Getting rid of my Deau - for good this time

NickNickleby · 22-08-2025 01:04PM #1

Greetings , real bikers! (from a fair weather one).

Mrs N won't let me get up on my Deau, which i spent money and time on replacing the fork seals and brake pads last autumn.

It's definitely in need of TLC having been sat in the back garden uncovered for a year. Taxed and insured because I have more money than sense.

Anyway, I'm unsure how to pitch it to get shot.

There's a fair amount of cosmetics needed - scrapes on panniers from narrow gate mainly. Couple of cracks on fairings near mirror mounts - small but visible.

However, it's only 24k miles on it and when I recharged the battery and gave it a whirr , it started after 3 or 4 seconds. Pretty impressive as it was last autumn when I last turned the key in it

Realistically , I'm not expecting to get rid of it unless I pitch really low, but then it might sound like a pile of old junk and won't get any interest.

If someone came to the door tomorrow MrsN would happily hand them the keys and log book and send them on their way.

Any thoughts. Any of you looking for a running but project bike?

Cheers

JP 1800 · 22-08-2025 02:56PM

Important information is needed such as what year i.e is it a 650 or 700 Deauville. The 650s are not worth much at all and good body panels are hard to comeby especially the nose cone around the headlight and mirror. Also if the frame is corroded and any pitting on the forks, the bike will be worth very little. Probably a parts bike at that stage

NickNickleby · 22-08-2025 03:37PM

Thanks for the comment, JP.

It's an 03 650. The forks are fine and the exhaust was replaced years ago with stainless.

I suppose if I'm just trying to get rid of it, perhaps I'll just drive in somewhere and ask them if they want it for clean up /resale or parts.

Getting rid of it for nothing would probably be a profit for me, as i then I won't tax and insure it, so a saving already.

Im in Artane, so if anyone can suggest somewhere I'd appreciate it.

JP 1800 · 22-08-2025 11:23PM

Would that be a pendant red one that was for sale about a year and half ago by any chance? I may have seen that bike. Pop up a few pics so we can assess. If you are looking to just get rid of there are a few guys who break them or even city spares.

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:08PM

Hi JP,

This was never put up for sale. 4 years ago I transferred ownership to my nephew, but he never really rode it so I took it back 2 years ago, discovering that the forks seals had leaked all over the place ruining the brake pads. So I replaced all the seals and bushings myself, then replaced the pads - having first cleaned everything with brake cleaner. When I was torquing up the caliper bolts, one snapped, so I replaced all four. That's why they look so shiny.

Anyway I'm now going to try to upload some warts and all photos , fingers crossed 🤞

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:09PM

20250823_145504.jpg

Dash

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:09PM

Forks

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:10PM

Front lhs

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:11PM

Front cowl

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:12PM

Front cowl, rhs

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:13PM

Lhs

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:14PM

Lower LHS close up

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:15PM

Rear LHS close up

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:17PM

Under the saddle. White wire is just wrapped under battery for ease of lifting out.

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:18PM

Sad saddle

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:22PM

Rear end

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:23PM

LHS, s/s exhaust

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:24PM

LHS

NickNickleby · 23-08-2025 03:29PM

Wheel rims , forks , pump housing , clutch cover, alternator cover and swing arm were all cleaned up and painted with silver Hammerite years ago, which has stood the test of time remarkably well.

whiterebel · 24-08-2025 10:02PM

a few of them on Donedeal, have a look to get an idea of price. They don’t last long unless stupid money is being asked.

NickNickleby · 24-08-2025 10:37PM

Thanks Whiterebel for your comment.

This thread has had quite a few views, but its not generating any interest. Not surprising given the unloved appearance of the bike.

If anyone wants to take this bike off me for nothing, as a project, it'll be here for a few days. Then its going to an ATF for official destruction. I wouldn't be happy to sell this bike to someone as a runner, as in all honesty I've no idea how safe they'd be on it.

Hotblack Desiato · 24-08-2025 11:17PM

That centre stand would worry me, it looks like it's spent ten years in the sea so what other corrosion horrors are underneath?

Rust like that on the rear subframe is unusual too.

City Spares will always give you something for a bike with a logbook.

NickNickleby · 25-08-2025 09:36AM

Thanks Hotblack Desiato.

Yes, it's the not knowing part that won't let me sell it in case someone might take it and not get it properly assessed before going on a spin.

Thanks for the tip about Cityspares.

Getting rid of my Deau - for good this time

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