2012Honda XL1000V Varadero

★ 4.0

39 fields on record

The 2012 Honda XL1000V Varadero is a sport-touring adventure bike designed for experienced riders seeking long-distance capability with sporty handling. Known for its powerful 1000cc V-twin engine, spacious 25-liter fuel tank, and ABS-equipped braking system, it excels at highway cruising and light off-road exploration. Its comfortable seat height and robust construction make it ideal for world travelers and multi-day touring enthusiasts.

Capacity: 996.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 244.0 kg
Seat height: 838 mm
Power: 92.5 HP (68.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Honda XL1000V Varadero

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Dry weight	268.7 kg (592.4 pounds)	244.0 kg (537.9 pounds)
Front brakes	Double disc	Double disc. ABS
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. ABS

Other years 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail55%

Cornering55%

City riding55%

Daily riding70%

Touring90%

Two-up85%

Track30%

Best for: Built primarily as a long-distance adventure tourer that prioritizes comfort and range over outright sportiness or serious off-road capability.
Built for: A relaxed, torquey V-twin workhorse that rewards smooth, unhurried riding over long distances rather than aggressive cornering or acceleration.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for riders seeking sharp, lightweight handling for track days or technical single-track off-road trails.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 838mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2012 Honda XL1000V Varadero, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 996.0 ccm
Power: 92.5 HP (68.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m) @ 6000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3791 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression: 9.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multiplate with coil springs

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1560 mm
Overall length: 2300 mm
Overall width: 930 mm
Overall height: 1465 mm
Seat height: 838 mm
Dry weight: 244.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 25.00 litres
Ground clearance: 181 mm
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 43mm telescopic fork, 155mm axle travel
Rear suspension: Pro-Link damper with 40-step spring preload (*and stepless rebound damping) adjustment, 145mm axle travel
Front wheel travel: 155 mm
Rear wheel travel: 145 mm
Trail: 110 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS
Front brakes diameter: 296 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS
Rear brakes diameter: 256 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 110/80-R19
Rear tyre: 150/70-R17

Other

Color options: Red/white/blue, black

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2000	2003	2007	2010	2012	2013
Capacity	996 cc	996 cc	996 cc	996 cc	996 cc	996 cc
Dry weight	220 kg	220 kg	238 kg	244 kg	244 kg	244 kg
Seat height	845 mm	845 mm	838 mm	838 mm	838 mm	838 mm
Fuel capacity	25 L	25 L	25 L	25 L	25 L	25 L