Hello from Portugal

[pathfinder]

Hello everyone,

It's been a long time since I wrote something on this forum (I think it was still the time that it was called Varadero International... ). So it's time to redo my presentation.

I'm from Portugal, my name is Pedro Amorim and I'm a proud owner of a November 2002 XL1000V Varadero, which I bought new (126,000 kms in odo at the present).

Mainly I have travelled by Portugal (of course), Madeira, Spain, Morocco and France. I was at the VCIM in France where I met (little) Bernard, Gilles and many other Honda Adventure Riders. 15 years is a long time, and so it's time to turn the page and change the old Varadero for a fresh and more updated bike. Fuel injection, ABS, TC, digital displays and maybe DCT are welcomed.

Last couple of days, I have spent a significant part of my free time reading everything that is written here about the VFR1200X Crosstourer and the CRF1000L Africa Twin. It's been very educational. For me the decision is tight. The test-drive of the two bikes will be decisive.

Social networks are useful for the possibility of sharing photos and conversation online, but here we find the information organized by themes sorted by date. It's a huge advantage.

Last but not the least, I want to congratulate the administrators and contributors of this forum for the magnificent work they do in preserving and updating it for so long.

Regards,

[james.mc]

Hi António

Welcome back!

The forum has changed quite a bit and is now open to Honda Adventure Riders of all kinds.  There are still changes being made to align the forum with its new theme of: Honda Adventure Riders

I understand what you say about the forum being more structured than social media sites.  It certainly is much easier to review the information you are interested in.

We currently have a poll running on the name for Honda Adventure Riders Meetings. Please feel free to vote at: http://honda-adventure-riders.com/index.php?topic=1600.0

best regards
James Mc
Former CVP member
Now in Canada

[Jyrays]

Hello everyone,

It's been a long time since I wrote something on this forum (I think it was still the time that it was called Varadero International... ). So it's time to redo my presentation.

I'm from Portugal, my name is Pedro Amorim and I'm a proud owner of a November 2002 XL1000V Varadero, which I bought new (126,000 kms in odo at the present).

Mainly I have travelled by Portugal (of course), Madeira, Spain, Morocco and France. I was at the VCIM in France where I met (little) Bernard, Gilles and many other Honda Adventure Riders. 15 years is a long time, and so it's time to turn the page and change the old Varadero for a fresh and more updated bike. Fuel injection, ABS, TC, digital displays and maybe DCT are welcomed.

Last couple of days, I have spent a significant part of my free time reading everything that is written here about the VFR1200X Crosstourer and the CRF1000L Africa Twin. It's been very educational. For me the decision is tight. The test-drive of the two bikes will be decisive.

Social networks are useful for the possibility of sharing photos and conversation online, but here we find the information organized by themes sorted by date. It's a huge advantage.

Last but not the least, I want to congratulate the administrators and contributors of this forum for the magnificent work they do in preserving and updating it for so long.

Regards,

Welcome back!

I have had all, Vara, CT and now AT so maybe I can help you decision. What kind of riding are you doing?

[meine dicke]

Welcome (back) to this great forum.

As you see in my example there are also other solutions to go further.
But never the less it´s as well worth staying at HONDA and it´s new ADV MCs.
Depends on what you want to do (ride) and the "ambiente" such as garages nearby ...


Greetings from the South of Germany
Rainer alias meine dicke

[zebulon]

Welcome back Pedro ! surely we meet again in Andorra on your new bike; My opinion is AT is the closer to Varadero's spirit, make the job perfectly; riding with pillion and luggages, on nice scenery ; and much much better & easier on off-road purpose! the perfect bike for me with more then 23000 kms in a little bit then one year 

[Snurrepus]

Hi, Pedro.

Welcome back.
Hopefully we'll meet both you and your Portugese friends in Andorra.

Since last time I had to change the bike, too.
I did the same as you are planning - tried the CT and the AT in different versions, with my pillion.
To make it short. I didn't like the CT. Wife didn't sit well on the AT.
Now we're the happy owners of a "new" Varadero 2008 with an improved Top Sellerie gel saddle.

[Jyrays]

Hi, Pedro.

Welcome back.
Hopefully we'll meet both you and your Portugese friends in Andorra.

