Oil and filter change
≈ 12,000 km or 1 year
JASO MA or MA2 approved four-stroke motorcycle oil (JASO MB on scooters): an “energy conserving” car oil makes the wet clutch slip. Change it more often in city use or on track.
Source [1]XL1000V Varadero (2003) · 2003–2012
Honda XL1000V Varadero (2003) 996 · 94 hp (2003 to 2012)
The Honda XL1000V Varadero (2003) 996 uses the Honda 996 V-twin petrol engine with 94 hp.
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Technical specifications
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power
- 94 PS / 69 kW
- Displacement
- 996 cm³
- Cylinders
- 2
- Engine code
- Honda 996 V-twin
- Period covered
- 2003–2012
- Documented market
- Europe
Transmission
- Manual · 6 speeds
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [1] AutoKarnet
This version
94 hp (69 kW), chain final drive, 6-speed manual. Built from 2003 to 2012.
AutoKarnet advice
In the range
It is the only petrol version of this generation. The Honda 996 V-twin engine is also fitted to: Honda Varadero (XL1000V Varadero (1999)).
AutoKarnet advice
Body style and inspection points
On a motorcycle, tyres, final drive and brakes matter as much as the oil change. Check the tyre manufacturing date, steering-head play and fork-tube seals; an oil film on a tube means a fork seal needs replacing. A notched steering bearing can be felt when braking at low speed.
AutoKarnet advice
Comparing generations
Other documented generations of this model: • XL1000V Varadero (1999) (2000–2002) : adventure bike, 94–94 hp. A first registration near a generation change does not identify the car on its own: check the body style and powertrain before using a service schedule.
AutoKarnet advice
Maintenance and records
≈: estimated reference — the vehicle’s service indicator prevails.
Brake fluid
Every 2 years
Replace the fluid in both circuits (and the hydraulic clutch if fitted), whatever the mileage; dark fluid has absorbed moisture.
Source [1]Fork oil
≈ 30,000 km
Fork oil change and seal check; an oil film on the tubes means a seal needs replacing before it contaminates the brake caliper.
Source [1]Chain kit (chain and sprockets)
≈ 25,000 km
Lubricate and check the tension every 500 to 1,000 km and after rain; replace chain and sprockets together when the chain no longer holds its tension or the teeth are hooked.
Source [1]Spark plugs
Every 16,000 km
Replace the full set; worn plugs raise consumption and cause misfires.
Source [1]Air filter
Every 18,000 km
Replace more often in dusty conditions.
Source [1]Valve clearance
Every 16,000 km
Check and adjust if needed, often together with the plugs; too little clearance burns the valves, too much makes the engine noisy.
Source [1]Coolant
Every 3 years
Replace the coolant and check the hoses and radiator; check the level cold between services.
Source [1]Questions about this version (3)
Which engine is in the Honda XL1000V Varadero (2003) 996?
The Honda 996 V-twin petrol engine (996 cc), 94 hp (69 kW).
AutoKarnet advice
Which oil for the Honda Varadero 996?
A JASO MA2 10W-40 four-stroke motorcycle oil suited to the Honda 996 V-twin engine.
AutoKarnet advice
How do I check this page matches my car?
This page covers Honda Varadero · XL1000V Varadero (2003) 996 94 hp, adventure bike, 2003–2012, with 94 hp (69 kW), Honda 996 V-twin, 996 cm³, 6-speed manual, 2003–2012. Compare these details with the registration document and gearbox identification. The designation Honda 996 V-twin may cover several revisions: a VIN is still needed to confirm part numbers.
AutoKarnet advice
Documentary sources
- [1] Rédaction AutoKarnet
AutoKarnet · FR · Europe · Synthèse éditoriale AutoKarnet · Accessed 09/10/2026