Honda Magna V65

[Murrgh]

Found a 1995 Honda Magna 750 V65 for $700 on Craigslist... looks to be mostly original minus an ugly exhaust. Supposedly it runs good and has a clean title.

I've read on here that people love their Magna's and would never sell them. Any thoughts on this bike? I'm looking for a way to teach my wife and still have a nice collectors bike/something smaller for her. I got her on my Valkyrie for the first time two weeks ago and she doesn't want to get off. Unfortunately she's intimidated by the size of my Valkyrie and wants to start on something smaller for when I teach her to ride.

[Willow]

The Magna may be lighter but it is not less in low end power.  She may do well with it but it is not generally a good starter bike.

[Murrgh]

The Magna may be lighter but it is not less in low end power.  She may do well with it but it is not generally a good starter bike.

Thanks for the quick feedback. I wasn't really sure how well it would be to start out on. I learned on a 1975 GoldWing 4 years back, but I'm 6ft 3in compared to my wife's 5ft 2in. Would like to pick up a classic Honda for her to learn on instead of something temporary for me to sell in a few months. Any suggestions?

[Bighead]

V65 is a bit top heavy also and a beast on the power side.
A V 45 or a shadow 600 would be a much better fit for a beginner.
I bought a 600 shadow to teach my wife to ride.  It has a low seat height and moderate power not intimidating at all for a new rider. And being 5’2” this would be aperfect fit.

[Murrgh]

V65 is a bit top heavy also and a beast on the power side.
A V 45 or a shadow 600 would be a much better fit for a beginner.
I bought a 600 shadow to teach my wife to ride.  It has a low seat height and moderate power not intimidating at all for a new rider. And being 5’2” this would be aperfect fit.

Ironically I have a 600 Shadow in my basement... unfortunately it's a coworkers that I just rebuild the carbs on. My wife won't get on it since it's not technically mine.

I'll keep my eye out for something smaller!

[Bighead]

The 600 is a great bike for a smaller person to learn on. And it will also keep up at hwy speeds.

[Willow]

The 600 is a great bike for a smaller person to learn on. And it will also keep up at hwy speeds.

Two great points for a two year beginner bike.  /\

[Jess from VA]

I taught my wife on an older 250 Honda twin.

It's a great starter, and what she was given to ride in MSF class (later) (though newer Rebels). 

You get one for $800, you don't care if she drops it (and she will), and when she's ready to move up, you can get $800 for it.

It's my experience when you get new riders something (nice) they worry about dropping, they are so careful and tentative, training takes much longer.  First you build confidence, then you build skill.

The only problem with the older 250s is the seats are kind of tall.

The Honda 600 VLX is also a decent choice. 

[Cyclejohn]

Found a 1995 Honda Magna 750 V65 for $700 on Craigslist...

Not for nothing...but...the Magna V65 was made from 83-86 and was the 1100cc version of that bike. It does go from zero to something very quickly.

If the bike you are looking at is a 1995 then it would be a 750 V45. I have a friend with a 1996 (or 1998, I can't remember) 750 Magna. I find it to be very light weight and actually quite docile (I'm not sure which adjective to use here since after riding large bikes with good power most smaller bikes do feel docile) in the power department. Take off torque is adequate without being herky-jerky and overpowering. The 2 piston front brake caliper and the drum rear brake stop the bike just fine without danger of wheel lockup.

I have seen in print/heard in person...people describe the Magna as a "power cruiser"...and I can only guess that they are referring to the 83-86 V65 (1100) Magna. I think the 1995 V45 750 Magna has numbers of around 45 torque and low 70s HP.

If my wife or daughters wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle a $700 750 Magna wouldn't be a bad investment in my estimation.

John

[scooperhsd]

For the Magnas (and the other V4 Hondas of that generation), "45" and "65" refer to the engine size in Cubic Inches. The V45's are 750CC (and have around 80 HP, not just 70s), While the V65's are 1100CC.

[DGS65]

In the 80s I searched for a v65 and every one I found for sale had been dropped I took this as a sign and bought a V45 it was a great bike!  I kept it until a friend gave me more then I paid for it and bought a bigger bike. 

