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Review of the Honda NTV 600 Revere - By Ren Withnell
I purchased this bike as a second bike. I already had the SLR 650 that I love, but on those occasions it needs attention it leaves me with no 2-wheeld transport. I’ve always liked the NTV range of bikes because they are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance. Initially I was looking at the much newer Deauville but the few dealers with second hand machines would not deal on the price. Searching through the biketrader I spotted this bike for £1300.
I went to look at it in the shop and it immediately struck me as a genuine bike. It had a large screen fitted, was clean but not polished, had been dropped but no serious damage and did not look like it had been “bodged” by some cowboy such as myself. A deal was struck and a few days later I rode my purchase home.
First impressions were good. Acceleration is acceptable below 6000rpm then becomes quite brisk above, running out of steam 1000rpm short of the 9500rpm redline. Handling is not fast but very solid after riding the twitchy SLR for so long. Comfort remains to be seen but the riding position is very sporty for a bike designed for hard-working long-distance couriers and other mile eaters.
Let’s start with comfort. Before I tell you about this I ask you to bear in mind I had a motorcycle accident 3 years ago which left me with a stiff left knee and hip. I am 5 feet 9 inches tall, which is considered about average for my country. The riding position has the knees quite bent and a fair lean forward across the long large tank is required. At town speed this makes getting my feet on and off the pegs a chore and my wrists can ache. The lean forward comes into its own at motorway speeds, but then my backside goes numb.
This is not a comfy long distance bike, for myself. I suspect it might be me and not the bike as countless couriers travelling millions of miles cannot be wrong. I talked about this to another biker once and he agreed, the seat is too low and the pegs too high and the bars too far away. It may suit a smaller rider. He suggested placing a cushion on the seat, I have tried this and it is a great improvement. I am now trying to work out how to lift the seat 1 inch without making the bike look silly. If you plan to use the bike for long trips, try to get a long ride in before you buy to see if the ergonomics suit you.
Handling. This is spot on for me. I don’t ride like a racer but I do press on and the bike is solid, stable and reassuring through the bends. I use Bridgestone BT45 tyres that provide good grip in both wet and dry, and should last a long time. I’ve used these tyres before on other bikes and did not like them, but they are perfectly suited to the NTV. The whole chassis inspires confidence.
Power. This comes in at 50 something bhp, not a great deal in modern motorcycling, but more than the SLR I normally ride. It is quick enough for myself, will beat general traffic and surprises the sport bikes by keeping up with them. The power is smooth but really comes in above 6000rpm. It will also run down to 1800rpm, any lower than that and the shaft starts to rattle. It’s and easy power and flexible.
Maintenance. Shaft drive, what more can I say. Use it, forget it, change a tiny bit of oil whenever you remember that it’s there then forget it again. As for the rest it’s difficult to describe really, not had to do anything to it! Removing the back wheel takes 2 minutes due to the single sided swingarm. Changing the oil and filter is a doddle as everything is easy to reach. Cleaning is easy. Even adjusting the shock is done with ease. There is a preload adjusting knob behind one of the panels and the damping adjuster screw is no problem. It’s so easy. I know from previous ownership of an NT400 Bros that any carburettor work will be a nightmare, changing the plugs will be fiddly and getting to rocker covers is challenging. But hey, it’s not a problem as they never need this kind of work…I hope. I’ll keep on changing the oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles.
Loading the bike is easy, as you can see above. It takes load like a lorry and I always worry about not having enough space, with this bike I always have spare space. The bike takes it in its stride. With this lot on the suspension was a bit soft but it took 1 minute to stiffen the shock by clicking the knob. Except at slow speeds I did not even notice a difference with the load.
Costs. If ridden hard this bike returns 45mpg. The best I have managed is 59mpg but I had to ride like an old lady. Normally fuel runs at 50 to 53mpg being used for commuting. Most people tell me this is good or at least acceptable, but I don’t like spending money. I am looking for 150mpg, haven’t found it yet. Tyres should last 8000 miles rear, god only knows how many at the front. BT45’s are cheaper than super sport tyres. Parts will be standard Honda prices, expensive. There is quite a good aftermarket choice due to the bike being popular with the couriers. No chain to replace.
Can I recommend this bike? Yes. Everyday use is a pleasure and it should last forever, mine is already 14 years old with 35,000 miles and I’ve seen these with over 100,00 miles, looking tired but still running strong. If you plan long distance riding then either try one first or be prepared to alter the riding position somehow. If you are looking for speed then look elsewhere or look at the NTV650 Bros and all the American tuning companies. Many of the tuning add-ons will fit the Revere too. It’s not a sports bike but can be made to move and handle really well.
Reader's Comments
robert said :-
thanks.great help in deciding about one i had seen.i am looking for reliability and handling before speed.thanks again
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
chris P said :-
Loved the review, balanced and unbiased and dare I say useful too!
thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Owen said :-
I've had mine for nearly 10 years, and as you suggest, it may be better for the smaller rider, i'm only 5'4" and i've done nearly 80,000 miles on it and i love it!
I'm only getting about 45mpg out of mine at the moment, but its due a service, and i ride like the devil is chasing me! (i'm not a courier by the way!)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Hormazd said :-
I saw a Revere at the second hand shop the other day. Now I know, it will be a good buy ! Thanks for your review. It was fun and informative.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Paul K said :-
I have had my revere for about a year,you are right it would be better for the shorter rider. I am over 6 foot and the riding position kills my hips. It is very reliable and has enough grunt to leave the boy racers in the dust.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
victor said :-
Got to agree with Owen, I'm 5'6 and have fitted a stainless steel slab of a fairing to mine. Mostly ridden two up, fully laden on the continent. She gives 40MPG and sits at 80 on the autoban.
Owned from new.
victor
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Phil Gray said :-
Had a Revere for 2 years. The restrictor was removed and it had a two brothers racing muffler. I found it a bit heavy on the wrists and needs a small screen for sure. Now I just read your servicing info and want one again. I forgot how easy servicing was. It stays very clean too without the chain mess I currently have. My current bike is a nightmare of poppers and catches and screws and props just to look at the air intake.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Colin said :-
Bought one from new. Did 115,000 miles on it, still got it but bought another 18 months ago done over 20,000 miles on this one. Fitted fairings, luggage and Oxford heated grips as I use them all year round. Purrs along motorways all day at 80 but a tweak on the throttle will take you to 90 with no problem if you find yourself in a knot of traffic. Get around 50 m.p.g. however I ride it, so tank range is around 200 miles. Quite narrow so it filters between lines of traffic no problem.
Perfect bike for me, little or no maintenance, just goes and goes.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Arlene said :-
Had a revere some years ago worked in London and popped home to Aberdeen at weekends 535miles each way did 85,000 miles in one year I'm 5'2" and it was very comfortable saddest day of my life when it had to go. (couldn't get a baby seat on the back) Baby is growing up now and I want another one riding a CBR400 at the moment and its not a patch on the revere
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
magne said :-
Mine is Honda NTV 650 Revere (90mod and 60HP) Had mine for 11year and it's the best allround bike ive ridden. And its great for mountain riding in vest'Norway (MC heaven)
Tryed honda cb1000rr and 600rr 08mod last year (demo bikes) But i will not trade in my pressius NTV.
A great (discre) luggage system to the bike here
http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/products/bikepacksystem.aspx
Honda should make a 1000cc version of the REVERE
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mike said :-
have to agree with everything said , my G reg was bought, mot'd and taxed for around £500, was my first full size bike and feels like an old friend , I use for work most days ,wind rain or snow and has never faultered, could use a fairing .Recently hit about 8 inches of flooded road , just went right through no fuss ,I was soaked!I've got a 84'GSX750EF but don't think I'll ever get rid of the Honda it just does everything you need and doesn't cost a fortune to run.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Gaz said :-
Loved the review on the NTV600 I've just bought a Greg K series and its a joy to ride but your right about the riding position especially in slow traffic. Maybe have the seat repaded to give more height? Just need to rebuild front forks (leaking) and give her a damn good service and as you say very easy to work on.
So far GREAT bike :-)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
George said :-
Now had my 1988 600 Revere for two months, travelled 2000 miles. Fitted with a Powerbronze Voyager fairing, it is as far as I'm concerned an unbeatable bike and a joy to ride. Though it had only done 2000 miles in the previous 15 years (total mileage 29000 to date) nothing has deteriorated and it appears to be extremely reliable and the performance is certainly adequate for my needs. As I'm 5ft 6ins tall the riding position is ideal, though may be rather crmped for anyone over about 5ft 10ins.
Having ridden mostly older BMW's I apreciate a shaft drive, and must say that the Revere makes my old BMW seem like a tractor!
All in all out of a possible score of 100% I would award it 101%!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
said :-
Very helpful review, thanks.
Now thinking about buying one!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tom lyth said :-
very good review spot on im running a 600 plus squire sidecar of to spain next week rideing through france hope this might make a good toureing report.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Niall said :-
Best all round bike i ever had.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
sly said :-
just like to add ive had my 600revere for 8years me and the misses done 2yrs european traveling on it with 500kgs of camping eqpt you do get a sore behind after 700miles in a day riding two up im 6f 3 and have strong legs im in the process of chopping it as it needs to grow height and length apart from that its a fantastic bike
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
George said :-
Upodate on my previous Revere comments few weeks ago: Now ocovered 3000 miles and the same sentiments apply - faultless bike and a joy to use on a motorway too, in addition to being easily manoeuverable around town, though the Voyager fairing does tend to restrict the lock and gives a large turning circle. If it encourages anyone I would also mention the attractive fully comp insurance price, which for me is £78 a year!! That is not a misprint, on the other hand I am a Certain Age, but I'm not going down that road!
To those who are thinking about buying a Revere - DO IT!
Ride safe, bros.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tom lyth said :-
well 3000 miles on the ntv600 & squire st sidecar not a single problem fully loded ie very heavy averaged 42mpg crused 60 80 mph could have done with a few more horses when riding through the steep mountain hills but it still coped very well people in the out of the way villages waved & cheerd my wife said she felt like the queen over all the ntv and sidecar is a good combanation no pun intended. Will we do it again Yesssss ps we traveled through France & Spain were we spent two weeks touring.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tom lyth said :-
well 3000 miles on the ntv600 & squire st sidecar not a single problem fully loded ie very heavy averaged 42mpg crused 60 80 mph could have done with a few more horses when riding through the steep mountain hills but it still coped very well people in the out of the way villages waved & cheerd my wife said she felt like the queen over all the ntv and sidecar is a good combanation no pun intended. Will we do it again Yesssss ps we traveled through France & Spain were we spent two weeks touring.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tom lyth said :-
as isaid in previous artical i could do with more hpower dose any body know of a larger engine to fit into the frame 700cc pluse.tomlyth1954@live.co.uk
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Stuart said :-
I have just got 2 of these bikes ( 1 is a trike )
and i have searched far and wide and have not see a bad word said about them. i am looking forward to going out and about, used to offroad bikes so will probably be going everywhere full throttle for a while until i get used to it :)
i would like to know what other engine options would fit the frame without too much of a modification.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
andy said :-
couldn't agree more had one for three transpennine m62 winters, never missed a beat. Only reason i sold was to emigrate to oz - big mistake now the buyer won't sell it back to me ! Nuf said. I am about to buy another truly brilliant friend - oops i mean bike.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
jp said :-
Absolutely true.
It is truly a most reliable bike.
Its got a dedicated web site at
[url]http://ntvhonda.proboards.com/index.cgi[/url]
Good ones now go for about a grand, a bit more dog eared and you could get one for under 600 pounds.
Cheap to run, easy to work on IF you don't count the front pot..hehe.
100 + easily done, 2 up cruises at 80mph no problem.
Great little bike, see one for a good price? Buy it !
You won't be disappointed.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
George Compton said :-
This bike never ceases to amaze me. Temperature of -8, not strated for two weeks, and it starts straight away from cold!
Interesting what Tom says about his outfit. Anyone know if chairs are easily fitted on these things?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Mark said :-
I bought my 1990 Revere 600 nearly 3 years ago as a first bike after passing my test.It has proved to be pretty reliable given its age and has now covered 46000 miles. It was bought with a screen and fitted with Krauser pannier cases which are very commodious.Other than a set of rear brake linings at £20 , it required a new silencer as the original corroded through. The Motad replacement was considerably less expensive than a genuine Honda part and continues to do the job fine. Unfortunately the front downpipe is also now in need of replacement (around another £75 from the same source). The original battery only lasted 18 years (!) and has been replaced for about £60.
Front tyre replaced last year at £100 supplied and fitted (Bridgestone).
I hope that anyone considering running one of these bikes will find some of these costs informative as they are my genuine experience of running an elderly but solid and reliable machine.
I've only covered about 6000 miles but have enjoyed the performance of this small shaft drive (a feature which surprises many).
It is very economical to run ; about 57mpg is typical and the insurance is very reasonable on such a relatively inexpensive machine.
Looking forward to some improving weather soon, to continue to enjoy tinkering with and riding my Revere.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Andrew P said :-
Yes, agree with all you say. Have had my NTV 650 Revere (1995 model) about 18 months now and very happy with it. It came with a PowerBronze Cobra fairing which gives a good compromise between protection and extra weight (the Voyager fairing gives more protection but looks much heavier). I don't know if it is because of the fairing but I tend to get about 60 mpg from mine, even with fairly hard motorway riding. Build quality seems better than on the Deauville's I see around - presumably Honda made the NTV in their factory in Japan.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
magoo said :-
sorry about that slip of the finger.
ntv 600 revere what a fantastic bike.does anybody out there have any spare parts eg fuel pump and fuel pump relay ?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mike said :-
mine has just refused to start,first time ever ,fuel ok,spark ok, turns over strong just won't fire ,am i going to get rid ,nope even though I ride another bike I won't part with it,by the way cooling fans tend to sieze up and are a bit hard to come by second hand , not a problem until you get held up in towns.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Geoff S said :-
I purchased a Revere 600 three years ago and have been delighted with its handling and reliability. I am a born again biker and required a safe, solid, reliable bike that would require little maintenance. The Revere fits the bill. A lnger term goal is to tour on the bike as my confidence grows and the time becomes available. I am 5 ft 7 and have had no trouble with the riding position and get 45 ish to the gallon. Great balanced review. thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Martin said :-
Hi does anyone out there know if another front wheel will fit the Revere, Honda or not. I am asking because I would like twin discs at the front and thought someone may have already tried this. Any info gladly received. Cheers, Martin.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tim Parker said :-
Hi, read your review with interest,this is my story.My wife Helen and I have a power sharing arrangement that could be a model for any government;I make all the big decisions like whether we buy Trident, opt out of ERM, etc, and she makes all the little decisions like when we move house, etc.So when recently she announced unilaterally over dinner that we are to move (only just having completed major civil engineering works in the garden and a major refurbishment in the house)apart from blinking rapidly and having a little difficulty swallowing my tea,my only response was "where to? ( I am a boat-builder,so Bedfordshire, Middlesex, any land -locked region are non-starters for obvious reasons).Possessing more cunning than courage,I was very aquiescent, but started a campaign of insidious suggestion and manipulation to try and gain an edge of advantage for myself to offset the sheer unadulterated terror and horror that the thought of moving again filled me with.The basic tenent of my ploy was that I was deleriously happy to move(I am a dissembler of unashamedly gigantic proportions) conditional upon a sweetener to soften the impact on my natural inertia, the sweetener being that any financial arrangements to achieve the move should include a provision of funds to enable the purchase of a bike for me, as I have been without one for the unendurable period of 12 months, and I was sufferingly consequently.Initially this was parried by a very astringent directing of my attention to the parlous finacial circumstances of the current times(undisputably and demonstrably true),but a journey of a thousand miles, etc, etc, so I hunkered down prepared for a long campaign with hope more plentiful than confidence.A few weeks passed with estate agents bumph falling through the letterbox in such quantities that additional postmen were rercruited todeliver it, and I had to reinforce the floor beneath the doormat to take the additional loading of the weight of it all.At every moment I gauged to be appropriate in the deliberations over locality,size, price, etc, I mumbled and hinted obliquely about getting the bike, and had at my fingertips facts and figures germane to local dealerships and bikes available in them,but Helly was like a diminutive Kruschev (without the table banging, obviously, a man's a man,etc), and I resigned myself to a winter of discontent until a financially rosier day dawned.Nonetheless I kept at it, faint heart etc, etc.Recently, I returned home after a hard and sweaty day removing fossilised and obdurate keel bolts from a neglected craft(boat-owners should never be allowe to own a motorcycle lest they lavish the same neglect and indifference on them that they obviously bestow on their boats)and amongst the incosequential pleasantries that usually accompany most couples return from work, and our deciphering of yet more estate agents hyperbole, I snuk in another another broadside of 'gotta getta bike' grapeshot,expecting it to sink without trace, all hands lost.The very air shimmered, time and space skittered and seemed suspended,air molecules that sound waves danced and cavorted with revolved slowly and deliberately and almost visibli on an irrevocable axis into my ears, the foundations of the earth trembled and shook,and without the slightest blasphemy,I am willing to swear that despite my infinitely tiny place in the time-space continium, Gods voice resounded in my head, so that, unlike Mr.Bond's martini, I was both fundamentally shaken and viscerally stirred,and then, like waking from a dream, the moment passed and I returned to the real world
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ed said :-
I have an F reg 78000 on the clock and its still going strong.
I have couriered on it, taken it from England, across france, itally, slovenia and croatia, and back again and its still thumping out the miles.
Its plain simple barn engineering with little dissapointments.
Love it.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Rob P said :-
Brilliant review, I read it before buying my Revere and have found myself reading this page again somehow!
I recently fitted some sticky tyres from my cbr600 onto the bike (120/60-17 front and a 160 on the back) and it handles so much better. I went for a ride with a friend on his YZF1000 Thunderace and he couldn't keep up round the bends even on the edge of his tyre. I can't praise this bike enough!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mike said :-
after sitting in the garage for best part of 12 months decided to take fuel line off the pump straight into carbs and the dear old thing burst into life as if I'd just parked it up yesterday, I think I've confirmed that the fuel pump relay has packed up, I intend just wiring the pump to a switch as the relays are real expensive ,has any one else had this problem and come up with an easy fix.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
john said :-
Martin, you can fit a set of forks off a deauville ( or a cbr600 f2 ) to get the twin disks that you asked about as i have done it, any one saying that the foot rests are a bit high you can fit the ones off a deauville straight on, mine is a 1989 with 24500 miles i have had it for 1 year and done 3000 miles on it, it does about 50 to the gallon, and i have rasied the handle bars about 1" far better,
john
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mike said :-
my 82,000 mile ntv 600 is now running gravity fed as couldn't get the pump to run, but seems ok,just took her in for the mot after sitting in the garage for 18 months and all she needed was a rear lamp (there are 2 behind the lens)and a rear tyre.I now ride a triumph trophy 1200 daily, I thought it would great to ride the old girl again, nostalgia is not all it's cracked up to be, it felt small,cramped,windy and slow but I think I was smiling all the way home, even after all the neglect it's soooo reliable, I start her once a week ,no choke and she just purs into life, I won't be getting ride of her any time soon
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
happy harry said :-
allways wanted one in the 90s love the look and the engine bought one 4 years ago with 8000 miles owened by retired biker now done total 12ooo miles only . looks brand new still just hope to put some more miles on it before im to old is this the lowest miles revere for a 1992 j reg maybe you know better thanks happy harry
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mike said :-
have managed to find a powerbronze fairing for £40,modified brackets and fitted no problem sprayed white to match original bike ,with the original honda hard panniers fitted she's an imposing looking beast!!still havn't ridden her since last mot.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jake said :-
I had a Revere as my first bike and it was perfect. I binned at 50 MPH, giving it Billy Big Bollocks whilst omitting to see agricultural slurry on the chevrons of a winding country road. Totally my fault. I picked the bike up & rode home on it. Never made that mistake again! It's a great first bike & highly recommended.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Thom said :-
Man, im like 6 foot 3 or so and I ride my Revere EVERYWHERE and plan to for the rest of my life, hopefully it'll be my main form of transport finances allowing, already done some major trips on it and it's all i could ever ask of a bike. It's not exciting but it puts a grin on my face, its an 'old faithful' type of bike, no major dramas in either a positive or negative sense, just a reliable companion and I can't wait to put some serious miles ontop of the serious miles it's done already.
If it's really cold and Im wearing jeans under my leathers it can be a faff getting my left foot up on to the peg first thing but after that it's fine and the riding position gets more comfortable after youve been sat in it for a while, but it means the rest of my body is unstressted which is great.
Love the bike to bits!
If people have trouble with foot pegs, don't get the seat raised, it whacks everything out of proportion fairly quickly, instead try lowering the foot pegs, deauville hangers are a fair bit lower and can be made to fit,
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Sha'ul Suhr said :-
Ive just got my first NTV600, wow am I impressed !
Ive had loads of older Jap bikes, and a BMWR65 RS, . I gotta say this compares favourably with any bike Ive owned, and is better than some.
Comparable to the BMW, but with the sure handleing of a Honda.
Motor is a bit like a CX I once had, but sounds better, and is more powerful.
Go Honda !
Great bike!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Cadfael said :-
I have owned an E Reg 600J for 22 years. Bought secondhand (they were astonishingly expensive when new). 76000+ miles, ridden through all conditions including a rather unexpected blizzard which left me and the Revere looking like a mobile snow sculpture. No dramas!! Only failing is with replacement silencers. OE collector box/silencer was a thing of beauty, and delivered a most acceptable V-twin rumble. Motad replacement(s), (I've had two) last half the time of an original, but as they cost less than a third of the price of the (no longer available??)OE, you pay your money and take your chances. Anyone tried the Marving replacement? I wondered how it fits as I have never seen one actually fitted. The generic pictures I have seen only appear to have one connection (although there may be another converter not pictured on the parts websites). I cannot think of any reason not to own one of these great pieces of Honda engineering.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Steve said :-
Had my Ntv 600 revere for nearly 2 months now and covered over 2000 miles on her, on a G reg and had 55000 on the clock when i bought her. utterly reliable and superebly comfortable ( i do 70 miles a day every day in all weather ) and im 6ft 4in! however i only have a restricted licence and are looking for a way to get a restrictor cheaply. all i can find is main dealer ones and yea alot of money......
I have alot of fun of her everyday have surprised quite a few sports bike off the mark and in the bends. I get about 50ish mpg lamping it up and down the m42 everyday. Probably helped by a power broze fairing.
On the subject of insurance this is my first big bike having ridden a cb250 for a year last year and only being 22 it was surprisigly cheap. Just under £300!
Phil Gray you said you had a restrictor removed do u still have it and maybe the paper work? If so would it be possible to sell it to me? cheers for any resposes guys!
Many hours happy motoring on your reveres and lots of miles with no worries!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
said :-
Mines a j reg .1991 model. 72,000 miles. No problem at all.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
John Kennedy said :-
Bought one of these back in the 80,s.Travelled from Scotland to Germany when I was in the army.The bike was excellent for me as I am 5-5. Live in Canada now and ride a Road Glide. Would jump at the chance to own a NTV again.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jimbob said :-
Sounds like its no good for me as i'm over 6ft.
Am looking to buy at mo, seems I have to have a sit on and see for myself.
Want mote than 50MPG tho' that's rubbush.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Cadfael said :-
Just bought and fitted a fantastic exhaust from Fuel exhausts. Stainless steel, beautifully crafted, and easy to fit. Cheaper than the Motad mild steel/chrome silencer unit, and pretty much likely to outlast the bike. available in different lengths, shapes, styles and finishes @ http://www.fuelexhausts.com/details.cfm?ProdID=343&category_ID=3&scndctgry_ID=15
Proper quality item!!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
wayne taylor said :-
love this review of the nvt 600.always loved the look of these machines,i have many motorcycles over the years but something tells me this is going to be my best ever buy!mine is a g reg with 31,000 on the clock,so should have many years of riding enjoyment left in it.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Brian said :-
A friend gave me a 25 year old revere 2 years ago, it was a bit rough but tidied it up and gave it a good service, has been totally reliable. I have used for a couple of tours and it economical and very comfortable. I must say I love this bike.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
stateless said :-
My Revere is worth 100.000 miles and still working properly even if it needs some works......
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jim Branning said :-
One word Dependable,
Had my 600 since 1991
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Big Nose said :-
I bought my Revere, untested, on Ebay in August 2013. At 67 and 6'1", I should have known better. It has sat in my garage for a year because I can't operate the gear lever in such cramped conditions! Something keeps telling me I love it too much to sell. If I am to look silly on such a small bike, then who cares at my age. After a long search, I have just sourced (on Ebay) a knackered NTV seat and I am going to recover it at whatever height is needed. After all, it can only show when I dismount but I'll be the one smiling; I hope! I'll write again when it's done unless I launch myself over the 'bars!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
scouseviking said :-
Very interesting and informative review.
I have just bought one two days ago from Germany with 30000 on the clocks.
I rode it 400 miles home and it was a joy to ride and surprised me by cruising at 80mph easily.
As I am not too tall ,this bike fits me perfectly and I am looking forward to many miles of fun on it.
At 58 yrs of age not many things put a grin on my face but this bike ticks all the boxes for me.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
scouseviking - glad you're liking the Revere. It was definitely one of Honda's greats and the engine must have been good as it made it into so many other models too. Look after it and it will look after you.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
john said :-
my dad had it for 25 or more years in a garage and now I ride it works beautifully all I had to do was change the full filter and fix up the tank.Talk about family air loom
01/01/2016 00:25:13 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi John. I never would have thought of an NTV as an heirloom! But then I guess they're an old bike now so why not. Enjoy the bike and who knows one day it may become a valuable vintage heirloom.
01/01/2016 08:20:06 UTC
Bill said :-
Have done over 50000 miles on mine. It's over 70000 on the mileometer and feels just about run in. The gearbox on these is very clunky, but has got better over the miles. The handling seems very normal until you try anything else, then you realise the NTV is superb. Not faultlessly reliable though- mine blew an instrument bulb at 60000 miles. Considered complaining to Honda.
I've had quite a few bikes since buying mine, many newer and more powerful. I've sold them all and kept my 'Aunty'.
Please don't buy one- send them to me.
20/07/2017 20:25:56 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Bill. I'm really sorry to hear about your instrument bulb and I fully understand your anger at Honda's shoddy workmanship. Motorcycles these days just ain't what they used to be.
I moved on from my NTV 600 Revere at 78,000 miles. The bike was fine I just wanted a change. Like you I never found another quite so bloody well built. That said my CBF125 now has 66,000 miles on it but I have replaced 2 instrument bulbs (and a bit more besides).
Enjoy the beastie!
21/07/2017 07:49:15 UTC
Alan Sutherland said :-
I've had my Revere since since 1992,and was off the road for 10 years because that's how long the doctors took to get my tablet dosage sorted to keep my absence type epilepsy at bay.Better to bide my time.My bike is totally unbelievable to look at,and has covered just 50000 miles.It looks more like 10000 miles.The bike is garaged,and kept on the trickle charger. I tend to be a dry rider only,unless I get caught out. I do quite weird things, like go from where I live,near Edinburgh,to Fort William for lunch ( Glen Coe ,and Killin) and come back home ,take the flies off the bike and give it a general polish with Pledge for wood which I find the best ,and then,I even squirt WD40 up the exhaust ,which is still original, and shiney inside.OTT,I know but Hey ! ! What else are dry days for,gardening NOT.
17/09/2017 08:16:47 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
I'm glad to hear that you are able to use the bike now, I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to see the motorcycle in the garage and not be able to use it.
I wish I could do weird things like riding to Fort William for lunch!! Morrisons will do me fine or the little cafe in Strontian for a cake.
Thanks Alan and enjoy the ride.
17/09/2017 17:39:46 UTC
Frosty said :-
All the good stuff said here is so straight & true, bought my '89 600K in four c/board boxes off eBay for a 100 quid. Didnt expect much & wasnt disappointed, because I didn't get much.....Most of the standard plastic impedimenta plus Rs-end of the exhaust, H/light, all electrics, seat etc were missing, the rear-frame had been hack-sawed off just past the rear tank mounting, the r/shock was siezed solid scrap. Not a good start!...Looked at it for a week, my intention was to plant it at my 1920's Apartmento Rurale in Catalunya,Spain as my mountain hack ??.......I'm not going to spend any money on this heap of shite!, 60K on the meter, plastered in B&Q's gutter-grey slime oil paint....What to do ?....The project got hold of me..Spend no real money, throw it together on the cheap as a Rat-Bobber, spank what's left of the lil Bastard around the 1000 ft drops & sheer rock faces of El Montana Altos see who craps out first.....It wasn't the bike!.....old-fashioned, dated, retro, noisy with a modded 'slash-can', & so bloody ugly...But Chummy, a heart of Gold, a member of my Family, a Legend around Priorata del Tarragona,......Amen so absolute for one Magic Machine with Soul.
12/10/2018 11:35:41 UTC
Frosty said :-
One truly Great Site, No Issues, No Denials, No Hang-ups, No Attitude..... just a meeting of Like Minds...Felitas, El Compadre Mucho.
12/10/2018 11:50:36 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Frosty! Never thought I'd see a sort of off road bobber scrambler NTV600 Revere. It rather appeals to my fix it up n make it work mentality.
I hope the weather is better there than it has been here today. Cheers.
13/10/2018 10:40:07 UTC
Chris said :-
Mine is actually a Deauville 650 with a Ducati monster seat, a load of NTV parts and all of the fairing lugs cut off. Love the bike to bits, pulls like a train, very torquey almost diesel like.
29/12/2018 20:31:05 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Wow Chris that's another beauty. There's something about that straight frame and the simple lines that lend itself to being a stripped down bike. What's the crack with the 2 sided swingarm? That must have taken some serious engineering to get in?
30/12/2018 08:21:56 UTC
Chris said :-
It's a Deauville, so the 2 sided swingarm is OE. Maybe to cope with the extra weight that is piled on in Deauville guise. I believe the single side and the 2 side swingarm setup are interchangeable however.
The 2 side Deauville swingarm does appear to be longer than the single side NTV one though, which I prefer as it makes the bike look longer and sleeker imo.
30/12/2018 11:07:15 UTC
Rod said :-
Hi Chris, You also have the massive advantage of shaft drive if I am not mistaken. Nice looking bike!
30/12/2018 12:38:55 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Aaaaah of course the Deauville. I guess the tank is from the NTV and fits straight on?
30/12/2018 16:41:44 UTC
Chris said :-
No, the Deauville has a 2 bolt arrangement up top on an extended mount. This needs cutting down flush with the top frame rails then a piece of plate welding in. An m6 tapped hole can then be added to accept the single bolt of the NTV tank.
The Deauville tank looks rubbish without the fairings as it is designed to mate up with them. An NTV airbox is also used to go with the NTV tank, this is a direct fit. the Deauville one is too big to go underneath.
30/12/2018 17:17:05 UTC
Chris said :-
Yes shaft drive is retained with the Deauville base.
30/12/2018 17:19:17 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
That sounds like real engineering Chris. Here at BAT towers we only do "bodges". Have a look around and you'll see what I mean. I think your bike looks sweet but...well...erm...where does the top box go, the saddle bags and the camping gear? Hehe - I guess it's not for touring? Maybe you have "add-ons"?
30/12/2018 18:08:42 UTC
Chris said :-
Just the tanklock ring (Givi tank bag) and a rucksack with this one. I use it for mainly pottering around and short trips I.e. less than 50 miles. I've got a K1200s and a VFR 800 in the shed for the longer stuff ;-)
30/12/2018 18:24:34 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Ahh I see you've rather spoilt yourself! Lucky boy.
30/12/2018 18:26:26 UTC
Chris said :-
The NTV is my favourite though :-) :-)
30/12/2018 18:45:48 UTC
Mac said :-
I think I might own this bike now.... Or it's coincidence of colour and back truck mount.
18/10/2019 08:03:43 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi Mac. The bike ended up in bits and I sold the frame and motor quite some time back. The reg was H***DNB?
18/10/2019 09:07:30 UTC
Martin said :-
Hello All
Sadly my dad passed away at the start of the year. He left me his NTV 650 which he hadn't used for a couple of years. I'm looking to put it back on the road as a keeper, but wary of just refuelling the (drained a long time ago) tank and pressing Go! Knowing this bike as you guys clearly do, what would you do to her before giving it a go? Cheers, Martin
28/09/2020 14:32:58 UTC
Bogger said :-
Personally, I'd change the oil and filter, put a couple of ltrs of fuel in it and then press go. Then take it from there with regard to tyres, brakes and everything else that will need a fettle etc.
Bogger
28/09/2020 14:58:45 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Fluids will all need doing. Coolant, brakes, clutch (?), oil and filter etc. Wouldn't worry about diff oil for now.
Is there corrosion inside the tank, if so it will need cleaning and sealing first.
Are the brakes free, ie not seized on pistons and/or sliders.
Is it carbs? Were they drained too. If not they'll probably need cleaning too but it will be worth trying without a carb strip be because that will be a royal PITA.
Battery will probably be scrap.
How old are the tyres, check for cracking and overall condition.
If it starts consider putting a fuel cleaner in with the first fuel. Is the fuel filter clean.
Good luck.
Upt'North.
28/09/2020 16:57:24 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi Martin.
As Bogger says do change the oil and filter.
I'd also turn the engine over "by hand" first. On the left side of the motor there's a large allen key type disc, remove this. Under there's a nut, probably 17 or 19mm, put a socket on this and turn it in the same direction the wheels go when moving forwards. If it won't budge then the motor may be seized. If it rotates (it will take a small amount of effort but NOT a big heave) then replace the disc thing you removed.
Check inside the tank. A bit of rust is OK but a lot? Beware and check for leaks too. If the tank is OK fill it with about 3 litres and check check for leaks, not just the tank but the pipes under the tank.
As like as not the battery will be dead, be ready with something to give it a jump start.
If you get it going then don't just hop on a ride. Check the brakes work. Check the lights work. Check the tyres - these will likely need replacing if it runs as the rubber will be hard, do that soon if you're keeping it. Check the coolant. If it runs and rides then go through the bike, give it a FULL service (brakes, tyres, coolant, brake fluid, chain and so on).
Let us know how you get on.
28/09/2020 17:05:18 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
This cover thing here, just the allen key thing not the whole case
28/09/2020 17:06:43 UTC
Martin said :-
That's great, thanks for your pointers. Battery should be Ok (first start up will tell), been on a trickle charger while it's been laid up. Tyres - about 20 years vintage so will be buying a set of BT45s to replace(?). I don't know if the carbs were drained as well, I'll open them up and see what comes out. Anyone tried spray carb cleaner? I will check inside the tank for rust. I've invested in some Marvel Mystery oil (snake oil? Maybe!) that I've plans to squirt down the plugholes and leave overnight before I turn her over manually - thanks for the tip Ed, I was going to stick her in 3rd and turn the back wheel. Oil and filter are on the cards early on, before start up. Did I read somewhere that a Honda Civic filter is the same? Any recommendations on oil type? Then I'll check the rest over once she's fired up and run ok for a few minutes. I'm thinking she'll be fine - 16k on a K! In Glorious Green! So it'll never get nicked...! My dad bought her to do the NW 500 (with me on my Transalp), way before it got its posh title (and much busier). 10 days of sunshine, brilliant. That was back in 99, and he never sold it. Looking forward to taking her out around the Lincs Wolds once fettled, and I'll keep you posted. Cheers, Martin
28/09/2020 20:14:37 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I found the BT45s to be quite well suited to the Revere but then I'm not a fast rider. Spray carb cleaner does work but do make sure you're in a well ventilated area (ie outside). Never tried the Marvel Mystery oil so I can't comment. Yeah, erm, sticking it in 3rd and turning the rear wheel is, erm, ahem, yeah, much easier than my suggestion. Whoops. I dunno about the Civic filter but you'll have no trouble finding an oil filter for that.
GREEN!! GREEEEEEN!! I thought they only came in red? I gotta see this - pic please.
Regarding oil choice. Personally I'd be tempted to use a basic mineral oil for the first say 500 miles and then change it up to a reasonable quality one. Give you a chance to flush the motor and make sure you're happy kinda thing. If other readers have different thoughts I'm happy to be proven wrong.
29/09/2020 08:40:59 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Don't disagree with the oil, but make sure it's wet clutch compliant.
Safest route would be bike oil but otherwise check the JASO rating.
Upt'North.
29/09/2020 09:02:48 UTC
Martin said :-
Cheers Gents
It's Green as in Chris's 'customed' bike further up this thread. Or is it Turquoise...? Very early 90s, anyway!
29/09/2020 10:09:37 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Aaaah right, yes I have seen the odd green/turquoise ones but they are rare.
29/09/2020 14:01:47 UTC
Martin said :-
Hi Ren-The Ed
Plugs in or out for a 'dry' turnover? I stuck her in 3rd, plugs in, and tried to spin the wheel. No joy with a reasonable amount of force, but obviously I'm fighting compression. Should I be able to turn her over plugs in (ie, is there something adrift if I can't), or is it a 'not a chance, take the plugs out you berk'? Cheers
30/09/2020 13:57:23 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'd expect to be able to do it plugs in. While pistons need to hold compression they will leak down slowly but surely. Try it in 5th or 6th gear. If there is zero movement and it's rock solid I, gosh I hate to say this, I think something is seized. Try removing that cover I mentioned and turning it in the same direction as the wheels. Again, some force but don't go heaving and yanking.
If it is seized, erm. I await the wisdom on the masses but I'd start with a thimble of that marvel mystery oil in the piston through one of the 2 spark plugs on each piston (Twin spark motor). IE the spark plugs you can easily reach. As like as not it'll be the pistons that are stuck.
30/09/2020 14:28:01 UTC
Martin said :-
Thanks Ren. I think I'll play safe and put some MMO down the plugs and leave overnight (or a few days) prior to trying again. I'm not 100% sure how long she was sat for, as my dad got a Guzzi V50 back in summer 2017 due to the Honda getting a bit heavy for him to move around (he was still biking at 80!). He might not have bothered with the Honda after that, so it could be 3 years it's been sat. Dad left me the Guzzi as well, which is a lovely wee bike to blat around on. So I'm in no mad rush to get the Honda running and would be a shame to bugger something up on her for the sake of a bit of patience... From your experience, which two plugs are easiest to access?
01/10/2020 11:20:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
If memory serves, the ones on the side. If you get the tank off (not too hard) it'll be fairly obvious which are the easiest to get to. Don't go mad with the MMO or any other lubricants, just a squirt or a thimble full. It's also best to leave the plugs out and try to turn it over. This will a)remove the compression and b) allow any excess lube of choice out the barrel. You don't want to "hydro-lock" the motor by having fluids in there.
Your dad seems like he was a cool chap.
01/10/2020 11:25:59 UTC
Martin said :-
He was a biker for 60 years - something to aim for! I just dug out an article on using MMO for this, which you and others might find interesting/useful. I've seen people saying that fluid xyz would do the same thing (MMO does claim to do a lot of things), but allegedly MMOs been around for 100 years (or is it 1000?), it's A Mystery, and it smells great! So it must be good...
https://honda-tech.com/forums/tech-misc-15/how-much-mystrey-oil-down-sparkplug-h...
01/10/2020 11:52:18 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
"A couple of cap fulls" was one suggestion, fair enough. Yes the MMO will seep down by the rings, hopefully giving them a bit of lube to free them up. And if left long enough (overnight) there should only be trace amounts left in the cylinder. As a matter of good practice though I'd still leave the plugs out when you first attempt to rotate the motor. Belt-n-braces but it won't do any harm.
We all find countless opinions on the internet, the discussion on that forum is a prime example with the good old "which oil" argument that we've had on here too. Brace yourself Upt'!
01/10/2020 12:07:36 UTC
Martin said :-
Cheers Ren. Enjoyed reading your article at the top of this pile. A bike loaded up like that says 'just off adventuring!' I'll keep you posted how it goes.
01/10/2020 14:36:27 UTC
Upt'North said :-
I'm braced Ed, I think it's my normal state.
If this ere Honda has only been parked up for three years and in dry conditions I doubt the engine will have seized. However, no harm in putting a little oil down there, diesel works well in moderation.
Upt'North.
01/10/2020 15:58:29 UTC
martin said :-
Eyup Upt'North. I'm a Leeds lad misen way back. You? Dryish - dad's garage was standalone with a corrugated tin roof. Been in there before in cold damp weather (used to fettle my pushbikes in there as a kid) and there'd be condensation dripping on me ed. Them were t' days!
01/10/2020 18:45:43 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Martin, I'm up just below the border in North Northumberland. Wee town by the name of Wooler.
With regards the dripping garage roof, yes steel roofs are a hoot.
Although I'd still think inside that motor will be OK.
Fingers crossed for an easy job.
Upt'North.
01/10/2020 23:41:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I must admit I would have thought the motor likely to be OK. It's all a question of conditions though. Condensation is my first thought. It's easy to imaging the motor stopped with a valve open. Then with time the changes of temperature and humidity will cause condensation all over the metals, both inside and out. Urgh, I hope not, let us know Martin.
02/10/2020 09:29:44 UTC
Martin said :-
I shall let you know the result by the end of the weekend - everything crossed for closed valves and a trouble-free turnover once the oil has done its job... Nice part of the country Upt'North. Not biked it but went up to Baumber, Alnwick etc with the caravan a couple of summers ago. Rained for 10 days straight though! Have a good weekend Gents.
Martin...
02/10/2020 10:12:17 UTC
Upt'North said :-
We put that weather on for the tourists.
We don't like them to return......too soon.
It's white over with frost at 11 am this morning, that'll get rid of the last hardy campers, caravanners and motorhomers. Hooray. Roll on winter.
Upt'North.
02/10/2020 11:08:06 UTC
Martin said :-
We do the same in Yorkshire! We still get them coming though, because our beer's better than theirs.
02/10/2020 13:35:08 UTC
Martin said :-
A bit of an update Gents. The rear wheel got steadily easier to turn over the weekend. I gave it a try with the 17mm spanner as well Ren, and it turned with little effort.
I refitted the plugs and tank yesterday, added 2L of fuel, deep breath and pressed Go. She spun up nicely, but didn't catch - then the battery ran out. Charged it up overnight and tried again about an hour ago. Several goes later she fired... and died. then she fired and ran nicely for a few minutes, chucking a smoke screen out while the MMO burned off (my neighbour thought my garage was on fire a came round to investigate). Then she died again. More reluctant to fire the next time (no smoke though!), but she only ran for a minute and died. Ticked over nicely though. No luck after half a dozen more goes (apart from a few 'almosts'), and now the battery is back on charge. But at least she's a goer! No reason why she wouldn't be as she'll have been well cared for (dad was an aircraft spannerer in his working days) and running fine before she was laid up.
My thoughts are towards maybe carb gunge stopping/slowing the fuel so she keeps getting starved (I did go for reserve, just in case 2L was cutting it fine). Any thoughts on this? I'd prefer not to tear the carbs apart unless I need to. I've got some more Yank stuff coming on Thursday called Seafoam. It also claims many uses, and has also been around for 1000 + years. One of its claims is as a carb cleaner - put a bit of fuel in the tank, add the right proportion of Seafoam and dry crank the engine to send the mixture to the carbs. Leave it to marinade for a couple of days, drain the carbs and fire up. It gets good reviews regards this on Amazon (it's cheaper on Ebay) and elsewhere. 'Bike was stood for donkeys years and wouldn't go - this stuff sorted it (etc)'. I'll let you know how phase 2 goes...
I found the most detailed guide I've ever seen on changing the oil on this site: http://robdavistelford.co.uk/webspace/deauville/oil-and-filter/index.html
and this guy seems to have a pretty comprehensive parts bin to offer: https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/NT650V3-DEAUVILLE-2003/part_90943/
Cheers
06/10/2020 18:49:56 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Martin,
Seafoam is good stuff, well worth a try first.
Well done.
Upt'North.
06/10/2020 19:12:14 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's seem the worst of it is over Martin. The carbs are fiddly but not an absolute ball-ache if you do need to give them a clean. New set of plugs too perhaps?
06/10/2020 20:05:56 UTC
nab301 said :-
I'd check the petrol pump is operating , they can be quite troublesome , maybe even by pass it by using a gravity feed remote tank of some sort to the carbs . The petrol pump afaik won't prime unless the engine is turning over which can be a problem in itself. ( ex Deauville owner) . If you can get at the carb float bowl drain screws in situ I'd open them and see if fuel comes which is where a gravity feed is useful. My Deauville would run if I bypassed the pump but the tank would need to be at least 30% full .
Nigel
06/10/2020 20:17:35 UTC
Martin said :-
Cheers fellas. I'll see how it goes with the Seafoam first and take it from there. Upt'North - I've not used it before, what have you found it useful / good for? Anything that's particularly impressed you that you'd recommend? The two plugs I took out look pretty new Ren, but I'll keep it in mind. I could have eaten my dinner off the air filter (but I didn't)! nab 301 - could the pump have conked due to sitting and then being started (death by shock...)? Like I said, Seafoam first, but something else to consider if it doesn't work.
Martin...
06/10/2020 21:31:16 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Martin,
I've never used it myself but on the "other" forum the yanks shout its praises long and loud. They seem to run it at the strongest recommended dose or even a bit more when things are gummed up and then run a tank or two through at normal strength. They get very good results.
If and when you get it running sweet, and I'm sure you will, if you're going to leave it parked up over the winter etc, consider something like Honda Pro Fuel Stabiliser for lay ups. This I have used and strongly recommend.
Obviously all the above depends on their being no other mechanical issues.
Upt'North.
06/10/2020 23:20:18 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The NTV and all the other bikes with the V-Twin had petrol pump issues. Martin - your Transalp will have the same pump. It's a low pressure pump only required to pump out the part of the tank that is lower can the carbs but as a matter of course it runs all the time. As nab301 states if the pump is bypassed the bike will run but only until the fuel is at the same height as the carbs.
It's worth knowing 2 things re the pump. Inside the top of the pump there are "points" which can be cleaned or replaced - many were replaced for the sake of a simple repair. The pump is a VERY common pump and you don't need to buy them from Honda Motorcycle's inflated prices.
07/10/2020 07:54:40 UTC
Martin said :-
Thanks Ren. The Seafoam arrived a short while ago, so I'm going to have a look at putting it straight into the carbs (after draining the bowls) as others have done. I've found a clip on Youtube (not on an NTV) of this being done by 1. measuring how much fuel comes out on draining, then 2. using a small funnel or syringe to fill the carbs with the same amount of seafoam (directly down the carb tube, bypassing the pump), then 3. leaving it overnight, draining it back out, refuel, give it a go... Does this method of getting the Seafoam into the carbs sound Ok, or am I missing something?
If it does turn out to be the fuel pump - this is a very good guide from the same chap I mentioned before: http://robdavistelford.co.uk/webspace/deauville/fuel-pump/index.html
So if it does turn out to be a fuel pump issue, I'll see if the points can be cleaned first as you said, and if not, a 20 quid 'simple repair' will do it without breaking the bank. This sort of fix pleases a Yorkshireman no end!
Martin...
07/10/2020 16:58:11 UTC
Martin said :-
Has anyone used the pattern oil filters on the David Silver site? If so, are they Ok (any issues with them?)
Thanks
08/10/2020 14:48:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
David Silver is a well, very well known Honda spares supplier so I would like to think their stuff is OK. But - a brand would be helpful. I have used various filters over the years without issues but it is wise to do a little research.
08/10/2020 15:34:06 UTC
said :-
Thanks Ren. The 'Seafoam' parcel turned out to be my kid's new lunchboxes! I thought it was a bit light. Anyway, I tried again today and she struggled into life a couple of times, but then died. After some thought I started pondering that if it IS the pump, then 2 litres might not be enough fuel. So I bunged 5 litres of fuel on top, from my recently refilled lawnmower can. She started! And with a bit of 'catch her on the throttle before she stalls', this time she kept going. Lumpy and reluctant at first, but that said she was back to firing a smoke screen out. Then the smoke gradually stopped and she got smoother, so I let the revs drop to an idle. Thumping away rock steady at 1000 rpm for 10 minutes - well pleased! And the fan kicked in towards the end, so I know that's Ok.
Can I just check though, that I'm on the right track... nab301 (thanks to you too) - you mentioned that the bike would still run ok down to the last 30% (or down to carb level, as Ren put it) without the pump, but that the pump would need to be be bypassed straight to the carbs however then the last 30% then can't be used. Does that mean that if the pump's not working the fuel won't flow properly no matter how full the tank is, because the knackered pump will slow the fuel flow up up (it can't have stopped it, or she wouldn't have run for 10 minutes...)? Just making sure I haven't conned myself into thinking I've figured it as a pump issue when actually it was just that the MMO needed to clear for proper running to happen.
I will check the pump out over the weekend. If they're troublesome creatures I'm tempted to change the points anyway for the sake of 20 quid, as a preventative measure. Better that than the pump failing miles from home and I'm already down below 30%. I'd probably pay 200 quid at that point to be able to turn the clock back and sort it out!
Oil change when the filters arrive, and I've got some STP engine flush at the ready. I have missed fettling motorbikes!
Ren, you mentioned in your article that when you had your NTV you found the pegs too high and your legs too bent. My dad had a sheepskin pad that he used. The thing's about 3" thick! I've tried it out and I'm convinced that it raises the height slightly, as my legs feel more 'relaxed' (my skinny frame probably only flattens it part way down). Very comfy too! Apparently Charlie and Ewan used them on their trips, so there must be something in that. They do look a bit Mad Max, but if you find yourself with the same issue, it might be worth trying one. I've read about people experimenting with gluing closed-cell DIY pads to them, to get their ideal height.
08/10/2020 21:25:14 UTC
Glenn said :-
So I've just bought myself one in Australia.
I blame you Ren.
Relax, my wife blames me, no matter how often I point at you.
I've had a 750 Shadow for 18 months or so, but never gelled with the bike, just not cruiser inclined, get the appeal, its just not for me, but I was constantly impressed with the engine, just sweet characteristics, pulls from the beginning of the rev range and just goes about it's business with no fuss.
The NTV may just be the solution.
09/10/2020 04:28:20 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Martin - It certainly appears to be the fuel pump. The thing is it's still not CERTAIN! It could be the Marvel Mystery stuff has worked over time. It could be a change in ambient conditions. It could be anything.
