Very nice V65 for sale

[Bret SD]

If I had the extra cash I'd be heading up to try and buy this bike, you just don't see these in this condition.

I suspect it'll be sold very soon.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/d/west-covina-1984-honda-vf1100c/7248830976.html

[f6john]

I’d be looking at it too if I were out there. But at $3k your getting into Valkyrie Tourer and sometimes Interstate money!

[Bret SD]

I’d be looking at it too if I were out there. But at $3k your getting into Valkyrie Tourer and sometimes Interstate money!

I'm thinking he likely needs money for Christmas and or other reasons, I'd probably offer him 2400.00 and see how it went.. you're right though, 3k towards another Valkyrie is very significant, especially considering I got mine 2 years ago for 2500..  that was because it needed carb work.. which I did myself.  

I sure would like to ride it once

edit: looking at the key tag it's likely a dealer selling in the private section, with all the extra dealer fees I'd walk away, just not worth it dealing with them.

[ridingron]

Just figure out what you'll pay and tell them that's the bottom line. I don't care about their fees or other cost. I decide my bottom line offer and let them deal with the lines above it. Some times I get the bike (or car) and sometimes I don't.

[old2soon]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

[RNFWP]

Seeing that was a flashback for me... sold my '84 Magna back in 2014 for $900. I wasn't nearly as nice as this "time capsule" and had more miles. Was fun to ride 

[Bret SD]

Just figure out what you'll pay and tell them that's the bottom line. I don't care about their fees or other cost. I decide my bottom line offer and let them deal with the lines above it. Some times I get the bike (or car) and sometimes I don't.

Ha yep, it's just wishful thinking on my part, no room in the garage unless I sell the Wing..
I just thought it'd be a kick in the ass to ride one, and this is just a beautiful bike.

[Bret SD]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

[Bret SD]

Seeing that was a flashback for me... sold my '84 Magna back in 2014 for $900. I wasn't nearly as nice as this "time capsule" and had more miles. Was fun to ride 

Nice! How long did you have it and what kind of problems did you have, if any?

My brother has an old V-max in cherry condition since the 80's, recently he pulled the motor and had it all painted and restored, it's just a beautiful bike.

[old2soon]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

                  I'll be 76 in Feb 2021 and I STILL have an itch Only a M/C can scratch. I can be draggin pegs a mile after leaving my casa and Still enjoy the twistys. Course these days I duz have an O2 cylinder ridin bitch but it are what it are. Were I a few years younger I'd have that M/C already. Really enjoyed my 920 Yamaha Virago shafty. Sorta wish I had the Yammy back in the fold. RIDE SAFE.

[hubcapsc]

In rnfwp's picture it doesn't look like the headers are
discolored like the craigslist one...

-Mike

[Bret SD]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

                  I'll be 76 in Feb 2021 and I STILL have an itch Only a M/C can scratch. I can be draggin pegs a mile after leaving my casa and Still enjoy the twistys. Course these days I duz have an O2 cylinder ridin bitch but it are what it are. Were I a few years younger I'd have that M/C already. Really enjoyed my 920 Yamaha Virago shafty. Sorta wish I had the Yammy back in the fold. RIDE SAFE.

O2S
That's just awesome!
We as men (and women) have choices on how we live.. I like what Clint Eastwood said when asked about his youthful aging, he said something like "I never let the old man in". Wise words indeed, and I live by the same philosophy, entropy is natural and part of existing on this Earth, however I intend to go kicking and screaming vs quietly into the night.. or as the Irish say, "you're a long time dead", so live your damn life to the fullest! That's my take anyway.

[Bret SD]

In rnfwp's picture it doesn't look like the headers are
discolored like the craigslist one...

-Mike

Hmmm.. yes, good observation.

[old2soon]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

                  I'll be 76 in Feb 2021 and I STILL have an itch Only a M/C can scratch. I can be draggin pegs a mile after leaving my casa and Still enjoy the twistys. Course these days I duz have an O2 cylinder ridin bitch but it are what it are. Were I a few years younger I'd have that M/C already. Really enjoyed my 920 Yamaha Virago shafty. Sorta wish I had the Yammy back in the fold. RIDE SAFE.

