which bike for work

[embee]

Just be aware that pre-2002 NT650V Deauvilles had really rather meagre panniers. At 2002 they were increased a bit, particularly the left side (non-exhaust side).

Large lids are available for both, but they are different for pre/post 2002 (hinges etc are different, can't fit late ones on early bikes & vice versa).

Even with the large lids the design isn't brilliant in that the seal on the pannier body fits inside the lid edge, so restricts the aperture somewhat. Having said that they don't leak.

The 700 panniers are bigger still, and as said have a "baguette" hole behind the rear wheel connecting the 2 panniers, quite useful I believe.

Add a big Givi top-box and you're getting useful carrying capacity.

Great workhorse bikes, under-rated. Cosmetic finish isn't brilliant though, especially from 2002 to 2005 or so (engine cases etc particularly vulnerable to scabs).

given a choice, around london, would you go for a bandit or dueaville.
hopefully will get to the office next week to discuss the ideal, so i would like a few options to throw in.

[rowdy]

Is your boss paying for the bike, if so may I suggest a Ducati Desmosideci RR. If not then perhaps a BMW f800gs or rt.

Originally Posted by rowdy

Is your boss paying for the bike, if so may I suggest a Ducati Desmosideci RR. If not then perhaps a BMW f800gs or rt.

I know a bloke who's using his 1200RT for kitchen fitting lectrickery work!

yes they would be paying, but what i chose has got to work, that why i am asking the wealth of the forum. i would hate to look like a fool.

[embee]

If you want to ask any questions about Deauvilles, there's a good owners' site
http://www.deauvilleuk.org/forum/index.php

I have a 2002 NT650V2, and for practical travelling it takes some beating. The 700 is probably even better.

[Stu]

A quick test ride of a bandit or a deauville would go a long way to telling you which you prefer. Chain driven IL4 or V2 shaft. Luggage aside you'll probably prefer one over the other

Originally Posted by Stu

A quick test ride of a bandit or a deauville would go a long way to telling you which you prefer. Chain driven IL4 or V2 shaft. Luggage aside you'll probably prefer one over the other

good point to think about.

What about a viffer I'm considering one for the protection and have the SV for the fine days! They seem to hold their value quite well.

Originally Posted by Airwolf

yes they would be paying, but what i chose has got to work, that why i am asking the wealth of the forum. i would hate to look like a fool.

Are they actually paying for the bike (IE company bike)? Or giving you a "car allowance" to pay towards it, but the bike is yours?

If the former, I'd go for a new F800GS. If the latter, I'd go for a second hand 700cc Deauville.

Edit: If you have a choice (you can choose either company bike or car allowance to be spent on a bike), unless you really fancy hard/expensive to work on or pricey bike I'd be tempted to go for the cash rather than company bike. Factoring in the insurance, servicing costs, cost to buy the bike, tax on the money, I've probably made about £3000 profit on the SV from the car allowance over the past couple of years. Also, the bike (as tatty as it is) belongs to me and each subsequent year I run it as my main work vehicle, I'll be pocketing another few grand: Tyres, consumables, new parts for replacement from accidents/wearing out, eat up only about 25% of the car allowance each year. If I'd taken a company bike (not that it was an option, although a colleague who rode a pan was pushing for this), all I'd have now is the use of a better bike (well, more practical) bike and never mind no 'profit', I'd be out of pocket once you factored in lid, leathers, etc., not to mention the cost of all the "personal miles" done on it that'd need to be paid for.