Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 3 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesman View Post
My 2 cents worth of experience
I've got 97 Firestorm/Superhawk with 2004 fuel tank (19 l)
If you look after air filter (must be clean to do good mileage) you looking at 200 km to reserve and 40 on reserve of mixed and sometimes spirited riding .
Vara engine got not so "steep" camshafts, single valve springs and 36mm if I am not wrong intake ports. Storm have whoopinh 48 mm carbs (largest ever on production bike), steep camshafts, double and strong valve springs and as result of it camchain tensioner that serves OK on Vara does not do so well on Storm. Latest generations (FI) of Vara got about 10 less bhp and same peak torque as Storm, but earlier in rpms.
One thing that Vara lacks that Storm have it is precision of trottle at all speeds (apart from different world handling, weight etc.) but Storm is way more thirsty than FI Varadero, way way more and nowhere near as comfortable. On highway well set up Storm never eats more than 6-7 liter per 100 if you do not go over 6000 rpm.

Well that answers my question bluesman; I hadn't realised that the engines are so different, although it is certainly logical - many of the "trailie" derivatives are tuned for lower rev torque at the expense of top-end HP.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 5 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
yes they are the same engine but the varadero is lower tuned, which seems to suit the engine very well its not trying too hard in the varadero, plenty of torque.

the carbed varas had a reputation for drinking a lot but the Fi has sorted that out. if they could redesign the bike and shave 30kg off it that would help enormously too.

im surprised the firestorm is still so thirsty though, it must be lighter than the varadero. does anyone know if the SP-1 and SP-2 are bad on fuel?
a 180kg varadero with a SP-2 engine in it, hmmmm...........
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 5 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Wink

Quote:
Originally Posted by DAVSATO View Post
yes they are the same engine but the varadero is lower tuned, which seems to suit the engine very well its not trying too hard in the varadero, plenty of torque.

the carbed varas had a reputation for drinking a lot but the Fi has sorted that out. if they could redesign the bike and shave 30kg off it that would help enormously too.

im surprised the firestorm is still so thirsty though, it must be lighter than the varadero. does anyone know if the SP-1 and SP-2 are bad on fuel?
a 180kg varadero with a SP-2 engine in it, hmmmm...........
It's just that I thought my FI firestorm (one of the first, on an 02 registration) was "de-tuned" quite a bit anyway - figures quoted at around 105 horses IRRC, which is not a lot for a 1000cc V twin.

For shaving off 30 Kg, Honda could employ BMW as consultants (1150 > 1200GS transformation).

SP2: now you're talking! I want one of those as a second, third or fourth bike. I think they really drink the fuel, but who cares - it would be used as a toy on sunny days only.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 6 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Belgium
Posts: 84
Erhm...FI Firestorm? :confused1: How did you get one? Did they made FI Firestorm? I want it NOW! So far I was 100% sure that Honda never ever made FI firestorm, I never found it anywhere...is it internal Japanese model or something like it? Everywhere esle for sure Firestorm was carbed all the way until it's end of production in 2004, so I am eager to know if may be somewhere they build FI version or perhaps somebody build it for you? Please, please - you got me all excited now!

BTW - if you want more oomph from Firestorm (or even for Vara) there is guy in UK, his name Roger, he works for Revolution Racing. He can work on the bike to make it deliver 130-136 bhp at rear wheel and +10-15 Nm torque without much effect on reliability. And he can make wonders with suspension. All the pieces still available on market: moriwaki cams and valves, JE high-compression pistons, dynamically balanced crankshaft, precisely cut airfilter box - and you are in business! He used to prepare BSB Firestorms I think. But new good rear shock and forks reworked by Roger will give you more result than extra 30 bhp IMO
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
My dads got an 02 Honda Varadero with tall screen and luggage all round. Its a great big bike for doing 2 up stuff. But as has been explained before its very thirsty and can become very heavy once the speed drops below 30mph or so.

If i where you i would look for the up dated model that has the movable screen and the sixth gear. Its also got a few other tastey bits in there as well but these are the best.

look out for the rear shock getting covered in road crude and being very soft. The shocks open at the back to the rear wheel and gets covered in road crude and after a while of bouncying about it will wreck the rear shock. Try and look for a bike thats got either a new shock (ie hagons etc) or a bike thats low milage and has a rear hugger.

There are a big following of varaderos all around europe and the uk. This has made 2 very good forums that have plenty of information about the bike etc etc

The International Honda Varadero Forum - Index

Varadero UK - Welcome to the UK Varadero web site.

Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesman View Post
Erhm...FI Firestorm? :confused1: How did you get one? Did they made FI Firestorm? I want it NOW! So far I was 100% sure that Honda never ever made FI firestorm, I never found it anywhere...is it internal Japanese model or something like it? Everywhere esle for sure Firestorm was carbed all the way until it's end of production in 2004, so I am eager to know if may be somewhere they build FI version or perhaps somebody build it for you? Please, please - you got me all excited now!

BTW - if you want more oomph from Firestorm (or even for Vara) there is guy in UK, his name Roger, he works for Revolution Racing. He can work on the bike to make it deliver 130-136 bhp at rear wheel and +10-15 Nm torque without much effect on reliability. And he can make wonders with suspension. All the pieces still available on market: moriwaki cams and valves, JE high-compression pistons, dynamically balanced crankshaft, precisely cut airfilter box - and you are in business! He used to prepare BSB Firestorms I think. But new good rear shock and forks reworked by Roger will give you more result than extra 30 bhp IMO
It's sold now, but I am sure that the 02 registration (UK sourced new, so an official Honda machine) that I owned was FI.
It also had the slightly larger fuel tank that allowed a bit more range.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Belgium
Posts: 84
Oh...sorry - unfortunately as all Europe/US Stroms it was carbed....it is indexed FI, but it is just year index 19 liter tank and still same 48 mm carbs... But fact that you did not had any need to disassemble it to discover carbs proves it's truly reliable machine!
Oh, well....I'll have to live with my carbed Storm with upgraded 19 liter tank (BTW - from 04 model)...
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 27 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
Quote:
Originally Posted by maxwell123455 View Post
My dads got an 02 Honda Varadero with tall screen and luggage all round. Its a great big bike for doing 2 up stuff. But as has been explained before its very thirsty and can become very heavy once the speed drops below 30mph or so.

If i where you i would look for the up dated model that has the movable screen and the sixth gear. Its also got a few other tastey bits in there as well but these are the best.

look out for the rear shock getting covered in road crud........... The shocks open at the back to the rear wheel and gets covered in road crud..............rear hugger.



hi mate, the '02 is carbed with a 5 speed box, they are a lot thirstier than the Fi with 6speeds, but is easier and cheaper to tune up, new jets and endcans cost a lot less than cans and a powercommander!

before you invest in a hugger, look at this;

Bild:Federbeinschutz.JPG - VaraWiki

rear mudflap anybody? - Honda Trail Bike Forums

it works very well, dont need a hugger except for looks
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
HONDA XL1000V VARADERO Blue Varadero XL1000V Which Bike? 2 3 Jul 2011 14:49
any woman with varadero or africa twin? vara_girl_1974 Which Bike? 5 30 Jan 2007 21:07
2000 Varadero 1000 any good? Dan Coote Which Bike? 19 20 Jul 2005 09:39
honda varadero 125cc touring? eldridge Which Bike? 3 3 Apr 2005 05:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:50.