‘I can’t complain if I lose £500 in nine years and 60,000 miles’
If you want cheap mileage, RIDE reader Rick says ‘Go Deauville!’
go the distance and bikes that the people
Celebrating
PANNIERS EXHAUST
“The original exhaust is quite poor quality and I fitted a set of stainless-steel pipes almost straight away as the OE ones were rusty. Overall, exhaust aside, the level of finish is excellent on the Deauville.”
Bike 1998 Honda Deauville Total miles 77,535
Rider Rick Alkins
Age 68
Miles per year
“I KNOW PEOPLE knock the Deauville and I have heard it called the Dull-ville a few times but I’ve always liked them. I remember seeing one when it first came out in 1998 and it appealed as it seemed practical and comfortable but it took me until 2012 until I bought this one.
“Before the Deauville I owned a 1989 VFR750, which had done 75,000 miles but, after an operation on my abdomen, I found the riding position too forward. The Deauville and its more-upright stance made sense, so I found one.
“I bought my Deauville in February
2012 and it had just under 18,000 miles on its clocks, which I wasn’t bothered about. It cost me £1750, which is very little cash for such a solid bike and as I knew I’d be riding it a lot, the mileage wasn’t an issue. It doesn’t bother me at all now — it has nearly 80,000 miles on it!
“I try to get away once a year for a big tour, mainly on my own, for ten days or two weeks and I stick in the UK but I ride the Honda every day. Rain or shine, every day is a good day for riding though some are more enjoyable than others.
“The Deauville is really comfortable and easy-going and the V-twin motor is super-smooth. It’s not the fastest bike out there but I don’t want to go fast and it holds 70mph no bother at all and hits 61mpg while doing so. I love the fact there is no chain to adjust or lube; you can just ride it and enjoy and although it could do with a sixth gear, you get used to the five-speed box and at 60mph, it is only just touching 4000rpm, which is OK.
“I’ve made my bike a bit more comfortable through a re-sculpted seat, bar-risers, touring screen and heated grips, which is all it needs to be perfect for all weathers. The belly pan helps keep the engine cleaner, which is worth adding, and I’ve uprated the lights to LEDS as they are a bit dim as standard and fitted an additional brake light for safety. I painted it myself after an off.
“I’m actually (reluctantly...) trying to sell the Deauville for £1250 at the moment as I’ve bought a Honda CB500X, which is a bit lighter and more manageable for me at low speed. I can’t really complain if I lose £500 on the Deauville after 60,000 miles and nine years together!”
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ALTERNATOR
“The alternator went just before 70,000 miles. Changing it wasn’t too tricky once you get the plastics out of the way.”
BRAKES
“I’ve just had all the discs and pads replaced, which is the first time I’ve touched the brakes.”