Discussions (May 2000 onwards)

Note: Later contributions now at the top...

26/08/2000 From Erik Jansen (teuropa@terra.es)

I was just reading a german magazine, it compares the Suzi sv650 with a modified Honda Hawk (the DV's predecessor): they made a pair of 705cc cylinders from the originals, but also commented that the 750 cylinders of the africa twin could be mounted VERY EASILY on the Hawk (=Deauville)...

Looking for tech facts on the internet without results...

I think many of you might be interested .... Let us know if you find any more information (maybe Eirik has a comment on this). However, I did notice from the figures in the back of one of the UK magazines that the Africa Twin is rated at 58bhp compared to the DV's 57, so not much difference in overall power. It's probably more torquey though.

Yours,

Erik Jansen

26/08/2000 From Ken P (kape0@aol.com)

I have a yk2 dv and would like to know if anyone has had trouble with their wife's feet interfering with their own? (I mean on the bike of course!) Yes, I've noticed this occasionally, but it's not a problem if I ride with my insteps on the footrests, rather than the balls of my feet.

Ps I'm working on a suitable fuel gauge - will keep you informed.

Regards, KenP

I have just bought the parts from my Honda dealer for the 8000 mile service:

Oil filter 7.70

Oil 11.87

Plugs x 4 7.32

Air filter 19.10

Discount - 4.60 (They now give me 10% on everything - but you need to ask)

VAT 7.24

Total £48.63

As there are no parts required for the 4000 mile service that means that two services have cost a total of £48.63. Compare that with the sort of dealer prices I've been reading about above and you save enough for a last minute holiday somewhere very hot! Of course you've got to add to that the one off costs of the Haynes manual (£18) and a good few tools (£80). This should get you a decent set of Halford's 3/8 drive sockets, a torque wrench (not from Halford's - too dear!) and a box of hex and star bits (luxury item). You will also need a couple of larger sockets with a half inch drive - but buy these as you need them. Most people have sockets anyway so the tools cost would only be if you had nothing at all. The only time I would not advocate DIY is if you have to work in the road. You must be off road and ideally in a garage.

Perhaps we could organise a Deauville servicing day up here in St Andrew's and we could all do it together. I've got a big place with huge (4 car garage) and loads of ground. If there was any interest we could probably put people up as well. St Andrews is a fair way from Herts where I live (actually it'd put on 15% of the service mileage just getting there and back!), so it's not practical for me, but others could contact you directly.

Just a thought.

John

I keep my Deauville garaged and it seems to have survived nearly 11 months of use largely unscathed. I gave it a good clean and polish yesterday and noted some slight pitting and corrosion on the exhaust outlets - slight scratching to the screen and front mudguard but otherwise the machine seems as good as new. If I say so myself it is in better nick than some second hand bikes I looked at last year and they had less mileage. I'm no mechanic and I really can't comment on the welding etc. but this is only obvious if you scrutinize the DV closely i.e. look behind the fairing - Mrs C thinks the DV is on of the nicest looking machines on the market and she's an artist. I suppose if we are honest if the DV was built to higher aesthetic standards i.e. made to look prettier under the skin it would end up being much dearer to buy.

The Deauville is approved for police use which I feel is a good recommendation on the machines generally reliability and practicality.

Patrick F Cray

I'm having a few days leave so I took the opportunity to change the fork oil for a heavier grade (20 Wt). This has improved the handling by greatly reducing the front forks from diving when the front brakes are applied.

A simple job for anyone with a workshop manual. I use the Haynes one for the Revere and 650 Twins to 96. Most of the information is the same as there is very little difference between these and the DV. The proper DV manual would be better but after waiting 3 months for it to arrive I gave up and bought this one.

On the question of Trophy vs Deauville, the things preferred about the Deauville are:

1. Handling - the Triumph was a bit top heavy.

2. Weight Distribution - Although weighing the same the Triumph was extremely heavy to get on its main stand and impossible to do with full panniers.

3. Fuel consumption - 63mpg vs 50mpg on a run.

4. Fairing pockets are very useful and instruments are very much better.

5. A drive shaft is so much better than a chain. I do not miss all that lubrication, cleaning and adjusting every 500 miles.

Things missed:

1. 100 bhp - however, I used to spend most of my time on the Triumph between 80-90mph, I still do on the DV - but the fantastic power rush when I want to really move is not there.

2. Build quality and finish. I heard that Honda was excellent and it normally is, but the Spanish build quality is much lower than other Hondas I've had. Nasty welds and poorer quality materials are no match for my Triumph which was six years old and like new.

