Living with the Honda NT-700v Deauville. 18000km review

This short review is made by a very obvious amateur so please forgive the lacklustre production values. The Deauville however, is exceptional.
Top speed is 196kmh (122mph). Weighs approx 270kgs. Upright seating position sports tourer. I purchased this bike in the UK for £2700 GBP and paid approx EUR270 to tax it for the roads in Ireland.
I am insured by Nash and it costs me the ludicrous sum of EUR640 per year.

[@johnwood4448]

Thanks for the review,people don't know what they're missing with Honda NT700V Deauville. 12 months ago I bought a practically unmarked fully loaded(Honda top box and heated grips) 2010 NT700V Deauville with 26k miles on which came with a stack of paperwork and servicing details. I've since put nearly 9k miles on it,the bike is a peach to ride with no vices and with a low CofG it handles superbly for a bike weighing 245kg whether on motorways Aor B roads or bumpy back lanes.Anyone who calls them a Dullsville hasn't ridden or owned one or is talking out of their backside. Mine shoots upto the ton smoothly with more in reserve and will run all day long at 70 to 75mph,a beautiful,well designed bike that just gets on with whatever I throw at it,it also regular as clockwork returns between 68 and 72mpg (imp) and all for £3,400! They can have their Beemers etc this thing is practical,solidly built Honda at it's very best!

[@Jackdaw5]

Great little video. I've had three Deauvilles. A 650 and two 700s. The first two did over 100,000 miles. The latest is on 75,000. But I'm retiring and can finally give up my knackering long distance commute. But no way am I getting rid of my DV - comfortable, reliable, practical and great fun to ride! :-)

[@gregmenego2200]

Got one last week. I am 65 and have come a long way since my CBX and VF1000RE days and can only rave over her. Love her....😚

[@xxdarek225]

100% approve what you said. I used to have sport bikes and naked bikes. Last week I bought NT700v and I love it. Dont need to break the speed limit to have fun going through the corners and its so comfortable and practical.

[@trex450flyer]

Have one, here in the USA, where it's known as the NT700V. Fabulous bike, does many things well, I can't think of a bike that compares to it. Many happy miles!

[@johan0234523]

I am on my third now, and for me it's the ideal commuter bike. Enough space to store my laptop bag, shoes, and other belongings, and enough weather protection without being overly heavy. And it's fast enough for urban / commuter traffic (it's not an Autobahn warrior though).

[@scrumpymanjack]

I think I've found my next (and first) big bike. I'm already in love - and I also think it's a classic....one of those perfect moments when you can pick them up for nothing because very few people are aware (yet!) of their lasting appeal. If I had money, I'd buy three of them, one to ride and the other two just sitting in my garage so that I could sell them in 10 years' time.

[@robertoc2485]

Yes I agree. People slag them off but they've never ridden one!

[@johnhutchinson2500]

Have to agree with you totally. Bought mine just over a year ago now, and the more I ride it the more I like it.

[@SecureWind]

John, I agree! Fun bike, just over 5000 miles on mine, need to get out more

[@MultiLetku]

i'have 2002 with 136500km (84820 miles) as daily driver ,and it work's perfectly day after day , I took it to Lapland this summer and had more than 2500km ,zero problems ,just remember to add some gasoline time by time. I have rode 7000km this summer thus far ,rand it have sipped only 3dl of oil. What a marvelous machine and handles really nicely ,no power tough. And the best part was the price ,I bought it one and a half years ago with 1000€ , now 14000km behind and many more ahead,best bike i ever owned. I have really grown in to the bike ,love it.

[@Jodyrides]

I found one of these machines here in October 2023 for sale, original owner, always kept in the heated garage, 7500 miles/a 2010. Flawless non-ABS model thank goodness. I will only buy a motorcycle. without ABS from now on. I had an experience with my BMW K 1200 LT on a road that had gravel on it going downhill. No brakes.. I mean nothing front or rear, ABS on a motorcycle is dangerous. Because the brake system completely stops working. It’s not like a car where you have one wheel that will stop applying brake pressure, and three other ones that will. Your front brake is the one that’s going to save your life on a motorcycle, when that stops working, you’re dead… I went down that steep hill on that 950 pound BMW in the middle of nowhere, about the length of a football field, no breaks at all. I was lucky, there was a cyclone fence around an auto salvage yard at the bottom of the hill. I ran into that fence that was like a large wire net to stop. Only breaking my front fender. One thing to note about bikes with fuel injection, like this spike in the video if your battery goes dead, because you leave some thing on like heated grips or if you use your Killswitch to shut the bike off and leave the key on. You come out an hour or so later or the next day and your battery’s dead. you cannot bump start a fuel, injected, motorcycle with a low or dead battery. You have to have the computer, fully powered, the fuel injection system, fully powered, and the fuel pump fully powered before you would be able to bump start that motorcycle. You can bump start a motorcycle with carburetors, but not fuel injection. You need to carry small jumper cables. Believe it or not. A plug from an old washing machine, or dryer will work. Just put alligator clips on each end to use that cord as a jumper cable. They pack up nicely, much more compact than car jumper cables, which must be much heavier gauge wire.

