XL1000V Varadero

[chuxsta]

would i be correct in thinking that the honda XL1000V Varadero is the same engine give or take some tuning differences?
would the crank case cover be the same as the storms?

just a thought as it might increase my chances of finding said cover.

[pbc0]

Hope so mate.
I've fitted my vara with VTR carbs & cams.
The Varadero's detuned. Smaller carbs, heavier flywheel, single valve springs, softer cams. lower compression, cable clutch and five gears but I think you should get away with the crankcase cover but don't go buying an engine for spares.

[mik_str]

actually the Varadero has slightly higher compression (9.8 vs 9.4)...

[pbc0]

What's this then, Top Trumps?

Compression ratio
VTR models...................... 9.4 to 1
XL models........................ 9.0 to 1

[stormingjoe]

hence the VTR feeling more alive, not that there is owt wrong with the Vara.

[pbc0]

Can't argue there.

I'd love to put a firestorm in the garage next to the old Vara so I can pick & choose as the mood takes me.
As it is though I just keep transplanting firestorm bits onto the Vara.

Makes 98bhp @ 9000rpm & 60ft-lbs through the rev range now, so I'll just keep chipping at it & I'll soon have figures to match some of you boys.

Been thinking of a name for the project.
Wife came up with project Varastorm.
Think I might get some "t" shirts made.
What do ya think?

[mik_str]

carbed version : 9.8:1 http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/ ... 00v_99.htm
(note: 42 mm carbs vs 48 mm on VTR)

FI version: 9.8:1
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/ ... v%2003.htm

any questions?

[pbc0]

That same page also states the following :-

Induction 3x 42mm Keihin CV carbs
Transmission / Drive 6 Speed / chain

Have you checked out the specs on some of the other bikes on there?
some of them look like there plucked out the air.

Got my info out the Haynes manual, not for an Austin somerset but for the VTR1000F (Firestorm, Superhawk) 97 to 00 & XL1000V (varadero) 99 to 00

Happen I should bin the Haynes manual, take the bike out & snap the gear selector off trying to get that sixth gear I've never had.

It'll probably be the quickest Varadero in history if I can get 6th gear and find where that 3rd. carb goes.

Anyone else for top trumps.

[mik_str]

6th gear was added during the re-design (2003?). I rode one (2008, first year they get imported into Canada) on an Iron Butt ride (1785 km in 24 hours) last summer and know it had a sixth gear.

You are correct that some of the specs (3 carbs on a twin?) are out to lunch but I have seen the 9.8:1 figure quoted in many places so I doubt it`s wrong.
A few examples for you:
http://www.varadero1000france.fr/fichie ... 202007.pdf
http://motoprofi.com/motospecspictures/ ... -2008.html
http://www.fixya.com/motorcycles/p98363 ... adero_2005
http://www.hondaireland.ie/OnOff_Road_X ... ation.HTML (note: Honda Ireland... would think they list teh proper specs!)

sufficient or need more?


Anyhow, at the end of the day, the Varadero engine is tuned with emphasis on low and mid-range torque (compared to teh VTR), and feels it.

[pbc0]

Never ever seen or heard of a carbed varadero with six gears in the U.K.
But more bottom end torque usually means your looking at a lower compression engine. so it seems we have a paradox.
One for the X files?

[mik_str]

FI and the additional cog were both added the same year (2003?). Early versions were five-speed and carbed.

[pbc0]

Thankyou.
And (just to get back on topic) do you agree that the crankcase covers are interchangeable?
I think so.

[mik_str]

They appear to be outwardly identical....

[pbc0]

Believe me.
Its the same engine.
Honda built the varadero around the firestorm engine.
Not the other way round.

[mik_str]

not questioning that at all, as the VTR came first...