John

I've noticed that the metal plate between the footrests on each side of the bike has become badly discoloured. I have found a cure for this by cleaning them up with aluminium polish. I used Belgom's 'Alu', but I presume they all do the same job. It was quite expensive at £7 for a small pot, but it works well and lasts a long time. I also used it on the engine cases, wheels and even on the chrome exhausts. It brought them all up like new. Thanks for the tip - the metal plates that hold the footrests were the first parts on my bike to show corrosion, after just a couple of weeks use last winter.

John

I have just completed a round trip of 1173 miles. Starting from St Andrew's in Scotland on Monday lunchtime, I travelled down to Oxford to hand in a dissertation. The Post Office have managed to loose the odd library book I sent by post in the past, so I wasn't going to entrust the fruit of 2 years work to them.(Sounds like a good excuse, not that you really needed one!) On Tuesday morning I thought I would take the scenic route home - across to Wales and along the Welsh coast. I dillied and dallied and spent the night just outside Aberystwyth. On Wednesday, I came home via Colwyn Bay, then along the A55 to the M6, upto Carlisle and then the A7 to Edinburgh (nice route for a change, I usually take the A68 or the A74) - then home. The scenery was fantastic. No aches or pains - the bike was superb. I spent most of the time at around 80-90mph with the occasional spurt to 100mph. I averaged 63.53mpg!

I had a Honda topbox on and it was no problem at all. I encountered several cloudbursts - the kit kept me dry - it was fun. Some evil side winds on the M6 reduced me to 50mph once and my magnetic map case blew off and was lost forever together with my favourite small pocket map of GB. Apart from that it was a fantastic trip. The DV has now covered 6750 miles since April 00.

This trip has convinced me even more what a fantastic bike the DV is. I wouldn't want anything else. But I'd change it up if they brought one out with a temp & fuel gauge and better panniers - ones that could hold a bit more. I have to say that I don't have the foot protectors and my feet were never cold or wet. Save your £100 and buy a pair of Sidi Black Rain boots instead! What is it about the DV that you prefer to your old Trophy ?

John

Living in Blackpool we experience a large amount of windy weather especially from October to about February when we get some pretty horrendous gales sometimes gusting to over 100 mph. In general I find riding the DV even in high winds in town to be fairly easy but it can be a different matter entirely on exposed roads especially motorways. There is no doubt that the DV can be susceptible to very strong cross winds; but I'm not convinced that it handles any worse than other bikes I have ridden in similar conditions. In my view riding motorbikes on motorways in high winds is frightening to say the least. On the subject of wind and weather protection I think size has a major impact - I'm about 5'9" (175cm) in my bare feet, and I find the standard screen to be very effective and the wind noise in my Lazer helmet not too intrusive on short journeys, though I do wear ear plugs when travelling out of the Blackpool area.

I have mentioned this before, but I find that the wind deflectors and fairing lowerers do make a big difference to rider comfort especially in bad weather - I would like to think that when Honda come up with an improved DV they fit these as standard. I have also found that handling suffers when I fit my 45 litre Honda top box especially at low speed and in high winds.

I have experimented with altering the suspension pre-load and have found that 2 clicks from the softest setting works well for me I weigh about 13 stone (82kg). I must admit I am a bit loath to alter any factory settings on my bike but then again I am no mechanic. Has anybody run these alterations by a Honda mechanic and could they invalidate the manufacturers warranty?. It can't affect the warranty, the pre-load is supposed to be adjustable. There are some guidelines in the manual, but they're only guidelines.

On the question of fuel consumption whilst I can get over 200 miles to the tank I don't seem to be able to get more than 170 miles before I have to hit reserve - what sort of fuel consumption are other members getting?. I think I get about 55mpg. In fact I always leave the tap on Reserve, and just use the trip meter as a fuel gauge. Once I get to about 180 miles, I try to fill up ASAP. I've taken it as far as 210, and still had a couple of litres left.

Safe Riding

Patrick F Cray

Hi everybody. I have just bought an imported DV saving me about £1000. I live in Manchester England. I think the DV is the best-looking bike i know. So far i have done 900 miles with no problems apart from windy conditions affecting the handling somewhat. Does anyone know where i can get a workshop manual from? (see www.haynes.co.uk)

Regards

Kenp

5/8/2000 From: Paul Sutcliffe (paulsutcliffe@tesco.net)

First, keep up the good work, great site ! My bike has now covered 10,000 miles, I'm still doing a 120 mile round trip to work, and have had no problems at all. I cruise at about 70mph, and get just over 200 miles before switching to reserve (or since it's an import, 24 km per litre).

It recently had its 8000 mile service, which cost £145. No complaints but what do I get for the money ? I'm going to do my own from now on (and thanks to Eirik for advice on carb balancing). Can anyone out there recommend a good service manual ? (see information further down about manuals or www.haynes.co.uk).

