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.

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). :rolleyes2:

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.

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 :thumbup1:

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.

:scooter:

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.

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)...:(

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