OK, so now I know this bike, pretty well.

It is one of the best bikes I've owned (I had an '85 BMW K100 I liked more).

It does everything well, nothing great. I could get another bike that is a great cruiser, but would suck at long trips; Another bike great at long trips, but would suck at sport riding; Another bike great at sport riding, but would suck at commuting. This bike does it all, and does it well.

Now, what I don't like: Seat is fine, if you are only going to ride less than 4 hours. If you are going to tour, get a Corbin. Upgrade the grips. Stock grips give too much fatigue...over 2 hours and my hands hurt. I also added front wind deflectors, they help on longer rides.

Engine: works great. I had no problem cruising down the freeway at 75. Where in America can you go faster? Another 100 ccs would be nice.

Transmission: A 6th gear would be nice. However, add another 100 ccs and a 6th gear and you've increased the weight, reducing the flexibility of in-town commuter and errand-runner.

Handling: Loads of fun, very easy to ride...I rode 5 hours of serious twistys in the Smoky Mtns. Also, easy to store in my garage, with the two cars. Having a low center of balance, really helped.

Dependability: One of the saddle bag covers would not close...pissed me off. I expect more from Honda. I do feel the plastic is somewhat cheap.

Price-value: Excellent. If I could only own one bike...this would be it. If I could own a couple of bikes, this wouldn't be one. I also got $1,000 off MSRP from the dealer.

Braking: Excellent.

Wind-protection: Excellent.

so what kind of MPG is the NT700 getting?

It sounds like a great all-around bike but I think I recall reading that the extra weight (for a 700) might not be helping.

I love this bike!!!!! I think it is very comfortable... Love how it handles can't wait for a real long trip. oh by the way I am only 5"4. Not looking forward in spending the big bucks for the hagon shock,but this seems like the only way to lower it. Is any one having any issues with engine heat?

When I was looking to buy my first bike (2006) I say this bike in the Brit mags. I LOVED the specs of the bike, but it wasn't available in the US.

My first bike was a Z750s and was the most powerful, most narrow (lane sharing in CA), best fuel economy bike for my price range of $7300USD OTD. I later added hard bags and a laminar lip (see avatar) and it was the perfect commuter bike for CA.

Then the Deauville is intro'd to the US market with a MSRP of $11200!!!!! For a 680 lazy Vtwin? If it would have been available I COULDN'T have bought it.

I think it is an EXCELLENT concept (more power please though), but it is priced way to high to catch on in the US IMO.