The tyres are now getting close to the limit, and the rear brake pads well worn (probably because I feather the rear brake in traffic). I'm thinking of sticking to Macadam 90X because they seem to get very good press, but has anyone tried other tyres on the DV, if so how do they compare ?

I took the aftermarket lower fairing off for the service, I will leave it off until I've done the 12000 mile service then refit it for winter. Erik Hesshaus says he fitted a TCP lower fairing to his - I tried to get one but there is no distributor in the UK. I found my fairing at MPS (www.thefastone.co.uk), but it comes in black only.

Finally, still no joy with the higher screen. I wear a Shoei RXR helmet, I tried another one to see if the helmet was the problem but it made no difference. I find that even with the normal screen, things like the type of collar on the jacket I wear can make a big difference to windnoise. On my old Kawa 305, I never needed earplugs, but I always wear them now. I'm around 180cm tall.

Paul Sutcliffe

The Deauville has proved to be totally reliable, and has stood up well to some extreme abuse when we went careering down the road after hitting a smallish piece of concrete masonry thrown into the road by local youths!.

After 4000 miles the standard Macadam tyres are bearing up well and have loads of tread left; I find they offer a good amount of grip in the dry and they aren't too bad in the wet either. Fuel consumption is good at low 50 mpg around town and over 60 mpg on longer runs which gives a tank range of well over 200 miles - I would recommend switching to reserve however when you hit about 160 miles to be on the safe side. The engine is lively and willing if you keep it on the boil in the 3000 - 5000 rpm range. I have found 3rd gear to be the most useful for cruising around urban areas, and 5th I now tend to reserve for sustained high speed cruising on Motorways and dual carriageways. 6000 rpm in top equates to about 80 mph which seems to me to be a fine speed to cruise on a DV leaving plenty of speed in reserve if you need to make a spot of progress - I find that dropping down to 4th gives you the necessary oomph for rapid overtaking.

I have equipped my DV with wind deflectors and fairing lowerers both of which I would recommend, though both are very expensive pieces of plastic. Whilst I have no hesitation in recommending the DV I feel there are some areas that Honda could improve - in particular I would like to see the DV equipped with fuel and temperature gauges and a side stand indicator light. The headlights whilst adequate could be brighter and the seat at times is a pain to remove and refit. I would also like to have a little more zip from the engine either by re-tuning or perhaps by fitting the 750 version of the 52 degree V twin from the Africa Twin.

Back firing has been mentioned in previous postings - my DV 'pops' on over run when slowing down which I believe is normal on V twins, if your machine is back firing loudly I would suggest you take it back to your dealers and get it sorted.

Safe Riding

Patrick F Cray

I tried out Chris Ure's suggestion (28/6/00) and dropped my forks by 9mm. I am amazed at the difference it makes. Technically, I think that the bike is more unstable, but 'unstable' is a misleading word for the DV. I think the DV is too stable in its original form and this mod not only gives it much better handling (especially in the corners) but also makes it a bit more exciting to ride.

It takes about ten minutes. All you need to do is slacken the two bolts that grip the forks at the top yoke and the two nuts that grip the forks at the bottom yoke. Then raise the forks up through the yokes. Measure 9mm from the top shoulder of the fork nut to the top of the top fork yoke and tighten everything up. Easy!

John

27/7/2000 From: Eirik Skjavelend (eirik.skjaveland@bravida.no)

My Ascot 500, which features virtually the same engine in a smaller scale, also backfires. I suspect my problem can be found in a slightly leaking exhaust system, but I'm not sure. Another cause may be too lean idle mixture, but that's definitely not the case on my bike.

I find it hard to believe brakes should have anything to do with it - the only reason then would have to be the engine slowing more rapidly. Since your bike has just been serviced, it may be that they have synced the carbs, and fiddled with the idle mixture. Even the slightest leaning of the mixture (1/4-turn) can cause backfire on the overrun. However, it's not harmful, just annoying - or enjoyable, depending (o:

Finally, it is VERY common for these engines - in all of its configurations - to backfire. I think you'll find more offering the odd pop than those that are always silent. Personally, I wouldn't worry. If it bothers you, try to take out the idle mixture screw 1/4-turn each and see if that makes any difference.

Eirik

25/7/2000 From: Eirik Skjavelend (eirik.skjaveland@bravida.no)

Hi again!

One asked if riding along at high rpm for long periods would hurt his engine. The answer is no - sort of. As long as you keep below redline, the engine will take it effortlessly. After all, it was designed to do so. However, wear does increase with rpm, only the cams and followers suffers greatest wear at low rpm. Still, even kept at redline at all times, the engine should be able to go at least 30.000 miles / 50.000 km between rebuilds. For maximum engine life, the revs should be kept between 3,000 and 5,000rpm most of the time, but there is more to riding than just long engine life, or what? Since no-one is capable of keeping their engine at redline at all times, engines should last at least twice the above stipulation, which should be long enough for most.