[@johnrocker2986]

Do like the bike but I love all bikes my mate used to despatch NVT650 it complete 220,000 miles what a machine!

[@smrangers22]

best bike i ever owned !!! so so comfortable to ride and never let me down , just keep up with the servicing and off you go .

[@carlarthur4442]

The bikes are very reliable, I had a Honda bros which shares a similar engine configuration, I had it 18 years trouble free , I out grew it . But they are a good bike . Underrated .

[@marilynbutler5522]

After owning a pc800 and then a st1300, I downsized to the nt700...I love it...its typical honda quality

[@chrismcternan6573]

Superb review, down to earth and practically informative. Thank you.

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

Have one for 8 months + 15.000km done so far..., perfect bike. Tried a ST130p and prefer this one for share...and Honda quality...

[@hard_top]

Excellent review. Helps to solidify the decision to purchase a second hand one recently. Looking forward to riding it!

[@johan0234523]

I am on my third Deauville now. I find them extremely comfortable indeed, and unless you get on the German Autobahn, also fast enough. Importantly, more nimble than a heavy tourer in urban traffic, but still more bad weather protection than an allroad. Great commuter, in my opinion.

[@dublin309]

Thanks for the video - really useful 'real world' information and just what I've been after - I'm considering buying one of these and was a bit put off by the 'boring' jokes - thanks again!

[@FalertTheDim]

No bodge! If someone tells you that a 700cc V-twin two wheeled touring machine that can hit 60mph in 5.4seconds is boring, that person doesn't quite know how to live!! Compared to a BMW S1000RR, sure, it lacks capability on the track, but it is so versatile. Good luck getting more than 150kms out of the Beemer's tank, or packing a bunch of IT equipment onto it.

[@terryanderson8354]

Appreciate your review. Wishing you many happy miles ahead!

[@brianfarrell6607]

Watched this twice. I'm buying one next week all being well 👍

[@FalertTheDim]

Ha happy days - hope you are enjoying it Brian!!

[@robertoc2485]

Great video. I agree with everything you say Aaron. I have a 2004 650 and I love it!

[@thedriver2475]

Been thinking of buying one of these for 2 months now after 6 years out and looking for something practical, I hear many dislike but everyone that owns one falls in love with it. I think it's time for a test ride after this video.

[@FalertTheDim]

Definitely, it is a great all rounder. It handles brilliantly, always starts, looks great, can carry the kitchen sink and my missus is comfortable enough on the back of it. The only area it is lacking is raw speed, which I won't lie, can be lovely.

[@AmbaMerlinson]

Do it, mate, do it. Bread and Butter bike 😜 Bought my used one (2004, 40.000km) four years ago. After ten years brake. Today nearly doubled the mileage. Commuting, even in winter, holiday trips (5000km / 2weeks). Ist works fine. Actually equiped with Michelin Road 5! Great in middle europe. Fantastic grip niveau even in cold conditions. In hot conditions and hot tires it'll need care because of slipping at driving on the edge.

[@mikedignum1868]

I had my first big bike tour on the 700 to Ireland in 2008.

[@ShortCycle.]

Great review goes into details others don't - showing pannier internals etc. Seriously considering one as first 'big' bike.

[@spila123]

So? Have you? Considering the samen here

[@ShortCycle.]

@@spila123 Sadly covid has prevented me from completing my direct access motorcycle test. So I'm stuck on a 125cc with Learner Plates until the test backlog clears.

[@spila123]

@@ShortCycle. I understand. Tx for the reply

[@kevinmckeon2543]

Great bike. The garda used them exclusively in the 00's for a reason.

[@originalrockhead]

I decided I needed to get a second bike to ride through the wetter winter months. Was originally going to get the 650 deauville, but the bike shop let me down; I waited 5 weeks for delivery that never happened. I've cancelled that purchase and went somewhere else and found a great deal on a 2006 700 with 38,000 miles on the clock. I actually think the 700 will be better, especially as it has a fuel gauge. I ride every for my commute to work, so need something comfortable, reliable and with good fuel economy for the 70 mile round trip. This video made me decide to go for a 700 instead of the 650. Cannot wait for it to arrive so I can start riding her to the office.

[@FalertTheDim]

Your reasoning is exactly what drove me to get the NT700. It has slightly more luggage, better wind protection, better fuel economy (at higher speeds), I even think it looks better too. I reckon they hold their value better. I sold mine, with an extra 23k km and 3 years, for the same price I bought it.

[@alenfora1400]

Best review on a nt700

[@nickkablokje]

I agree with you, this is a great bike! There is a shift indicator on my bike where the hole is in your dashboard.

[@FalertTheDim]

Ah cheers! That would be a good place for one actually. I am so used to it now I wouldn't need one. The bike however, I forgot to mention in the video, could do with a 6th gear.