O2S
That's just awesome!
We as men (and women) have choices on how we live.. I like what Clint Eastwood said when asked about his youthful aging, he said something like "I never let the old man in". Wise words indeed, and I live by the same philosophy, entropy is natural and part of existing on this Earth, however I intend to go kicking and screaming vs quietly into the night.. or as the Irish say, "you're a long time dead", so live your damn life to the fullest! That's my take anyway.

               Or as others here before me have stated-growing old is not optional growing up is! I CHOOSE to keep the soon to be 76 year old kid HAPPY.    RIDE SAFE.

[Bret SD]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

                  I'll be 76 in Feb 2021 and I STILL have an itch Only a M/C can scratch. I can be draggin pegs a mile after leaving my casa and Still enjoy the twistys. Course these days I duz have an O2 cylinder ridin bitch but it are what it are. Were I a few years younger I'd have that M/C already. Really enjoyed my 920 Yamaha Virago shafty. Sorta wish I had the Yammy back in the fold. RIDE SAFE.

O2S
That's just awesome!
We as men (and women) have choices on how we live.. I like what Clint Eastwood said when asked about his youthful aging, he said something like "I never let the old man in". Wise words indeed, and I live by the same philosophy, entropy is natural and part of existing on this Earth, however I intend to go kicking and screaming vs quietly into the night.. or as the Irish say, "you're a long time dead", so live your damn life to the fullest! That's my take anyway.

               Or as others here before me have stated-growing old is not optional growing up is! I CHOOSE to keep the soon to be 76 year old kid HAPPY.    RIDE SAFE.

Very good! This makes me smile, so thanks for sharing and living the uncompromising spirited life!

Our spirit is something we can keep with us forever..

If we so choose

[RNFWP]

   Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!   RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

Seeing that was a flashback for me... sold my '84 Magna back in 2014 for $900. I wasn't nearly as nice as this "time capsule" and had more miles. Was fun to ride  

Nice! How long did you have it and what kind of problems did you have, if any?

My brother has an old V-max in cherry condition since the 80's, recently he pulled the motor and had it all painted and restored, it's just a beautiful bike.

Sorry for the long reply but I realized that I've never written this down. Was having fun doing it...

Would like to say I was as good to that old Magna as I am to my Valk now, but I wasn't. It was 10yo with low miles when I bought her so I had it for 20 years. First couple of years lots of short spirited fun rides but never tried a windshield, luggage or even a backpack so also never more than a couple hundred miles from home. Also learned that it wasn't suited for high winds, super slab turbulence or sustained higher speed. She was also stored outdoors during this period.

I got married (got a house too) and she got a spot in a garage but the miles tapered off until one day a few years later I couldn't get her started (fuel/carb issue) Embarrassed to say, I walked away and let her sit for years. I'm glad I didn't dump her during this period (thought about it many times). Answering your question... the only problems I ever had with this bike were self inflicted.  

Life changes...(life lessons/careers and others...) and the riding bug bit me again. Brought her back to life. Did a few repairs myself but mostly a couple of local guys (more lessons). Put her through the shops... rebuilt carbs, fork seals, brakes, tires, battery, hoses, plugs wires etc. Had to locate fuel tank replacements (both) as they were too rusted to repair. Also got the seat reupholstered. Painted her flat black. All this took about a year. I knew I was putting more $ money into her than anyone else would pay if I were to sell her but I wanted to ride her again and felt a little guilty (is that weird?). Spent as much as when I bought her (approx $1,500).

Took her on a several day trip up and back the Blue Ridge Parkway. I realized that I never should have stopped riding. Well... admitted what I already knew. Saw a Valkyrie on this trip, talked, drooled (lusted really) which started my looking around. I had realized that I wanted to go on longer trips but wanted to be stable (weight) and more comfortable. Kept riding the Magna for about a year and half until I found the Valk I wanted. Sold the Magna to a friends grandson. He only kept her for about a year. They did a little more work to her but made a little money in the process.

[Bret SD]

    Not a bad lookin soon to be 37 year old scoot!  RIDE SAFE.

Not bad at all, it's one of those bikes you rarely see in near showroom condition, at 37 years I bet it screams down the road. Just as well, I'd probably kill myself on it anyway haha
Even at 62 (almost) I have testosterone urges that cause the upper forearm on my right hand to flex uncontrollably

Seeing that was a flashback for me... sold my '84 Magna back in 2014 for $900. I wasn't nearly as nice as this "time capsule" and had more miles. Was fun to ride 

Nice! How long did you have it and what kind of problems did you have, if any?

