2012 Honda Deauville: the clever, clever choice
For a smidge under £6k you get a bike that is far more able than its detractors give it credit for.
I once compared the Deauville to a Coelacanth. It should have died out millions of years ago, instead carried on along it’s own evolutionary cul-de-sac. The specs sound like a cruiser. But it isn’t. Born in 1998, changes were incremental. In 2002 the integral panniers got bigger; 2006 it got a capacity increase to 680cc; ABS came on board a couple of years later. The model finally dropped off the production line in 2012, in which time it built a devoted fan-base, plus hoards of detractors labelling it the ‘Dullville’. Who was right?
Give me some spec
A 680cc, 52º V-twin puts out 65bhp/38.3kW @ 8,000rpm with max torque of 49lb-ft/66.2Nm @ 6500rpm, transferred to the rear wheel via shaft drive, housed in a twin steel spar chassis. Top speed is 125mph and bringing it (and the 236kg wet weight) to a stop in a timely fashion are twin 296mm discs with three-piston callipers up front, with support from a single 276mm, twin-piston rear. Our test bike came with heated grips and a range of official Honda aftermarket goodies.
So what’s it like to ride?
The Deauville’s riding position is upright and supremely comfortable. Built to rack up the miles (the 19 litre tank and frugal use of fuel suggests 200+ miles are possible), the neutral placement of bars, pegs and armchair-comfort-level saddle sets you up to ride all day. First thing to do though; find the sweet spot. Rev too gently and the ride is juddering. Venture too far towards the end of the modest range and not just the bars but the frame shakes! I found between 4000 and 5000 revs with the odd trip up to 6000 for overtakes rewarded with a gentle hum and a smooth ride.
It is a better town bike than you’d imagine, soft suspension soaking up the bumps and a generous full lock allowing you to keep your feet up for all but tight U-turns. It isn’t at home on the back roads, preferring big A-roads and motorways where it can settle into a rhythm, sit the engine in the sweet spot and glide, with never an ache translating to the rider. It turns better than you’d think; that 150-section rubber lets it tip in with more agility than looks suggests and rock-steady once leaning. It also stops without fuss or bother, braking system just getting on with the job.
Think of the Deauville as a smaller, lighter, cheaper Pan European. With the integral panniers, optional rack and top box, huge comfort levels and tank range, if you want to tour on a budget, give it a look.
What nick is it in?
Deauvilles are built to clock many, many miles and stay in great condition. This particular machine is very much a shining example.
What’s it worth?
The dealer wants £5999 for a 2012 model with just 16,000 miles on the clock (nothing in Deauville terms) and all the right accessories. I restricted the dealer search to the NT700V model. This gave a price range from a 2007 bike with 36,975 miles for £1795 to a 2010 bike with just 5300 miles clocked for £5195.