Varadero

[oldbikeman]

Has anyone ridden one of these bikes , what's the bottom end pull like and also the gear spacing?
ThanksfromPaul

[mik_str]

I spent a fair bit of saddle time astride a 2009 Varadero (including an Iron Butt ride - 1785 km in 24 hours). My comments are that, first of all, it is geared quite tall (same as stock VTR IIRC, spinning 4000 rpm at an indicated 120 km/h). Also, it's a heavy bike with a high center of gravity. That being said, the FI system is well calibrated and the engine response is smooth and linear. Its main quality, IMO, is its level of comfort. The seat is particularly praiseworthy and the riding position lends itself well to long hours of riding. While perhaps not up to the mark of a 1200GS in thte eyes of many, it is an excellent all-rounder.

Hope this helps....

[oldbikeman]

Thanks
Earlier models had five gears which I'm told were better spaced for a lazy ride.I think more development time was
spent on it than the Storm so it's a better bike if not as cool.
Paul

[Jbrebel]

A mate of mine has one and loves it

Very underated for the cash much like the Storm.