Since last time I had to change the bike, too.
I did the same as you are planning - tried the CT and the AT in different versions, with my pillion.
To make it short. I didn't like the CT. Wife didn't sit well on the AT.
Now we're the happy owners of a "new" Varadero 2008 with an improved Top Sellerie gel saddle.

I agree, AT is small for two adult size riders 

[zebulon]

I agree, AT is small for two adult size riders 

perfect for us ! 



 

[Jyrays]

I agree, AT is small for two adult size riders 

perfect for us ! 



 

Well, she is short compared to U

[Jack Sawdayee]

Dear Antonio
I remember with great love the Portugal group in the south of France camping near my tent. They were such wonderfull group, great spirit, I still use and cherish their presents.
Never mind what they say AT is a great bike I have it after 8 Varaderos and two CT, a month ago I rode 6,000 kms to Sweden with lots of luggage, enjoyed every moment and like it very much.
Hope to be tent neighbours in Andora next year.

[pathfinder]

Hi António

Welcome back!

The forum has changed quite a bit and is now open to Honda Adventure Riders of all kinds.  There are still changes being made to align the forum with its new theme of: Honda Adventure Riders

I understand what you say about the forum being more structured than social media sites.  It certainly is much easier to review the information you are interested in.

We currently have a poll running on the name for Honda Adventure Riders Meetings. Please feel free to vote at: http://honda-adventure-riders.com/index.php?topic=1600.0

best regards
James Mc
Former CVP member
Now in Canada

Hi James,

Missing the Algarve? I believe that certainly Canada will also have its charms  . I already voted in the poll to choose a new name for the meetings, thank you.

Best regards,

[james.mc]

Hi James,

Missing the Algarve? I believe that certainly Canada will also have its charms  . I already voted in the poll to choose a new name for the meetings, thank you.

Best regards,

Yep!  I miss the dry roads and year round great riding conditions.  However Vancouver Island, BC and Canada has a lot to offer for ADV riding  

Thanks for voting!

Please feel free to post anything you wish in the Forum. Members of Honda Adventure Riders Forum will be pleased to learn of your experiences.  How busy is CVP these days?

[pathfinder]

Welcome back!

I have had all, Vara, CT and now AT so maybe I can help you decision. What kind of riding are you doing?

Hi Jyrays,

Despite having participated in an event that toured the tracks of the old Dakar in Portugal, I consider myself an amateur off roader . Smooth with the bike and the physics (I'm no longer a child ...). My trips are mostly made by road, sometimes with short incursions on dirt roads.

In the past I have had the opportunity to do a short test-drive with the CT and more recently another with the AT. The latter one left me a great impression and desire for a longer experience. Lighter than the Varadero, maneuverable, nervous engine, with a power reserve similar to that of Varadero.

From the CT I remember the power of the engine and... the weight. I do not care about the weight in motion because, at least in the Varadero, we do not feel it and I believe that with the CT it will be the same. I'm not a very big person (1,74cm/90kg), so parking maneuvers and putting it on the main stand may be a concern.

In fact, I believe that the CT could be more dedicated to my type of use, but the idea of having a lighter bike with similar power as the Varadero, pleases me.

Am I wrong?


Regards,

[MrKiwi]

Hi, Pedro.

Welcome back.
Hopefully we'll meet both you and your Portugese friends in Andorra.

Since last time I had to change the bike, too.
I did the same as you are planning - tried the CT and the AT in different versions, with my pillion.
To make it short. I didn't like the CT. Wife didn't sit well on the AT.
Now we're the happy owners of a "new" Varadero 2008 with an improved Top Sellerie gel saddle.

I agree, AT is small for two adult size riders 

No it is not. The AT is perfect for two riders other than the rear suspension. The seat is nearly 7cm longer than the Crosstourer and is the same length as the Varadero.

[pathfinder]

Welcome back Pedro ! surely we meet again in Andorra on your new bike; My opinion is AT is the closer to Varadero's spirit, make the job perfectly; riding with pillion and luggages, on nice scenery ; and much much better & easier on off-road purpose! the perfect bike for me with more then 23000 kms in a little bit then one year 

Hi Zebulon,

Great pic. Unfortunately, AT in digital silver is no longer for sale. The Tricolor and CRF Rally remains (I don't like matt black nor candy red).

I have good memories of the VCIM in the Aveyron area. The meeting in Andorra may be a possibility. We'll see.

Regards,