VARADERO XL1000V
Veradero is Honda’s V-Strom.
The Varadero is an “adventure-touring” styled bike in the mode of a
V-Strom, BMW GS, etc., and although it has been a runaway hit in Europe
for years, this will be its first appearance in North America.
Power is via a fuel-injected 998 cc V-twin – a variant of the excellent
motor from the VTR1000. Dry weight of the bike is cliamed at 220 kg,
with a seat height of 845 mm and a wheelbase of 1,560 mm definitely
makes it a bike for the tall or experienced rider.
The “Dual
Combined Brake System” operates both brakes from either hand or foot
control, with ABS as standard. A two-position windscreen (albeit
not powered) is fitted to offer comfort to any height of rider. A 25 L
fuel tank should equate to good touring range, as well.
Price and availability dates weren’t available at publishing time, but Honda reckon that it’ll be a tad more than the $11,999.00 of Suzuki’s 1000 V-Strom and hope to get it in dealers just in time for the 2008 season (Transport Canada allowing).
CBF1000F
CBF1000 shown with optional luggage
The other new addition
for 2008 is the CBF1000F, a semi-faired standard-type bike in the mode
of a Suzuki Bandit or Yamaha FZ-1. Honda Europe calls it a step in
their “Just Fit” program – basically, building high-performance bikes
in a more comfortable standard configuration rather than pure sports
mode.
The engine is a 998 cc fuel-injected inline four – a
“re-tuned” version of the last-generation CBR1000RR motor. Needless to
say, horsepower and torque should be more than adequate no matter what
the numbers turn out to be.
A half-fairing provides some touring
comfort, while a current-generation integrated one-piece instrument
panel provides all the usual stuff from a dual trip to a clock. A
three-way adjustable seat (a 30 mm adjustment range) should make a fit
easier for most riders.
There is an optional braking system
that combines Honda’s Combined Brake System with ABS, which is likely the model that we’ll get in Canada. No date or price as
yet although Honda are aiming to match the $11,299.00 of Suzuki’s 1250 Bandit (the ABS version).
One more thing …
Honda Canada says
that they plan to bring in the wild scooterish DN-01, discussed earlier
here, as soon as it’s available. No date etc., etc.
