PLEASE NOTE before reading this section:

By changing your bike, adding the modifications as mentioned on this page, you must understand that – if your Motorcycle is still under warranty – this can- and will affect any possible and future warranty claims to the manufacturer. Adding any of the modifications as mentioned on this page or this website in general, is purely the responsibility of the owner of the affected motorcycle.

Dear visitor and Varadero raider,

It seems that several Varadero’s of the first series (pre- 2003 model) are suffering problems with the fuel pump.

The whole fuel pump issue started a whole new topic on both the  International Varadero Mailing list and the Forum; in which some members even contributed with solutions. We have gathered most of them – some including pictures and schedules – on this section.

Btw: my ‘2000 Varadero was also affected after 50.000 km (31.000 mls), but there are also recorded failures of the fuel pump after 24.000 km (15.000 mls).

The problem is only recorded at the pre- 2003 models (Carb versions). Honda has added a new fuel pump on the after-2003 versions with fuel injection.

The Varadero International Team,

Bernard 'Two Plugs', NL

Webmaster.

The fuel pump failure: symptoms.

There are several symptoms which could announce the possible failure of the fuel pump. The Honda solenoid operated pump is operated by an electrical signal which generates a spark between two contacts. The failure is caused by the bad quality of those two contacts. During operation, the contacts are burned away by the heat generated by the electrical spark. This causes a failure in the fuel pumps operation.

The symptoms which could direct to the faulty fuel pump, are:

-   the engine does not run ‘smooth’ and gives the rider the feeling that he is losing power;

-   the engine drops power and gives the impression that the bike is running on ‘low’ fuel;

-   the engine stops running without warning or faulty indications;

-      The engine will not start although the battery is in good condition.

If you are the owner of an MK1 pre-2003 Varadero, the changes that you will encounter problems with the fuel pump are most likely. Most failures are recorded around 50.000 km (31.000 miles), but it is advisable to start monitoring the contacts of the pump as shown in the picture below after 30.000 km. If you want to buy a used MK1 Varadero, it is advisable to check the fuel pump and let it replace by a NON- Honda Fuel pump. For details: see the ‘replacement’ topic in the left menu.

The Honda solenoid operated pump was also installed on the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin and caused similar problems at that motorcycle. There are no clear reasons why the Honda Motorcycle Company has produced motorcycles with the faulty fuel pump. The complains and the bad quality of the fuel pump used on the MK1 Varadero are well-known at Honda, even far before the Honda Varadero was introduced in 1998!