MotorCycleNews Review of the XL125

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Honda XL125 Varadero (2001-current)

New price	£4,470
Used price range	View Honda XL125V VARADERObikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	125cc
Power	15bhp
Top speed	72mph
Insurance group	6

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict 

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.

Engine

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

Equipment

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

Older version of a Honda 125, about 4 years before the CBR125. Bit more powerful but a lot more expensive about $1800 NZ more.
The styling of it is a lot more subtle and toned down, in comparison to the aggression that the CBR has, very sports bike and speed inspired.
The XL seems more upright and minimal in the areas of the body kit, the exhaust is also tucked away under the seat 

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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.

Value

MCN rating
Owners' rating

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 a Honda XL125 Varadero for sale.

Insurance

Insurance group: 6

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Model History

2001: Honda XL125 Varadero launched.
2003: Minor detail changes to Honda XL125 Varadero.
2011: Renamed XL125V Varadero

Other Versions

None.