BEST beginner 125cc motorcycles for tall riders - The Honda Varadero 125

The BEST beginner 125cc motorcycle for tall riders - The Honda Varadero 125
The Varadero 125 is the best beginner 125cc motorcycle for tall or large riders. In this review I will show you why I think the Varadero 125 is pretty much the only choice for riders who are bigger or taller than your average human.
The Honda Varadero 125 links:
Bikez - bikez.com/moto...
Bennetts - www.bennetts.c...
Panniers - www.givi.co.uk...
Touring screen - pyramid-plasti...
Bike kit:
Shoei Glamster Black amzn.to/3qNyTJP
Bell 500 White Open Face amzn.to/3sneBY6
Belstaff Jacket amzn.to/2NWKpDV
Richa Motorbike Boots amzn.to/3dFsuNa
Winter Glove - Revit Kodiak amzn.to/3pLENKe
Summer Glove - amzn.to/2MlwvuS
Camera kit:
Canon EOS R with 24-105mm lens amzn.to/2ZIIdms
Canon RF 50mm lens amzn.to/3usFECQ
LowePro ProTactic 450 amzn.to/2MkeRHS
Newer Portable Tripod amzn.to/3pLDbAa
Rode Mic GO (camera mounted) amzn.to/3qLyXtC
Rode Mic NTG1 (desk mounted) amzn.to/3pLd0JP
Sound recorder H4N Pro amzn.to/2ZKnGO5
SCR modifications and on-bike kit:
Luimoto Vintage Classic Seat Cover amzn.to/2ZFhPtD
Dart Marlin Flyscreen amzn.to/3khgBy6
Renthal 7/8 22mm Road Low Bend Handlebars amzn.to/3bxhj6n
Givi Tank Bag GRT715 amzn.to/3urqbmM
Cargo bungee net & straps amzn.to/3aNS2G1
SW-Motech Luggage bit.ly/3bvCvd4
Camping kit:
Coleman Tent Bedrock 2 amzn.to/2MlAMhU
Campingaz Camp Bistro amzn.to/3qLFgNO
FOLLOW me Rob Aldous / AldoMoto on:
KZbin - / @bikesvansandthings
Instagram - / aldo_moto
Spotify - open.spotify.c...
Apple Podcasts - podcasts.apple...

[@capnordest]

I am 6ft 2 and 80Kg. Totally agree that it a super bike for tall people. I live in France and when I did my mandatory 7 hour bike course to be able to ride it with a car licence, I was on a small 125cc bike and it felt horrible. I paid 1600 euros from a dealer for a 2005 model Varadero 125 about four years ago and I believe has held its price ever since if not increased slightly. At my age, not looking to go any bigger, so it will stay with me as my little bit of runaround fun!

[@BikesVansandThings]

That’s great! Glad you like it. Yeah they seem to hold their value for sure.

[@bluefoam]

I had one of these in the mid 2000's... I'm 6'3" and it was a great strong bike, looks more than 125 and performance wasn't an issue for commuting. I'm sure this video is years old, but nice bit of nostalgia there...

[@BikesVansandThings]

Only a year old 😉

[@LeontheKiller11]

after owning 6 125s in 2.5 years, i feel like i wont sell my varadero. I'm food delivering and its so comfortable to ride all day even tho its not great on fuel compared to other 125s but well worth over smoothness and comfort. Hi from Bournemouth btw :)

[@BikesVansandThings]

Ah great! Thank you for sharing. Yes it was a great first bike and can see why you want to keep for delivery’s. All best 👍🏻👊🏻

[@Creepee]

This is perfect, I am 6ft 3 100kg, I am looking to start a CBT and get a 125cc for a few months to build up some experience and confidence. This video is exactly where I am right now. Thanks

[@BikesVansandThings]

Great Andrew. Delighted this has helped you. Most of my interviews and kit reviews are geared at learners because I am one! Just got back from the Malle Rally (2k total), so that was a great learning experience 3 weeks after passing my test 😂

[@paulponting2166]

I'm exactly at the same point in my biking life. At 56, I guess it's a mid life crisis! I'm also looking at the Sinnis Terrain so any opinions would be gratefully received.