My brother has an old V-max in cherry condition since the 80's, recently he pulled the motor and had it all painted and restored, it's just a beautiful bike.

Sorry for the long reply but I realized that I've never written this down. Was having fun doing it...

Would like to say I was as good to that old Magna as I am to my Valk now, but I wasn't. It was 10yo with low miles when I bought her so I had it for 20 years. First couple of years lots of short spirited fun rides but never tried a windshield, luggage or even a backpack so also never more than a couple hundred miles from home. Also learned that it wasn't suited for high winds, super slab turbulence or sustained higher speed. She was also stored outdoors during this period.

I got married (got a house too) and she got a spot in a garage but the miles tapered off until one day a few years later I couldn't get her started (fuel/carb issue) Embarrassed to say, I walked away and let her sit for years. I'm glad I didn't dump her during this period (thought about it many times). Answering your question... the only problems I ever had with this bike were self inflicted. 

Life changes...(life lessons/careers and others...) and the riding bug bit me again. Brought her back to life. Did a few repairs myself but mostly a couple of local guys (more lessons). Put her through the shops... rebuilt carbs, fork seals, brakes, tires, battery, hoses, plugs wires etc. Had to locate fuel tank replacements (both) as they were too rusted to repair. Also got the seat reupholstered. Painted her flat black. All this took about a year. I knew I was putting more $ money into her than anyone else would pay if I were to sell her but I wanted to ride her again and felt a little guilty (is that weird?). Spent as much as when I bought her (approx $1,500).

Took her on a several day trip up and back the Blue Ridge Parkway. I realized that I never should have stopped riding. Well... admitted what I already knew. Saw a Valkyrie on this trip, talked, drooled (lusted really) which started my looking around. I had realized that I wanted to go on longer trips but wanted to be stable (weight) and more comfortable. Kept riding the Magna for about a year and half until I found the Valk I wanted. Sold the Magna to a friends grandson. He only kept her for about a year. They did a little more work to her but made a little money in the process.

Sounds like you went through the whole gamut with that bike, lessons learned the hard way are not easily forgotten. It's not weird if you feel attached to the bike to put money into it out of guilt, or loyalty.. or something..

I was thinking it would be a good bike for doing local runs and errands, being smaller it'd be easier to split traffic I would think. Taking it up to the mountains would be fun also.

One thing I really like about the Valk is it's not easily blown around, last week I got hit with some gusts that literally threw my head back, but the Valk was still very steady.

[cookiedough]

3K for a 30+ year old V65 is way way too much unless totally pristine and mint running condition.  Back in 1988 I had a chance to purchase a super low mileage 800 miles pristine like new V65 magna I think was like 1986 or something like new for 3800.  NO way would I spend 30+ years later 3K for one.

2500 tops and more like 2K IMO for a pristine one nowadays.   Kid bought 83 V65 magna much to my disagreement arguing with him for 1500 and sold it few months later 1500 had some issues I knew were present but he did not listen to me.  Now he has a 1997 Vf750 magna I paid 1900 for and 1985 V30 500cc magna he paid 900 for ....    

those V65 magnas are FAST but not great handling machines in the twisties and fastest year was 1983 which is the year I would get.  I was curious few years ago test driving for sale locally a late 80s 1200 VMAX and definitely for me less comfy than the old V65 magnas did not fit me at all and personally I do not think by the seat of my pants feel was faster either although they claim the VMAX was faster than the 83 V65 magna on paper anyways.

[Bret SD]

3K for a 30+ year old V65 is way way too much unless totally pristine and mint running condition.  Back in 1988 I had a chance to purchase a super low mileage 800 miles pristine like new V65 magna I think was like 1986 or something like new for 3800.  NO way would I spend 30+ years later 3K for one.

2500 tops and more like 2K IMO for a pristine one nowadays.   Kid bought 83 V65 magna much to my disagreement arguing with him for 1500 and sold it few months later 1500 had some issues I knew were present but he did not listen to me.  Now he has a 1997 Vf750 magna I paid 1900 for and 1985 V30 500cc magna he paid 900 for ....    

those V65 magnas are FAST but not great handling machines in the twisties and fastest year was 1983 which is the year I would get.  I was curious few years ago test driving for sale locally a late 80s 1200 VMAX and definitely for me less comfy than the old V65 magnas did not fit me at all and personally I do not think by the seat of my pants feel was faster either although they claim the VMAX was faster than the 83 V65 magna on paper anyways.

I guess lusting after what we don't have is a common theme for us riders, practical thinking me would blow it off as an unnecessary expense, and let's face it, if we don't ride it, what's the point in having it? In Ca it's expensive to keep a bike.. if I lived in another state where it's cheaper to keep and store  bikes I might be justified in buying another one.

I need to do the rear shocks on my Wing, the parts are sitting here and Progressive springs are waiting for installation. That and some handlebar mounted mirrors are about all she needs, the fairing mirrors look crappy and I don't want to waste time fixing them.

Barring normal wear items on a Wing, with mine being an 82, I wonder how reliable it would be on a longer road trip?.. So far I haven't taken it for more than 100 miles away from home and it has less than 60,000 miles on it.   

[Bret SD]

Bike is sold I presume..

 I've watched bikes come and go on this CL list for 2 years+ now, it's gotten to the point I can tell what will sell quickly and what will sit there until the ad expires. Often the same bikes come up again and again.

About a year ago a Tourer with lower mileage came up for 2600.00, it went in a heartbeat. I think the way to go is keep a supply of cash on hand and be ready to jump if something comes up.

[cookiedough]

Bike is sold I presume..

 I've watched bikes come and go on this CL list for 2 years+ now, it's gotten to the point I can tell what will sell quickly and what will sit there until the ad expires. Often the same bikes come up again and again.

About a year ago a Tourer with lower mileage came up for 2600.00, it went in a heartbeat. I think the way to go is keep a supply of cash on hand and be ready to jump if something comes up.

Yep, timing is everything and if you see something good deal,  call or email ASAP and offer to meet him/her same day or next day for if wait over a weekend, it will be sold and gone, been there, done that.    I got my ATV about 8 years ago asking 5K I called and took off the day of work same day drove 3  hours north to snatch it up ASAP for I knew over weekend would be sold worth 7K at the time.   Same with 2 cycles I own now drove up same day or next and bought ASAP knowing if I waited until SAturday would be sold on me.   Last 2 cycles like that the owner had cell phone on him and both cycles had 2-3 phone calls in the 30 minutes I was there looking cycle over inquiring about if still had cycle for sale.   My last cycle I told my wife we were driving and somewhat close 2 hour drive from my house and we were 1 hour away doing some shopping told her about it she said fine, go look at it.  I ended up buying it same day ASAP luckily the older gent pushing age 70 took my handshake as my word of honor for did not have the cash on hand to give him until that Saturday. 

I have seen some 1980's V65 magna's asking over 3k and each time I just shake my head and say NOT worth it NO way considering 30 years ago could get it with under 1000 miles near new 1-2 years old  for 3800 bucks way back in 1988 when I graduated high school.   Same with our Valks,  who in their right mind even if 100 miles on the odometer would give say 12K for a used 2000 Valkyrie even if like new since that is (rough estimate) what they were being sold for new 12K or so some 20 years ago. 

[Bret SD]

Bike is sold I presume..

 I've watched bikes come and go on this CL list for 2 years+ now, it's gotten to the point I can tell what will sell quickly and what will sit there until the ad expires. Often the same bikes come up again and again.

About a year ago a Tourer with lower mileage came up for 2600.00, it went in a heartbeat. I think the way to go is keep a supply of cash on hand and be ready to jump if something comes up.

Yep, timing is everything and if you see something good deal,  call or email ASAP and offer to meet him/her same day or next day for if wait over a weekend, it will be sold and gone, been there, done that.    I got my ATV about 8 years ago asking 5K I called and took off the day of work same day drove 3  hours north to snatch it up ASAP for I knew over weekend would be sold worth 7K at the time.   Same with 2 cycles I own now drove up same day or next and bought ASAP knowing if I waited until SAturday would be sold on me.   Last 2 cycles like that the owner had cell phone on him and both cycles had 2-3 phone calls in the 30 minutes I was there looking cycle over inquiring about if still had cycle for sale.   My last cycle I told my wife we were driving and somewhat close 2 hour drive from my house and we were 1 hour away doing some shopping told her about it she said fine, go look at it.  I ended up buying it same day ASAP luckily the older gent pushing age 70 took my handshake as my word of honor for did not have the cash on hand to give him until that Saturday. 