[@tangostalons5807]

Great yokes! Ive had fazer 600, Bros 400 /600 , Sv650 Vstrom 650.. my Da rides a Nt650v and i always slagged him... untill i got one dirt cheap fixed it up rode it for a week and i found it great craic! Panniers , low seat, V Twin thump.. whats not to like 👍

[@cecilwilson5442]

Just bought one today with 15000 miles from new ,, sold my speed triple ,,but keeping my gsxr 1000 k6 best of both worlds now 😁😁😁😁😁 from northern Ireland

[@ilikelampshades6]

Selling my pickup for one of these. I have a Bonneville which is my dream bike, but my god its cold in winter. Commuting at -5 degrees at 70mph without a fairing is painful. But paying £400 a month on diesel to commute by car is also painful. Hopefully one of these will be a reliable workhorse for me

[@captlarry-3525]

Thank you Aaron, no baloney. Much appreciated

[@PaulDonovan]

Excellent review... Cheers !

[@edzaslow]

Nice review! You cover all the main pointsl

[@FalertTheDim]

Cheers Ed, ride safe!

[@patapapatapi]

I've had a '07 Deauville for two years and I couldn't agree more on every point. I'd add excellent wind protection, although in summer (here in France) a naked bike would be more suitable. My only gripe.

[@FalertTheDim]

For touring and for higher speeds, you need that wind protection. I remember driving a Naked bike on the motorway. Above 100km/h I felt like I was about to be ripped off it by the wind. The Deauville's fairing allows you to cruise at 140km/h in comfort all day.

[@listairgin]

Good review, thank you 👍

[@thomas316]

Lots of motorcycle couriers used them in London. Must be reliable and cheap to run or they wouldn't have been so popular.

[@tommck2386]

Great review Aaron, im looking at one of these at the moment as a commuter once Irish weather allows lol. I need a bit of advice though as I work in an office. Do you wear you bike gear over a shirt and slacks and just stow it all away and waht about the creases!!! I just dont know what to wear or pack to office if going on the bike?

[@pk6004]

Great wee review 👍 I was thinking of getting a Deauville 700 myself. How are they for taller riders?

[@bigbluechopper24]

Great review. What is it like for long motorway journeys at 80mph? Does it vibrate much as it only has 5 gears?

[@FalertTheDim]

Not at all. It is actually very good at those speeds. I could cruise all day at 90mph if I wanted. Though, you would want earplugs and warm clothes. The bike will be loud and it will take a bit of time to get up to speed, but no trouble there.

[@bigbluechopper24]

@@FalertTheDim Thanks for the info :)

[@RetiredtoRideSpain]

Good review 👍😊

[@paulhenderson1462]

I'm going to pickup a used red 2010 here in the States. I am wondering where you got the front fender extension? All modern bike fenders are way too short! Thanks. Ride safe...

[@FalertTheDim]

Great question, I never noticed that was an aftermarket part until reading your message. It must have been a previous owner's addition, as it came with the bike. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Congratulations though on your 2010! You will not be disappointed. I was out again on it over the weekend, it is a 10/10 motor and looks fantastic in red. Enjoy!

[@Gertrude180]

Hello Paul, you have a choice of two. The powerbronze mudguard extender or the fender extender. Both available on a popular auction site. I have the fender extender fitted on mine but on reflection I think the powerbronze looks nicer, hope this helps. Ride safe.

[@paulhenderson1462]

@@Gertrude180 Thanks Derek... I found a fenda extenda on the auction site. I just rode 1500 backroad miles from St. Louis (where I picked it up) to Virginia and absolutely love the bike. It averaged 65 MPG! Incredible.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Well done. Very practical bike. Will try to find one. Got my like here. Cheers. p.s. Drop by when you can. You may like my content.

[@quantum9850]

Do you still have the Deauville? Did you have trouble with 2nd gear slipping?

[@FalertTheDim]

I sold the Deauville when I got my VFR and TW125. I since bought a Himalayan. It was the right bike for the right time in my life. The perfect all rounder.

[@quantum9850]

@@FalertTheDim when's the Himalayan review coming? 😉 Interesting bike

[@user-hh8si2dn1y]

What anout those speakers?? Why dont you mention about it?? Just for information bro

[@FalertTheDim]

Speakers don't work at all, just shaped plastic to make the dash look less boring

[@mavisbeeswax8136]

It's called dullvilelle by peiple who drive about in SUVs usually BMW X5s cause they so .ninjas 😅

[@filoIII]

I've heard these are horrible to maintain.

[@FalertTheDim]

Surely not from anyone who got regular maintenance. I have never heard anything but good reviews. I had no trouble with mine.

[@coastrider9673]

It is time consuming to replace the air cleaner. It is time consuming and difficult to replace the spark plugs. It is extremely time-consuming and difficult to check the valve clearance. Rear wheel removal is more difficult and time-consuming than most other bikes. On the plus side, if not abused the bike will run for many many trouble free miles between servicings.

[@jesseycoolen4169]

How do you use the speakers in front?

[@FalertTheDim]

Hey they aren't speakers, purely cosmetic. Strange design choice, I know.

[@jesseycoolen4169]

@@FalertTheDim I've seen some with speakers in it but my friend als has this motorcycle but he doesn't know how to use it, probably because there aren't speakers in there

[@kachekieran]

Thanks for video. I will sure to avoid this bicycle.

[@bitemyassets7432]

Is this full suss? Looking to take this mountain biking.