Phil's Honda Deauville NT650V


Phil on the move in Kent in 2007, heading for Rochester &
parking up at Trowell Services (M1) in 2008.

Yes! I'm currently riding a 650cc Honda Deauville. Links on the side will take you to pictures of the bike
It's a 2001 model year NT650V1 in blue, bought from a dealer in October 2005 with just 3,250 miles on the odometer. The deal included my part-exchanging the Triumph Sprint ST and the dealer removing a hideous tank pad and fitting:
* A rack
* A front fenda extenda.
Shortly after taking ownership I replaced the really terrible Michelin Macadams (OEM fitment) with Avon Azaros (AV45 / AV46) which transformed the handling and provided confidence inspiring grip when riding, especially in the wet.

First on the shopping list were security enhancements, Thatcham approved:-
* Disc lock
* Security chain & padlock
* Security cable

Next on the shopping list were those accessories that really add to the bike's useability:-
* Moldex "spark plug" ear plugs (disposable)
* Kappa 42 litre top box
* Honda knuckle visors (wind deflectors to you and me)
* Oxford heated grips
* MRA Vario Touring screen with spoiler
* A nice loud horn
* A power socket for charging mobile phone or running a gps sat nav unit.

Then came the extras that are essential for UK & European touring:-
* A Cramp Buster (sometimes called Throttle Rocker)
* Honda pannier bags
* Enhanced tool kit
* First aid kit
* Bungie straps & cargo net
* Additional always on under seat power socket (just in case)
* Small electric air compressor to inflate tyres.

Followed by the adjustments & riding improvements:-
* Drop the yokes 9mm down the front forks, and
* Soften up the rear suspension just a tad so that I could get feet flat on the ground.
* Rotate the handlebars back a tad to improve the riding position.

Then came the one mistake:-
A Blue Media sat nav unit. Originally purchased by a member of the family this unit is running the Navigon v4 software. It is rubbish! Puts you in the righthand lane on the entry to roundabouts to then tell you to "take the first exit left". Tells you to "prepare for a roundabout in 400 yards" when you can see the road is dead straight for over a mile. And it ALWAYS throws a wrong turn followed by a U turn at the QMC roundabout in Nottingham... . . . Boy - do I hate that unit!

Living with a Deauville:-
I bought the Deauville, trading in the Triumph Sprint at Stratstone Motorcycles, Claycross, Derbyshire. Bought with 3,249 miles recorded it has now covered over 27,000 miles. One of the first upgrades was to replace the Michelin Macadam tyres with Avon Azaros, which have in turn been replaced with Avon ST Storms - Avons really suit the Deauville. Additionally I've upgraded the battery to a higher output one, the YTZ14S-BS which gives it a healthier kick when starting and should last a nice long time.

Problems, not many really... the front brakes siezed on the week before it was due it's 16k service. On the 3rd attempt I got them freed off, cleaned, greased and re-assembled with new pads so that I could ride it down to The Motorcycle Workshop, London Road, Derby where they checked my handy work, took care of the rest of the service and fitted new tyres, this time the Avon ST Storms (Avon’s replacement for the Azaros). Other than that and oil & filter changes (which I do every 4,000 miles) all I've done is ride and clean it. It is regularly used to commute on and at other times I've toured; Rennese in Holland in 2006 and Southern Ireland in 2007. There have been ride-outs with the Deauville Owners up to Durham, round Dalby Forest, again up to Scarborough, down to Rochester & Rye on the south coast and round Derbyshire and the Snake Pass, basically all over.

While I don't ride for economy reasons I do keep a log that tells me that over those miles I've averaged 55mpg and had a smile on my face practically all of the time. Together we have survived the torrential downpour that lasted from Fishguard to Derby (via Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, on the return journey from The Republic of Ireland trip) and pissed off many a motorist with my making progress style of riding, and the story is far from over. I have a feeling that this partnership is going to last a very long time.

For pictures of the bike Click here