Honda NT650V Deauville Review (1998)
What Is It?
The Honda NT650V Deauville is a touring style bike with shaft drive and is powered by a liquid cooled 647 cc 52° V-Twin four stroke engine, producing 55 bhp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque at 6,250 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (814 mm / 32.0 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (243 kg / 536 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (190 miles / 306 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.226 bhp/kg / 0.169 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Average (100 mph / 161 km/h)
Pros
- Loads of storage space
Cons
- Limited power for touring
What Is It Like?
I own a 2005 Honda NT650V, a bike I purchased second hand a couple of years ago, and have gained a generally positive impression of.
I say "generally" because there are a few niggling little things which take the gloss off what would otherwise be an excellent commuter and a reasonably good, though under powered, tourer. Perhaps some pros and cons would illustrate my point:
Reliability
This bike being out of the Honda stable, you know you are going to get with reliability. I have a 25 mile round trip to work which I use the bike for regularly and have never had a major issue. I turn the key, hit the starter, and go. Simple as that.
Storage
Built in panniers, glove compartments (one lockable) and a gear rack with bag mean I can carry pretty much whatever I will need to. Gear for work, lunch, change of clothes.......no problem, it all fits.
Comfort
This bike is comfortable with an upright riding position and a comfy seat for my ageing behind, which all adds up to an easy ride.
Lack Of Power
For a bike marketed as a tourer, it is slightly lacking in power. Not a problem in my case, as it is a more than capable commuter. But as a tourer...........perhaps not.
No Fuel Gauge
So you are cruising down the highway for a weekend away and wonder "How is the fuel situation?". Well, unless you are monitoring your mileage, you will have to guess I am afraid. Another odd thing on a bike marketed as a "Tourer".
Buffeting
The windscreen on my bike does very little to protect me from the wind, in fact it makes the issue worse than if I was on a naked bike. I am a shade under 6 foot tall and I get a lot of buffeting from the neck up. I can live with it as I am only commuting with this bike, but if I was touring an after market screen would be essential.
To Sum Up
So there you go, my thoughts on what could have been a great bike, but unfortunately has a few niggling issues. It would not stop me from buying one and I would recommend people consider one, but do your homework.
If I was to rate out of ten.........Six. It's kind of like going to the pub for a pint and a bowl of chips.....you know what to expect, you enjoy it, but you wouldn't pay £25 for it!
- Andy, 2017
Price Guide
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Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.
More Info
Check out part one of a two part video review from andy's shed.