REVIEW:
They've seen service as commuters, rapid response paramedic bikes, tourers even police bikes.
Review by www.advancedinstructorservice.com On the Easter ride out which took place on Bank holiday Monday 16th April 2006, the “Thunderroad Daves” asked me to test ride the new Honda Deauville demonstrator they have in the shop and to let them know what I thought of it. So, without too much technical jargon, here goes: To look at, the new deauville has a sharper profile and sportier look in comparison to the older model and has an adjustable screen (shame not a powered one), that keeps the wind and rain off in a more effective way.
It has a smarter looking back end (which always appeals) and integral panniers with a single lock release above the larger rear light cluster. It has a larger power output, improved engine vibration dampers by rubber engine mounts, electronic fuel injection and antilock braking system with the Honda combined braking system to balance brake application all included on this particular model. I took an hour to get used to the machine and noticed that the fuel injection system was prone to noticeable “shutoff” if you tried to close the throttle too quickly. Otherwise, so far so good! I was able to accelerate quickly into the first straight section uphill and it did not run out of breath like the first model, it just kept pulling until I had to throttle off for the top bends, Oh joy! After an ice cream stop on top of the Rhigos, it started to rain and I was able to try the wet roads and see what happened next. Well, no problem, sure footed with good power delivery keeping the revs up, it traversed the “Iffy” surfaces without even a minor slip on the rear wheel. Onwards to Brecon and on the A470 it cruised at the speed limit with plenty of power on tap for the occasional overtake. When I reached the road that goes through Upper and Lower Chapel to Builth Wells, I was able to really enjoy the new and improved V twin through tight and sweeping bends it leaned over all the way, with an occasional grind on the footrests each side (I was surprised how far it leaned over) and wore away the edges of my boots on both sides as a result. One bend on a steep downhill section called for some pretty hard braking and I felt the ABS kick in on the rear wheel before brakes off, it went into and out of the lefthander like a dream! After a trip to the Claerwen Dam at Rhyader, we returned via the A44 and Hundred house to Builth. My impressions….well I think I have said it all, a worthy successor and well improved in so many ways to the first model, more power, safer and definitely a top bike in its class. If I wanted a bike in the deauville price bracket and performance band, would I buy one?....... YES