I have seen some 1980's V65 magna's asking over 3k and each time I just shake my head and say NOT worth it NO way considering 30 years ago could get it with under 1000 miles near new 1-2 years old  for 3800 bucks way back in 1988 when I graduated high school.   Same with our Valks,  who in their right mind even if 100 miles on the odometer would give say 12K for a used 2000 Valkyrie even if like new since that is (rough estimate) what they were being sold for new 12K or so some 20 years ago. 

That's how I got my Wing, had cash and had been watching it on CL, the bike had most everything done to it by the mechanic that owned it, along with new tires etc. It sat at 2000.00 for a couple weeks.. one day I saw the price drop to 1600 and had my buddy go with me in the car just in case.
I brought along my riding gear but forgot my helmet (duh), the bike was beautiful and ran flawlessly so I test rode it. When I returned I said I liked it but had forgotten my helmet, he said he'd throw in his HD convertible helmet if I paid him 1600.. So I got a great deal on the Wing, figuring the helmet had to be at least 2-300 dollars new, and was in like new condition.
Since buying it I put in a new battery, bought a better condition seat, backrest and a new windshield for it. He rebuilt the front shocks but not the rear, so I got new seals and progressive springs to put on it (still have yet to do it).

Honey doesn't want another bike in the garage, and frankly there's no room for one anyway.. a friend of ours builds AK-47's in his machine shop so I may trade the Wing for a rifle and some cash.. still mulling it over.

[cookiedough]

Bike is sold I presume..

 I've watched bikes come and go on this CL list for 2 years+ now, it's gotten to the point I can tell what will sell quickly and what will sit there until the ad expires. Often the same bikes come up again and again.

About a year ago a Tourer with lower mileage came up for 2600.00, it went in a heartbeat. I think the way to go is keep a supply of cash on hand and be ready to jump if something comes up.

Yep, timing is everything and if you see something good deal,  call or email ASAP and offer to meet him/her same day or next day for if wait over a weekend, it will be sold and gone, been there, done that.    I got my ATV about 8 years ago asking 5K I called and took off the day of work same day drove 3  hours north to snatch it up ASAP for I knew over weekend would be sold worth 7K at the time.   Same with 2 cycles I own now drove up same day or next and bought ASAP knowing if I waited until SAturday would be sold on me.   Last 2 cycles like that the owner had cell phone on him and both cycles had 2-3 phone calls in the 30 minutes I was there looking cycle over inquiring about if still had cycle for sale.   My last cycle I told my wife we were driving and somewhat close 2 hour drive from my house and we were 1 hour away doing some shopping told her about it she said fine, go look at it.  I ended up buying it same day ASAP luckily the older gent pushing age 70 took my handshake as my word of honor for did not have the cash on hand to give him until that Saturday. 

I have seen some 1980's V65 magna's asking over 3k and each time I just shake my head and say NOT worth it NO way considering 30 years ago could get it with under 1000 miles near new 1-2 years old  for 3800 bucks way back in 1988 when I graduated high school.   Same with our Valks,  who in their right mind even if 100 miles on the odometer would give say 12K for a used 2000 Valkyrie even if like new since that is (rough estimate) what they were being sold for new 12K or so some 20 years ago. 

That's how I got my Wing, had cash and had been watching it on CL, the bike had most everything done to it by the mechanic that owned it, along with new tires etc. It sat at 2000.00 for a couple weeks.. one day I saw the price drop to 1600 and had my buddy go with me in the car just in case.
I brought along my riding gear but forgot my helmet (duh), the bike was beautiful and ran flawlessly so I test rode it. When I returned I said I liked it but had forgotten my helmet, he said he'd throw in his HD convertible helmet if I paid him 1600.. So I got a great deal on the Wing, figuring the helmet had to be at least 2-300 dollars new, and was in like new condition.
Since buying it I put in a new battery, bought a better condition seat, backrest and a new windshield for it. He rebuilt the front shocks but not the rear, so I got new seals and progressive springs to put on it (still have yet to do it).

Honey doesn't want another bike in the garage, and frankly there's no room for one anyway.. a friend of ours builds AK-47's in his machine shop so I may trade the Wing for a rifle and some cash.. still mulling it over.

