Review of the Honda XL1000V Varadero motorcycle

Kawasaki 1400GTR - photo 1

Kawasaki 1400GTR - photo 2

Kawasaki 1400GTR - photo 3

Kawasaki 1400GTR - photo 4

Kawasaki 1400GTR - photo 5

Modifications of Kawasaki 1400GTR

Kawasaki 1400GTR ABS

Reviews from Kawasaki 1400GTR owners

Kawasaki 1400GTR, 2012

In general, Kawasaki’s motorcycle turned out to be very balanced, I’ll start with its heart, the engine, as many say, is from the ZZR1400 - I agree, but it is completely different. I’ll say in my own words, this engine is more torquey at the bottom (this is, in principle, understandable, it’s a sport-tourist after all), due to inertial charging (variable valve timing) above 4000 rpm you feel a surge of power, and the motorcycle reveals its full potential and, after all, hyper bike roots. I’ll make a reservation that for me this is not the most important thing, despite my 25 years, I drive very calmly and treat all road users with respect. In the city, the Kawasaki 1400GTR behaves well, but it feels like its element is not the city, but the highway. Of course, it would be desirable for the track to have a good surface, but it also absorbs unevenness well. This motorcycle is not for beginners, but for people who understand why they need it. The motorcycle can be heavy and difficult at low speeds, but you get used to everything and don’t feel any discomfort on the road. The suspension of the Kawasaki 1400GTR is adjustable. It is regulated mechanically, no electronics, which after a while can bring surprises to the owner. For me personally, the suspension is very soft and comfortable. The Tetra-Lever rear suspension is, let's say, an analogue of the Para-Lever on BMW. I will say one thing: she copes with her task brilliantly. But the front fork, as I wrote earlier, differs in many ways from BMW, I can’t say that it’s critical, but there is a difference and it’s not in Kawasaki’s favor. Brakes. Perhaps many readers will disagree with me, or maybe vice versa. The brakes on the motorcycle are excellent, stopping the motorcycle from almost any speed quite quickly. The brake system is Nissin with original pads. But if we compare it with the brake system of BMW, then I think BMW wins. I don’t know what cruising speed anyone has, personally, mine is in the range between 120-140 km/h, I like to enjoy the road. Consumption on a motorcycle according to BC is 5.2 liters per hundred. I also checked it empirically - the result is the same. On trips I travel an average of 350 km and fill up. Headlights and lighting fixtures. The main headlight shines, which is great. Excellent road lighting. Nothing to say. The rear brake light is LED, bright and stands quite high. The dashboard is quite simple, but informative, everything is clear and clear at any time.

Advantages

: dynamics. Appearance. Reliability. Suspension. Fuel consumption. Safety.

Kawasaki 1400GTR, 2012

Greetings. I decided to quit, having ridden 10,000 on a Kawasaki 1400GTR 2012. I rode a blackbird for 5 years, and now I wanted to go to Europe on a motorcycle. The choice fell on the GTR. So I drove 7000 km across Europe: Belarus, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy (Rimini). After 300 km, point 5 begins to get tired, but you can go. You go 1000 km/day normally. Up to 4500 rpm. seems sluggish. Then it goes off like a locomotive. Landing on the Kawasaki 1400GTR after the “Drozd” seems very comfortable; the front and rear suspension adjustments allow you to adjust the suspension both on cross-country and on sports. He is taller than "Drozd". It steers very well in turns, lighter than the Drozd. Wind protection, taking into account the high glass, is at the highest level. 140-160 - cruising. Driving slower was no use. He loves high revs. If you feel sick (100 km/h), you start to eat more fuel over time. Apparently he's dirtying the candles. Crash in Italy on pebbles at 60 km/h while overtaking. The defense is working. Slight fright. The mirror and the right footrest mount breaks. He tore up his right side and chest. But the plastic is in place, you can go. Argon is hard to find in Venice. Way home. Upon arrival, I removed the second mirror and chests. I tighten the pendant. Here's a sport for you, only with a comfortable fit. After all, sport tourism is my class of motorcycles. But if it's a Kawasaki 1400GTR. Happy with everything.

Advantages

: wind protection. Comfort. Dynamics.

Flaws

: Have not found.

Kawasaki 1400GTR, 2010

I bought my Kawasaki 1400GTR in 2015 with a mileage on the odometer of 40,000. Now the mileage has exceeded 80,000. General characteristics: a good, large motorcycle without design frills or claims to anything. Features: very wide and heavy. The high center of gravity and heavy weight are very close to the ground when maneuvering in traffic, and the width of more than a meter requires skill and concentration. The motorcycle is not for a beginner. It’s difficult to kill yourself on the Kawasaki 1400GTR - the motorcycle is extremely friendly and predictable. But driving in the city at low speed requires skill. I only learned by the third season. The motorcycle rides very well, accelerates, steers and brakes predictably. Of all the motorcycles I've ridden, it can be called the standard of friendliness: it has neither sudden explosions nor pick-ups. The motorcycle is extremely stable at speed, which can be considered both a plus and a minus, it practically does not blow away, does not move in the rut, but putting the motorcycle into a turn or going through a series of turns on it is not so easy. Doesn’t provoke heroic deeds at all, but is quite insidious. You need to look at the speedometer more often - the speed is not felt at all. Regarding reliability: sometimes it breaks. My brake discs started to slip, the springs in the clutch fell apart, and the head cover had an insurmountable leak. There are also battery-powered tire pressure sensors, which cannot be replaced. Solved with a soldering iron. Very weak rims, even after a small hole the rims bend. I edited both discs once. There is no design. Everything is extremely simple, functional and aerodynamic. The Kawasaki 1400GTR looks like a gray, nondescript mouse, which is especially striking against the backdrop of stylish choppers and daring “sports”. Comfort. There is one stock element that needs to be replaced immediately after purchase - this is a small wind deflector that collects all the air flow, flies and debris directly in the driver's face. I recommend installing “V-Stream”, it increases comfort significantly.

Review of the Honda XL1000V Varadero motorcycle

I've owned it for two years. The season is over. It was purchased in Germany. The first impression is BOMB! Huge car! Before it there was the Suzuki DR 800 and the KTM DUKE 640. Completely different devices, but nonetheless. Well, about five more motocross bikes - that's another story. I sat down for the first time - mine! My height is 182 cm and my weight is 107 kg. But it seemed a bit heavy. I was also surprised on the road - the dynamics are excellent, smooth, the seating position is relaxed. On the first day I drove about 300 km. I went for a ride. Interesting brakes, they are duplicated front and rear.

The feeling when braking is unusual - the mass seems to be large, but in an emergency there are no breakdowns! Liked. The season skated without incident. Not very comfortable at low speeds. The weight makes itself felt! Now HONDA has released the crosstourer 1200. A very similar device (as it turned out, not at all similar). I wanted to buy it. But after a ride I changed my mind. A very expensive, sophisticated, but useless toy. Lots of bells and whistles - no use! My opinion is that the Varadero is the most successful heavy enduro motorcycle. I'll ride it.

At first, I thought he would rip my hands out. No matter how hard you turn the gas, it tears out from under you and it’s hard to hold the steering wheel. But then I got used to it and everything is fine. The ride is simply convenient in all respects. Previously, while doing bandos, my arms and back got tired. Reclining landing. And here. You sit high, rides cheerfully, with plenty to spare. On the road - the king. Two panniers on the sides not only did not increase the dimensions of the already hefty motorcycle, but I got used to them and in traffic jams you ride between the rows with the same comfort as on a smaller motorcycle. And the panniers turned out to be simply excellent. I also put a raincoat in them and if I need to transport anything, it’s just great. I used to think it was only for tourism, in the city it would only be a burden. Moreover! High ground clearance allows you to drive close to the curb and squeeze along the right side in traffic jams. Glass cuts oncoming traffic perfectly. Previously, I drove through open areas, especially on the bridge, and was afraid of crosswinds. And this heavyweight drives like he's rooted to the spot. Heavy - yes! To get up from the ground you need to practice, if you fall on your side you can’t stop it, but you get used to it. You hold it without any problems, it is simply easy to control, turns, lane changes, everything is simple. All irregularities, potholes, and crossings on the roads without problems. It doesn't bother the police with its belly. I liked the brakes. CBS system. Distributes force to both wheels. They work great. The suspension is also excellent. The rear shock absorber is adjustable with a simple knob. The same speed bump is simply swallowed. You can drive onto a country road and drive on dirt roads and grass, well, not like on an endura with evil wheels, but it’s possible. I'm not a tourist. And I only travel around the city. Everything is fine. Just what you need. From distant places. On the third day of purchase, I went with a passenger to another city. The 250 km run passed without any stress. Average speed on the highway is 120 km. Rushing like a rocket. For me, the motik is a blast!

The most powerful motorcycle, it is huge, its size is amazing. But the Honda XL 1000V is something. 10,000 km of run, 14 days and 2 luggage containers of 45 liters each, plus 70 kilograms of weight of the passenger sitting behind him, and he, as if light, maneuverability was not affected, despite the additional wind resistance created by the suitcases. It was designed to be driven with a passenger whose weight you don’t feel while driving. The engine power plus the weight of the motorcycle make handling very dynamic and comfortable. You get a real thrill when you feel the Varadero 1000 between your legs.

The manufacturer has provided for everything. And a cool, indestructible suspension, which is especially necessary for our broken roads, and Honda’s CBS, thanks to which the motorcycle stands rooted to the spot.

There are, of course, several drawbacks: due to its rather large dimensions, it is not possible to maneuver in traffic jams. Well, a special point is fuel consumption. Varya’s appetite is far from childish, so be prepared for fairly frequent refueling. Now I spend every summer actually on wheels, or rather a month of vacation. The routes are different, but always interesting. This time I’m going to Europe to Italy, I think it’s a wonderful place to relax on the lake. In general, guys, if you want new sensations, adventures, and so on, take Varadero!

I have owned Varodero since 2007, before that I drove 60t.km in Africa. I like to travel far and alone, so Africa began to be missed, and no matter how beautiful Africa was (it was in 2000), I solved the problem of versatility by purchasing Varadero and Jebel. What to say? Really like! Allows you to move comfortably for a long time at a good speed (for two people on normal roads, a comfortable speed is 125-140 km/h, since 6th gear is engaged no earlier than 120 km/h) More than once I had to cover 1100 km in a day, with constant stops to eat , then ...., then refuel. For some reason, many people don’t like modest suspension travel. But there is no need to compare Africa and Varadero, considering it as Greater Africa. At first, I had the same misconception. Only after riding for a whole season did I come to the realization that this is a completely different motorcycle and cannot be approached with African standards. The faster the motorcycle, the shorter the suspension travel should be. Anyone who has been caught in waves while turning at speed in Africa knows what trajectory the motorcycle follows. About dirt roads. If you’re alone on a motorcycle, even with a load, then you can still ride safely on a dry one, but mud? It's all about the rubber. In 2010, a large group of 12 people gathered at Rybachy, all in Africa. On Jebel I did not fit into this group, because... the average speed will be 120 km/h. I decided to prepare Varadero. I took off the front fender and made a visor out of aluminum, like on the GS-sakh. I bought 19″ cross tires for the front wheel and Medzeller KARU for the rear. At first I had the impression that I was driving on ice. But after the first 1000 km the motorcycle already felt good, and then on the dirt roads to Teriberka it could easily ride at any speed, which really amazed Max-Paduchev, where he moved very carefully on his Varadero. The whole secret is in the rubber. The front toothed wheel made it possible to calmly move from one sand track to another, and this at a speed of 100 km/h. At the same time, the rear wheel moves to the sides, as on Jebel. I think for those motorcyclists who are not familiar with this kind of riding on the ground, it is very difficult to imagine that Varadero is wagging backwards at a hundred. When traveling around Rybachy, there was only one thought that bothered me - it was something like that of an overweight person weighing 150 kg doing high jumps. Those. I felt very overweight and had to fight it. The Africans passed the same obstacle much easier than me, although Africa in those places is not the most comfortable motorcycle. Sorry for such a detailed broadcast, but maybe my experience with cross-country tires on Varadero will be useful to someone. In terms of reliability: Honda is Honda. Already 70,000 km. replaced the fork guides and seals, clutch cable, and rear shock absorber silent block. The bottom of the crankcase is covered with titanium protection, which was very useful at Rybachy. Good luck to all!

Go to the Honda XL1000V Varadero

Check out the test drives:

• Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
• Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
• Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
• Honda XL1000V Varadero: test drive from Motorreview
• Honda XL1000V Varadero: comparative test drive with Suzuki DL1000 V-strom

Main characteristics

—>

• Safety
• Reliability
• Appearance
• Dynamics
• Comfort
• Economical

Average rating 3.7

Specifications

• Brand: Kawasaki
• Model: 1400 GTR
• Other name: 1400 GTR
• Years of production: since 2007
• Type: sport tourism
• Engine capacity: 1352 cm³
• Maximum power: 160 hp
• Transmission: manual 6 speed
• Curb weight: 314 kg
• Seat height: 815 mm

Kawasaki 1400 GTR Review

The Kawasaki 1400 GTR sports touring motorcycle (Kawasaki Concours 14 in the USA) has been produced since 2007 to the present day. It replaces the Kawasaki GTR 1000 and is based on the Kawasaki ZZR1400 (ZX-14) sportsbike platform.

It is driven by an in-line, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit with a volume of 1352 cc. With inertial supercharging it produces 160 hp. and 136 Nm of torque. The engine performs best at low and medium speeds, and the best efficiency is achieved in the range of 6000-9000 rpm. There is also a system of distributed timing belt phases.

The 1400 GTR is built on an aluminum monocoque frame. One of its features is the Tetra-Lever rear suspension, which when driving over uneven surfaces does not lift the rear of the motorcycle, but constantly leaves it under load. This has a positive effect on handling. The pre-installed keyless entry system works as follows: the key is always in the ignition, but it can only be turned when the owner of the bike is nearby.

In addition, the model is equipped with el. adjustable windshield, slipper clutch, integrated saddlebags, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, adjustable sports suspension, driveshaft, heated grips and traction control.

The front wheel size is 120/70-17, the rear wheel is 190/50-17.

The model is available in two trim levels: — Kawasaki 1400 GTR – regular; — Kawasaki 1400 GTR Grand Tourer – top-end, with advanced saddlebags and the presence of a central saddlebag, anti-scratch plastic coating and a holder for a navigator or gadgets.

It underwent the following updates during its release:

- 2010 - new body with improved engine cooling, different mirrors, engine traction control, combined ABS brakes, windshield adjustment with memory, heated grips and a fuel saving system; — 2015 — the steering was modernized, the rear suspension became stiffer, glass adjustments were added, and other minor improvements.

Main competitors: Honda ST1300 Pan European, Yamaha FJR1300

Length: 2230 mm Width: 790 mm Height: 1345 mm Seat height: 815 mm Wheelbase: 1520 mm Tank: 22 l Curb weight: 304 kg

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Over the long period of creation, the Honda Varadero has undergone some changes. The very first models of this motorcycle were equipped with a pair of carburetors, however, starting in 2003, along with cosmetic changes, the XL 1000 V model was able to receive a modified fuel injection system and suspension. After four years, in 2007, the vehicle again underwent some changes, and was produced in this form until the end of its production, which happened in 2012. Over its entire production period, namely 14 years, the Varadero model has been able to win the love of motorcycle tourism from all over the world.

Competition with various models, among which the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 should be highlighted, required constantly maintaining the relevance of such a motorcycle, thereby making it ideal for any travel conditions, and over time, another competitor could be seen on the market - the Kawasaki Versys 1000 model Well, it was Honda who managed to retain the audience like no other. Having a V-shaped cooling twin installed from the Honda VTR 1000 sports bike (94 horses and 98 nm of torque), the massive touring-enduro is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.3 seconds, and in total can reach a speed of up to 210 kilometers per hour. Cutting through the air with a roar, the Honda Varadero motorcycle has the ability to ride on a road of almost any quality, without slowing down.

This is due not only to the existing traction motor, but also to many other design elements. A frame made of steel, a six-speed gearbox, luxurious suspensions - all together it has a mass of two and a half centners, and this is only its dry weight. If you fill a motorcycle with a full tank of gasoline, then its weight becomes greater, besides, what kind of motorcycle tourist rides without panniers and the rest? By the way, taller glass is often installed on the Honda XL 1000 V model. The whole point is that Varadero in most cases decided to choose tall bikers for themselves, and the standard glass turned out to be quite low for them.

If a rider has the ability to fully master such a bike, then the XL1000V model is able to ideally reveal its own capabilities. The power reserve that this motorcycle has is truly amazing; the gas tank is of a respectable size making it possible to visit gas stations as little as possible, and the presence of the Honda Varadero suspension actually makes it possible not to show much interest in what kind of surface the road has. This is in contrast to the universal and wonderful, but parquet tourist, called the Yamaha TDM 900, a real enduro for tourists. It is incredibly comfortable, very powerful, and also has an increased degree of endurance. And positive reviews from owners of such a luxurious vehicle will not allow you to lie about this.