What to do with a Honda Varadero?

[Mudwiz]

And no, I'm not after "Sell it and buy a proper bike"!

Any one got any suggestions as to the things one needs to do to/with a Varadero 1000 to make it more suitable as a true Adventure bike. I've my own ideas, but any input would be lovely. I'm thinking to get it ready for use in some UK rallies, little enduros/practice days and the D2D if the big bike one runs again this year.

Thanks in advance.
Chris.

[Jelly]

The 'legendary' Mudwiz from the XRV forum I presume?

Surely you could take one look and see what mods it'd need with your off road experience?

If its of interest to you I've currently got a friend of a friend fabricating me a stainless copy of the Vara's sump guard/bash plate. I'll let you know how it is once hes finished it.

Apart from that I can't think of any changes needed, other than turning it into a 'Twindero' which I'm sure Ackackflak has already told you about.

My Vara came with renthal bars, so no change needed there.

I replaced the rear shock for a new one but that was needed anyway, road or trail as it had done 50k, refurbed the front shocks too.

Then there's the obvious like fender extender and crash bars but I'm sure I'm getting into 'sucking eggs now'.

[beddowsm]

Make it lighter :laugh: to make the pick ups a bit easier....but then with your skill I expect it wont be down much.

Cant offer any sensible advise, sorry.

[Vindaloo]

And no, I'm not after "Sell it and buy a proper bike"!

Any one got any suggestions as to the things one needs to do to/with a Varadero 1000 to make it more suitable as a true Adventure bike....

Paint it orange and pretend? :whistle:

[Frad]

Mine is Orange !

[Frad]

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Mine is Orange !

[Mudwiz]

Thanks folks, I think! B)

Jelly, thank you. I've my plans, but I'm fishing for things I may miss, you can never get too many brains on something like this. That guard sounds interesting. Are you extending it backwards to cover the sump too, as that's an obvious issue with the standard plastic one. I'm thinking the TT extended plate may have to be the way to go. The other stuff you mantion is in progress, although suspension wise I'm going to need to suck it and see what needs to be done.

Mike, thanks for the vote of confidence, but I do feel a slight/steep learning curve will be experienced!!

Vindaloo, it's gold, so I'm half way there already!

[AckAckFlack]

I know I have given you input Chris but if you are ever up this way have a go on my carbi one as it has the ohlin rear and certainly makes a difference.

Those side mounted radiators would be my big concern after the sump.
You almost need extended bars on there to fit higher.

[stanbloke]

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Oy Chris :laugh:

Dont do it fella. I fitted an @ bashplate and then took it to Wales...it was ok on easy trails but !...Too low, suspension to soft, bike too heavy,geometry is wrong (front wheel will tuck in soooooo quickly), gearing too high ...the Vara is very good at what Honda designed it for, anything else and it is waaayyy out of its depth.

Hope you are well.

regards

Stan,

[Mudwiz]

Gary, thanks, I'm sure a decent rear shock would make a difference, has it had any work to the front end? My crashbars are high fitted, that side of radiator impact I'm OK about, it's damage from the inside that worries me now.

Stan, long time no see! How's things? As for the bike, too late now!! I'm sure it will be fine... :unsure: