The Honda NTV 1988-1997), a hugely usable classic

The Honda NTV 650 (also sold as NTV650 Revere) is a first generation naked bike. So a normal, real motorcycle.

All pluses

The Honda NVT 650 has cardan drive and a two-cylinder V twin with three valves per cylinder, 647 cc and 54 hp. The engine has a number of clear advantages; it requires little maintenance and is therefore a great motor for daily use. However, this engine has never really done well on the market, perhaps because the model was perceived as little exciting by the public because of its relatively low power, conventional appearance and decent driving behavior. But things were so good that London motor couriers were crazy about it

The Honda NTV as a baby Pacific Coast

The Honda NTV is the predecessor of the NT650V Deauville, the 'baby Pacific Coast', but with one disc brake in front and without the windshields and suitcases. In the USA this model is released in a slightly different form as NT650 Hawk. This model has chain drive and a more streamlined appearance. They are just as good as the NTVs, at most they have a slightly sportier feel because of the chain drive.

The successor to the CX500

In 1988, Honda presented the NTV 650 at 'the show' in Brussels, then still the most likely successor to the now legendary CX. The block - also used in the Transalp and Africa Twin - was suspended by Honda in a steel bridge frame with a single-sided swingarm. In 2018, nobody will worry about that, but in 1988 it was still quite startling. In addition, the cardan is neatly concealed in the swingarm and you hardly feel any difference with a 'normal' chain bike.

Only with sporty downshifting can the rear tire sometimes beep. The Pro-arm spring element (with adjustable spring preload, incoming and outgoing damping) keeps the hindquarters well under control. The suspension is fairly sporty, but without sacrificing too much comfort. In front is a non-adjustable 41 mm telescopic fork. It works fine until the edge of the cut is driven. The steering behavior is extremely neutral and in short consecutive turns you can take full advantage of the bicycle geometry and the reasonably limited weight.

Best to send

The ground clearance of 150 mm also allows brave angles of inclination. Only in fast, long turns can the nose feel a bit light, especially if the road surface is not flat. The wind pressure on your unprotected body certainly plays a role in this. With cruising speeds between the 130 / 140 km-h 140 km / h, motorway journeys are easy but boring. Also because the sitting position is also quite active / comfortable.

Only riders over 1m will have to bend the knees a bit sharper. In terms of accessories from the factory, the touring capacities of the NTV could be increased with, among other things, a luggage rack and suitcases, but for a well-fitting fairing or a windshield, we had to wait until the Deauville was presented. A bit of a shame perhaps, because with a consumption of 80 liters / 5 km and a 100-liter tank, you could easily reach 19 km with the Revere.

It is undervalued and inexpensive

In the meantime, these tough Honda NVTs are currently falling between two stools in the market. They are masterfully good, ride great, they are dated enough to be classic. But according to 'De Markt' they are not too exciting, old motorcycles. Think of amounts between 2.000/2.500 euros for a topper. And only go for the top.

The single 316 mm front brake disc with double piston caliper is more than enough to bring the matter to a halt. At the rear a little more force is needed and the blocking limit is difficult to feel, but the brake is good enough. And the coupling can also be dosed easily and without too much muscle power.

The NTV is a good choice

All in all, the NTV is a nice mid-class youngtimer that provides great driving pleasure. Add to that the fact that it is also economical and maintenance-friendly (due to the cardan). Unfortunately, all that good has never been translated into sales figures. Only when the Honda NTV evolved into the Deauville did it appear that Honda had gold in its hands.