[_Sheffjs_]

What about a CTX 700 used I see them cheap

[Sorcerer]

I had a 97 Magna. Power to weight ratio is almost the identical to the Valk. That Magna is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You just have to be willing to tack it up to light it up. Just remember the early Magnas were shaft drive. The newer ones were chain drive.

[F6Dave]

Found a 1995 Honda Magna 750 V65 for $700 on Craigslist... looks to be mostly original minus an ugly exhaust. Supposedly it runs good and has a clean title.

I've read on here that people love their Magna's and would never sell them. Any thoughts on this bike? I'm looking for a way to teach my wife and still have a nice collectors bike/something smaller for her. I got her on my Valkyrie for the first time two weeks ago and she doesn't want to get off. Unfortunately she's intimidated by the size of my Valkyrie and wants to start on something smaller for when I teach her to ride.

The early '80s V45 was 750 cc, while the V65 was an 1100.  A '750 V65' doesn't sound right to me.

[mbramley]

 I had a V-45 750cc, yes V-65 was  a 1100cc. The v-45 was only 750 cc for 1 year then it dropped to a 700cc. From what I understand when it went to 700cc it was a fairly noticeable drop in performance. I rode a V-65 that was a friend of mines while we were in the Corps. I wouldn't suggest the V-65 for a starter bike. It was quick and lifted off the road at about a buck 30. The 700 or 750 version is a good starter bike. The top end is only around 80 mph without really making it scream. 

[Alpha Dog]

I had a 97 Magna. Power to weight ratio is almost the identical to the Valk. That Magna is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You just have to be willing to tack it up to light it up. Just remember the early Magnas were shaft drive. The newer ones were chain drive.

A wolf in sheep's clothing is quite accurate.  I just bought one, a 1999 ( for the second time, I like them that much ) back in October and am outfitting it to my likes, that is touring bagger style with floorboards.  Anyway a real 94 to 03 magna may do his wife well to learn on.  His description is not accurate as others have pointed out.  They are relatively light at maybe 540 lbs and thus easy to push around and control.  They corner great.  The power is easy to control below say 5k rpms.  If she really takes to riding it then it has the power above 5k to keep up with any bike current, save for sport bikes of course.

Others above have pointed out very good options also.  And a 250 honda rebel that Jess pointed out is a very easy bike to learn to ride and easy to sell once she out grows it.

[scooperhsd]

The "700CC" bikes were introduced for the Harley tariff. Mostly, all the Japanese manufacturers took their 750's, dropped them below 700cc's, then "hot rodded" the top end of the powerband to make up for the loss in top end. Some were more successful than others - 700cc Suzukis had a reputation for being really "peaky", and Hondas and Yamahas were much more "smoother" getting on the cams and whatever else was done to make up. Towards the end of the tariff, The Big 4 went back to making 750cc bikes again.

[Bighead]

When I posted my comment about the V65 being top heavy. It is but I missed where he stated 750. The later 90’s magnas were very agile.

[Gryphon Rider]

I know a couple of ladies who rode Viragos for many years.  The shorter of the two is probably 5'2" or 5'3" and is still riding it.  The low seat height is ideal for shorter legs and the 750 & 1100 versions have no problem maintaining highway speeds, though I wouldn't consider either of them rockets.

Really, anything 400cc or larger should be excellent in the city and adequate on the highway, although gearing down is necessary on hills and for passing.  Highway performance is comparable to a small 1.6L economy car.

I rode my first bike, an '81 Honda CM400T, from Calgary to Indiana and back, and went on a group ride from Calgary to Kalispell through Glacier Park with my girlfriend (now wife) on the back and was able to keep up by working the gearbox to keep my revs up when needed.

[scooperhsd]

Funny you should mention that - MY first bike was a 1978 CB400A - motor virtually the same, except it had the 2 speed Hondamatic transmission rather than the 5 speed manual. Rode the piss out of it - even took it to KU . Eventually, the electric starter went out on it and I had to use the kickstarter.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Funny you should mention that - MY first bike was a 1978 CB400A - motor virtually the same, except it had the 2 speed Hondamatic transmission rather than the 5 speed manual. Rode the piss out of it - even took it to KU . Eventually, the electric starter went out on it and I had to use the kickstarter.

I had a CM400A. I don’t remember the styling differences with the CB model, but that transmission was a dog. 65-70 mph was about it.

