What to do with a Honda Varadero?

[Mudwiz]

Thanks folks.

Going the "whole hog" isn't a possibility for me I'm afraid, just the £££!

It is a bit of a challenge. When I started out with a 650 Transalp there was a lot of "Why?", but that went OK and I really enjoyed the process and the resultant riding. This one is similar, can it be done for little money, look pretty normal, and still happily ride to Girona in a day!!

Jelly - thank you, Not sure that's what I'd call me!

Dash - Looking forward to the couple I can make this year, I've always been slow, but would like to see if a Vara can finish! From what I can find out there hasn't been a Vara finish on the UK rally circuit. Please correct me if I'm wrong here.

2 main issues come out of this so far, mass and suspension. Mass I can't help, really. I guess being only 67kg helps the bike along! There are many ways to knock a couple of kg off a bike, but I need this to work for long road distances too. I find it loud with standard exhausts, so they are low on the list to change.
Suspension and geometry wise I'm intending to raise the front a little with extended fork caps, and will change the oil in there too. The idea is this will help with the tendency for the front to tuck in. New springs may be within budget, but I doubt a new rear shock will be!

Anyone had any "experiences" with the linked brakes of slippy surfaces? That's something the jury's still out on.

Ta in advance.

[dash]

Dash - Looking forward to the couple I can make this year, I've always been slow, but would like to see if a Vara can finish! From what I can find out there hasn't been a Vara finish on the UK rally circuit. Please correct me if I'm wrong here.

Not that I've heard, but I've only really been involved with the rally scene since last Autumn, and only raced one (the Hafren). I did hear mention of someone competing on a Caponord though :dry: .

[mikeyboy]

as said before,a decent bashplate would be my first priority,if your going to do the uk rallys fit the most aggresive tyres you can get in that size,also pick your events carefully,the sweet lamb complex is really suitable for the big bikes,you get good satifaction when you finish on the most unsuitable bike in the paddock,i think one of the biggest problems is a lack of ground clearance in the ruts and gullies knocking your feet off the pegs but you just have to put up with that.the first event is april 22nd at sweet lamb,being organised by the BBRC,hope fully see you there,ill be on a bright green funduro..

[SILVERBACK]

Anyone had any "experiences" with the linked brakes of slippy surfaces? That's something the jury's still out on.

Ta in advance.

I always found the linked brakes to be a PITA to be honest but its a fairly simple job to De-link them bashplate wise its easy enough to fit an africa twin one on to the Vara.

a quick search seems to reveal lots of lowering kits for the vara but none to raise it .

a quick call to hyperpro might be worth a try for some advice
http://ravenbladerider.wordpress.com/20 ... le-models/

http://www.hyperpro.com/

at the end of the day the vara is a very capable road bike but certainly is NOT an off roader and as always its down to the mindset of the rider :woohoo:

however Mudwiz is as mad as fish and will try anything

john o grotes to lands end on an XR600 anybody :blink:

[flyinwalrus]

i'd give one of the suspension firms a bell.... they're usually pretty helpful and would prob see the challenge in it too... maxton are in cheshire and more road race orentated but what they dont know about suspension of any kind not worth knowing...ask for Chris.... kais started life as mx specialists but do all machinary now... and Dr Shox is well versed in the enduro / rally suspension. your standard rear unit could prob be re worked rather than a new complete unit and they'll tell you what to do with the front ref spring weight/oil weight/volume/air gap and spacers etc or for more cost they could revalve etc...loads of possibilities per budget.... seem to remember reading on tinternet about an aussie who rallied one down under try a search for that...good luck :cheer: