Honda NTV700-Deauville (2007) Review

Overall Rating

- Great bike, proves that ST1300 Pan is quite dear.
- Good with fuel economy
- Well built
- Very comfortable
- Reliable
- Low depreciation.

- Mild steel parts poor for winter
- Expensive accessories
- Slight handlebar vibration at motorway speeds
- Slight image problem (if you're young!)
- Servicing costs fairly high due to fairing (labour costs).

I will concentrate on the downsides of this bike a little more as there is already a lot of good press for it on the net!

I bought my Deauville 700 in August 2007 as I felt it was the best commuter to university, 100 miles round trip per day (14,000 per year). I am very pleased with the bike as it has proven itself as a very good commuter. I have since added some extras (45l topbox, big pannier lids, knuckle wind deflectors, 12v socket, amplifier and speakers) and have tried some limited touring. It has impressed me greatly and am looking forward to a big tour in the summer, expecting it to be a great companion.

There are many people who would like a more powerful engine, but I fear that this would reduce the fuel economy of the bike, rendering useless one of it's biggest strengths. I am achieving around 60mpg with marginally easy riding, albeit a lot of it at motorway speeds. 70mpg is possible if you are willing to drop to 56mph with the lorries.

The engine has good torque, and handles the weight of the bike well. Don't expect an adrenaline rush on this bike as the engine certainly isn't revvy, but I expect with time you could extract some entertainment out of it, as the engine is definitely better than the old 650 bikes of '99 - '06. I have heard of a few kneedowns on this bike, although it's out of my ability to try myself!

Essentially, the bike is close to a perfect package physically.

Like all bikes, there are a few niggles which are disappointing. As the bike is such a good winter bike, it's a shame to have mild steel parts on it's underside. In six months, I am seeing a little rust on the footpegs and have had to increase my care of the bike to compensate (I wasn't neglecting it before!). The bike is a little heavy, so I would expect somebody smaller may have to use their muscles a bit, but it is a tourer and you expect that.

The accessories for the bike command big prices, and I would recommend not to spend too much on them. However, I consider the heated grips and topbox essential for touring and to be honest, all Honda accessories cost. The quality of the accessories are good however, and only the locking mechanism on the topbox has miffed me, as it is fiddly.

The already mentioned vibration at motorway speeds is definitely there, but I would expect it to only be a problem for extended rides. The bike handles two-up very well, but make sure you set the suspension up properly for it as you greatly lose front end feel in worse-than-perfect conditions, much worse than normal.

Finally, you will have heard of the bad image that these bikes carry, although I know almost nobody who is actually unimpressed. I am 24 and many people my age actually respect the bike for what it is. I expect the biggest prejudices come from late 30-somethings who are trying to hold on to their adrenaline fuelled youth.

Personally, I would give the bike a scraping 10/10 if only it had stainless steel parts as the expensive accessories are justified by the quality (just!) and the handlebar vibration is too minor to be a concern.

Accessories:
-Worth the cash: Topbox
A little pricey: Knuckle wind deflectors, pannier lids, heated grips, knee pad set
Pretty dear: Fog lights, Alarm (Both -£50?)
Speakers and Amplifier (Should be half price!)

Members' Comments onpaulusmaximus's Review

• becoles on 20th Feb 2008

  I found this review helpful because... Passed test 2006 (at 47), never ridden a bike previously, used an Enfield 350 Bullet to gain (valuable) experience over the last 18 months; now wish buy a tourer; love the Deuville concept/media reviews (and price); Goldwing/Pan Euro too expensive; if 24 yr. old commuter gives the Deuville the thumbs up, it'll do for me!

• sn18hc on 2nd Mar 2009

  Hello, You mention that someone smaller "may need to use their muscles". At 5ft 6in, would this bike be too tall for me?

• paulusmaximus on 17th Mar 2009

  Hello!
  At 5' 6'', you will be able to ride the bike perfectly safely as long as you are comfortable with a heavier bike. I was writing in reference to the fact that smaller people usually ride lighter and smaller bikes, and therefore are possibly not used to bikes of the Deauville's stature.
  
  I would still say that it would be a safe purchase for you.
  

• sn18hc on 17th Mar 2009

  Thank You. My CBR600 is currently off the road and I have been lent a Bandit 1200. I cope fine with it but I feel that it is too top heavy and too short a wheelbase. The Deauville is well on my shortlist. Thanks.
  
  Neal