Honda Magna

Take a V8, and cut it in half. No, the other way. Not 4 INLINE cylinders, but 2 X 2 in a 90 degree transverse package, perfectly balanced (no big V-twin flywheel). Add 4 valves per cylinder, overhead cams, and a ~10K redline. V65, V45, 700cc, whatever; it's a torque fiend with a great top end, even if you don't find the upper gears. The V45 will hit that redline before you know it (and before you can shift), and the V65?, well that will put you on your ass (seriously, literally).

My son-in-law and I did a ~1/4 mile once: him on his V65, me on my little 700. At the end, I was doing 90, he was doing 120. I was totally wide open, he wasn't. So that's the difference between them (V45/V65).


I've taken mine apart and put it back together, and the quality of the OEM parts is outstanding. I've actually returned Honda '80s OEM parts to service while returning the aftermarket replacements to the store 'cuz the 20+ year-old stuff is just that much BETTER!

The design isn't perfect. The Magnas are top heavy (my Gold Wing feels lighter off the side stand!), the frame is too flexy (V65) for the incredible horsepower delivered. It isn't the most comfortable bike on a long cruise (but with some "personalization" I've ridden my VF700C 800 miles in a day no problem). It ain't a sport bike. But once you leave a stoplight, your cruiser friends will tell you it isn't a cruiser either. Reliability? Honda at its best. They just run.

You can find parts. eBay, hondaparts-direct. Be careful buying from part-outs: the parts are not likely to be any better than what you have. But when what you have is broken, well... And you CAN find mechanics: keep looking. There are some out there who really appreciate the Honda V-4s and love to work on this old steel.

Sadly, you can't buy cruisers like this anymore (not new anyway ;-). I'm reminded of this every time I leave a light with a big-ass VTX or Harley V-twin next door. Never can figure where they went in the rear view mirror.

And every so often I'll be at a gas station in some small town in Nowhere America, and a guy will walk up to me and say "is that a Magna? Man I had one of these years ago. It was my dream bike then, an still is now what I dream about in a motorcycle. Gosh, I wish I never sold it." Really, it happens to me.

So if you don't fear the wrench, hunting for not-really-so-hard-to-get replacement parts, here is a bike that that will make your heart pound every time you ride it. It won't break the bank. It'll be there when you want.

And it'll kick all that huge displacement lame V-twin ass as every time.

Philip is a very good person to do business with, and I would buy from him again. The only thing I dislike about the motorcycle is that I don't know how to drive it, but it is my husband's Christmas present and he can. :)

There were a lot of innovative designs incorporated into this bike back in 1982. When you consider the price you can buy these bikes for now, and the fact that you are getting a V4 motor with a 6 speed transmision, liquid cooling, a hydraulic clutch, and a shaft driven rear wheel, you know you are getting a lot of technology for your money.I bought this bike strictly to put the engine into a custom built bike, but I have some test and tune miles on it and this is what I found: Excelent motor response and performance all around. Well thought out transmision gear ratios and smooth shifting. Front wheel stopping power is great with double disc brakes, but the rear wheel should have a disc brake also...The rear drum brake leaves a lot to be desired by todays standards and may even be a little bit dangerous. Comfort wise it is good...I am 5'11" and it fits OK, but not if you like a big bike. I think if you are over 6' tall this bike will feel a bit small. Overall handling is fine for a cruiser. Front carbs may need regular maintenance due to the steep angle they are positioned and have a tendency for the floats to stick. Also I noticed that alot of these bikes have a broken or missing right side cover and now I know why...the mounting tab on the cover is weak and the fuel shutoff is located behind the side cover. This is a pain if you like to turn the gas off after each ride like I do. Overall, this is a great bike...if you like the cruiser style, but you also like to go fast, then this is the bike for you. This bike is faster than brand new v-twin cruisers its size, and the V4 motor has a nice unique sound.