[¿spoom]

For reasons stated, the V65 is a horrible starter bike, also not all that reliable unless you want to spend some money refreshing it OR paying extra because it's already in great shape with something other than Dunlop Qualifier rimsavers.
IMHO, the best starter bike ever made is the 650 Savage 1-cyl thumper.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Boulevard_S40
 Low seat height, gobs of low end torque for learning that clutchy-feely uphill start thing, and a nice quiet belt drive. Inexpensive, yet can keep up on highways. Later, it was renamed the "S40 Boulevard" not to be confused with the "little" 800cc V-twin C50 Boulevard  (formally the VL800 Volusia) which is another great beginner bike. Whatever one decides on, I've always rejected the argument that a fist bike that would be outgrown in a year or two was a bad thing. Better it be a mundane, disposable bike bought cheaply, than a Hyabusa or Blown Valk Statisics show it'll get dropped win a month or two anyway, thus rendering a Screaming Eagle with custom paint into a 40% Off Sale. Whether a wet manhole cover, grease at the bank drive up, forgetting to put the stand down, or just tapping the front brake in a low speed parking lot turn, it's probably gonna be horizontal long before it's "outgrown". Might as well spend extra on shoes, gloves and helmets for the first bike. Back when my town HAD a Honda dealer, they supplied all the bikes for the yearly rider safety program/learn to ride program-250 Rebels at $1 lease, and they sold them off every Fall at the end of classes. They always looked like they'd been brought back in a dump truck and unloaded with a pull of the lever  

[Gryphon Rider]

+1 on ¿spoom's comments.

I had a CM400A. I don’t remember the styling differences with the CB model, but that transmission was a dog. 65-70 mph was about it.

The CB400 was sportier-looking, with a flatter seat.  The CM400 had more of a cruiser look, with a stepped seat.

This is identical to my CM400T:




A CB400:

[scooperhsd]

And this is what mine looked like -

https://www.google.com/search?q=1978+honda+cb400&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=3SwCZf6qgYOhYM%253A%252CDZTeI5gy9s68SM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kS_73ZsxqNQlz0NEJ4GY_YVD2RsaA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibkO7B_NLhAhXKJt8KHZh5CocQ9QEwCXoECAYQFg#imgrc=3SwCZf6qgYOhYM:

[The emperor has no clothes]

And this is what mine looked like -

https://www.google.com/search?q=1978+honda+cb400&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=3SwCZf6qgYOhYM%253A%252CDZTeI5gy9s68SM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kS_73ZsxqNQlz0NEJ4GY_YVD2RsaA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibkO7B_NLhAhXKJt8KHZh5CocQ9QEwCXoECAYQFg#imgrc=3SwCZf6qgYOhYM:

Mine was like this minus the gargantuan backrest

[Gryphon Rider]

When I was stopped at a light on my CM400T, three guys in a pickup truck stopped beside me started revving their engine.  I looked over and asked, "What makes you think a pickup could beat a motorcycle?"

"This has a Corvette engine!"

It didn't help him as much as he thought it would, even against an unmodified little 400 twin. 

[Jess from VA]

Back in the day, I stomped a 440 6-pack Plymouth Cuda, with my one cylinder Yami DT360.
(about 1/8 mile; He might have caught me in a quarter)

Did it 3 times (my buddy's older brother was angry about it).

While he was roaring and burning rubber, I was just gone.

Weight to power wins every time.

Hands down, the most awesome car I ever got a ride in (no one got to drive it but the owner).


Lost to this: (no slouch itself) (it could actually climb a wall)

[Pappy!]

I had a 3rd Gen Magna 750 for a long time. It generated around 78-80hp and had two different personalities. Run it below around 5000 rpm and it was indeed docile. Nail the throttle at over 5000 rpm and it was a fun ride for sure and would pin you back in the seat.
The 3rd Gen Magnas were built between 1994-2003 and are well built, good looking, and very reliable bikes. Low seat height as well.
They are very capable road machines in all aspects except range. They are only good for around 100-115 miles between fuel stops.
Lesa started riding it and was mad as Hell when I got rid of it!!

I wasn't much on the skull on the side of the tank but it was an amazing machine and would definitely recommend it for a gal who has already been on a Valkyrie.







majestic boy names

[gordonv]

I think a bike for her to learn to ride on, will never be a good bike for you to have as a rider later.

