83' V65 Magna for sale cheap

[Bret SD]

I know my girl would murdelize me for buying this bike, but I can't help being intrigued by the prospect. Anyone have experience with these seemingly awesome machines?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/d/el-segundo-for-sale-1983-v65-magna/7184002596.html

[Valkorado]

Well, I haven't personally had to do any carb work yet (knocking on wood), but that bike at that price could tempt me to!  It looks clean.  If he's being honest about what it needs it's probably worth a look see.

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/honda-v65-magna-zmmz12sozbea

Honda V65 Magna
Claimed power: 116hp @ 9,500rpm
Top speed: 137mph (period test)
Engine: 1,098cc liquid-cooled DOHC 90-degree V4
Weight: 618lb (wet)
Price then/now: $3,898/$2,000-$4,000

[mbramley]

A friend of mine had one when we in the Corps. I had it out a few times. Very quick. The only thing is on the way back to the barracks one evening at about 135 it started to get real light. I had the smaller V-45 about a decade or so ago. It was very reliable. Listen for timing chain rattle. There's 4 timing chains in it and the tensioners wear on them. It's a fairly pricey job to do but at that price I would be tempted also.

[TDuff]

Check these two out...

https://denver.craigslist.org/mpo/d/littleton-honda-magna-classic-looking/7177111072.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/mpo/d/dupont-honda-spirit-no-problems/7180140278.html

[cookiedough]

for 1200 bucks I would demand the battery also go with it so you can drive it home at least...

1983 was the fastest year V65 for sure test drove 83, 84, 85 and 86 and the two 83's were faster for sure.  all were in that 1K to 1600 price range also.   You may dislike the handlebars though the 83 were funky for my tastes did not like them vs. other years. 

I think the purple color is rarest and best looking followed by the maroon red color 2nd then black.  Lighter candy apple red did not care for much. 

Personally, I do not think they handle corners very well vs. newer bikes but in a straight line HOLD ON they are plenty fast enough if carbs tuned properly to put a grin on your face, especially the 1983 year.

[Bret SD]

Well, I haven't personally had to do any carb work yet (knocking on wood), but that bike at that price could tempt me to!  It looks clean.  If he's being honest about what it needs it's probably worth a look see.

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/honda-v65-magna-zmmz12sozbea

Honda V65 Magna
Claimed power: 116hp @ 9,500rpm
Top speed: 137mph (period test)
Engine: 1,098cc liquid-cooled DOHC 90-degree V4
Weight: 618lb (wet)
Price then/now: $3,898/$2,000-$4,000

I'll keep an eye on it, if it sits on CL for awhile I may go look at it, I can use the battery out of the Goldwing if needed to ride it home, if that's even possible.

[Bret SD]

A friend of mine had one when we in the Corps. I had it out a few times. Very quick. The only thing is on the way back to the barracks one evening at about 135 it started to get real light. I had the smaller V-45 about a decade or so ago. It was very reliable. Listen for timing chain rattle. There's 4 timing chains in it and the tensioners wear on them. It's a fairly pricey job to do but at that price I would be tempted also.

135 on any bike would unsettle me I think Haha

Thanks for the tip on the timing chain. 

[Bret SD]

Check these two out...

https://denver.craigslist.org/mpo/d/littleton-honda-magna-classic-looking/7177111072.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/mpo/d/dupont-honda-spirit-no-problems/7180140278.html

Those ads are the kind I ignore usually, the ones with minimal information make me suspicious.

[Bret SD]

for 1200 bucks I would demand the battery also go with it so you can drive it home at least...

1983 was the fastest year V65 for sure test drove 83, 84, 85 and 86 and the two 83's were faster for sure.  all were in that 1K to 1600 price range also.   You may dislike the handlebars though the 83 were funky for my tastes did not like them vs. other years. 

I think the purple color is rarest and best looking followed by the maroon red color 2nd then black.  Lighter candy apple red did not care for much. 

Personally, I do not think they handle corners very well vs. newer bikes but in a straight line HOLD ON they are plenty fast enough if carbs tuned properly to put a grin on your face, especially the 1983 year.

Damn, reading your comment made me want to go look at it more.. will see how this goes..

[cookiedough]

for 1200 bucks I would demand the battery also go with it so you can drive it home at least...

