Honda Varadero UK Forum

Hi Guys,

I have a '04 XL 125 and unfortunately since day 1 I've had a nasty dent on the left crease of my petrol tank and since then its had a few other additional scratches and marks on it and I seem to have an issue with a possible small crack that has affected some of the paint on the same side and its subsequently started to peel and flake :(

As I can't be off the road for more than a few days and I'm looking at a replacement petrol tank but their doesn't seem to be many places I can pick up one in decent condition or one for a reasonable price.

My first question is, is their any other version's that have compatible tanks with the 2004 model? My second question is can you recommend anywhere (dealerships local to Manchester, scrapyards, breakers etc) that may be able to source one for me for a reasonable price?

Thanks  ;)

Bigian,

Sorry bro' - I had a couple of Vara 125's for a while and looked into alternative sources for many parts.
Fact is, you've got a bike that is comparatively 'rare' (and the price of them reflects this and it's parts).

I had them because they were 'special'; heavy (for grip) but had power, 'big' looking (street-cred; look like 500cc), kept their value.

Maybe I'll be proved wrong, but I can't imagine that there'll be an alternative tank - too many variables.

Is the tank itself at risk of leaking (are the dents that serious)? Is your concern simply cosmetic?

You'll find cheap-ish 'untidy' tanks on EBAY - when they appear (and cheap-ish is again relative - they still cost - even with dents).
There are EBAY tools that sit there and only email you when your EXACT description appears on EBAY, such as 'Varadero 125 fuel tank' or 'Varadero 125 breaking' etc.
That is good, except - postage kills you - unless it happens to be local.
If it's Counties away, then you're on a 125cc - with no motorway usage (unless you've got your full license) - this is what killed my intention to do my 125cc's up.

I sold both of mine to a dealer for the same as what I paid for them 12-18 months previously (albeit with a lot of work on cracked panels etc).

Have you looked at having the dents 'sucked out' anywhere, then you filling, etc and having them sprayed?
Otherwise, (if the metal isn't 'cracked'); take the tank off, prep it as it is (fill it where necessary), undercoat and spray it. You won't retrieve your money on buying a replacement tank unless you are extremely lucky on getting it cheap. (Remember, sellers generally know the value - to you).

In the mean-time, put a 'watch' on EBAY - you never know - an ideal buy may come along.

Good luck anyway.

Red  ;)

2003 model tank here @?55, not sure if it'll fit....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-XL-125-VARADEO-FUEL-TANK-/251157270521?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&clk_rvr_id=468448753697#ht_272wt_912

Red ;-)