Anyone ever own a mid 90s and up Honda Magna?

[Pappy!]

Wondering what these bikes are like in general. Love the looks of them and so does my girlfriend....who just happens to want a larger bike.
I posted a while back on my search for a larger bike for her within her budget constraints and this bike has the looks and power to do the job but I don't know anyone that has ever owned one.
It would have to do day rides and once in a whlle maybe longer rides.

[Hooter]

  They set nice and low, no problem being flat footed. I had a V45 and a V65. Both ran well and had enough torque but I went to the V65 only because I wanted something bigger. Didn't need it but wanted it. Both great scooters. For an older bike if it is taken care of, I wouldn't hesitate. Just my experience.

[Willow]

Mama and I have owned a '98 and a '97 Magna.  We've had them from one end of the country to the other with multiple long distance rides.

A Magna will hang with a Valkyrie right up until you decide to top end them.  They hold up well. They're chain drive, so you'll need to maintain that end.

[99GAVALKYRIE]

I had a 94 Magna,  Sweet ride, Plenty of power  ,  but that was an issue because these bikes we under braked,  Back tire would always slide very easily in a panic braking.   Just allow plenty of room to stop one if you drive it the way I used too.  Rode that bike for a year and sold it for more than I paid for it.



It was the bike that made me want a Valkyrie,  I searched and wanted a Valkyrie for about 8 years,  I finally bought the one I wanted about a month ago,  99 interstated in the Black and Red,  I LOVE IT. I have ridden over 500 miles already.

New to site but never gonna get rid of this one. I will be posting picture of my Valk and introducing myself soon.

Ride safe, Steve 

[Momz]

The mid-nineties (Willows previous Magnas) are some of the best, yet underappreciated motorcycles ever built.
Yes these have chain drives, but they are not hard at all to keep properly lubed and adjusted. Just be dilligent.

With that said, I would avoid the early eighties VF750/VF700 Magnas due to cam/oiling issues.
These early Magnas did have shaft drives that were often neglected by their owners.

[ncgrl1]

There is a nice V65 for sale at the Honda dealership in Winston-Salem, N.C.

[Pappy!]

Going to stay away from the V65. Thanks though!
Ones that are interesting to me are the ones from around 1994 and up. These things are like a smaller version of the Valkyrie in those year ranges. Same look and style. The later ones had some great two-tone paint jobs. Very cool bike from the looks of it.

[cookiedough]

The mid-nineties (Willows previous Magnas) are some of the best, yet underappreciated motorcycles ever built.
Yes these have chain drives, but they are not hard at all to keep properly lubed and adjusted. Just be dilligent.

With that said, I would avoid the early eighties VF750/VF700 Magnas due to cam/oiling issues.
These early Magnas did have shaft drives that were often neglected by their owners.

I tend to disagree on the 80's magnas with shaft drive.  I owned a 1984 honda magna and loved every minute of it, buttery smooth with decent power.  Although,  I believe the seat height in the 80's was higher up if vertically challenged and the V65 magna was even higher off the ground yet since I was 5'10" and could not with stock V65 I wanted to buy stand flat footed had to lean to one side to get one of my feet flat footed on ground.

The 90's magna's I think have a lower seat height and look pretty cool as well with plenty of power for one-up riding but not really designed for 2-up riding any distances in my opinion, but a great commuter for sure.  750cc's with 2 heavier people on board will bog down somewhat.  Here are 4 really nice looking for sale locally on craigslist late 90's in very good shape but still think over 3K price tag is a tad too steep, but is a great ride, very reliable, would buy the magna's anyday over the honda shadows.

http://madison.craigslist.org/mcd/3633735491.html

http://madison.craigslist.org/mcd/3629026946.html

http://rockford.craigslist.org/mcy/3624572050.html

http://rockford.craigslist.org/mcy/3476038408.html


Mine was a 1984 with turned up rear pipes (liked/sound that look better flairing upwards) vs. this 1986 model honda magna for sale locally with shorter, straight pipes going back that created a quieter, put put, sound instead.  Although, other than the pipes, it looked identical to this 1986 magna for sale locally still asking 2 grand.   Heck, in 1990 I bought my 1984 used for 1500 bucks and sold it 8 years later for 1500 bucks didn't loose a dime and now if I would've kept it, would still fetch over 1500 bucks used darn it - wife made me sell it because we had kids still miss that bike not one bit of trouble in 8 years of owning besides basic maintenance (tires/oil).  Not sure on the 90's model magnas, but the 80's magnas had a 6th gear dropping rpm's way down at hwy. speeds was nice to have that extra gear but for sure had to be going over 50 mph (preferably 55 on up) before shifting into 6th gear otherwise engine didn't like it being bogged down that low.

http://rockford.craigslist.org/mcy/3626854126.html

[Pappy!]

