Big trail bike you really can take off road. The Honda XRV750 Africa Twin was one of the first Japanese monster trail / desert rally bikes and remains one of the best. Power output is much lower than the latest machines but the slimmer seat makes it easier to manage one you leave the Tarmac. It’s not light though and even gentle drops can be costly.

The Honda XRV750 Africa Twin’s very softly tuned V-twin produces reasonable low rev torque but is far from swift. Claimed power is 60bhp but a measured rear wheel figure is more like 52. That’s 600 Diversion territory and much less than a 600 Bandit. Three valve-per-cylinder design is economical and reliability superb.

The Honda XRV750 Africa Twin’s smooth and stable on the road. The narrow front tyre and wide bars make it quick to turn and it’s excellent in town with excellent balance, visibility and steering lock.  Brakes are better than other big trail bikes of the early 90s but out performed by the latest crop.

1992 onwards Honda XRV750 Africa Twins get an on-board computer which is fun even if the functions aren’t mind blowing. Headlights aren’t superb – hi-tech bulbs boost output. Comfort’s slightly disappointing – the riding position’s great but the seat’s too thin for long days in the saddle – an after market variant such as Corbin improves thing no end.

The Honda XRV750 Africa Twin’s one of the most reliable bikes you can buy. The engine’s derived from the bulletproof VT500 and six figure mileages are quite possible.  is generally good but a few steel parts (such as the front frame that supports the clocks / fairing) can rust if neglected. A good choice for an overland expedition.

Used values are high of the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin. You could buy a far superior Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom or Aprilia ETV1000 Caponord for the same money, on the same reg-plate. Why? They look awkward and the Africa Twin still looks superb. You’ll pay quite a lot for the Honda, especially considering rival models performance but you shouldn’t loose too much when you sell.

Insurance group: 12

1989: Original Honda XRV750 Africa Twin launched in December.

1992: Trip computer added.

1993: Major re-design including new frame, plastics, tank, engine mods, lower seat.

1996: Improved seat and clutch, larger silencer, modified upper fairing and luggage rack.

2003: Honda XRV750 Africa Twin deleted.

Honda XRV650 Africa Twin: Lighter, higher spec version made in 1988.

Honda XLV750R: High spec shaft driver version made to compete in the Paris-Dakar Rally.

Top speed 110mph

1/4-mile acceleration 13.9 secs

Power 61bhp

Torque 46ftlb

Weight 202kg

Seat height 860mm

Fuel capacity 23 litres

Average fuel consumption 38mpg

Tank range 190 miles

Insurance group 12

Engine size 742cc

Engine specification 6v V-twin, 5 gears

Frame Steel perimeter

Front suspension adjustment Preload

Rear suspension adjustment Preload, compression

Front brakes Twin 276mm discs

Rear brake 256mm disc

Front tyre size 90/90 x 21

Rear tyre size 140/80 x 17

In theory: the Honda XL1000V Varadero is a great idea; take the funky Firestorm motor and put it inside an adventure touring chassis. But the result didn’t live up to that and the Honda XL1000V Varadero hasn’t matched the success of the BMW R1150GS. Whileit has bags of comfort, luggage capacity and grunt, its thirsty engine, top heavy handling and plain Jane looks haven’t helped it win friends.

The Firestorm motor of the Honda XL1000V Varadero is very tough, makes lots of lowdown poke and feels relaxed at motorway speeds. Apart from its heavy thirst for unleaded it’s hard to fault and generally lasts 50K miles before showing signs of serious wear. The facelifted 2003-onwards Varaderos feature fuel injection and a sixth overdrive gear, which makes the motor that bit more suitable for the job of long distance biking.

The Honda XL1000V Varadero’s chassis isn’t bad, but the soft front forks let the Varadero down, diving under hard braking. Some owners, especially bigger blokes, fit stiffer springs and heavier fork oil. The soft-ish, very comfortable suspension does keep two people, plus luggage, thrumming happily along all day however.

The Honda XL1000V Varadero comes with the Combined Braking System which links both front and rear discs, splitting the braking force between them. Some like it, some don’t. The XL1000 also features a decently tall fairing screen, generous exhaust heat shields for the passenger’s legs, plus handguards.