I started street riding 12 years ago at 43 years old, on a CM250 Rebel. Too small, but taught me the basics. Moved to a CM400T (T is a manual, the A model is an auto), much nicer for my size (5'10") and gave me more confidence because it fit me better than the smaller 250.

Get something for her, don't worry about yourself yet. I would look at the 250, 450 or 500 Rebel. Then there are the 1st Shadows, 500 & 700. Get something that needs a little work, fix it, and if she wants something bigger later, then sell it for good money. (I bought my 250 non-running for $400, sold it for $1700. The 400 bought for $1100, sold for $1800). There is a good local market for collector beginner bikes here.

Also, here, smaller cc, insurance is less expensive. I'm thinking of a Shadow 500 for a winter bike.

[cookiedough]

I had a 3rd Gen Magna 750 for a long time. It generated around 78-80hp and had two different personalities. Run it below around 5000 rpm and it was indeed docile. Nail the throttle at over 5000 rpm and it was a fun ride for sure and would pin you back in the seat.
The 3rd Gen Magnas were built between 1994-2003 and are well built, good looking, and very reliable bikes. Low seat height as well.
They are very capable road machines in all aspects except range. They are only good for around 100-115 miles between fuel stops.
Lesa started riding it and was mad as Hell when I got rid of it!!

I wasn't much on the skull on the side of the tank but it was an amazing machine and would definitely recommend it for a gal who has already been on a Valkyrie.







majestic boy names

I am in 100% agreement having a 1997 honda 748cc magna myself (and also had a 1983 V65 magna) which I will probably sell soon since the kid upgraded to a fjr1300 sport tourer last year.  Your wife can handle the 748cc mid 90's magna is a great beginner bike she will not outgrow is docile when needed, easy to flick around not heavy, and lower seat height for someone say 5 1/2 feet is do-able no problems.  Is 1/2 the size of our 1520cc engines and just as fast if wanted to rev it up a lot up to say 80  mph then it looses its steam, but how many times does one go from 0 to over 80 mph riding on regular roads?  Range is limited to tad bit over 120 miles or so per tank we get 45 avg mpg little over a 3 gallon gas tank so range is limited just expect to find a gas station every 100 miles or so.  Tops we get 50 mpg lowest in low 40s but we added and I would highly recommend a 17 tooth front sprocket vs. standard 16 tooth to lower rpms by 300-400 rpms thus better mpg,  longer gear shifts, and just a tad bit slower is all from 0 to 60 mph is all.  I like the lower rpms at hwy. speeds plus 2-3 more mpg as well using 17 tooth sprocket well worth the cheap cost to replace.

biggest drawback is chain drive cleaning every 500 miles or so seems to get dirty easily even on regular roads.  It sure is a pretty bike though black and chrome!  Problem with 250cc bikes is she will outgrow it and too slow for most after 1-2 years (or sooner) and unable to go over 75 mph, even the honda shadow 600cc having a much lower seat height is sort of wimpy at hwy. cruising but better than a 250cc engine I guess?  Get a late 1990s honda magna 748cc 4 cylinder about the same price as a slightly newer honda 600cc shadow if was up to me, unless your misses is very short under 5 foot tall.

[cookiedough]

also, if you can get a 1995 honda 748cc magna for only 700 bucks,  I highly doubt it runs well and looks 1/2 way decent, that is pretty darn cheap.  Your call, but they go for in very good shape for 2 grand or even more with optional accessories, etc.   I have seen some over 3K in price, but that is too much for sure.  If you can find one for 1500 worth buying,  snatch it up, but for only 700 bucks, be very leery if you ask me. 

[¿spoom]

I'd find an well-running "under $1k" recent 500cc-ish bike with a badly dented tank, scraped up exhaust, and one or both grips ground off on the ends. Saves the trouble of installing those options yourself, and the bike can be resold after one season for about what you have in it, even if/when it's been dropped some more. There's really no percentage in getting a nice ride for a learner. I'm 63, and even I remember how most of my buddies' first bikes ended up looking. Personally, my 120cc needed a new clutch lever, left mirror, peg & grip    
A 120 was all I could afford at 15, had there been a budget, I'd have gotten a CB350 or 360 Honda first.
IMHO, a 250 twin has so little torque that they are a bad choice for someone who's never driven/ridden ANYTHING with a clutch before. A 250 single would be far better as a minimum, but would probably be a dirtbike i.e. too tall.