This bike is 23 years old, and believe me it looks great, and handles just as goog, very low milage, hard to understand because the bike rides very well

I found mine in a barn! 3k on speedo and didn't know squat about them. I stole this one for a song. I have owned Honda's in the past (K-3 750-4, etc) Nothing in the world as reliable as a Honda. The first time I rode it I could not believe the power these things have from 5 grand to red line 10K+. This little v-4 slaps most street bikes silly. My buddy that has a BMW 1200GS hates it when I ride this bike. He can't even stay in front of it. I've had several people ask me "what the heck is that thing?" They're really floored when they find out it's 22 yrs old! Not to mention only 700ccs. There are issues, though. They are lousy in slow speed turns. Keep the front tire well aired or it'll dive on you. They are top heavy. The pegs are a bit short. There's a guy in Germany that makes forward pegs, not cheap! Don't let the bike sit for 90 days without running. The low speed jets will plug up in those fussy carbs. The bike will not transition from choke to run if that's the case. Get a QUALIFIED carb guy to fix 'em. It's not uncommon for the clutch to engage the last 1/2" of the handle. There's no adjustment. You might be able to add another clutch plate to fix the problem. Quality mechanics will love to work on these, they're art on wheels topped off with muscle and sexy as heck. The previous comments are right saying the seat isn't somewhere you want to be for an "iron butt" ride. With about 100 miles range it's time to get off and get some feeling back into the rear end anyway. My Goldwing is much more balanced at low speed. No comparing the seat. If it's raw, sexy power you want, find one and buy it! You can find out tons of info at S.M.O.G. on line (Super Magna Owners Group) Oh yea, the only years of the "Super Magna" are 87 and 88. These were the only 2 years designed by this particular individual for Honda. Happy (safe) Riding. If you're old enough then you remember the slogan:"You meet the nicest people on a Honda" Regards, Richard

If you can judge a bike by the character of the owner.... You can bet I got a great deal, The bike is wonderful, the years of care clearly show, and both the owners were a very nice pleasure to meet, Thanks, John

A very Responsive and comfortable motorcyle. Parts are readily available, and maintenance is fairly easy to perform

Fantastic bike...the ultimate sleeper, looks like an old man's cruiser, but will tick off a sub 11 second quarter mile (to the dismay of many young punks on crotch rockets LOL)

Honda reliability in a smooth running V4 with massive low end torque (especially for an engine capable of 10,000rpms) and massive HP available if you have the nads, with a six speed and shaft drive, who could ask for more?
Definately not a beginner's bike, and not easy to handle with short legs at stock height.

The only negative is the stock seat, buy a Corbin if you plan to ride more than 1-2 hours at a time.

I'm 6'1"/220lbs and the bike fits me great with the handlebars in the stock location (most get lowered at some point) front controls would be nice for long trips, but the stock leg positioning is fine for commuting (I can reach the back pegs if I feel the need to move positions)

40mpg is not hard to reach if you keep your speed under control (which is no easy task with all that power in easy reach) city riding (commuting) will net you around 30mpg though, those four big carburetors can't sip, they're made to guzzle.

Cam failures can be prevented without engine modifications! Change your oil! Stop blaming Honda for your sloppy maintenance practices!

Speaking of maintenance, if you are mechanically challenged, you might want to consider a newer (lower maintenance) bike. Paying for valve adjustments, clutches, brakes and carb synchronizing will get salty if you ride a lot.

The price was good and due to it's age, if it were dropped while learning to ride, it wound be no great loss.
Looking past the surface rust, torn seat, bent handlebars, leaking clutch, missing mirror and damaged body parts the bike showed signs of many more miles yet to be enjoyed.
After topping off fluids, applying much spit and polish and watching several eBay auctions for needed replacement parts, we are off to the shop to resolve a tailight issue and maybe one day in this lifetime, the seller will forward the title so we might legally be able to ride this bike on the road.
The saga continues, Buyer beware!

The motorcycle was in very good to excellent condition, low miles.

If you remember back when this machine was produced it was on top the game.
It is still no slug and moves out like lighting. Hold on it you can?????