[@BikesVansandThings]

I also considered this as it seems a great deal. I did however sell the Varadero for the same I bought it for. Worth considering

[@ErPepeLui2001]

Hola, desde España, tengo 54 años y siempre loco por las motos, hice cursos de conducción y ahora es este momento estoy pensando en comprar una varadero 125 inyección, del 2014....gracias me has ayudado mucho

[@heikeschmiett1578]

Great video for a great bike. :-) I myself ride a ´12 built with fuel injection and high windshield. Althougth I have another bike with 50hp and 650cc, I really enjoy riding the Varadero 125 each time - you sit very comfortable on it and it´s smooth riding ......

[@BikesVansandThings]

Heike Schmiett yeah man. So smooth! Thank you for comments 🙏🏼 loving the new bike as well. Review to come next week!

[@bren106]

I've looked for a Vara for 3½ years, a decent one at sensible money that isn't at the opposite end of the country. Finally got a lead on one from someone at a bike meet tonight. Anxious few days ahead for me.

[@BikesVansandThings]

Best of luck! Let me know how you get on!

[@robinwells8879]

I absolutely love mine to bits though I am slightly intimidated by the size considering the last time I rode was over 40years ago and on a tiny Honda SS50! Yours looks really lovely in the all black paint job. I am a bit XL myself and I am old too so I worry that I will struggle even more to get my leg over with side panniers too but they look awesome.

[@BikesVansandThings]

Robin, I would go have a sit on one. Sure you will be fine but longer legs will help when side panniers attached for sure

[@robinwells8879]

@@BikesVansandThings I have the top box already on my xl and I can just clear that but I like the look and practicality of side panniers too for my weekly commute.

[@antonmaastricht3952]

Thank you so much. Its really cool to see, that you had EXACTLY the same thoughts. I'm also a "grown man" , I want to drive around with a 125 but dont want to look stupid 😂 sounds so easy, but man I'm getting crazy. Searching since 3 months. Now checking for this honda as my first bike. Looks great (especially with the boxes, which I want) and seems like good quality so i can buy an old one. thanks for this great video!

[@BikesVansandThings]

That’s great Anton! Check out my insta for images etc and please do contact me if any guidance needed. It’s a great bike and it looked after me. It’s extremely smooth as well compared to a lot of bikes. Enjoy!

[@TheTeddyEdwards]

Did you buy one in the end?

[@tanksherman4945]

Finding a decent one is the challenge, they're all over 10 years now and finding one that hasn't been dropped or listed as spares is difficult

[@seanfennelly35]

Thanks matey im 6 ft 2" and ive been pulling my hair out trying to find a bike for my size. Really appreciate your info Thanks great info video.*****

[@BikesVansandThings]

Hey Sean, no problem sir. Stay in touch as I’m reviewing the SCR950 which I’ve had for 4 months and next year the tiger 900 and tenere700 👍🏽

[@kaimanchester8062]

That's kool really helps thank you. I'm 6ft 3" and 111kg myself so another tall rider. I've been looking at 125s and just trying figure out what I'm looking for etc. My dad had all kindsa bikes rode his whole life but ones i remember him having were Harley's so ive never been able to pick any of his bikes up off the stand but as a tall guy I'm obviously looking at cruiser style bikes and following in my dad's footsteps. Unfortunately lost dad to covid so he's not around to guide me in this kinda thing. So been to a fair few bike shops and quite like the keeway k-light but the forward controls could do with moving forward are inches so legs are not bent as much and can stretch out about. Long story short they don't do kits for it because there's not the rider range on those as they are Chinese imports so come in one size fits all kinda sizes with not much adjustment. Sat on a few and it's ok but the seat either needs go back or forward controls need going forward more to be comfortable so I hear you on the not looking stupid thing for sure. Saw online about the Honda veredero and it's a sport touring style which is chalk and cheese for what I've been looking at. But I'm sorta thinking maybe first bike is whatever it has to be and then get bike want down the road etc (love the bobber style) anyway your review has really opened my mind to other options ☺️, so I'm super grateful for that thank you. Will look into this bike more going forward haven't done my CBT yet so it's all very new. Thanks

[@flightmonkeyuk6944]

Great vid mate

[@migrosello]

Great video, thank you for sharing 👍🏻

[@BikesVansandThings]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@damien5558]

I agree with you it's so good for long distance riding to

[@BikesVansandThings]

I’m so glad it was my first bike. The first ever trip was around 100km on B roads back to London from Poole. Took about 3/4 hours but loved it.

[@utoobia6872]

It sucks that manufacturers only make bikes for the short to medium height riders, and leave the rest of us (6' 4" here) to figure it out. We too want more choices in bikes, and not just the huge expensive ADVs. I personally really like naked bikes, and would gladly buy something like an enlarged Z900 or similar. I don't need a bigger engine than that, just larger dimensions. The only naked I could fit on properly is an Aprilia Shiver 750. It was comfortable and did not make me look stupid, like other naked bikes do.

[@BikesVansandThings]

I completely agree. Have you tried the Yamaha XSR900? Nice size and bigger than the XSR700 which I felt wasn't big enough for me. the SCR950 feels big and it's a friendly bike. A great allrounder. Putting together footage of it now for a review as it was a perfect next bike after the Varadero. To be honest I get from a sales point of view that they probably aim for the majority of people in a certain bracket in their key markets which I am guessing is 5'6-6ft? Anyway, I think there is a gap for a naked for the 6ft+. The XSR900 would probably be my choice in this regard. Hope that helps!

[@nullnull4198]

Cheers for that, I'm taking my cbt and older/dad bod and was looking at these. Not into the looks either but I won't look like a Russian circus bear on a bicycle.

[@BikesVansandThings]

👍🏻👍🏻 it’s a great starter bike and you’ll enjoy it

[@Roma_da_]

Hello! I'm 5 feet 9 inches (1.75m) so the saddle is a bit too high for me 😅 I can stretch my legs while I ride without ruining my shoes 😂 Of course manoeuvers are on another level. Heavy and tall bike for a short and not so strong guy like me, it's a bit complicated sometimes. I felt once, stopped, when I wanted to get the bike straight, I just had the force to control the fall so nothing (but maybe the mirror/brake lever/throttle handle protection) was ruined. But once the engine and the wheels are keeping you on the saddle, nothing can stop you. I committed many beginner mistakes like arriving too fast in a corner, I prayed, controlled both the brake and the throttle and got out easily. The rear brake is inexistant tho. Scratching your shoes to your ground will be more efficient. But I love it. It's easy to drive and to maintain.

[@davidginn7072]

Thanks for sharing your comments on the Honda, very useful, I've decided to look one out to buy, but your video was very helpful..Oh and please thank your twin s well😂😂

[@BikesVansandThings]

You’re very welcome David 👍🏻👊🏼 they are such a great first bike or even as a cheap to run commuter. If you are able, please do share the content with anyone that may find it of use 🙏🏼

[@Francismoore-qq7pb]

Lovely seeing this in 2020 i just bought a varadero 125 and want to know more specs about it

[@BikesVansandThings]

That’s great - follow the links in the content for further info and up can see my images on insta 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Francismoore-qq7pb]

@@BikesVansandThings do you know the link for the older version of the varadero from 2000 to 2006?

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@Francismoore-qq7pb bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_varadero_125_2006.php

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@Francismoore-qq7pb www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/honda/xl125v-varadero/2001/

[@NeelTheHuman]

Same here

[@michaelbaker5334]

and due to the weight it gives you that big bike fill not like all the other bikes

[@michaelbaker5334]

the Varadero 125 is the only bike put crash bars on it beef it up aftermarket exhaust to give you a deeper sound

[@tudorflorea7875]

I don't want to look like a bear on a tricycle, I'm 6"4 and a bit overweight (in the process to shed some st).I will do the CBT but in the meantime, I'm really struggling to find a bike. I'm set on a Aprilia RS125 2019 but not one instructor managed to tell me exactly if I will need to restrict her or its ready to go.

[@BikesVansandThings]

I’m not sure but I think this may be a little small for you? Just a guess as never sat on one. I’d try some alternatives to see what you think 👍🏻 best of luck

[@paulwright2717]

Great vid mate! Did you try the Derbi Terra 125? ...bad fuel economy though.

[@matthew3774]

I was torn between the varadero and the forza which is an auto maxi scooter. Went with the forza in the end because of the built in storage, LEDs and generally more modern setup. Is 14.8 bhp like the varadero too. Smaller wheels are a slight annoyance at times though. Im over six foot also.

[@BikesVansandThings]

I did look at this online and looks like a great option. I went for the Varadero because of the Build quality and resell price in the end but think you’ve made a good choice also. Looks great

[@doubleplusgood3593]

I have the same situation a new Honda Forza 125 or a perfect Varadero like new. I think i prefer the Varadero..

[@matthew3774]

@@doubleplusgood3593 get the varadero and a top box or panniers or something for it. I’ve had a forza for 2 years now and it’s great but I am getting tired of the small scooter size wheels on bikes. Especially when I’m riding 5 hours a day

[@75019HUNK]

Hi Guys perfect video! Would it be possible to do the same video with scooter?? Big fan Thanks 🙏

[@BikesVansandThings]

Hi Youssef! What scooter were you thinking of?

[@75019HUNK]

@@BikesVansandThings hello, at the moment I'm on a kymco 200i cc, but it's a little bit small for my legs I feel like a frog beside that the scooter is perfect its very practical for my everyday life I use it everyday I've got a top case with it. , I'm looking for something similar same range of price as well as I can't put more money on it, so something cheep. Pretty decent. I'm a motorbike rider but in sydney it's impossible.... Scooter en daily basis are far more practical for me.

[@natejordan513]

Can a 125cc dirt bike work for someone who is roughly 6ft

[@BikesVansandThings]

Hey there! Not sure about the dirt bike reference but this bike is great as a learner bike for tall riders 👍🏽👍🏽

[@vladan3147]

Hi,i am 176 cm tall, is it ok bike for me? My english is not good,and i can not completly understand what you said in video. Regards.

[@BikesVansandThings]

Yes. Absolutely. I am 190cm and I enjoy riding it. I think your height is perfect for most bikes to be honest.

[@Jack--mu3gs]

Two lads in school have them right quick things. I have been searching for ages for a bike. My mate got a wr125 right high up but they are very very rare to buy unless i want to pay 4 grand for it. Varadero or xr125 is my choice but finding is difficult

[@BikesVansandThings]

Seen a few for around 2k. Herald 125s look pretty sweet

[@willpoulter4912]

I am about 6 foot 2/3. Do you Think a Sinnis terrain 125cc is too small? Great video btw!

[@BikesVansandThings]

Best to go and have a look I think but should be ok. Given my time again I would still go for the Varadero I think. Sorry can’t be more helpful

[@xCLUNKx]

Get a varadero, way way way more reliable

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@xCLUNKx 👊🏻👏🏼

[@prfm_setya95]

Wtf why honda never release this kind of bike again, not every learner have short height -_-" Need this in pgmfi and more modern looks!

[@BikesVansandThings]

I hear you 👍🏻

[@apbosh1]

I'm 5 foot 9in and 12 stone but i would prefere a bigger bike so this will be my choice. hope i can touch the floor!

[@BikesVansandThings]

I am sure you will be fine. The guy I sold it to was around 5'7 and he could get one foot on the ground and both on tiptoes I think. You can get a lower seat for it I think if needed. Let me know how you get on!

[@apbosh1]

@@BikesVansandThings thanks for that, I'm yet to try one but I think your right. Was a good review. I like the side panias I'll be on the lookout for the those I think.

[@BikesVansandThings]

🙏🏼👍🏻👊🏼 best of luck

[@Jay1830]

As a beginner i wonder. How can you recommand a beginner bike that doesnt have ABS ?

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@Jay1830 because it’s a great bike. Lots of bikes don’t have ABS.

[@Jay1830]

@@BikesVansandThings I am scared to lock the front wheel and crash.