[3fan4life]

I wouldn't recommend a V45 as a starter bike for someone who has no experience.

They are a two headed beast for sure.

I started my son out on a 450 Night Hawk that he rode around for a couple of years.

I came across a V30 Magna (500cc) at a good price so I picked it up as an upgrade for him.

When I test rode it, I rode it easy and it ran like I expected a 500cc bike to do.

On the ride home I decided to get into it and was totally shocked.

That thing is the fastest 500 cc bike that I have ever ridden.

Once they reach a certain RPM it is like someone hauled off and kicked them in the rear and you had better be holding on tight.

I began to have second thoughts as to whether I was comfortable letting him ride it or not.


So, For someone that has no riding experience I wouldn't recommend any of the Magna's.

I really think that it's a shame that there aren't any newer 400-450 cc bikes out there for starter bikes.

Those were pretty tame but you didn't outgrow them as quickly as a 250.


I started my wife on a 250 Rebel and a friend of mine just started riding last year bought a Suzuki GZ250 to learn on.

I am impressed with how well he was able to keep up with those of us on bigger bikes.

The 250's seem to be good for any riding except on the Interstate (his will run 70-75mph but is much happier @ 60-65 mph).

He recently moved up to a VTX 1300 and is doing well with it.

BTW his 08' GZ 250 is for sale, shoot me a PM if you're interested and I'll send you some pics.

[Gryphon Rider]

For a new rider who likes the sport bike configuration, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Honda CBR300R are worth a look.  Both are available with ABS, which I think is well worth it.

[shortleg]

Found a 1995 Honda Magna 750 V65 for $700 on Craigslist... looks to be mostly original minus an ugly exhaust. Supposedly it runs good and has a clean title.

I've read on here that people love their Magna's and would never sell them. Any thoughts on this bike? I'm looking for a way to teach my wife and still have a nice collectors bike/something smaller for her. I got her on my Valkyrie for the first time two weeks ago and she doesn't want to get off. Unfortunately she's intimidated by the size of my Valkyrie and wants to start on something smaller for when I teach her to ride.
[/quote
   First off I think it was a V45 was the 750 the V65 magna was closer to 1000CCs
In it's day the V65 was the engin that honda ran at Daytona and the like.]

[cookiedough]

For a new rider who likes the sport bike configuration, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Honda CBR300R are worth a look.  Both are available with ABS, which I think is well worth it.

we looked at both a few years ago and even used super expensive for what you get.   Some older 250cc ninjas in late 1990s were still getting near 2 grand - rip off!

For those who think a 748cc honda magna is not a good beginner bike, all depends on the newbie person.  I started off on a 700cc magna in the late 80s having no issues only before then rode a 100cc old dirt bike in early 80s.  It can be tame and easy to handle as long as not doing something stupid and twist the throttle which is common sense. 

We also looked at the honda 600cc shadow and if the newbie is pretty small/short, then it is do-able but may outgrow it since pretty small and barely adequate once gaining 1-2 years of riding experience.

[Pappy!]

For you guys who are recommending a small "beginner" bike you need to re-read the first post!!

She has already been riding a Valkyrie and does not want to give that up!!
 

[Rams]

For you guys who are recommending a small "beginner" bike you need to re-read the first post!!

She has already been riding a Valkyrie and does not want to give that up!!

Hmmmm, I guess it depends on interpreting the gentleman.   He doesn't say she rode up front.   To me, it reads like she was a passenger and now wants to learn to ride on her own bike.

I got her on my Valkyrie for the first time two weeks ago and she doesn't want to get off. Unfortunately she's intimidated by the size of my Valkyrie and wants to start on something smaller for when I teach her to ride.

Rams

[3fan4life]

Here's an interesting article about choosing a beginner bike:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-buy-your-first-motorcycle

[scooperhsd]

The only thing I should have done different on the first bike (CB400A Hawk) was to get the 5 speed manual instead (CB400T Hawk). That's alright, though - my next 3 were 76 CB750F (SOHC), '81 CB750F (DOHC with shims) , then a '94 PC800, then my Valk. Dad did buy a CL350 and CL360 so the whole family could go riding together.