I've never checked one myself but surely it can't be hard to check. I'm imagining the 5 litre tank of lawnmower fuel with a pipe from the fuel to the pump then back into the fuel tank and a 12v battery. Then again it would be very easy to set myself on fire too... First thing to check is, is the pump making any noises when the ignition is switched on? If I remember correctly it clicks fast for a second then slows down as the pressure builds.
Another option is to fill the tank, ride the bike and see when it stops - making sure you have a 5l can of fuel with you to get you home. If it drains the tank the pump is working, if not...
As for getting a sheepskin for the NTV, I'm afraid you're about 10 years too late! It's been an age since the NTV passed through my hands.
Glenn - I find it best to blame Sharon (my girlfriend) for everything. We don't live together but I still curse her for the pile of washing up I've created in the sink. So tell your good lady it's not your fault, nor is it Ren's fault, it's Sharon's fault. See how your wife feels about that.
I hope the NTV is too your liking, do let us know.
09/10/2020 08:36:26 UTC
Martin said :-
Hi All
Could I have your views please? I've just sat watching the fuel pump 'firing' every 6 to 7 seconds at 1000 rpm tickover (increasing if I increase the throttle). Big juicy spark between the points. Does this seem an Ok frequency? And if not, would replacement points sort it?
Ren, I spotted that you'd moved on from the NTV. The sheepskin pad was a possible-maybe option for another time/bike. I have to say, regardless of seat height etc, it feels damn comfy on the old backside!
12/10/2020 18:43:41 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I never once made an effort to notice how often the pump should do it's thing. It's a low pressure pump so essentially it'll give a "click" as and when the pressure is needed. I'd work on the principle - is it working?
I hear many good reports regarding sheepskins, except they can get a bit, erm, wet. I should really look out for one, they can't be that expensive.
12/10/2020 19:38:07 UTC
nab301 said :-
Quote "you mentioned that the bike would still run ok down to the last 30% (or down to carb level, as Ren put it) without the pump, but that the pump would need to be be bypassed straight to the carbs however then the last 30% then can't be used. Does that mean that if the pump's not working the fuel won't flow properly no matter how full the tank is, "
From your description it sounds like the pump is ok and Ren describes exactly how it works , I call them plunger pumps but I may be incorrect , if it's pumping quickly all the time there's a problem with no/ low petrol or the intake is blocked . When the carbs are full the pump will stop clicking , and at idle it will just click occasionally. There should be an external petrol filter under the seat on the intake side of the pump , might be worth replacing that, the 2l that you put in the tank initially may not have been enough. Just to recap on the above quote , if the pump isn't working there will be no fuel flow , for gravity fed operation you must by pass the pump completely but the lowest part of the tank is below the carb float bowls hence you need to keep the petrol level well above reserve ( maybe 125 mile range max). My Deauville let me down soon after purchase but I was on my way again very quickly after bypassing the pump. I found the bike ran better at the top end with the pump , but as a get you home measure it's fine without. Also , if the points are sparking badly some people modified the pump by fitting a capacitor which apparently sorts out that problem and prevents failure.
Also , Ren mentioned a Transalp and a pump , but I had a 650 Transalp and one of the benefits was that it didn't have a pump....
Nigel
12/10/2020 20:34:55 UTC
Martin said :-
Thanks Gents
Ren - That explains the slow-paced click then, it operates on an 'as an when' basis. So it's working! Another thing mentioned about the sheepskin rugs is that they keep you warm in winter, and cool in summer. But how do they know...?
Nigel, a very comprehensive reply, cheers. I've already looked at the fuel filter and given it a backflush by tipping a bit of fuel in, shaking it, then tipping it out of the 'in' side. What came out looked very clean in the little glass jar I used, so seems Ok. Is a big juicy spark across the points not ideal then? I thought that's what's meant by a 'healthy' spark, and a feeble spark was what what you didn't want. But then my knowledge is limited!
She fired straight up again tonight, so if the pump's working ok then the initial reluctance to start/keep going/tickover may have been simply the leftover oil in the cylinders and the length of time she'd had been standing. I'm going to do the Seafoam Thing on the carbs next and see what that does. Can't do any harm, anyway.
12/10/2020 21:04:52 UTC
Martin said :-
The Green Machine passed her MOT today. All sorted, thanks!
20/10/2020 19:59:43 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Woohoo!! Good news Martin. We from the Bikes And Travels HQ will soon be sending you our consultancy invoice payable within 30 days. Please ensure all cheques are made out to "The Ren Withnell Benevolent Fund".
21/10/2020 08:44:50 UTC
Martin said :-
Thanks Ren. I look forward to your invoice...! So you recognise it, my check will be from 'Green Machine is a Goer'. A quick question for all. I've had the front mudguard off to drop the forks to change the oil (as the wheel was already off for new rubber). On the LH rear mounting point the allen bolt also goes through the brake calliper mounting bracket. This doesn't nip up fully, although the bolt does tighten up / bottom out in the captive nut. This leaves the calliper bracket free to rotate, and I'm wondering if this is designed in to let the brake pipe/bracket move around a bit to avoid strain, or if it's just a coincidence that it's just this mounting point and it should fully nip everything tight. I have the right sized tap at the ready if it needs running through... Could anyone who either knows, or has an NTV to hand and can give the front mudguard calliper hose bracket a rotate, let me know please?
PS Ren, am I posting these tech questions in the right place, or would they be better elsewhere on the site?
Cheers
24/10/2020 14:45:29 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Martin.
A picture would be good.
Upt'North.
24/10/2020 14:59:46 UTC
Martin said :-
Ok Upt'North, I'll be reassembling thisafty. Just got a fenda extenda to add first.
24/10/2020 15:12:10 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I assume we are talking about item 1 on the diagram?
I would expect the bolt to go through the hose clamp and then the bolt should be tightened into the thread on the fork leg. This would prevent the clamp from rotating. It is common for the threads in the fork leg to be rounded out as the thread is M6 in ally and it only takes a beefy heave and it's game over. But the advantage is it's the "through" thread, put a longer bolt in with a nyloc nut. Just be sure, VERY sure, the longer bolt clears the tyre and wheel by a good margin.
25/10/2020 16:56:39 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
image...
25/10/2020 16:56:58 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ahhh, re-reading. So the bolt goes all the way in to the clamp. If the clamp is to be in any logical position the bolt may not be fully tight. Kind of like a double lock-nut. Odd.
25/10/2020 17:01:07 UTC
said :-
Thanks Ren. When it was all back together I moved the bars lock to lock and the hose bracket didn't move/swivel at all. So even if it was part of the design to allow the bracket to swivel with the movement of the hose, it's not needed and I'd prefer to have everything properly tightened down. I just ran a tap through it in the end (probably just a bit of rust and muck stopping it from tightening fully up anyway - like you say, it's open-ended into the mudguard) and now it's all locked up tight like the rest.
I will post a photo of her sheepskin clad Glorious Green-ness soon! How would I do that on this site if I take some photos on my phone?
26/10/2020 08:30:09 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
When you click on "choose file" in my experience your phone will usually offer a choice between selecting an image from your phone's files or to open the camera and take a new image.
"...sheepskin clad Glorious Green-ness"! I do hope you're not overselling this wonder of engineering.
26/10/2020 12:25:01 UTC
said :-
Definitely overselling! I was going to do this on my laptop by emailing the photos to me, but ahem doing it on the mobile you took the photo on obviously ahem makes more sense... The screen is back off after a brief trip to the shops for milk (excuse) to try it out. Too much wind roar inside the helmet for me, couldn't hear the engine above around 30mph. I'd adjusted the screen to the 'optimum' nose height and that's it at full height. So off it came, and I reckon that was why my dad bought it in 2001 (found the receipt) and I never saw it on the bike... Nowt wrong with a bit of wind blast anyway!
27/10/2020 07:50:31 UTC
said :-
27/10/2020 07:53:15 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Oh I say! I truly cannot make my mind up about that colour but who gives a toss - the bike is up and running and I must say (colour reservations aside) it looks very smart indeed. It's a good clean honest bike. I'm also liking the full Givi rack and fluffy seat.
Screens are a bewildering confusing nightmare to get right. There's tons of posts about screens on here, use the search facility in the menu if you want to find them.
27/10/2020 08:48:45 UTC
Martin said :-
I've decided to embrace the colour, having now dyed my hair to match... Don't tell the wife, but the 'sheep seat' is enhanced underneath with a 3/4" thick piece of memory foam cut off her yoga mat. Adds a bit more height from the pegs, and a bit more luxury. I'll have a look through the screen (no pun) info if I decide to have another go, but for now I'll just enjoy her as is.