As to carb sync. It is important to gap the spark plugs/change if old, and adjust the valves prior to sync'ing the carbs. Otherwise, one may end upwith a false result later. Also, one should check the sync at idle and about 3,000rpm to ensure that the same carb always pull the hardest. Often, one could observe that the one pulling the least amount at idle, is sucking progressively more until taking over at higher revs. If that's the case, one may be better off trying to obtain a decent sync with the idle mixture screws first. Also, it is impossible to obtain carbs that stay fully in sync throughout the rpm band, one must try to obtain a decent balance. I find that most engines tend to perform best if synced at 3,000rpm, even if they are a little out at idle. Running an engine with carbs way out of sync can lead to added vibration as consequently stress every part of the bike more, but even then the effect would be almost negligible. Performance will drop a little, and fuel consumption can increase slightly. As long as my bike idles and runs nicely, I don't bother with carb sync. You, as a rider, will be the first to know if the engine needs tuning.

Eirik

After over 4 weeks minus my machine due to the idiotic behaviour of youths throwing missiles into the roadway, I have finally been told I can collect my machine tomorrow Monday 23.7.00. Unfortunately despite waiting all these weeks the new exhaust and crash bar are still on back order - expected to arrive in the UK on 2.8.00!!.

The main problem was the delay in Cornhill authorising repairs; they alleged that when the engineer examined my bike they hadn't received my claim form - result the engineer couldn't authorise repairs on the spot - I think it was more likely due to their bureaucratic inefficiency as I have lost count of the number of phone calls I have made to them and I returned my claims form days before the bike was examined. Cornhill are apparently getting out of bike insurance which may account for their less than efficient service.

On the bright side Cornhill have sent me a cheque for £150.00 in respect of damaged clothing the maximum allowable under my Honda Cover policy and it looks like my contents insurance will go somewhere towards making up the short fall.

24/7/2000 Good news got my DV back today Monday 24th July 2000. Still awaiting a new exhaust it's on back order from Lord knows where - estimated delivery is now 9/8/00. Anyway my local dealers John Hall & Son,Devonshire Road, Blackpool have done an excellent repair. The exhaust is still awaiting replacement but it is functioning - the damage though extensive is cosmetic but it does need replacement as rust has bit where the chrome has gone.

Very nice to get back into the saddle but I did feel slightly nervous as I rode home. Once I've got back into the swing I'll post a report on my first 10 months of life with a Honda Deauville.

Safe Riding

Patrick F Cray

I checked my carbs for balance the other day (4500 miles before required by the Service manual) and discovered they were quite a bit out. I suspect that they weren't checked at the 500 mile service or were never balanced properly in the first place. I have no confidence whatsoever in dealer servicing.

Anyway, without a service manual (still waiting for mine to arrive) I managed eventually find out where to connect my Carbtune II balancer (£49 for a 4 tube or £34 for a two tube - you only need the 2 for the Deauville). On the r/h side facing forward there is a small screw located between the cylinder head and the carburettor inlet - remove this and screw in the adapter in the Carbtune kit. Then attach the rubber pipe. Afterwards the small screw has to be replaced. On the other side there is a small circular brass drum with a small rubber pipe coming out the front. Disconnect and connect the other Carbtune pipe to the rubber tube. I just used another adapter between the two pipes. Remove the tank, unscrew the air filter from the necks of the two carbs and lift it back. Right in front is a bright yellow balancing screw. Turn the engine on, (there should be more than enough petrol in the carbs to do the job) then turn up the idle speed to about 1500 rpm and tweak the yellow screw - a little to the left to adjust the right hand tube or a little to the right to tweak the left hand tube. Until I get the manual I don't know what height the readings should be so I balanced the lowest reading to the highest..

Hope this helps those who want to DIY.

John

John Replied: The engine just feels and sounds wrong somehow, like it's struggling a bit. It does loose some power and drinks more fuel. I couldn't seem to get more than 54 mpg even on a 200 mile trip. I tend to cruise about 80 most of the time. But that's up now to 58mpg around the town. Also one cylinder runs hotter than the other; which can't do it much good.

17/7/2000: From: Erik M. Jansen Hesshaus (teuropa@webhouse.es)

Hi,

first, sorry, if my english is not so good. As usual, better than my Spanish, I've corrected a few spelling mistakes though.

Since long i wanted to write for this Deauville website, and now i've have something to tell. Since 8 months i own a red Deauville. I elected this bike, although i wanted a bigger tourer, but i do a lot of city motorcycling and really didn't want to have to move a monster bike between cars and pedestrians. The Deauville is the one and only real all-round (road) bike: quite handy, fast enough, very nice equipment, proven and solid engine with cardan, not too expensive, cheap insurance...