Wow....gotta love that red and black '97!
Am located in Florida so those are out of the question. Amazing amount of color schemes I have seen while perusing them this afternoon and evening!
 There won't be any two up riding on it. Will be the bike she rides when we take off and goooooo.......
At this point we are looking in earnest for one and discontinuing the search for the V Star 1100.
Anyone coming down To Daytona wanna bring one with them? lol.

[cookiedough]

I also out of all the 90's magna's really love that red/black 97 magna in my posting plus has rear luggage rack on back with saddlebags and windshield, all the goodies!  Best of luck finding one with lower mileage say under 30K and if you can find one around that 3 grand mark or below, you've done good!

[Pappy!]

They are out there moreso than the V STars we have been lurking for.
I contacted the owner of this one today

http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/3543649563.html

.....only to find that he had changed his mind and is now keeping it. My luck !!

[Willow]

The Magnas you are describing (1994 - 2003) are referred to as 3rd generation Magnas.   The seat height of the third generation Magna is 27 inches.

I think you'll be pleased with your decision.

[Pappy!]

What was the last year of production? Thought it was around 2007?
In the middle of my normal "due dilligence" on these and it is fun.

[Time Worp]

Great bike, would suggest forward controls, the mid controls are little cramped. Also a corbin gun fighter w/ lady or a gun fighter solo with a back rest if you'er going to do any distance riding.  Won't touch the valk bottom or top end, but will stick with it mid range, it runs 12.7s in the 1/4 mile. You have to get into the power band (4000-9500 rpm) to appreciate the power. You can do a lot to it for minimal cash. I still ride it although I own a Valk and a V-Rod.

Before


After


Road Set up

[Pappy!]

Nice!!! That paint is gorgeous!

[Time Worp]

Thanks,

Here's a pic of the tank

[cookiedough]

that last pic would scare the crap outta me literally in the dark especially if it was glo in the dark paint. YIKES!

12.7 in the 1/4 mile is about what our stock Valks run I do believe, so not for a beginner for sure.  Pretty sure the mid 80's V65 1098cc 4 banger would run between 10-11 seconds in the 1/4 mile though.  Still quite impressive anything mid range 750cc's to run under 13 seconds.

I so wanted a V65 but the price tag around 3700 back then near new but still used back in the late 80's steered me towards the much calmer, cheaper, and shorter seat height, 700cc's and was plenty happy with the comfort and power definitely cramped riding 2-up though.   

They are out there that is for sure, just have to be ready to pounce on one if you see one locally in your price range, nice ride and very cool looking in my opinion. 

[Willow]

What was the last year of production?

2003

[Time Worp]

12.7 in the 1/4 mile is about what our stock Valks run I do believe, so not for a beginner for sure.  Pretty sure the mid 80's V65 1098cc 4 banger would run between 10-11 seconds in the 1/4 mile though.  Still quite impressive anything mid range 750cc's to run under 13 seconds.

A stock valk should run 12.1s. While there is only 15hp difference there is 51flb of torque difference so the 60 and 100ft times aren't comparable.

You can't compare v65 (1983-1984) to a third generation v45. v65 was 1100cc and was the fasted production bike in 1983 running high 10's. (falling to the v-max in 1985)

The third gen magna is a great starter bike because if you stay out of the power band this bike is very controllable and under powered. Also with it only weighting 505lb is a good weight for a beginner of average size. Also when you grow into it you can start getting into the power-band, making this bike able to be grown into. Not a lot of bikes like this out there, most starter bikes are ditched after one season.

[Pappy!]

Even better. The gal the bike is going to is past the novice stage. Well past!

[9Ball]

I bought my little sister a new 1998 Magna in blue with black scallop paint job for her 40th birthday.  She sold her Virago and I made up the difference.  She loved that bike and eventually bought a second bike, a 2000 blue/silver Valkyrie interstate.  She kept both bikes until she got her new '05 Goldwing and sold the Valkyrie.  She still has a Magna in her garage...

This 3rd generation Magna is a good bike with plenty of power.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[Tundra]

You can't go wrong. Good looking, quick and nimble, reliable. Lot's of bang for the buck
  Another nice bike Honda let go

[Willow]

... a new 2008 Magna ...

 ???

[tonyfan70]

I still have mine. 98 that I bought with 3000 miles for $4000 almost 10 years ago. Doesn't get ridden as much since I bought the Valk.

Have to agree with about all that's been said. NO comparision to the V65. The v65 was a "first gen" Magna and like stated, has that really tall stance that most Jap bikes did back then. Trick bike, air suspension and the telltale square headlight and...whew...that motor! Held the fastest production bike speed record for 3 years I believe. Of the 1st gen bikes, only the 1100 has the cam oiling issues not the 700/750.