[@naumanmirza7]

what do you think about bullit hero 125 and herald maverick 125

[@hoodhair876]

6'2 is tall????thats average in balkan well almost and what about bikes for 6'6 guy?

[@BikesVansandThings]

Think most bikes designed for 5’10?🤷🏼‍♂️ think you are straight to cruisers mate

[@hoodhair876]

@@BikesVansandThings ok thanks for the info💪

[@jakaberdajs4378]

125cms... 4 cil... I mean there were a lot of mistakes about the bike, but those 2 are just... Top notch...

[@TheAcidmunky]

Hey awesome video, just wondering how much can I expect to have to pay for a good XL 125? I am looking for a bike around 1.5-2k

[@BikesVansandThings]

I bought mine for just over £2k so I think you will be fine at the £2k mark. It was a great bike and would still highly recommend it.

[@TheAcidmunky]

@@BikesVansandThings cheers :)

[@irishmorgc9493]

Also thinking of this as my first bike. Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪. PS great video buddy

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@irishmorgc9493 that’s great - it’s a perfect starter bike and feels bigger than most 500cc+ bike.

[@רפאלליאבביטון]

i need your help with something in my country driving license for motorcycles is graded into 3 parts: A2 is limited till 125 cc A1 is limited till 500 cc and normal A which is unlimited but has 2 requirments: 1. being 21 years old 2. having driving licence A1 for 1 year I am 6.7 feet / 205 cm and i need a good motorcycle that will fit me well and will be till 500 cc can you guys give me some help with that?

[@BikesVansandThings]

Given your height and requirement, I would personally look at T he Honda CB500X and the Benelli TRK502. You’ll be able to do a bit of everything on these especially if you change the tyres and will be great first bikes at 500cc. The benelli is very much a full size adventure bike with smaller engine so would give this a go! In terms of cruisers, the Kawasaki Vulcan has a 500cc variant I think but I would stick with these adventure bikes to get you going and resale should be easy also. Hope this helps.

[@רפאלליאבביטון]

@@BikesVansandThings i appreciate you giving some of your own time to help me out her pal

[@ΝίκοςΧολ]

Should I buy a ktm duke 125 or a varadero 125 or a cbr125 or a cbf 125...i want to go to trips like 100km max and around the city

[@BikesVansandThings]

Are you tall? I did a few long trips in the Varadero and it was good on fuel and comfortable at around 50mph. Varadero sits up nicely for longer rides but don’t have much experience with the others. Hope this helps?

[@ΝίκοςΧολ]

@@BikesVansandThings thank you, I am around 1.82. My main concern is if the bike is underpowered, I don't want it to be fast for races etc but j want to be able to keep up with cars around me even if I have a second person on the back when going to trips etc

[@ΝίκοςΧολ]

Also is the varadero better for trips than a ktm duke 125 or it is just the size that reminds us of the bigger transalp and varadero and makes us feel like it can perform like them on its way

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@ΝίκοςΧολ if you want a pillion I think you need to pass your test anyway? If that’s the case I would get a bigger bike as any 125 may struggle with two. Sounds strange but may be better with a bigger scooter as a 125? Lamberts or Vespa type thing? Great for around town. Once pass your test then worlds your oyster I suppose. I looked at the XSR700, MT07, the scr950 and cbr650 (too small)

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@ΝίκοςΧολ I haven’t had a go on the ktm but I would recommend sitting on both. You can get quite good screens for the Varadero which will help for longer rides and panniers fit easily 👍🏻

[@JustinLT212]

I’m 6ft 1 would this bike be good for me??

[@BikesVansandThings]

Yes perfect as a learner bike

[@naumanmirza7]

thanks for this video, I am 6 feet 2 and 105kg in weight. I was going to buy Mutt Fat Sabbath will I look stupid on it ? also is there any option in cruisers or cafe racers for tall riders?

[@BikesVansandThings]

Hey Nauman, this is only a personal opinion and I suppose visually it’s where you hold the weight! But I think you are a little big for that bike. Others who own it may have a more informed decision but it wouldn’t be on my list for your height and frame 👍🏻 Cafe racers is a difficult one as they tend to be small and hock is why I modded my scr950 BUT if it’s a first bigger bike and you can afford it I would look at the Indian bikes…very friendly and easy to ride. Hope this helps. Let me know what you get!