I've made nearly 8000 km, many together with my wife. She and me are happy to confirm that after many hours per day trips, we're always very fresh on arrival. And here in Spain we have so many nice secondary mountain roads.... We're going across the Pyrenees this august, and are planning a holiday in the Alpes next year (of course, on the Deauville!)

I've made 3 changes: a TCP engine and feet protector (don't know the english word for it), the big panniers (and fitting honda inner bags) and a higher windscreen. The new windscreen is also from TCP, only 10 cm (3 inch?) higher then the original and its curve is a little upsides. As a result i can drive 160 km/h sitting right up and if i lie on the tank it's nearly silent. I also can drink a coke while driving fast without getting all the liquid in my face... And it has no effect on top speed or anything else. It's just not that high to prevent you from getting flies etc. on your helmet And as i'm living in Spain, rain is something rare.... I guess the Spanish police are a fairly relaxed bunch then. If an English copper saw anyone riding a bike & drinking a coke at the same time, they'd be booked very quickly.

The 'engine and feet protector' from TCP (www.tcpsa.com) is also mounted by the spanish motor police, looks very good (i think the separated Honda protectors are horrible) and does a great job. As the engine itself isn't very sexy, this aftermarket part really improves the looks too... :)

The big panniers make the bike only a little wider, just 2 cm more (on each side) than the former maximum width, so it's really not a big problem in the city. And now i can put the helmets in the panniers and even some other things. And the accessory honda bags fit perfectly and are very helpful. They look a lot wider than that, don't they.

After these changes, the bike is much better equipped, comfortable and looks impressive.

I have only one important doubt, and maybe someone here can answer me: is a sustained cruising speed of 160 km/h (several hours on the motorway) at 6500-7000 rpm, too much for the engine or not? (Before i had a Burgman 250cc scooter and could fully open the gas and have it this way all the time). This sounds like a question for Eirik if he is reading.

Thanks for making the Deauville site and best wishes!

Yours sincerely

At the time of posting it is 3 weeks since my mishap on the way home from work and I've only just had the nod from the loss adjuster to get the DV repaired. Cornhill claimed they did not have my claims form at the time my machine was examined therefore they could not authorise repairs there and than!!.. Anyway with a bit of luck I should be back on two wheels in a week or two. I have more or less got over my injuries which were fortunately not too serious due in no small part to good biking gear - especially my Dutch Revitt motorcycle jacket. Sounds like typical insurance company incompetence. I've yet to have a positive experience making a motor insurance claim.

I'm glad you had a nice holiday I've only ever been through Switzerland on a train en-route to Austria but it looked a beautiful country.

Safe Riding

Patrick F Cray

11/7/2000 From: Eirik Skjavelend (eirik.skjaveland@bravida.no)

Hi again (o:

I'd just like to comment a little about the dropped front end, because in THEORY that kind of modification should make the bike LESS stable and MORE susceptible to side winds. Why? Because it will reduce rake and trail, both stabilizing features. It should also make steering lighter and quicker and perhaps make the front end seem more planted because you'll have more feedback. But as long as something works, why bother with theory?

Eirik

28/6/200 From: chris.ure (chris.ure@iclway.co.uk)

Hi all, I have had my Deauville for nearly a year now and have just returned from a trip to the WSB at Hockenheim, The Deauville is a superb touring machine,but I noticed while trying to keep up with my friends on their sports machines that the Deauville didn't like going fast into corners and was also affected by crosswinds more than my friends machines.

Upon my return I looked into this problem and worked out that it lay with the front castor angle, the solution was to drop the frame down the front forks so that I had 9mm from the shoulder of the fork top nut to the top of the upper fork clamp. The difference I could not believe, I now have a bike which handles brilliantly, goes round corners like its on rails with no effort and the effect of crosswinds has all but been eliminated. Incidentally, the preload I have set to just a shade hard of standard. That's interesting information - I think in effect you have shortened the front end of the bike ? Have you noticed any bad side effects of doing this ? I know very little about bike suspension, but it all seems to be about compromise, so did anything get worse (e.g., low speed handling) ? If you could provide some explanation of why this modification works, that'd be really helpful.

I also had the High screen for one day but hated the looks so am going to fit the Givi flip screen which fits perfectly as well as being stylish and doing the job of keeping off the wind blast. The Honda high screen is horrible, it's true. Paul Sutcliffe (see below) tried the Powerbronze flip screen and said it was much worse than the standard one as the wind blast was then directly at his head. Please let us know how you get on with the Givi screen.

I hope the above is of use to the rest of you,

Chris

I just thought I would post a warning to anybody considering coming to Blackpool following my mishap on Wednesday 21/6/00.

