Even though some people call it dull, I think for some, this bike is a life saver. I am aware that with any other bike I might have done stupid things and got into bad habits. I am honest enough with myself to know that sometimes I've got the itch to twist the throttle a bit harder - in this regard, this bike kept me alive and responsible. I know it's limits and I know that even those limits can bring me a world of pain if I push them. It's true, you don't get this motorcycle for thrills, you get it for reliability, great handling, decent comfort and some wind protection.
I've had fast sports bikes and sports tourers, and I'd have more, but I also need a reliable comfortable mile muncher. My triumph daytona got nicked, so I was forced to buy whatever cheap bike I could find, which was an ntv650, the deauville without the fairing, and after a while I fell in love with its engine, its handling, and its ability to just go and go. I've had it for over ten years, and its mileage is high now, so I wanted another bike to share the mileage. I went for the deauville because its an ntv650 with a fairing, and I think it is beautiful to ride. And when I want to I can still cut through traffic like a hot knife through butter, and get some decent speeds out of it. And it will go forever. The only people who call its dullsville, are bikers who just use bikes as toys. This is a brilliant bike.
Thanks for an intelligent review, Jeff - with no BS about lack of power as in other reviews. It's not a sports bike! Anyway, who needs that with cameras everywhere? I did the maths, and the newer, 65 hp model has got 87% of the power-to-weight ratio of an ST1100, and the same time figure for the 1/4 mile as the old Pan (i.e. 14s.) Likewise criticisms of its looks. Not a track sex machine - a sensible, reliable commuter/tourer for the real world. I'm 52 and have owned an old Pan for 5 years (it's a fucking legend.) Could easily see myself downsizing to the NT700 for my twilight years. Bravo Honda!
Would this bike be good as a first "big" bike? I've been puttering around on a 125 but when I pass my test, I want to get a bigger machine. I'm 54 and I don't mind boring. Seems like the ideal match. Besides, I actually think it looks cool. It's already got some retro vibes going on.
Hi scrumpy, was just on one of these yesterday as my Dad bought one of the 2000 models. Very easy going bike and very mannerly, I was impressed with it. I think it could be a perfect step up from a 125. The size compared to a 125 might surprise you but you'll get used to it very quickly. For contex I ride a SV650 and an XJR1300. I'd happily hope up on the Deauville. Hope that helps.
@@Sharkdude5555 Hi David. Thanks very much for your considered reply. Really helpful. The few motorbike friends I have all ride vintage British bikes (only!) and so would turn their nose up at this. But there's just something about it that I love - and I haven't even ridden one yet. If it's going to be forgiving to newbies like me, I love it already!
@@scrumpymanjack No worries scrumpy, glad it's a help! Don't let what others think bother you, ride what you like and enjoy it, you'll go farther more often on a bike you like. Best of luck and enjoy the ride.
Very tempting as a cheap country roads bike. £1500-2000. The 700 version is £2500+. Both worth a look. Watch for dropped damage. They nearly always get dropped.
I would've loved one of these, but the weight put me off. Given that Honda produces Fireblades that weigh little more than a 500cc bike, why oh why are Deauvilles and VFRs so damn heavy?
You'll be fine, I'm 5'6 & had an ST1100 Pan for a while. Learn to put one foot down instead of two if a bike is a bit too tall to get both feet down...
Cheers for that comment David,just sold a Yamaha 650 dragstar thought my riding days were over however got the itch after 3 months boring car drives, will start looking now for the spring.
Hola, Siempre he tenido una duda, como amante de las motos veo y veo videos donde nos cuentan las cualidades de estas maravillosas maquinas, pero casi TODOS olvidan lo mas importante.....el sonido del motor....que error mas grande! cuando un motoquero siempre elije su maquina por como se ve, como se siente y como se escucha su corazón....el motor... Saludos y ojalá les sirva mi crítica...siempre constructiva...
It is only dull if you want it to be, I have lots of fun on mine and believe me I could show lots of other bikes up on it. It is one of the best bikes I have ever owned and I have owned many bikes.
I get 48 mpg average but I cruise at 90 - 100 mph. try openeo online for tyres, maxxis rear is about 65 quid I think and lasted 6000 miles. They grip well enough to scrape the pegs. don't try and fit a wider tyre as it probably wont fit into the swingarm. If you put a lump of wood under the main stand this should lift the bike up enough for you to wriggle the back wheel out without having to remove the mudguard also check the wheel bearings, mine had disintegrated when i first got the bike causing a weave at high speed.
Even though some people call it dull, I think for some, this bike is a life saver. I am aware that with any other bike I might have done stupid things and got into bad habits. I am honest enough with myself to know that sometimes I've got the itch to twist the throttle a bit harder - in this regard, this bike kept me alive and responsible. I know it's limits and I know that even those limits can bring me a world of pain if I push them. It's true, you don't get this motorcycle for thrills, you get it for reliability, great handling, decent comfort and some wind protection.
