2008Honda XL1000V Varadero

★ 4.3

34 fields on record

The 2008 Honda XL1000V Varadero is a versatile adventure sport tourer powered by a 996cc V-twin engine delivering 92.5 horsepower. Best suited for riders seeking comfortable long-distance touring with genuine off-road capability, it excels as an allround middleweight adventure bike. Known for its balanced performance, reliability, and practical design for both road and light trail riding.

Capacity: 996.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 244.2 kg
Seat height: 838 mm
Power: 92.5 HP (68.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM

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What’s new for the 2008 Honda XL1000V Varadero

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Dry weight	238.0 kg (524.7 pounds)	244.2 kg (538.4 pounds)
Front suspension	telescopic fork	43mm telescopic fork, 155mm axle travel
Rear suspension	Pro-Link damper with 40-step spring preload (*and stepless rebound damping) adjustment	Pro-Link damper with 40-step spring preload (and stepless rebound damping) adjustment, 145mm axle travel
Front brakes	Double disc. 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston callipers (*ABS) and sintered metal pads	Double disc
Rear brakes	Single disc. 256 x 5mm hydraulic disc with Combined 3-piston calliper (*ABS) and sintered metal pads	Single disc

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?

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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 2008 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.

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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: 0.3788 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: 8

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
Seat height: 838 mm
Dry weight: 244.2 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
Front brakes diameter: 296 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 256 mm

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	2008	2010	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