Honda Deauville Import???

[Mr Pants!]

This probably is not the place to post this, but here goes....

My Dad if thinking about buying a Honda Deauville, bit of an old mans machine, but a nice bike for what he wants to use it for. Also brilliant as we can go for rides together!

Any opinions on the bike would be gratefully received??


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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[billy whizz]

I rode one once, wish i could tell you more but i was so bored i think i fell asleep
Still one way of looking at it if you want a bike with no surprises the Dullvile is your bike!
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Here comes the summer!

[1stGarry]

I was going to post this bit of advice......DON'T!

But as it's for your Dad........
Does he wear a pipe and slippers?

If yes, it's the perfect bike for him!!!!!!!
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1stGarry

[WildGoose]

used the NTV650 engine, which is about as solid as they come, so for reliability there arent going to be many issues

supposed to be a great baby alternative to the pan, but feels a little bit out of puff on motorways ive heard

never ridden one, this is just what ive picked up
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[Mr Pants!]

Thanks guys, all useful info.

Dad is not quite a pipe and slippers guy, but he is 59 and prefers the more sedate long distance machine. He looked at the Pan and a triumph tourer, can not remember the model, a four cylinder option that is not made any more. Both physically huge machines and I think his concern is manouvering it through traffic, or simply pulling it out the garage, hence the Deauville a little more slim line and easy to handle.

I must admit it is not my cup of tea, but I think it would be ideal for my dad.

We have also heard that the V twin engine is bomb proof.

I was just interested if anyone new more about them.
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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[Tarmacsurfer]

If you're buying second hand, be very careful, the deauvilles were what alot of despatchers switched to after GTs. Roughly translated, there are a few secondhand gems around but most will be high mileage (whether it has it on the clock or not) and will have been through the wringer several times over, with exceptionally patchy services and maintenance.

**edit
They are storming little bikes, however. Despite the lack of maintenance and services they do just keep chugging on. Personally I don't like V twins much, so I'm biased, even I'll admit to a grudging admiration to the NTV motor. When they do go belly up they tend to be serious about it though.
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I'm immortal. Well, so far.

[mr.z]

The deuvalle is a relative of the cx 500 which i own and love...

the cx became the cx 500euro, then the 650 euro, the engine got put back the right/wrong way in the vt 650 and 20odd years later now it is the Deauville

Its shaft drive, believe me anyone will appreciate this ESPECIALY if your touring... the engine is softly tuned, will pull you allong happily and very easy to handle at low speed, but dont expect it to blow your mind.. handleing is not designed for geting your elbows down but a skilled rider will haveno problem keeping up with most sports bikes on twisty roads.

My das instructor rode one, all day, most days for the last few years in total comfort.. mightyly impressed, they squabbled about who would get to use it that day which was funny to watch actually..

If you can get past the fact its not the most sexy bike arround they are fantastic, they tour they hussle and they are rock solid, i'd be happy to aim straight for spain after checking the tyre pressures!

If he wants to tart about this aint the bike though

I wish my dad would still ride a motorbike :/ but then maybe thats a good thing
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[map]

Heard some good things about these. Evolved from the NTV650 as people were putting aftermarket fairings on them Honda decided to do the same. Also the NTV was a courier favourite being shaft drive.

The summary seems to be: Does everything you ask of it but does it all without being outstanding (hence the dullsville). Remember it's only a twin. Nothing wrong with engine. If you intend long trips make sure you get the larger pannier covers to increase capacity.

There were changes made to 2002 on models. These were carbon effect dials, more rounded appearance, a floride treatment to the rubbers on the bike and new panniers (larger - 18 to 24l for left & 16.5 to 19.5l for left where the exhaust is) designed to hold commuter stuff like laptops. There are larger optional lids for these too. I think the 2002 also has a combined brake system (front brake lever = front brake only, rear brake = rear+left front).

More info here:
https://www.ellott.clara.net/Deauville.html
and
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.search.redirect.userReview&makeModelDerivative=HONDA_NT650%20DEAUVILLE_GRP

HTH
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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?

[Annabella]

My female riding instructor used a Deauville, she was rather petite and found that the size of the bike was fairly easy to handle especially compared to the other bike the school used which was a pan!
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Avast! Pirates ahoy!
I did Cadwell!
www.bikepics.com/members/bella

[dainesefreak]

Another consideration would be the VFR750/800 pre Vtec, supposed to be very nice easy going bikes. Chain drive though not shaft but the V4 motor is supposed to be great.

[Mr Pants!]

I think Dad wants to stick with an upright comfy bike.

He has found a really nice example of one, only it is an import, do you think that would be a bad choice to go for being an import, if so why?
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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[map]

Only bear in mind the usual (grey) import things. Check dealer will honour service/guarantees, check any recall work, check if lights modified (will catch you out on 1st MOT anyhow), see if clocks changed from km or has overlay. Otherwise should be okay.

If it's import from somewhere like Spain probably less wear and tear from the weather anyhow

Found this on imports on MCN site https://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.articles.articleCategory.article&resourceId=938785&articleCategory=MCN-EXTRA_ADVICE-AND-TIPS

HTH
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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?

[Mr Pants!]

Thanks for that Map! Passed it on to my dad.


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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

[map]

I was thinking of a better bike for touring so had a look around the web. Came across the UK owners club, if anyone's interested, at
https://www.geocities.com/nt650vdeauville
The FAQ on this site - misc section - says headlight doesn't dip left or right so only mph speedo for import needed

One problem I see is if this bike's designed for touring, why hasn't it got a fuel gauge?
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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?