[@naumanmirza7]

@@BikesVansandThings thanks a lot Rob, I was also looking at a suzuki intruder 125 and a Yamaha dragstar 125. Would you have any other 125cc in mind please ?

[@naumanmirza7]

@@BikesVansandThings I have been searching from 2 months and could not find a suitable bike which I like because I need to ride a 125cc for a year so no other option then look like a Micky Mouse for 1 year :)

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@naumanmirza7 for a 125 I’d sit on a couple of what you’ve suggested including the Varadero if you can. You won’t be on it for long. Get test done and move up to something bigger, better (my advice). I actually found bigger bikes easier to ride than the 125’s. Had mine for a few months due to covid but would have gone straight to something larger if I could have. From what you’ve said I think the mutt may be your best bet to work out the style of bike you like. You can always raise a little with new shocks, handle bar risers and seat cover?

[@mertsagcan]

I am sorry i could not understand the model of Yamaha.

[@BikesVansandThings]

Hi there! It is the Honda Varadero XL 125

[@mertsagcan]

@@BikesVansandThings no the yamaha at the top right. He is showing around 4 bike.

[@mertsagcan]

@@BikesVansandThings 2:10

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@mertsagcan Yamaha ybr125? Yamaha DT125?

[@mertsagcan]

@@BikesVansandThings yes it is a ybr 125 custom

[@gabrielsansar6187]

u get 75 to 18 mpg.................. he scratched his head as it fell off confused

[@BikesVansandThings]

Think it was 75-80....👍🏻👍🏻

[@gabrielsansar6187]

@@BikesVansandThings ribbing ur slip

[@BikesVansandThings]

@@gabrielsansar6187 😂 very confused apologies

[@georgebushaway5833]

Their hard to get ahold of .

[@BikesVansandThings]

Yep. Price seems to be going up as well!

[@jackthompson8795]

How much should you expect to pay for a varadero?

[@BikesVansandThings]

I’ve seen some for £1000 and others upto £3000. I won’t lie, it was a great bike and much better for bigger riders than pretty anything around although I may be out of date by 6 months to a year.

[@p305-mrworldwide9]

Wrong 12.000 Torque and 15 bhp

[@BikesVansandThings]

Thank you Funko Pop Ocean 👍🏻😁

[@barnbersonol]

I quote my weight in kgs too. In the hope that listener who bother to convert it to stones and pounds! The Vad puts out a puny 7.3 ft lbs. That's compared to a beefy 10.8 ft lbs from from 1978 MZ 150! The headlight is rubbish too.

[@BikesVansandThings]

Ok...thanks Dyn!

[@migueldecarvalho8012]

The price is ridiculous.

[@BikesVansandThings]

Out of interest what will you be going for instead?

[@migueldecarvalho8012]

@@BikesVansandThings Maybe a CBR500R or a CB500X (I'm not in a hurry to decide or to buy). Varaderos over 10 yoa going for 3000 pounds and only 125 cc... that is madness. Why would I pay for the fun someone else had for 10 years or more? As if there is no depreciation from use, no rust, no loss of warranty, no new options out there... You used it - it lost value. You used it for a long time, it lost a lot of value.

[@BikesVansandThings]

I hear you but the options for bigger riders when learning is the point. I wouldn’t buy it if I had my license. As you say there are much better bikes for that price BUT the learner license is the limiter.

[@migueldecarvalho8012]

@@BikesVansandThings You're right. But in that case I have a suggestion to make - an expensive but good one: a maxiscooter. Something like a Honda Forza 125 or Yamaha Xmax 125 or Sym Cruisym 125. These are the most comfortable bikes one can ride (maxiscooters). I ride the cruisym 300. It's comfortable, fun, highly manouvrable, turns like a dream. But it's also expensive and burns 4.4 l of petrol per 100 km, which is 0.9l more than a cbr500r. Big 125 maxiscooters are the best everyday rides.