Build quality of the Honda XL1000V Varadero is generally very good. The only weak areas appear to be the exhaust system, which rusts quite easily and a dodgy sidestand cut-out switch – which was fixed via a factory recall. Owners tend to look after them, so with a service history and soft resale values, the Varadero makes a good used buy.

The Honda XL1000V Varadero is slightly cheaper than the BMW R1150GS/R1200GS, but loses its resale value a little bit quicker. On the upside, it seems more popular than something like an Aprilia Caponord…but then so are Keith Harris and Orville. Like most adventure touring bikes, the Varadero needs hard luggage, heated grips and other accessories to do the full 3000 mile touring gig.

Insurance group: 13

1999: Honda XL1000 Varadero launched.

2003: Updated version launched; new bodywork panels, headlights, screen, extra 6th gear in engine, bigger fuel tank and fuel injection replaces carbs.

2004: ABS option offered.

2005: ABS becomes standard equipment.

2006: £1000 cut off RRP.

2004 onwards: Varadero XL1000 ABS. Same bike but with ABS anti-lock brakes. Became standard model in UK from 2005 on.

Top speed 125mph

1/4-mile acceleration 12.9 secs

Power 93bhp

Torque 72ftlb

Weight 241kg

Seat height 843mm

Fuel capacity 25 litres

Average fuel consumption 35mpg

Tank range 180 miles

Insurance group 13

Engine size 996cc

Engine specification 8v V-twin, 6 gears

Frame Steel tubular type

Front suspension adjustment Preload

Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound

Front brakes Twin 296mm discs

Rear brake 256mm disc

Front tyre size 110/80 x 19

Rear tyre size 150/70 x 17

Although only a 125, there’s plenty of big bike feel with the Honda XL125 Varadero. The proportions are right, the motor feels spunky and as it’s a Honda you know it’s not going to fall apart beneath you. As a first bike or commuter the Honda XL125 Varadero represents a clever investment with its low insurance group and parsimonious fuel consumption.

There’s not much to get excited about with four-stroke 125s normally. And in the original VT125 Shadow micro-cruiser this V-twin SOHC lump just about copes. But in the Honda XL125 Varadero it rips around town just fine. With a low weight of just 149kg there’s not much mass to haul around, either. Just avoid long straights on the Honda XL125 Varadero.

The Honda XL125 Varadero is a neat handling thing, thanks to its wide bars, a terrific steering lock, commanding riding position and poise. The brakes work fine, but it pays not to get too ambitious. The Honda XL125 Varadero’s seat and riding position is very comfortable and not a bad place to spend a morning carving across town.

There’s a raft of official kit for the Honda XL125 Varadero, including hard luggage, a taller windscreen, a centrestand, heated grips and sump guard. Most reviews from Honda XL125 Varadero owners will mention the addition of aftermarket parts.

The Honda XL125 Varadero’s mild steel downpipes rust through if they’re neglected over a winter, but that’s about it. Everything else on the Honda XL125 Varadero is up to Honda’s usual high standards.

Compared to its XR125L and CBR125RR stablemates a new Honda XL125 Varadero is overpriced to the tune of almost £1000 and £700 respectively and it’s hard to say it’s worth that much more than either of the other two. However, Honda XL125 Varaderos do hold their value well, but not enough to tempt the canny buyer away from the other two. Find Honda XL125 Varadero motorcycles for sale.

Insurance group: 6

2001: Honda XL125 Varadero launched.

2003: Minor detail changes to Honda XL125 Varadero.

None.

Top speed 72mph

1/4-mile acceleration 21 secs

Power 15bhp

Torque 8ftlb

Weight 149kg

Seat height 802mm

Fuel capacity 17.5 litres

Average fuel consumption 65mpg

Tank range 250 miles

Insurance group 6

Engine size 125cc

Engine specification 4v V-twin, 5 gears

Frame Steel spine

Front suspension adjustment None

Rear suspension adjustment Preload

Front brakes 220mm disc

Rear brake 220mm disc

Front tyre size 100/90 x 18

Rear tyre size 130/80 x 17