Whilst riding home along Yeadon Way which is the link road from the M55 to the holiday area of Blackpool at 2230 hrs last Wednesday, I hit a piece of concrete masonry and parted company from my beloved DV. Youths are bricking passing vehicles on Yeadon Way and have caused damage to cars and coaches and injury to passengers. I hit one of their leftover missiles.

My Deauville has sustained over £1000 worth of damage and I have been off work since Wednesday - badly sprained left hand and bruises and sprains just about everywhere else. Bang goes my no claims bonus. I have also had some anti-bike rhetoric from Mrs C you can't blame her. I have to admit that sliding down a road at 25 mph and watching your almost new bike overtake you in a shower of sparks is not the best way to end an evening !! - nor is 3 hours at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Once again the built in crash guards minimised the damage to my machines fairing but the exhaust and right hand mirror and pannier took real pasting.

Anyway I'll digress my 4000 mile service at John Hall & Son, Devonshire Road, Blackpool cost me about £80 and the mechanic reckons a major 8000 miler will cost about £150.

So as the result of some morons behaviour I will be hundreds of pounds out of pocket and bikeless for weeks.

Safe Riding

Pat Cray

RE: The Bikenet Road Test link. Does this actually exist anymore, only I have tried to find it without success?

John

My bike has just hit 4000 miles after two months. I have enjoyed riding it so much and Scotland is such an ideal place for motorcycling that I have notched up the miles. That's pretty good going. It's taken me about 5 months, and the bike is booked into the dealer for Thursday.

I also service my bikes myself, you only have to read Ride's report on servicing to see why! Apart from that I really enjoy it and it is so simple to do.

This service involves just a few simple things:

1 Check lights, horn, indicators, instrument warning lights, brake lights and instruments

2 Inspect throttle choke clutch cables for damage, fraying and correct level of free play

3 Inspect brake pads for wear

4 Check and top up both brake master cylinders

5 Inspect wheels for cracks, kerb damage

6 Inspect tyres for damage, tread wear, bulges, cuts and splits. Check tyre inflation pressures

7 Inspect for oil leaks from all areas

8 Check engine idle speed 1100-1200 rpm

9 Visually inspect all fittings for security. Tighten to the correct torque as necessary

10 Clean spark plugs (4) and adjust the gaps

11 Honda also recommend changing the oil and filter every 6 months or 8000 miles which ever comes first. As mine is only 2 months old I didn't need to do this.

John

Well first let me offer my thanks for this site and all the work put into it .. And thanks very much to all the people who have posted or written info contained on this web site ..

Well as of the 12-06-2000 , I am the owner of a new Red Honda Deauville.

And as I had found this site before my purchase , and had read all the e-mails , I had Honda Lower fairings fitted to the bike by my supplier ,( better than getting wet feet I reckon ).

I first became interested in the Deauville about 6 months ago , at that time I was running a Suzuki Bandit , which didn't meet all the criteria that I wanted , plus I got fed up with the engine screaming in my ears at 70mph and the wind trying to blow me off ( retro style ) plus the wife found the pillion seat uncomfortable .

So her I am , after two test rides , 3 months apart , very happy with my purchase , enjoying a more relaxed drive with a bike that seems it will go on all day at 70mph ++ with out any problems , and doesn't seem to thirst for the unleaded , no chain to adjust , wind protection , and built in luggage . and no moans from the wife .. I think that probably sums it up.

And as a foot note , its a bit like riding the VT500 I owned about 3 years ago but much better all round

Best Regards

Edd

As I approach 9 months ownership of my Honda Deauville I thought it was about time I wrote a bit of an update.

I have now got just short of 4000 miles on the clock, and I am still very pleased with my purchase, the DV has certainly proved to be an effective commuter giving well over 50 mpg during mixed riding and over 60 mpg on a longer run. Let us know the details of the 4K service. Mine is just coming up to it as well, so it'd be interesting to compare notes.

The gearbox whilst being a bit clunky has never dropped out of 2nd unlike some NTV's. I have found that 3rd and 4th are the best gears for making good progress and that 5th is more like an overdrive for high speed cruising. I rarely use 1st or 2nd other than at very low speeds. 1^st to 2^nd is the worst, really requires a firm foot action, and it's still pretty clunky.

I can recommend the fairing lowers and wind deflectors, and I have made extensive use of the Honda 45 litre top box. The top box especially when fully loaded, does effect handling especially in strong crosswinds. I also think that the scuff pad set maybe a good investment as I have slightly marked my panniers with my riding boots. Although the wind deflectors apparently work well, I think they look like a bit of an afterthought, as they're made out of fairly cheap black plastic, which look obvious, even on the dark purple bikes.

The DV has always started easily, and the machine has stood up well to the rigours of a Blackpool winter.

