NTV 600/650 and Transalps

[Moxey]

Well I've already received my settlement for the accident so I guess time to go shopping for transport to get me mobile until I start my permanent job in September (be used mostly for commuting & some rallies).

So basically how do people rate NTV's? Is the 650 is worth it over the 600 and any niggles in general of the range?

Found a few for £500-£900 that I would consider, in addition to some dreamers wanting £1200 for 55k mile machines.

Transalps are also on the cards but seem to demand more £ also considering the Bros' or whatever they are called but was leaning towards the shafties.
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Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
'I was too busy paying attention to pay attention'

[map]

NTV650 has been around for ages so a proven bike.
Evolved into the NT650V Deauville when Honda realised NTV650 owners were putting fairings on them and going touring.

I'd have one, going for the 650 because of availability/parts. If that's any sort of recommendation.

The Transalp XL650V (600 before that) and 700 use the same engine as the corresponding Deauville model. Chain drive. Appeals to a different market and sits between the Varadero 125 and 1000 models. I wouldn't consider it a truly serious off road bike though (others may disagree).

Apology for Teflon like post
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Snipet]

I had myself a 2005 nt650v deauville, and found it a great bike.
Obviously nothing like a sports bike, but still found it maneuverable and felt lighter than it was.
Also still fairly easy to filter with, unless you get the extra wide panniers.

Loved the shaft drive aswell, so no bloody chain lubing required.

She took both myself and the other half with no problems at all, and neither of us you'd classify as small.

If you can find one with the hand and leg wind deflectors, they are a god send. Even in freezing weather your hands stay relatively warm and out of the cold air.

Did find when buying and selling that they seem to keep value well.
Sold mine with 50,000 miles for £1500.
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First Bike: Pulse Rage 125cc Second Bike: Kymco KR Sport 125cc Third Bike: Kawasaki ZR7-S 750cc
Forth Bike Honda VFR 750cc Fifth Bike Honda NT650 Deauville Fifth Bike Suzuki GSX650F

[qarka]

Bros 400 is a great little bike, amazing build quality and handling, small tank range though.

Transalp is also pretty decent, if a bit agricultural. The seat is a bit hard for long journeys, and it's pretty tall so scary if you're a shortarse. I'm 5'10" with fairly long legs and I was on tiptoes, dropped it once due to a slope on the road surface. I found it very good for roads full of potholes, the suspension just soaks them up.
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Previous - Sinnis Apache - Honda Bros 400 - Yamaha SR500 - Honda Transalp - Kawasaki ZX-7R - Honda CB-1 - Honda 929 Fireblade - Honda NTV650 [b]Current[\b] Honda CB500

[Moxey]

Thanks all

Well found this example in P'boro (bit far from me but the price is reasonable, may try to work down to £450), but I'm willing to wait and see what comes up.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-ntv-600-revere-tt-untill-sept-runs-and-rides-great-550/1063708185#photo-content

Had a little look at an old post from Sickpup and the Bros does seem a possible choice for what I need although the 400 only saves on the tax really with equal running cost to the 650, seem pretty uncommon though.

Still think the Revere is more suited to how I ride.
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Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
'I was too busy paying attention to pay attention'

[Mario_Kempes]

I've been looking at dominators which is basically the NTV 650 and they hold their prices really well in Spain.

Pain in the arse

Edit. I've clearly got this mixed up.

[qarka]

Pretty sure Itchy rode across Eurasia (or somewhere) on a NTV650. He might have had to fit a larger tank.
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Previous - Sinnis Apache - Honda Bros 400 - Yamaha SR500 - Honda Transalp - Kawasaki ZX-7R - Honda CB-1 - Honda 929 Fireblade - Honda NTV650 [b]Current[\b] Honda CB500

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

If youve read Sickpups views then you'll be aware that the BROS and NTV are similar only in engine configuration and badge.

An NTV is a naked Deauville. A BROS is an NSR250 based V-twinned bike. Completely different in many respects, the main one for me being physical size!

I'm 5"7 and would find the BROS cramped after a while. It also has a small tank. On the 650 this meant stopping about every 110-130 miles, and that was getting to the limits. On the plus side with the right tyres it just gripped and gripped and was amazing fun. Would love another one myself.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Moxey]

@Irezumi aka Reuben yeah I'm aware of the differences, personally would have a Bros 400/650 as a second bike but not a main runner which is why I'm after a NTV for the economy and reliability (plus if the deauvilles still in production = spares availability)
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Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
'I was too busy paying attention to pay attention'

[P.addy]

Can you not aim for something a bit newer with more £££ added?

I've never really thought about going low end after an insurance claim... its a chance to upgrade
If you do buy the NTV... I have plenty of stuff in the garden to rebuild one Nemo does anyway

[Moxey]

[moonzoomer]

Other options that share the same or similar engine are the 750cc Africa Twin, the PC800 Pacific coast and the older but imo better VT500E with that lovely 6th (overdrive) gear that was missing on the 650 cc bikes. The Bros/Hawk 650 are also excellent great handling lightweight bikes but are not suitable for taller riders.

[Vincent]

They seem to be a similar build quality to the CB-1...and they're ace bikes I'd leave the 400 tho.

I've seen a nice red 650 for sale somewhere recently...
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Space Is Deep

[Vincent]

www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-bros-excellent-condition/1063949186#photo-content

Get yer funds together and, after it hasn't sold at £950, offer £700

That is a very nice example.

I'll pick it up for you if it's too far

Better hurry up before sickpup sees it
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Space Is Deep

[moonzoomer]

[Vincent]

[moonzoomer]

[Shaft]

[Paddy Blake]

The NTV make sure the gears are fine before buying.
The others be sure the output shaft splines are good before buying.
If only Honda made the end of that shaft like say the super four.

[Vincent]

[moonzoomer]

[Paddy Blake]

[Shaft]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

That BROS is very tempting!
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Moxey]