One thing though, she's blowing rear indicator bulbs at a rate of knots. I'll have a look for a bad earth, but I thought that would just stop them working full stop, not knock out the filaments. I'm more of a spannerer than a leccy though... Any thoughts?
27/10/2020 11:34:13 UTC
Martin said :-
Pre Scotland posing! May 1999.
27/10/2020 11:37:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
My what a handsome pair... OK I tried.
Yes a bad earth can "blow" bulbs. I'll be damned if I know why, something to do with impedance (impudence), resistance (is futile), "back feeding" and flat earth conspiracies. Clean all the connections and sacrifice some used engine oil to Shubegimamamama the god of mysterious electron flows.
28/10/2020 09:03:17 UTC
Upt'North said :-
+1 and don't just do the nearest earth connections, bikes will generally have larger earth points here and there, typically one upt front, one upt rear and obviously battery and engine earth's.
And yes it's all electrotrickery. But a clean earth is a clean earth and don't put grease between the earth and frame etc. On top yes, if you must but not between.
I'll say a prayer to Shubegi....yes er.
Upt'North.
28/10/2020 09:50:24 UTC
Martin said :-
Thanks for trying Ren It's the thought that counts...
Cheers gents, I'll get looking for a bad earth somewhere.
I can't find an image of Shubegimamamama to pray to, so I've opted ShabbaRanks instead.
28/10/2020 12:25:27 UTC
Wojtek said :-
Thanks Ren, great help in deciding about my NTV. Below my comments:
Bit too heavy, not too powerful, the steering angle limited by the shape of the frame, ugly, cause of this strange combination of classic, naked front glued to scooter-like, plastic rear end.
Not too comfy for long legs riders, like Ren wrote in his opinion: “the seat is too low and the pegs too high and the handlebar too far away.”
Maintenance: Ren wrote: “getting to rocker covers is challenging” – in my opinion this is the nightmare (very frustrating when you find oil leaks few days after the job is done – I know what I’m seing).
So, what I’m doing here?
Having Honda Shadow for 22 years I wanted to have the same solid but more practical, inexpensive motorcycle with a friendly engine, nice sound and a drive that does not require regular cleaning and lubrication of the chain…
End a bit of soul.
With such assumptions, the choice is not too big if you put special emphasis on the word: INEXPENSIVE
After several months of searching, I found several clean bikes with low mileage and finally one deal was done.
I don't like plastic, but when you buy a motorcycle on which you have not spent a fortune, your hand will not tremble when you decide to use a saw.
I bought the handlebars and footrest brackets from an old Honda Deauville - this allowed the footrests to be lowered about an inch and the handlebars raised by about two inches at the same time. The upholsterer applied additional layers of sponge to the seat and finally position on the bike became much more relaxed (for me)
From few steel pipes and a thick aluminum plate I made the protection of the engine from the bottom.
A thin aluminum sheet covers the engine from dirt flowing out from under the front wheel.
Cylinder head covers I bought from Honda Africa Twin – they have two small lids, which let you adjust the valves without necessity to dismantle the whole covers.
Finally most of the weak points have been fixed, and as for the appearance - everyone has their own taste.
Now the bike meets my expectations, it is nimble enough for city driving and perfect for relaxing, leisurely ride on the small, narrow roads. And what I like the most about it - it sounds great!
28/04/2021 15:23:13 UTC
Wojtek said :-
28/04/2021 15:25:00 UTC
Wojtek said :-
28/04/2021 15:26:10 UTC
said :-
28/04/2021 15:38:34 UTC
said :-
28/04/2021 15:38:35 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Well you live and learn! I did not know that the Africa Twin (early 750 model I presume) had access caps for the tappets in the rocker covers. Useful info and that will make the job of adjusting considerably easier. Nor did I know the Deauville pegs would work. Some simple yet incredibly effective solutions Wojtek. I imagine the engine bars and bash plate required some real skills - they look factory fitted.
It's good to hear your enjoying the NTV. They are a much underrated machine that never set the world alight with power or race wins, simply a strong, reliable and solid performer. That single side swingarm is a bonus along with a simple overall design.
29/04/2021 13:31:33 UTC
Wojtek said :-
Hi,
I send you some picture - may be helpful.
The covers are from Africa Twin 650 (I found it quite cheap somewhere in France).
The only modification is, that the cover from Africa's rear cylinder (on the bottom) has a small pipe, which has to be removed and the hole (10mm) clogged. This cover became NTV's front.
In the upper cover (Africa's front), you need to make a hole in the place where you put the rubber hose of crankcase breather - this one became NTV's rear cover.
Sound complicated, but works well.
29/04/2021 21:46:19 UTC
Wojtek said :-
Final result:
29/04/2021 21:47:52 UTC
Wojtek said :-
one more thing: after installing the handle bar from Deauville, the clutch and throttle cables are too short - they also need to be replaced. Only the cables from the switches are long enough.
29/04/2021 22:10:43 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Now - if my memory is still intact - here in the UK we got a 750cc Africa Twin and a 650 Tansalp. The Africa Twin was "Paris Dakar" style and the Transalp was Adventure bike style but a little softer, a little rounder. I figure that throughout the world different models with different capacities got different names! I know that engine was available in 400cc (NT 400 Bros) right through to 800cc (Pacific Coast) so Honda really did get their money's worth out of that design.
How did you block ("clogged") the hole? It looks like you welded a plate over the hole and welding the alloy takes some skill I believe.
As for the longer cables - I'm guessing the Deauville cables would be long enough?
01/05/2021 10:13:12 UTC
Wojtek said :-
Hi
I plugged the hole with a M10x1 screw as in the picture:
03/05/2021 19:45:20 UTC
Wojtek said :-
After pulling the tube out of the aluminum cover, I didn't even make a thread: I just applied LOCKLITE 245 (blue) and screwed the screw into the soft aluminum. No cracks, no leaks, no welding.
On the picture of Africa's engine this tube is in the red circle:
03/05/2021 19:49:51 UTC
Wojtek said :-
I think is more visible here, after cleaning and before painting:
03/05/2021 19:51:23 UTC
Wojtek said :-
About the higher handlebar from Deauville:
Throttle cable, Clutch cable and break hose I had to take from Deauville (from NTV was too short).
Only the choke cable and all electrical connections was long enough - I just had to find for them the shortest possible way.
03/05/2021 19:59:33 UTC
Wojtek said :-
About footrest brackets from an Honda Deauville: as you can see from the picture - I only took what I wanted - the rest was too big and too heavy. Only the mounting of the silencer required some modification and aluminum welding - silencer from Honda Deauville is longer than in H-D Electra Glide !
03/05/2021 20:04:08 UTC
Wojtek said :-
Searching for the parts from different models you are never sure, if they fits to your bike, but I have some tips: searching for the cylinder cover I've checked, if the valve cover seals from both models have the same Honda's original part number - if yes: BINGO - the covers should fits to my engine!
Internet is the great tool, if you know what you are looking for.
Regards, W.
03/05/2021 20:12:35 UTC
Wojtek said :-
I didn't mean to beautify my Honda NTV, but to make it as practical as possible for my needs. I did all these modifications to make a motorcycle that would be comfortable for me to ride and service, but I left all the other things that I did not mind, but which are solid (like Honda) and do their job: blinkers, clocks, mirrors .
After cutting all the plastic body on the back, I have something to tie my luggage, but left all the plastic fender (black) with space for the battery and mounting electronic components. I made a solid aluminum base for the 55l Kappa trunk and the cover under the engine to protect the sensitive water pump - once on my Shadow I almost broke the water pipe when I hit a stump hidden in the grass at a forest campsite.
Hope my NTV is really well secured now.
And as a bonus - I even like it, but I think I'm lonely in it, so I guess the motorcycle thief won't be interested in her.
03/05/2021 20:44:46 UTC
Pete said :-
I'm 6 foot and 33 inch inside leg. Will i find the NVT a bit too cramped?
03/10/2023 22:05:51 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Possibly Pete, but we're all made quite different. It's not the biggest of motorcycles, all I can suggest is go and sit on one and see how it feels. Good strong solid bike otherwise.
04/10/2023 20:09:35 UTC
Pete said :-
Thanks for the reply. I've done the deal on the bike and looking forward to trying it out.
03/11/2023 10:58:11 UTC
nab301 said :-
I'm sure this has been posted before but add in your vitals and you'll see the knee and hip angles etc
Nigel
https://cycle-ergo.com/...
03/11/2023 15:09:59 UTC
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