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Honda Deauville: A V-twin touring motorcycle with shaft drive, generations and what to check
Honda Deauville (1998–2010) — a comfortable touring motorcycle with a V-twin engine and shaft drive, popular for long journeys. We look at two generations — NT 650 V and NT 700 V — and what to check when buying used.
Deauville in brief
The Deauville was designed as a practical, comfortable, and reliable touring motorcycle. It features a large windscreen, a comfortable riding position, shaft drive, and often — integrated panniers, making it ideal for long solo or two-up trips.
This motorcycle isn't sporty — its strengths are reliability and comfort. Because of these qualities, it's particularly favoured by those who prioritise a relaxed and safe ride over an aggressive character.
Generations — what's the difference
The first generation — NT 650 V (1998–2005) — with a 647 cm³ V-twin engine, based on the Honda Revere. It's simple, reliable, and still praised as a sturdy touring machine.
The second generation — NT 700 V (from 2006) — with a 680 cm³ engine, electronic fuel injection, and a refreshed look. Some examples come with ABS, making these variants usually safer and more modern.
Engine, transmission, and chassis
Both generations feature a liquid-cooled V-twin engine, around 60 hp. It pulls smoothly but isn't sporty, with operation suited to long journeys.
Rear-wheel drive via shaft drive, so no chain maintenance required. The motorcycle is quite heavy but stable, with suspension and seating tailored for long distances.
What to check when buying a used Deauville
First, check if the engine runs smoothly and there's no oil leakage. Inspect the shaft drive and final drive unit — leakage or noise indicates wear.
Check the brakes and ABS (if fitted), fork seals, rear shock, cooling system, and electrical equipment. Inspect the panniers — are they securely fastened, not damaged, and look for signs of a drop. Ask for a full service history.
Trims and versions
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
NT 650 V Deauville
1998–2005First generation with a 647 cm³ V-twin engine.
- 647 cm³ V-twin engine
- Shaft drive
- Often — side and top cases
NT 700 V Deauville
From 2006Second generation with a 680 cm³ fuel-injected engine.
- 680 cm³ fuel-injected engine
- Often — ABS
- Refreshed styling
Generation comparison
| NT 650 V | NT 700 V | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For simple, reliable journeys | For journeys with more modern kit |
| Engine | 647 cm³, around 60 hp | 680 cm³, around 60 hp |
| ABS | Rarely | Often |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget | Mid-range |
If you're after a simple, reliable tourer on a budget — the NT 650 V. If you want more modern kit and ABS — the NT 700 V.
Pros
- A comfortable and reliable touring motorcycle
- Shaft drive — less maintenance
- Good wind protection
- Often — integrated luggage
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Not sporty
- Older versions have simpler equipment
Frequently asked questions
Is the Deauville suitable for long journeys?
Yes, that's one of its main purposes: comfortable riding position, wind protection and shaft drive.
How does the NT 700 V differ from the NT 650 V?
The NT 700 V has a larger 680 cm³ engine, electronic fuel injection and often ABS, while the NT 650 V is simpler and cheaper.
Does the Deauville have a chain?
No, the rear wheel is driven by a shaft, so there's no chain to maintain.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