The Macadam tyres are wearing well, but the front wheel let go on me whilst I was doing my MAC course on a very wet road near to Kendal. As I was picking myself up a friendly local informed that a load of diesel had been spilt on the road the previous day!!.

The crash guards worked well and my bike only suffered cosmetic damage. As an aside my MAC instructor came off his works' Pan a few weeks later whilst checking out a route for a HUKRC rideout - so it can happen to the best of us.

My experiences with the DV have generally been positive, the Brembo brakes are excellent and the seat is good for 300 - 400 miles in a day. The bike corners well and I have found no problems with the shaft drive - in fact I would not like to go back to a chain driven machine.

Any downsides?. Yes: I would like to see a temperature and fuel gauge and a side stand indicator lamp; the headlight could also do to be a tad brighter, but overall I would have no hesitation in recommended the Deauville to anybody looking for competent tourer/commuter.

Safe Riding

Patrick F Cray

6/6/2000 From: Steve Patriquen (patriquen@yahoo.com)

Hello - We are the owners of a new-to-us 1998 Deauville and I have a couple of questions.

1) Is there an aftermarket silencer available (preferably stainless steel)? All the used Deauvilles I've looked at suffer from some corrosion around the can.

2) Is there an aftermarket seat? Or does a standard NTV 650 seat fit?

This will be primarily my wife's bike (she-of-shorter-inseam). I have a 36" inseam and normally ride my K*w*s*ki GTR1000, but would like to use the Deauville (with narrow pannier lids) for commuting in London at times. It would be much more comfortable for me with a taller seat that could be swapped.

BTW - I have imported bikes into the US (from Canada) and now into the UK from the US (the GTR), so if anyone wants to contact me, I can provide my $0.02.

Thanks for providing this site!

Steve (in London)

I have replaced the Honda taller screen with the small one. It did an excellent job but because I'm a bit short in the leg/body the top edge was constantly in my line of sight. If anybody is thinking of buying one and wants to save themselves £50 then please contact me. Mine is 2 months old and I only want £50 (complete with rubber seal) plus P+P. Surely a bargain for anyone who wants a tall screen.

John

The Honda NT650V Deauville arrived in the showrooms of the UK in 1998 replacing the popular NTV650. In it's original version the Deauville was available in pyrenne brown metallic,sandy beige metallic and pearl raspberry black!. The first version sported the following dimensions L 2220 mm x W 770 mm x H 1260 mm with a seat height of 810mm, 19 litre fuel tank and produced 55.7 hp @ 8000 rpm and had a dry weight of 223 kg.

The 1999 model saw a number of improvements/changes the bike was now 2214 mm x 780 mm x 1261 mm and the seat height had increased to 814 mm and the fuel tank capacity had grown to 19.5 litres. Engine revisions now gave a claimed 56 hp @ 7750 rpm. The DV had also gained the Honda HISS ignition system. As far as I am aware the only other change was the replacement of the not very popular brown DV with a pennant red metallic version.

The only changes for 2000 are the replacement of the raspberry black DV with the blue version and the HISS badge on the fuel tank. A sashia white version is also manufactured which can be seen on the Honda UK web site but I think it is mainly aimed at the emergency services - there is certainly a police version of the DV.

Safe Riding

Patrick F Cray

I'm thinking about putting a radio/CD player in my DV. Looking at the Honda prices I was wondering if bike radios/speaker are different from car ones? Are they waterproof? If not, does anyone have any experience of fitting an ordinary one into a bike? What are the problems, pitfalls with having one on the bike? Are speakers or headphones better etc.? Any information and advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks,

john 

There were a few white bikes released by accident ( so Honda say ) last year in November when stocks of all colours except Black had been exhausted. One was sent to HGB in Ruislip and Three to Dobles in Coulsdon. I bought mine from Doble and it certainly gets a few double takes both on the move and when it is parked up. Released by accident ? What, they opened the door of the warehouse and the crates just made a run for it ? More like they had some white ones left that the plod didn't want. I don't suppose you ever "accidentally" ride around in a yellow hi-viz jacket with a white helmet do you ? That'd be fun.

So how about showing off your bike at one of the HUKRC monthly meets. They are great for a chin wag and clocking some superb machines. Better still join in with one of the Sunday ride outs! I'd like to. There was a rideout in my area (Herts) a few weeks ago, but I only knew about it 1 day in advance. Are they publicised anywhere except in the letters that HUKRC send out ?

23/5/2000 From: Paul Sutcliffe (paulsutcliffe@tesco.net)

Update on my progress - sorry but still not got my hands on a digital camera for pictures.

The lower fairing/mudflap work great, keeps the exhausts, shaftdrive etc much cleaner than before and I just give the bike a quick jetwash each weekend. (Probably rusting away under the fairing - I will be removing it before the 8K service to check).

