“I’ve had a NT700V Deauville for the last three years,” wrote reader Luke Rogers in response to my offhand comment about the model in a post on the NTV600 Revere. “It’s everything everyone says: boring, underpowered, utterly bulletproof… It’s the most boring motorcycle I’ve ever owned. It’s the best form of transport I’ve ever owned.”
Before coming across this ad, I wasn’t sure whether the Deauville had ever been sold in North America. Even so, I’m willing to bet that many readers outside of the UK and Europe are unaware of what a legendary machine it is. Honestly, you should be speeding to the Dairy State right now to pick it up.
The Deauville, produced from 2006-2015, was the peak of human achievement when it comes to practicality. Never before or since has a motorcycle been so relentlessly functional. As mentioned above, it is the logical conclusion of an exercise in prudence begun by the NTV600. Driven by a 680cc liquid-cooled V-twin promising 65 hp and 49 lb-ft of torque, the shaft-driven, five-speed NT700V is colloquially known as the Dull-ville. But it is also known, and respected, for being incredibly reliable. The engine is steady and reportedly pretty easy to work on.
Deauvilles were – and still are – popular as commuter motorcycles, as well as being a top choice for people who have to spend a lot of time on the motorway. Luke mentioned that he uses his to regularly travel cross country in the UK. That’s not surprising; the bike won’t thrill you, but it will always get you there.
One of the unique aspects of the Deauville is a kind of cubby hole that connects the bike’s integrated panniers. As a result, you can carry something that is relatively small and up to 26 inches long; tent poles, for example. Or a flute. You never know when you might be called upon to play the flute.
Living in the UK, I am used to seeing Deavilles that have been used and abused. This example is one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen. With 23,227 miles on the clock (that’s nothing with one of these), this NT700V is for sale for $3,399 in Big Bend, Wisconsin, here on eBay.