2nd gen bikes were the "Supermagnas". Had the solid rear wheel and the upswept pipes. Look like a factory drag bike. I think they look sweet but the pipes rule out and saddle bags.

3rd gen is what you're looking for. Honda dropped the shaft drive and 6 speed and went with a single disc and rear drum brake. These bikes do have underwhelming brakes, I will say that. The are very easy to flick around though, lots of fun in the twisties. Not having 6th gear kinda blows, mine runs 5000rpm and 70 or 75 mph.  It's not like your blowing it up though, the redline is close to 10,000rpm. It's true that it's a pretty docile bike under 5000rpm but from 5000 to 9800 rpm is ... wheeeeee!!! My g/f and I put thousands of miles riding 2up on mine and had not one complaint from either of us.

The chain drive makes it easy to mess with the sprockets to change gear ratios and some progressive springs fix the front end softness that some have complained about. Some of the bikes have a lean surge around 3000 rpms that is easily enough cured with another washer on the carb needles...these are or were available from a fellow named Billy C in TX or at one time Dave Dodge Racing products. Look around, there should still be plenty of low mileage examples out there. And I wouldn't worry too much about what year to get...the only change is the paint. MOOT (MagnaOwnerOfTexas) is a forum aimed right at these 3rd gens and the HondaV4bbs has alot of info on them as well.

[9Ball]

... a new 2008 Magna ...

 ???

sorry, yes it was a brand new 1998 Magna...beautiful bike.  

I fixed the original reply and vow to never make another mistake again...especially since Willow has me on his radar.

[Hoser]

... a new 2008 Magna ...

 ???

Maybe he meant 1998?  It was a 3rd gen I was looking for in 1999 until I found the fat lady.  Hoser  

[Pappy!]

The more I read the better I like these bikes.
Tonyfan - will peruse the sites you gave me and pick up more information.
There is a jam-up '97 red/black around the Atlanta area for a great price but too far to go for me.

[cookiedough]

The 3rd generation magnas are very nice but wish Honda would've kept the shaft drive for buttery smooth driving and 6th gear for low rpm/noise over 60 mph for hwy. use like my former 1984 honda magna had.   I sure wish I took some pics of that bike since I had it decked out with upfront hwy. pegs, windshield, taller passenger backrest, leather saddle bags, and rear luggage compartment on rear rack that locked 2 full sized helmets inside, something not seen much back then.  Only thing that limited me was the I believe around 3.4 gallon gas tank is all only able to go around 110 miles plus I only achieved between 35 and 40 mpg but was somewhat hard on the throttle being around 20 years old.   

[Pappy!]

Anyone remember what the normal mileage is on these? Have heard around 110 miles before going on reserve twice now. Think the tank is 3.6 gallons but don't know what is held in reserve yet.

[bigguy]

I love mine.

I kept it even after I got the Valkyrie. If the one you get hasn't had the jets shimed, you'll want to do that. It relieves a midrange flat spot as well as reduces some deceleration popping. http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/tips.htm#A1.31

[Pappy!]

Thanks, bigguy!
Was reading up on that already.

[Crazy Miles]

Those Magna's are real great bikes!     My son has put over 20,000 miles on his since he was 16. Still has it. I think around 80-85 hp!    Yes you can change spockets and make them move! THEY ARE FAST! Stevie went straight pipes, Cobras. We put the Dodge Dave shim kit in the carbs!  Yep, around 110 +- you will hit reserve! These bikes are just as dependable as the Valk. You can get a real good used one for $2500.00 +-.      Go for it!      

[9Ball]

you're right about the cruising range on a tank of gas...100-110 miles is about all you can stretch out of a tank depending on riding style.

[Willow]

Mine was normally good for about 45 mpg.  Reserve should get you no less than 35 miles.

[Gavin_Sons]

My dad has a 95 he loves it, it looks like it should be in a showroom. Only has 5500 miles on it. I always tell him he's not a biker he's a collector. Also has an 87 goldwing with 8300 miles. He just likes washing and looking at them.

[Billinva]

I put 27,000 miles on my 98 Magna. Took one 5700 mile trip to the Grand Canyon and back to Virginia. Took several shorter trips. Longest ride in one day was 580 miles.   Had a Mustang seat and highway pegs. Enjoyed the bike.   Bought the Valk, but still have the Magna.

[fiddle mike]

My missus has a '99.  She's put over 100K miles on it commuting and riding around the State.  She rode it from the Texas coast to Virginia and back.
It's a great machine.

[Pappy!]

Tell ya' what....at this point even if she doesn't buy one.....I am ! They look like that much fun.
Am on the hunt.  Wish I were closer to Atlanta. That '97 would be in my garage by now.