Yah, those older 82 year or so Wings can be had pretty cheap anywhere from 600 to 2K in pricing around me.  2K is pushing it for sure but if can find a good running one for 1K to 1300 bucks is a good deal IMO especially if running o.k. (no carb issues) and tires, etc. are in good shape.  I find most cycles in that 1K range neglected like needing 500 bucks or more in tires, chain, etc,. etc. that should have been replaced several years ago.  My kid bought a mint 1985 honda v30 magna last year guy wanted 1200 said NO way he got him down to 900 which was fair since ran well.  But, after I looked at it I would have only done 800 needing new front tire ASAP all cracked severely very dangerous,  new rear chain was OEM from 1985 it looked like too much slack rubbing on frame when test drove, and a few other minor things that should have been fixed prior to selling.  I cleaned it up for my kid before winter and am surprised after I spent 300 on chain/new front tire, and a few other minor other things,  that now 1200 bike is looking like 5 years old is all from 35 years ago, minus the small dent in the gas tank.  Why is it always on older 1980s cycles there is at least 1 if not 2 dents in the gas tank?   
As it sits until something else goes wrong with a 35 year old cycle, is worth 1200.

Same as the old 1983 V65 magna kid bought against my better judgment for 1500 bucks.  Rotten tires and when cold unable to shift from 1st to 2nd gear until warmed up and a few other blemishes not liking.  I told kid 1500 stay clear of it but he not listen bought it and we sold it few months later not worth the hastle to someone else willing to spend the time and money on a 1500 cycle.  It ran well and was a rocket ship though, another reason to sell it since kid was age 18 at the time. 

[Bret SD]

The guy who sold me the Wing said the PO repainted the bike, he did a nice job and the bike looks really good. I dropped it against a shelf wall thinking the kickstand was down all the way, doing that further loosened the mirror on the left and dinged the fairing paint  .
Overall it looks good and I do enjoy riding it on some twisties getting to the lakes and mountains. Can't say I like it that much on the freeway though, the Valk is far superior on the open road.

My son's 19 now and living with my ex, don't think I'd want him on a Magna, I'm not sure I trust myself on one 

Motorcycles and guns, a guy just can't have enough it seems.

[bikerboy1951]

The V65 Magna was an incredible bike.  Stylish and very fast.  But it had its faults.  Not very comfortable seat and lack of oil for the cams on the front cylinders.  The problem is that there are few if any parts still available from Honda for the bike.  Look at Partzilla or Ron Ayers and almost everything is listed as unavailable.
The sad part is our beloved Valks are going the same way.  Every day you see more and more parts listed for the Valk that are unavailable.
The Magna came out in 1983, the Valkyrie in 1997.  Our beloved bikes will slowly disappear which is so sad for an incredible ride.

Brad

[3fan4life]

The V65 Magna was an incredible bike.  Stylish and very fast.  But it had its faults.  Not very comfortable seat and lack of oil for the cams on the front cylinders.  The problem is that there are few if any parts still available from Honda for the bike.  Look at Partzilla or Ron Ayers and almost everything is listed as unavailable.
The sad part is our beloved Valks are going the same way.  Every day you see more and more parts listed for the Valk that are unavailable.
The Magna came out in 1983, the Valkyrie in 1997.  Our beloved bikes will slowly disappear which is so sad for an incredible ride.

Brad

I'm pretty sure that the oiling issue only applies to the early V45's.

And if taken care of before you have an engine failure there is a fix.


I've always wanted a V65 and am currently the owner of 2.

I bought one at a great price to restore and then found another one at a good price that needed much less restoration.

I plan on pulling some farkles off of the first one that I want to keep and then I'll sell it.

While the second one has some issues, I had no problems riding it 400 miles from where I bought it to home.

I can't wait to experience riding this bike with it running at full song.

Even with the carbs needing synced or a good cleaning it still had no issues running 100mph.

[bikerboy1951]

A company made a kit that ran external oil lines to the front cylinders.  It is very common to have gauling on the cam lobes and followers.  The kit send extra filtered oil to the front cylinders to eliminate this issue.

Brad

[cookiedough]

83 was the fastest V65 magna and after driving an 83, 84, 85, and 86 I would concur that theory.  I actually drove two 1983 v65's and both were by far faster than 84 and newer.  The 86 I drove must have had carb issues all gunked up since although was in the best cosmetic shape, it was super slow.

My kid sold his yamaha fjr1300 and I drove it a few times for giggles.  I would put that 83 v65 on par with the fjr1300 in terms of acceleration.