1983 was the fastest year V65 for sure test drove 83, 84, 85 and 86 and the two 83's were faster for sure.  all were in that 1K to 1600 price range also.   You may dislike the handlebars though the 83 were funky for my tastes did not like them vs. other years. 

I think the purple color is rarest and best looking followed by the maroon red color 2nd then black.  Lighter candy apple red did not care for much. 

Personally, I do not think they handle corners very well vs. newer bikes but in a straight line HOLD ON they are plenty fast enough if carbs tuned properly to put a grin on your face, especially the 1983 year.

Damn, reading your comment made me want to go look at it more.. will see how this goes..

2 years ago my kid and I were on a hunt for one and test drove lots of them one driving over 1 hour away to go look at but got there was too rusted to consider buying, but boy oh boy,  did that one put a HUGE grin on our faces driving it wide open throttle to about 90 quicker than snot before we backed off. 

[Bret SD]

for 1200 bucks I would demand the battery also go with it so you can drive it home at least...

1983 was the fastest year V65 for sure test drove 83, 84, 85 and 86 and the two 83's were faster for sure.  all were in that 1K to 1600 price range also.   You may dislike the handlebars though the 83 were funky for my tastes did not like them vs. other years. 

I think the purple color is rarest and best looking followed by the maroon red color 2nd then black.  Lighter candy apple red did not care for much. 

Personally, I do not think they handle corners very well vs. newer bikes but in a straight line HOLD ON they are plenty fast enough if carbs tuned properly to put a grin on your face, especially the 1983 year.

Damn, reading your comment made me want to go look at it more.. will see how this goes..

2 years ago my kid and I were on a hunt for one and test drove lots of them one driving over 1 hour away to go look at but got there was too rusted to consider buying, but boy oh boy,  did that one put a HUGE grin on our faces driving it wide open throttle to about 90 quicker than snot before we backed off. 

Well.. just found out my girl's last day at work is tomorrow, then she's off for 10 days, so that leaves no time for a stealth purchase.. it's better to apologize than ask permission right? Haha 

[98valk]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

[Bret SD]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

Good to know.. sometimes the sirens song of a seemingly low priced, great machine will lead you into problems, and more problems..

I'm saving my ammo for a Yamaha Stratoliner anyway, must remain disciplined.. of course if a VTX 1800 deal showed up?? 

[98valk]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

Good to know.. sometimes the sirens song of a seemingly low priced, great machine will lead you into problems, and more problems..

I'm saving my ammo for a Yamaha Stratoliner anyway, must remain disciplined.. of course if a VTX 1800 deal showed up?? 

like this 1984 Honda VF1000F for sale. at least he tells u cam is bad.
https://advrider.com/f/threads/1984-honda-vf1000f.1404763/

My friend has a strat, its a beautiful motorcycle.

[3fan4life]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

That was the V45's and only the first 2 model years.

I have never heard of this issue being common on the V65's.

[98valk]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

That was the V45's and only the first 2 model years.

I have never heard of this issue being common on the V65's.

your most likely right and then I see sites like this   https://www.motorcycleproject.com/text/v4_cams_what.html     that just list V4 cams and don't really clarify engine size.

or this site  https://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/~rblander/V4_cams.html

so never could find a clear answer
all reasons I never bought one.

[3fan4life]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

That was the V45's and only the first 2 model years.

I have never heard of this issue being common on the V65's.

your most likely right and then I see sites like this   https://www.motorcycleproject.com/text/v4_cams_what.html     that just list V4 cams and don't really clarify engine size.

or this site  https://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/~rblander/V4_cams.html

so never could find a clear answer
all reasons I never bought one.

I spent some time on a Magna forum after I bought the V30.

The general consensus there was that the V45's were the ones with oiling issues, which led to the cam problems.

It's entirely possible that there were some isolated problems with the V65's.

[lakehunter]

That brings back memories, bought a 84 new and wife a V45, matching colors and accessories. Put over 60k on them with no problems. V65 hot rods nice, cams, pipes, jet the carbs, drag tire on rear and struts in place of shocks on rear ... went solid 5.13 in the 1/8th, mid 10s in quarter. Tons of fun in a straight line, pucker up on the dragon, lol.
Good luck, go get it and hang on !

