v65 magna

[flcjr]

I am looking at buying a 1983 v65 magna the owner tells me it as a engine noise he thinks is wrist pin noise and a small exhaust leak. I have not seen the bike yet. I am looking for any info from those of you who know anything about these bikes. I think it will make a nice adition to my garage

[Momz]

If that motor makes any kind of strange noises, it's gonna cost a bundle to repair.

[flcjr]

I have read that they are expensive to repair but also read that there is some noise that is inherent to this engine that some think is a problem?? Any ideas on that and possible cost of rebuilding engine.

[cookiedough]

I know my former magna used to tick, tick, tick upon initial startup until warm, but no engine damage in 8 years of owning it.  Great 1-up bike, you won't be disappointed as long as you are over 5'10" and pushing 6' since the V65 stock magna seat height with me at 5'10" inseam 30" cannot sit flat footed which might be a problem for some.  Others have commented on 2nd gear issue with shifting but never had any problems whatsoever with my engine.  Stay away from it if the noise to you seems odd or if it shifts poorly.  It is now a rare bike, but there are some that are out there still but way overpriced in my book since in 1990 when I wanted the 1986 V65 magna used with 800 miles the asking price was 3800 bucks and to this day they are still asking like 3 grand for a decent used one if not more which to me is crazy overpriced, should be more like 2500 bucks tops for a mint one.

[flcjr]

That is the noise I have read about and they said it was the fuel pump and a normal noise. I am little leary though the asking price very reasonable and the owner says its too much bike for him he bought a month ago he says and just wants a smaller bike.

[Trynt]

I owned a 1985 V65 Sabre. For their time they were very fast bikes. On the V65 engine the oil that lubed the cams was at the end of its route through the engine (before entering the oil filter). The use of "dirty" oil to lube the cams led to  premature wear and failure. At one time there was a kit that piped freshly filtered oil to the top end.

[cookiedough]

If he just bought it just a month ago and now wants to get rid of it and only reason stated is he wants to get a more manageable smaller bike, I'd be very leary like you said.  Why did he buy it in the first place then?  Good used ones still bring 2500-3800 bucks but like I said, my opinion only, not one should be over 3 grand since in 1990 I could buy a near new mint condition one with only 800 miles for 3800 bucks way back then.  Check the exhaust for rust and the paint starting to fade or crack.  When I sold mine in 1997 for what I paid for it back in 1990 for 1500 bucks (what a steal), my tank paint was started to lightly fade from maroon red to slighly lighter color in areas but still good condition and pipes at back on bottom of the chrome showed slight rust spots, not too bad though.  I had a windshield very nice full sized, rear luggage rack lockable with brake lights with high backrest for passenger with leather detachable saddlebags with hwy. pegs upfront - very nice.  I still could sell that bike today for 1500 bucks all day long wish I would've kept it for 1 up riding .  2-up is a little crowded on stock seat though and I loved the 6th gear had to wait until at least 55 mph to shift otherwise engine dogged out a little.  Couldn't keep the stock dunlop tires on the rear for more than 4-5K miles if that.  Front tire lasted about 7-8K though.

[Dave Ritsema]

I owned both a V65 Magna and a V65 Sabre, both nice bikes for the time period, between the two I preferred the Sabre.
Upper engine issues were common on higher mileage bikes due to the previously mentioned oiling issue. If it clatters, stay far away from it. Some were retrofitted with the "fix", but the kits came out after the damage had been done in most cases, unless you changed your oil every 2000 miles like I did. 
They both eat rear tires at an astounding rate even worse than the Valkyries do. Personally I would go for one of the newer Magnas long before one of the V65 versions.

[flcjr]

The way he describes it sounds like the rear cam noise says it goes away off idle.I just spoke to him again. Asking 1500 bucks so maybe I can get it a bit cheaper? I don't mind a project but just trying to make sure I buy it right. Anyone now how much to fix the engine??

[MarkT]

There is a Magna forum, though I don't recall where.  Google. you'll find it.  Ask the guys who know the bike.

[dragon_slayer_129]

Don't know where you are located but my cousin has a v65 magna that he is selling.  He just bought a st1300 so the magna has to go.  Not sure on how firm he is on the price but the bike is pretty clean for the age (yes there are a few trim pieces that would need replaced if you wanted a museum piece)

http://limaohio.craigslist.org/mcy/2907287381.html

Dragon Slayer 129

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I had an 85 which never gave me any problems except for a broken fork brace. The cams always looked pristine during valve adjustments. Later I had an a 700cc 86 magna which as I found out during the first valve adjustment had badly scuffed cams caused by the oil supply problem previously mentioned. The scuffed cams didn't cause any discernible noise in mine. Both motors ticked a lot when cooling off but I don't remember any mechanical noises. The valves would get noisy if they needed adjusted though.

One thing about the blocks on the V65's. The cylinders are cast as part of the block so they are not replaceable.

[tonyfan70]

Dave Dodge did make oiling kits.

The broken fork brace is very common these. If it hasn't been replaced, it's probably broken. Check to make sure.

V4Hondabbs.com is the best forum for these bikes. Try searching on there and perhaps video tape the engine sound so others can give their 2 cents on it.

2nd gear issues consist of popping out of 2nd under acceleration. If the bike does this, it's a good parts bike.

I think that rings are no longer available for the 1100 so if it needs engine work, like a wrist pin, there really isn't much you can do while you're in there.

In the Peoria IL craigslist there is a really nice V65 Maggie for sale in a town called Morton IL. I thought it said $2500 and I believe there was nothing wrong with it. 20K or so on the clock.

[GreenLantern57]

Dave Dodge did make oiling kits.

The broken fork brace is very common these. If it hasn't been replaced, it's probably broken. Check to make sure.

V4Hondabbs.com is the best forum for these bikes. Try searching on there and perhaps video tape the engine sound so others can give their 2 cents on it.

2nd gear issues consist of popping out of 2nd under acceleration. If the bike does this, it's a good parts bike.

I think that rings are no longer available for the 1100 so if it needs engine work, like a wrist pin, there really isn't much you can do while you're in there.

In the Peoria IL craigslist there is a really nice V65 Maggie for sale in a town called Morton IL. I thought it said $2500 and I believe there was nothing wrong with it. 20K or so on the clock.

Had an 83 Magna, you need to change the cam chain tensionor. 84 and above had the better set-up. The 83s had the better carbs and set-up. When the tensionor goes, it makes big holes in the little pistons and breaks a few valves off in the process.  Sure do miss that bike. Tons of fun.