I think it unsafe, can't wait to get back on my Harley.
I've had fast sports bikes and sports tourers, and I'd have more, but I also need a reliable comfortable mile muncher. My triumph daytona got nicked, so I was forced to buy whatever cheap bike I could find, which was an ntv650, the deauville without the fairing, and after a while I fell in love with its engine, its handling, and its ability to just go and go. I've had it for over ten years, and its mileage is high now, so I wanted another bike to share the mileage. I went for the deauville because its an ntv650 with a fairing, and I think it is beautiful to ride. And when I want to I can still cut through traffic like a hot knife through butter, and get some decent speeds out of it. And it will go forever. The only people who call its dullsville, are bikers who just use bikes as toys. This is a brilliant bike.
Thanks for an intelligent review, Jeff - with no BS about lack of power as in other reviews. It's not a sports bike! Anyway, who needs that with cameras everywhere? I did the maths, and the newer, 65 hp model has got 87% of the power-to-weight ratio of an ST1100, and the same time figure for the 1/4 mile as the old Pan (i.e. 14s.) Likewise criticisms of its looks. Not a track sex machine - a sensible, reliable commuter/tourer for the real world. I'm 52 and have owned an old Pan for 5 years (it's a fucking legend.) Could easily see myself downsizing to the NT700 for my twilight years. Bravo Honda!
My next bike 😊
Would this bike be good as a first "big" bike? I've been puttering around on a 125 but when I pass my test, I want to get a bigger machine. I'm 54 and I don't mind boring. Seems like the ideal match. Besides, I actually think it looks cool. It's already got some retro vibes going on.
Hi scrumpy, was just on one of these yesterday as my Dad bought one of the 2000 models. Very easy going bike and very mannerly, I was impressed with it. I think it could be a perfect step up from a 125. The size compared to a 125 might surprise you but you'll get used to it very quickly. For contex I ride a SV650 and an XJR1300. I'd happily hope up on the Deauville. Hope that helps.
@@Sharkdude5555 Hi David. Thanks very much for your considered reply. Really helpful. The few motorbike friends I have all ride vintage British bikes (only!) and so would turn their nose up at this. But there's just something about it that I love - and I haven't even ridden one yet. If it's going to be forgiving to newbies like me, I love it already!
@@scrumpymanjack No worries scrumpy, glad it's a help! Don't let what others think bother you, ride what you like and enjoy it, you'll go farther more often on a bike you like. Best of luck and enjoy the ride.
For a change a great review on a great real world bike.....from someone with two gixsers but a Revere that is my goto bike :)
Very tempting as a cheap country roads bike. £1500-2000. The 700 version is £2500+. Both worth a look. Watch for dropped damage. They nearly always get dropped.
Beautiful bike.
My one is a 1999 has 70.000 miles on the clock has never let me down , ask me if i would buy another one ? oh yes
I would've loved one of these, but the weight put me off. Given that Honda produces Fireblades that weigh little more than a 500cc bike, why oh why are Deauvilles and VFRs so damn heavy?
are these bikes suitable for someone with a height of 5ft 6in ?
You'll be fine, I'm 5'6 & had an ST1100 Pan for a while. Learn to put one foot down instead of two if a bike is a bit too tall to get both feet down...
Cheers for that comment David,just sold a Yamaha 650 dragstar thought my riding days were over however got the itch after 3 months boring car drives, will start looking now for the spring.
Ile ma Pan cm wzrostu?
On paper, this bike is no better than the much cheaper ( and slightly faster) cb500 but in reality it's a vastly nicer bike to ride.
Hola,
Siempre he tenido una duda, como amante de las motos veo y veo videos donde nos cuentan las cualidades de estas maravillosas maquinas, pero casi TODOS olvidan lo mas importante.....el sonido del motor....que error mas grande! cuando un motoquero siempre elije su maquina por como se ve, como se siente y como se escucha su corazón....el motor...
Saludos y ojalá les sirva mi crítica...siempre constructiva...
if all you are after is a 100% commuter bike this is the one,but they do call it a dull-ville for a reason lol
It is only dull if you want it to be, I have lots of fun on mine and believe me I could show lots of other bikes up on it. It is one of the best bikes I have ever owned and I have owned many bikes.
I get 48 mpg average but I cruise at 90 - 100 mph. try openeo online for tyres, maxxis rear is about 65 quid I think and lasted 6000 miles. They grip well enough to scrape the pegs. don't try and fit a wider tyre as it probably wont fit into the swingarm. If you put a lump of wood under the main stand this should lift the bike up enough for you to wriggle the back wheel out without having to remove the mudguard also check the wheel bearings, mine had disintegrated when i first got the bike causing a weave at high speed.
Someone should have told this nutter then: ua-cam.com/video/HdR4IEusGZc/v-deo.htmlsi=VBlBtrJRXVSSfkLk
Grande moto