[Bret SD]

research V65s, camshaft and oiling problems. certain yrs were worst than others, some so bad cams will be wiped or flaking.

Good to know.. sometimes the sirens song of a seemingly low priced, great machine will lead you into problems, and more problems..

I'm saving my ammo for a Yamaha Stratoliner anyway, must remain disciplined.. of course if a VTX 1800 deal showed up?? 

like this 1984 Honda VF1000F for sale. at least he tells u cam is bad.
https://advrider.com/f/threads/1984-honda-vf1000f.1404763/

My friend has a strat, its a beautiful motorcycle.

Yep, I think I'll pass on this one, intriguing as it may be.. once in awhile I see a good deal on a Strat, so need to keep focused.
 I will keep an eye on this one though, if it's up for awhile I may re-visit it. I emailed the guy earlier and he seems to be pretty cool.

[Bret SD]

That brings back memories, bought a 84 new and wife a V45, matching colors and accessories. Put over 60k on them with no problems. V65 hot rods nice, cams, pipes, jet the carbs, drag tire on rear and struts in place of shocks on rear ... went solid 5.13 in the 1/8th, mid 10s in quarter. Tons of fun in a straight line, pucker up on the dragon, lol.
Good luck, go get it and hang on !

Sounds scary fast.. my brother has an immaculate older V-max, that thing will pucker you up good. 
Dunno if I'll end up with this bike, we'll see

[Tarkus]

Hi bretshim.  I have a 83 V65 Magna.  Bought it new in April 83.  So I'm pretty familiar with this model and all its pros and cons.   When I bought my Valkyrie in 01', I originally planned to sell the Magna.  But just couldn't bring myself to do it.  Now I'm glad I didn't.  I actually think the Magna is more fun to ride than the Valkyrie.  It's lighter.  More nimble.  It has a very broad power band and will flat out smoke the Valkyrie.  The V65 is exhilarating.  But the Valk is a more comfortable bike for extended rides. 

Yes the 1st generation Magna had some issues.  But nothing that can't be overcome. That is, if you are so inclined.  And yes here were issues with the cams. But not due to insufficient oil getting to the top end.  It actually had to do with the metal on the cam lobes being too soft.  This was corrected in later year models.  The result was pitted cam lobes, which eventually led to dishing of the cam rockers.  This happened to me and I ended up having to install new upgraded cams and rockers.  As good measure I also installed an oil modification kit to improve oil flow to the top end.  That was probably about 25k miles ago.  No more pitting. Problem solved. 

Another potential issue to be aware of is second gear.  It's not uncommon for V65s to be missing second gear due to inadequate shifting on the part of the operator under hard acceleration.  If not shifted firmly, it pops out of second gear and over time the gear wears out to the point it will not engage. 

The original automatic cam chain tensioners were also an issue. When one of them fails you will begin hearing the cam chain rattle as you drive down the road.  Quite annoying.  Kinda like a tin can full of nuts and bolts.  There are upgraded cam chain tensioners available to remedy this.  I've been down that road too.  Upgraded tensioners installed.  Problem solved.  http://v4musclebike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39267

Then there is the three yellow wire fix at the voltage regulator/rectifier.  It's a common problem, but easily fixed. http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=59760.0 

The fork brace is also something to take note of.  This is a safety issue.  It's made of cast aluminum and there have been cases where the brace cracked/failed resulting in loss of control.  But there are aftermarket brace supports as well as upgraded fork braces available on ebay that eliminate this problem.  This is an easy fix and well worth it. 

Judging from the photos, it appears the bike you're looking at is in very good condition on the outside.  To me this is a good indication that the bike has also been well maintained mechanically.  So I think it's well worth a closer look.  However, if I was looking at buying this bike, the first thing I would want to know about is second gear.  If second gear doesn't solidly engage...just walk away.  Period. 

The next thing is the condition of the cams/rockers.  Are they the original cams?  If so, what can the owner tell you about their condition? It's not realistic to expect them to remove the valve covers just so you can inspect the cam lobes.  That process is way too involved.  So, some element of trust has to be established regarding that matter. 

Then there are the cam chain tensioners.  Are they the originals, or have they been replaced with upgrades?  Test ride the bike for 15-20 minutes.  Do you hear any any rattling sound coming from the top end when accelerating or decelerating?  Could be a loose cam chain.  Or it could be something else.  An automotive stethoscope could help in this case.

