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Opinions 900cc Yamaha TDM versus 1000cc Honda Varadero Opinions 900cc Yamaha TDM versus 1000cc Honda Varadero
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 22 May 2012
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Hi All,
I can feel the attraction to the Varadero.
Comfort is high on the list, as it the higher riding position.
While fuel economy is important, it's not a deal breaker.
However the later post 2004 Varadero's seem to have fuel inj, and teh extra cog in the box.

All plus points for a long legged machine.

To the owners who have a Varadero,

What is the rpm at say 70 mph ?
What are the vibes' like, are the almost non existent, or are they there, but by no way an issue?

vette
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  #2  
Old 22 May 2012
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Posts: 6
The Dero runs very well at 70 mph and about 4200 rpm. The bike itself is smooth but the ride does depend somewhat on tire choice. I have run Kenda Big Blocks similar to TCK's and about 80 mph they are noisey and start to squirm due to tread distortion. Anakees run a lot smoother. I have ridden a V Strom 1000 and I found for me the Dero is smoother and provides better rider protection.
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  #3  
Old 27 May 2012
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Hi
I have a 05 Varadero; at 70 mph engine runs at 4000rpm, and fuel consumption is 5-5.5l.
Of course, it is not the best bike off road, but you can get to the same places a GS get to, maybe latter, but you get there. on hard gravel no problem.
And on road it is very comfortable and provides the best protection of maxitrails.
If you are thinking of travelling on road, I think is the best option.
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  #4  
Old 10 Jun 2012
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by uk_vette View Post
Hi All,
I can feel the attraction to the Varadero.
Comfort is high on the list, as it the higher riding position.
While fuel economy is important, it's not a deal breaker.
However the later post 2004 Varadero's seem to have fuel inj, and teh extra cog in the box.

All plus points for a long legged machine.

To the owners who have a Varadero,

What is the rpm at say 70 mph ?
What are the vibes' like, are the almost non existent, or are they there, but by no way an issue?

vette
My 2005 injected Varadero is doing under 4,000 rpm at 70mph (6 gears on the later bikes rather than 5). It's doing just under 9,000 rpm at 90mph. I tend to ride at 80-90mph most of the time, due to a lot of motorway work. I get an average of about 45-48mpg doing that.

It is a bit of a lump when pushing it about, I really miss my Africa Twin which is a non runner at the moment, All the Varadero has going for it in comparison to that is:-

1/ A bigger seat and

2/ Front brake pads seem to last forever in comparison, although I feel the Varadero brakes are no better than the AT despite all the linking, ABS and pointless electronics involved in their operation.
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  #5  
Old 28 Jun 2012
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: London
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Neither bikes are suited to any prolonged off road riding, but if you did then the TDM will be a lot easier to pick up. As far as tarmac goes, I think the Varadero is probably more plush and comfortable for two up riding, maybe because you will have to stop a lot more often to fill up. Holding a steady 75 mph on the motorway will return 60 mpg on a TDM and at that speed the bike is rock steady and purringly smooth. With a steady 80-85 mph you won't see mpg go bellow 50 mpg.

I've had my TDM for 7 years and there's nothing really out there with the TDM's grunt that is as comfortable or fuel efficient, so I'm keeping it for the immediate future. If I was to change, I'd be looking at the new 650 Vstrom.
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  #6  
Old 10 Jul 2012
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Location: Warrington UK
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Thanks guys,

This is a tough call.

I knew it was close between the TDM and the Varadero.

So really, in later life, both bikes got the 6th gear.
Both bikes got the F.I.

I think, well, I know I would be happy with either of them.
As I said earlier, they would be almost 100% living on the tarmac.

vette
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  #7  
Old 10 Jul 2012
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Palmerston north
Posts: 27
Hi
Me and my my mate were going to do some serious travelling on the TDM as he already had one. Nothing wrong with the bike i think in the same category as the V Strom but what seriously lets it down is tyre choices available for the 18 inch front wheel. He is now selling the TDM and we are now deciding between the 800 XC and the F800gs.
Hope this helps
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