nice bike overall but its old. No one would prefer it over the Vstrom or the Aprilia Caponord or the KTM's.IT's old...

[mokusbajusz]

Even the new Varadero has weaker performance than the Vee, but these are only numbers on paper, so overall could be as good as the V-Strom. For 1.5-2 times higher price...

But they are as "farkleable" as the DL. :D

[tgore3]

Good looking bike. If that would've been sitting next to the Strom and around the same price I'd have one of those sitting in my garage.