The fork brace and regulator wires are simple fixes, but important nonetheless.  If you're serious about buying the bike, first and foremost you should make sure second gear is solid.   The top end issues as mentioned above can be fixed, if you're willing to put the work into it.  Of course that would affect the selling price. 

If the mechanical condition is as good as the bike looks in the pics, I don't think you would have any regrets.  But if that's the case, I do think the asking price is kinda low for what I would expect for a bike (that appears) in this good of shape to be.  So just be diligent.                

 

       

[Bret SD]

Hi bretshim.  I have a 83 V65 Magna.  Bought it new in April 83.  So I'm pretty familiar with this model and all its pros and cons.   When I bought my Valkyrie in 01', I originally planned to sell the Magna.  But just couldn't bring myself to do it.  Now I'm glad I didn't.  I actually think the Magna is more fun to ride than the Valkyrie.  It's lighter.  More nimble.  It has a very broad power band and will flat out smoke the Valkyrie.  The V65 is exhilarating.  But the Valk is a more comfortable bike for extended rides. 

Yes the 1st generation Magna had some issues.  But nothing that can't be overcome. That is, if you are so inclined.  And yes here were issues with the cams. But not due to insufficient oil getting to the top end.  It actually had to do with the metal on the cam lobes being too soft.  This was corrected in later year models.  The result was pitted cam lobes, which eventually led to dishing of the cam rockers.  This happened to me and I ended up having to install new upgraded cams and rockers.  As good measure I also installed an oil modification kit to improve oil flow to the top end.  That was probably about 25k miles ago.  No more pitting. Problem solved. 

Another potential issue to be aware of is second gear.  It's not uncommon for V65s to be missing second gear due to inadequate shifting on the part of the operator under hard acceleration.  If not shifted firmly, it pops out of second gear and over time the gear wears out to the point it will not engage. 

The original automatic cam chain tensioners were also an issue. When one of them fails you will begin hearing the cam chain rattle as you drive down the road.  Quite annoying.  Kinda like a tin can full of nuts and bolts.  There are upgraded cam chain tensioners available to remedy this.  I've been down that road too.  Upgraded tensioners installed.  Problem solved.  http://v4musclebike.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39267

Then there is the three yellow wire fix at the voltage regulator/rectifier.  It's a common problem, but easily fixed. http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=59760.0 

The fork brace is also something to take note of.  This is a safety issue.  It's made of cast aluminum and there have been cases where the brace cracked/failed resulting in loss of control.  But there are aftermarket brace supports as well as upgraded fork braces available on ebay that eliminate this problem.  This is an easy fix and well worth it. 

Judging from the photos, it appears the bike you're looking at is in very good condition on the outside.  To me this is a good indication that the bike has also been well maintained mechanically.  So I think it's well worth a closer look.  However, if I was looking at buying this bike, the first thing I would want to know about is second gear.  If second gear doesn't solidly engage...just walk away.  Period. 

The next thing is the condition of the cams/rockers.  Are they the original cams?  If so, what can the owner tell you about their condition? It's not realistic to expect them to remove the valve covers just so you can inspect the cam lobes.  That process is way too involved.  So, some element of trust has to be established regarding that matter. 

Then there are the cam chain tensioners.  Are they the originals, or have they been replaced with upgrades?  Test ride the bike for 15-20 minutes.  Do you hear any any rattling sound coming from the top end when accelerating or decelerating?  Could be a loose cam chain.  Or it could be something else.  An automotive stethoscope could help in this case.

The fork brace and regulator wires are simple fixes, but important nonetheless.  If you're serious about buying the bike, first and foremost you should make sure second gear is solid.   The top end issues as mentioned above can be fixed, if you're willing to put the work into it.  Of course that would affect the selling price. 

If the mechanical condition is as good as the bike looks in the pics, I don't think you would have any regrets.  But if that's the case, I do think the asking price is kinda low for what I would expect for a bike (that appears) in this good of shape to be.  So just be diligent.                

 

       

Tarkus, thank you sir! Wow, what great information..

I may have a chance to see it next week, unless somebody snaps it up.. 2nd gear will be first thing!