The Powerbronze screen was disastrous - not high enough. Insetad of getting the wind hitting my shoulders and roaring past my ears, it hits the helmet direct and just booms - like being inside a drum. Probably 5 times as bad. I used it for one day, and removed it that same evening. Even with earplugs it was painful.

I am currently cutting holes in it similar to the Honda screen, to see if that will help.

How do you find the Honda high screen ? Is it quieter than the normal one ? It must be quieter for a normal height person. I still get a bit of turbulence in my normal seated position, but if I lower my head by an inch or two there's almost no noise. So If you're 6 foot 2 or less, I'd expect the Honda screen to be pretty effective. Note that John Russell (see below) wants to swap his high screen for a standard one, so maybe you can do a deal ?

cheers - paul

PS My route to work (Sussex to Tower Bridge) is via Tunbridge Wells, the A21, M25 to Dartford, then A2 to Blackwall Tunnel and the Limehouse underpass. A long detour, but only one set of traffic lights until I am through the Tunnel, and they are usually at green ! Saves me 30 minutes each way compared to going via Croydon That's a pretty serious commute !

After a weekends two-up camping in the Highlands I need more storage space on my Deauville. It currently has a 52 litre top-box fitted and as I don't think the larger pannier lids offer good value I was thinking about getting a large tank-bag. Any advice about which bags to go for? I've no experience personally, there's at least one person here with the large pannier lids though - maybe ask them what they think ?

My Deauville has now done nearly 13,000 miles with no problem, including a couple of trips to Mull and one to Ireland. It also managed to get through some pretty deep water during some recent flooding in Edinburgh.

Regards

Steve

Hi,

In answer to your query in Zimoun's contribution, you can get blue Deauvilles in the UK - mine is. It is a 1999 model that was sitting in the dealer's showroom for a while. I collected it four weeks ago. The information on your web site was a large factor in making up my mind to go for a Deauville so thanks for your work on it. I realised after I'd made the comment about blue bikes that the one on the front page (picture lifted from Honda's site) is actually blue…

I fit 3 out of your 4 criteria for typical Honda MAC course attendees and would like to find out more information about the course. How long does it take for information to come through from Honda after purchasing a bike?

This is my first motorbike. Apart from one of the pannier seals not being glued in properly the only issue I have with it is the opposite to that of the other contributors who want higher windscreens. I've only a 28" inside leg so only my toes get to the ground when stopped. I once made the mistake of stopping over a slight dip with no way of both getting a foot to the ground and keeping the bike upright. I won't be making that mistake again. Fortunately it was grass so there were no scratches and at least I now know that, if sufficiently embarassed, I can lift the bike up from near horizontal. Maybe I should get some boots with platform or wedge soles :-)

Chris

Hi There,
First, just to let you know that I am getting a brand new DEAVILLE, in glorious blue!!! Should get in 2 weeks... I hope. I've never seen a blue one in the UK. Is this a new colour for Y2K, or not sold here ?

Anyway, I have been looking around for other Deauville Clubs and was really impressed by some of them, the Dutch ones anyway. Shame I don't speak any Dutch.. The thing is that they are really well presented and for discussion they are idea as you can post and read contribution there and then without having to send an e-mail and then go back later to see if there any responses. You can organise pictures, etc... And the whole thing just looks good and easy to use.

I really like your ide of setting up a UK (or English speaking) site for the Honda Deaville, but it got me thinking that it would be great if it was polished up (please please please don't take this the wrong way!!!).

I looked around and found that Yahoo offers a Club services and I set one up to see how easy it is and the result is here. Please take a look and see what you think. I really don't want to duplicate what you are doing but if you like the idea, you can use the club and I will be more than happy to assist in anyway I can.

Great Job on the SITE!!!! Thanks to all the info I am going to get a very nice motorcycle

Zimoun

I got it privately. The chap loved the bike but had a touch of arthritis which played up after about an hour. So he has reluctantly given up biking. He was only 56 - I really feel for him speaking as a 46 yr old. Shame...

It came with the taller Honda screen fitted. It's great for protection, but because I'm a bit short in the leg/body I find it just gets in the way of my line of sight. I was wondering if anyone out there wanted to sell or swap their small screen?

Safe Riding,

John

In response to the earlier query about Haynes manual. I had a wee poke about on the Haynes site (www.haynes.co.uk) and there is indeed a manual for the older NTV650, here are the details - might be of use to some people:

Title: Honda NTV600 & 650 V-Twins (88 - 96)
Model: Honda NTV600 & 650 V-Twins
Covers:
      NTV600 Revere 583cc 88 - 93
      NTV650 647cc 92 - 96

ISBN 1 85960 243 6
Book No 3243
Price 19.99

Cheers
John.