Bmw r80rt or honda deauville
 

Hi i am contemplating buying one of these bike for a European trip next year.
BM is a 1986 55k nice condition and runs well, with panniers
Honda is 2002 with 17k full luggage as standard, nice condition.
The main criteria are reliability, decent fuel economy, comfort.
Opinions!

Dunno about the RT

I had a Deauville 2004 and toured a lot in Europe with it, mostly paved with some dirt /gravel. ( its not meant for that! )

It is a very comfy bike if it fits your "body frame" ; I am 5'8" with short legs and would happily ride all day with stops for fuel food etc... Very reliable but changing spark plugs is a pain. Its very important to balance the carbs or you will get a lot of vibes. ( as with any 2 cylinder ? ) Standard luggage is just about manageable but extended covers would be better. Roll bags on the bag compensate for this problem. Tank range is not the best circa 200miles when all well tuned, drops off quickly over 70mph. Standard screen give buffeting at speed, about 64 mph was horrible for me. Changed to puing tall screen BRILLIANT ! visor up all day, but too hot in 30+ temps, adjustable one would be best? Trouble free touring never even considered thinking about the bike once I left home. It WILL get you there and back guaranteed. Its a warm bike compared to a lot in cold weather and quite dry too for a half faired machine. It feels very solid and well planted on the road especially with Avon Storm-2 tyres, some impressive lean is possible. It is a heavy bike for the size, not easy to push - don't run out of fuel :nono:

Two up is doable but tight. My wife made me change bike due to lack of room on her footrest she has very small feet. Also there was not enough room for 2 weeks worth of hair products etc.... in the panniers. The panniers are a bit misleading, they look bigger than they are, inside is actually very little space. The brakes are a little lacking loaded and 2 up but as long as you know that its fine. Pillion comfort is pretty good too, so I'm told.


It has the reputation of being a bit dull, or a granddad bike, but it is a very capable, easy to ride, no frills, well made reliable bike.........for solo touring and quite good value £

Took a lot for me to change it, now have a vstrom 650 which to my mind is even better!