All Tests – Always Ready! – Used HONDA

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Always ready !

All Tests - Always Ready! - Used HONDA

Deauville users always want more versatility: to satisfy them, Honda has decided to refine its small GT with 10 more horsepower and 10 liters more, as well as a new design for the same cycle part. Presentation.

Honda’s little GT is experiencing a revival this year, both aesthetically and technically (read). For four years, the Deauville had not undergone any modification, the r & D services of the world number one devoting itself more to the incessant outbids of their hypersport models or to the evolutions of other models.

But today, all the spotlight is on this "mini Pan European" revised and corrected according to the comments and expectations of its very varied owners (Parisian couriers, asphalt devourers, lambda biker, etc.) who, according to Honda, mainly asked "better transport capacity, increased performance or even greater versatility". Contract fulfilled ?

Men prefer fat

First observation: the Deauville has offered a serious facelift. Its optical unit, like those of the Silver Wing (read), takes the appearance and technology of that installed on the Black Bird. Overall, the front part of the new Deauville is less clumsy than before, especially thanks to tighter lines and indicators – white – placed higher.

On the other hand, its rear half retains the plump shape we know it and that its users acclaim, the loading capacity remaining a priority on this model. As for the rear lights, they impose more, since they now descend along the suitcases.

The capacity of the cases now reaches 26.7 l on the left and 27.4 l on the right. But the layout of which the Japanese are most proud is above all the tunnel allowing communication between the two sides: it will, for example, allow architects to move their plans without worry, or "for the French to carry their baguette without breaking it", jokes Christophe Baillien, director of promotional planning at Honda Europe.

The closing of the suitcases is sometimes tedious, those in a hurry will still have to acquire a certain helping hand.

For those who are not satisfied with the 60 l capacity – including the storage compartments -, there are optional deeper suitcase lids (33.5 l on the left and 37 l on the right) and a top-case 45 l. Enough to go far and long, in short.

Don’t call me anymore 650

But the Deauville has not only taken volume in its storage spaces: in order to offer a more efficient motorcycle, Honda has decided to increase the displacement of the twin cylinder by 33 cc. In the end, the Deauville 700 – 680 cc in reality – is given for 65.6 hp at 8000 rpm and 66.2Nm at 6500 rpm. All this obviously respecting the Euro 3 standard, the preservation of the environment being one of Honda’s workhorses..

These gains compared to the 2005 model can be explained not only by the increase in displacement but also and above all by the arrival of injection and a new four-valve cylinder head (instead of three previously). The performance of the Deauville is indeed on the rise and should allow it to establish its GT status definitively..

All its evolutions are a priori very engaging and we can simply regret that no effort has been made to reduce the weight of the beast, which nevertheless accounts for a total of 257 kg all full … the lightest will have to pay particular attention to their mount during slow movements and the phases of crutching and unkicking.

Once straddled, the Deauville is however forgiven for its excess weight by the welcome and comfort it provides. The saddle, which inherits a more dense foam, is lowered by 16 mm while the handlebars are raised by 30 mm. As a result, the pilot’s position is more vertical and circulation in traffic jams but especially long journeys are facilitated..

Honda had promised "a typical sound, pure and rumbling, especially at low revs, adding to its charm and GT qualities". Unfortunately … it is not and the twin delivers a sound closer to that of a large scooter than a corpulent GT…

A real GT

At low speed, between 2000 and 3500 rpm, the engine is a little reluctant and tends to "knock" if too much is asked of it at once. On the other hand, after this milestone, he is very pleasant and available, although a little noisy. The new cylinder head and the injection – often accused of making the engines too linear – give the new Deauville a more lively character than the old model.

So much so that we could almost qualify this new engine as a player between 5,500 and 8,000 rpm: the pickups are then frank and efficient, while retaining the merit of not being intimidating for beginners or the less reckless..

The entire cycle part follows without flinching, like the suspensions which play on the irregularities of the surface of the Greek roads on which Honda has chosen to present the new Deauville. Riding the B020 accentuates the "sporting" claims – all relative – of the Deauville and one takes a certain pleasure in testing its capacities on the rolling road. Always efficient in town, it gains in versatility, key word for GTs.

On board, the pilot is pampered. The mirrors – 55mm off-center on each side compared to the old version – offer an excellent view and are vibration-free. Only gymkhana enthusiasts between the lines will be disappointed by this development. In addition to the very comfortable driving position, we can count on the screen which offers significant protection in the low position, becoming integral in the high position (+17 cm).

Regarding the bubble, it is unfortunate that the change of position requires a restrictive manipulation because it is equipped and relatively long. At two, Honda engineers put five minutes watch in hand … Imagine yourself, on the side of the road, during your first attempt !

The Deauville 700 therefore knows how to drive, but it also knows how to brake. On the particularly greasy and dusty roads of the Athenian seaside, the braking assistance systems have finished convincing the most skeptics: the ABS is rightly triggered on passages where barely a few meters before, the grip was still reliable.

For its part, the CBS will reassure novices who struggle to dose the pressure they exert on the pedal. Thus, the latter actuates not only the rear caliper but also the central piston of the front left caliper. The brake lever actuates the three pistons of the right caliper and the two outer pistons of the left caliper..

A reassuring system that however requires experienced bikers to use the pedal to take advantage of all the power of the front brake. Disruptive for some, automatism is quickly acquired.

To complete its range of small GTs, the Deauville continuously calculates its fuel consumption. Thus, during this test, the 700 Honda posted an average of 5.7 l per 100 km which was verified at the pump..

Good at everything ?

Offered at € 8,700 (€ 9,300 with ABS) in beige, black, gray or blue, the Deauville 700 has left for a ride … whether it is in a neighborhood, town or France! Because in the end, Deauville pushes the concept of "multi-use"desired by Honda.

As comfortable as ever and now driven by a sturdy engine, the Deauville offers very pleasant handling. And despite its significant weight, a sound that is not flattering enough and some practical aspects to improve (closing the suitcases and handling the bubble), the Deauville 700 is certainly one of the essential motorcycles of the 2006 vintage..

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