I'm acquiring a new project tomorrow...

My eldest son has passed his bike test and gets his new bike tomorrow, a Kawasaki Versys 650. As a result of this, he is selling me his Honda Varadero 125 (for a reasonable 'Wheeler Dealer' price). The Honda is in better condition than when he handed back the Peugeot to me as he has used this bike as his daily rider to work, it has been serviced and has a valid MOT until August. I'll assess it thoroughly before I decide what I am going to do with it.

The plastic bodywork isn't in great condition and has the usual scuffs and dings that this model seems to acquire over the years. It's a big bike for a 125 and I am mulling over ditching the fairing and going for a traditional bowl headlight and stalk indicators at the front, to allow better access to the engine, as most jobs require the fairing to be removed. I have a suspicion that it needs a new head gasket, as about 18 months ago I had to clean out and refurb the water pump and it had some oil in it. The rocker covers also had 'mayonnaise' inside them, hinting that the head gasket is on its way out. I think that a partial engine strip may be on the cards.

I don't expect this to be a cheap project as Honda parts aren't cheap and second-hand spares for the Varadero seem to be reasonably plentiful to keep some of the costs down. Stay tuned as my son delivers the bike tomorrow.

 

I've liked the look of those, the v-twin setup gives it a decent sound with a different pipe on it.
Personally I would leave the fairings on, you'll soon get used to firing them off if as and when you need to. But it shouldn't be that often.
The addition of some DRL's on the lower forks are a good idea as well.
As for the head gasket, you can't do one without doing the other.

 

Duh, I forgot that there are two cylinder heads. Twice the fun awaits me. One thing it badly needs is a proper main stand, the side stand is pants and I've seen a lot of Varadero petrol tanks dented by the bike falling over. The bike was owned for a while by his younger brother and the bike fell over in a severe gale, denting the tank. The tank was replaced with an undented one and was a bit of a faff to swap over. The bike also has Renthal bars on it now with a cross brace, as the handle bars were bent.

You've got me thinking now. I wonder if I can get the old dented petrol tank from my younger son and try to heat shink out the dent. I've got a panel beating kit, so that could keep me amused for a while.

 

my sister in law has one, nice bikes to ride, the milky rocker covers could be just from condensation, if its gets lots of short trips. and the oil in the water pump is starnge as normally you dont get oil in the coolant as the coolant temprature is far greater than the oil pressure.
they go a little better with a different pipe, also the motor is the same as the shadow 125, just with differnt side casings and dress up kit.

 

I think that maybe the water pump oil seal is a tad suspect. The bike's in my front garden now, suitably locked with a sturdy lock and a disc lock.