HONDA XL125V Varadero (2001-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda XL125V Varadero was a dual sport motorcycle with a 125cc V-twin engine manufactured by the Japanese maker in 2001. The model's first generation was launched in 2001 in the United Kingdom market for beginner riders.

Due to a marketing study suggesting that riders were attracted by the dual-sport motorcycle idea with a protective noise fairing, Honda began working on a giant 125 machine after the 15 hp restriction on all 125cc motorcycles.

Honda developed a motorcycle with more considerable proportions than most of the 125cc machines, with design cues from the XL1000V Varadero, an 802 mm seat height with a commanding view and enough space for a passenger.

The XL125V was fitted with a 17.5-liter fuel tank and a two-liter reserve, powered by a 124cc four-stroke SOHC V-twin engine, developed initially for the VT125C Shadow cruiser machine.

The bike had a double cradle steel frame fitted with a 35 mm telescopic fork and a preload-adjustable Pro-Link shock absorber on the rear, offering optimum handling and suspension performance.

As for braking performance, the 2001 Honda XL125V Varadero rolled on three-spoke cast aluminum wheels fitted with a dual-piston caliper and a 276 mm disc on the front and a single-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc on the rear.

As for power figures, the machine was set in motion by a 124cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine with two carburetors, delivering an output power of 15 hp at 11,000 rpm and 11 Nm (eight lb-ft) of torque at 9,500 rpm.