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Review of the 2007 Honda NT700V Deauville:If ´sedate´ appeals to you, look no further |
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Author: Motormouth (Barcelona, Spain), 2006-12-27, viewed 252 times. | ||||||
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The new Honda NT700V Deauville replaces the mid-90´s original. Conceptually, it is a scaled down ST 1300 Pan European: an affordable two-up tourer that doubles as a daily commuter and can tackle city duty. If your key criterion is “sedate” this is definitely a ride to look at. | ||||||
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The Deauville was originally conceived by Honda’s German design office a decade ago and aimed primarily at the European market. The new (2006) redidition shows major improvements over the original. Chief among them is the reengineering of “V” configured, twin-cylinder, water-cooled, 8-valve DOHC mill which has gained some 80 additional cc´s. This now results in 64HP at 8,000 RPM delivered with adequate mid-range torque through a virtually maintenance-free cardan transmission. The 5-gear box is smooth, well adjusted to the power-plant and offers adequate progression. In normal highway conditions one doesn’t have to work the box excessively. However, a little more left foot activity is required when tackling twisting secondary roads or navigating busy city traffic. The Deauville comes with a 2/3rds touring fairing and a two-position hand-adjustable windshield. This configuration can be further improved with several additions around hands, knees and feet to provide enhanced long-haul protection from the elements. The seating is upright and comfortable for the pilot and well above average for the passenger. The trademark fixed carrying cases, now connected internally through a tunnel of sorts, allow easy stowage of every-day gear and (optional) expanded case-lids add to the bike´s load-bearing capability. Also an option, a large top-case is available which further increases the Deauville´s touring trim and creates a snug and comfortable backrest for the passenger. A new, lightweight ABS system is available as an option along with the standard ´combined braking system´. The forward three-caliper 296 mm twin disks and 276mm rear single are efficient, progressive and work well in stopping the 260 kilograms (236 kgs. dry weight) of the fully fueled bike. Weight distribution is kept fairly low, a trait which combines with a moderate distance between axles to provide adequate handling in curvy roads. The suspension arrangements are straightforward. A conventional 41mm non-adjustable fork forward and a rear mono with hand-adjustable preload provide good handling and a comfortable ride, although the combination is rather soft when subject to any hint of sporty riding. There´s very little one can say on the negative side about the Deauville once you accept it’s basic premise: compromise. It´s a tourer, but a small one. It´s smooth and progressive –but you can only expect so much from those 64HP. It´ll take you from Gibraltar to the North Cape (or from Martha´s Vinyard to the Golden Gate) in comfort and at a good clip, but don´t take it far beyond 140 kph (max speed is advertised at 180 kph plus) unless you´re willing to tense-up against side winds and unexpected potholes... I´m 52, looking to return to ´real-bike´ activity now that my family obligations allow it, and in the market for a reliable and discreet all-rounder. The Deauville appeals to my rational side: it’s safe, comfortable, well-equipped and good value for money. And I will not look like I’m trying to find the Fountain of Youth through massive horsepower or flashy design. However –let’s face it—neither the styling nor the performance turn me on. The bike is an underdeveloped sibling of the elegant Pan European –thus a “me too”. But, more importantly, it lacks power. A further 15HP boost to somewhere near 80HP would give the Deauville a power reserve to use in an emergency during a tricky overtake or just to get a hint excitement when negotiating a few bends on a mountain road. The ST 1300 packs 0.41HP per kilogram of dry weight while the NT 700 V works out at a measly 0.27HP. The comparison is admittedly crude and merely indicative, but it does speak volumes about the Deauville’s character. After a one day, 300+ km test on freeways, country roads and urban traffic, I can only find objective reasons to buy this bike. A lot of them, in fact. It´s perfect for the daily commute, the well designed fairings and cardan-drive make it a clean ride for those days when you just throw a parka over your suit jacket. And one can take her out for a week-end spin in twice as much comfort and safety as most bikes of its size and price (around 10,000 euros/ 12,000 USD). But why is it I´m still looking at other bikes¿ The last time a bought a ´big´ motorcycle was 20 years ago. Back then I had to settle for the one I could afford. Now that I can afford –within reason— whatever I fancy, I’m not sure I’m ready to settle for “sedate”. |
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