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Author Topic: 94-2003 honda magnas  (Read 2210 times)
cookiedough
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southern WI


« on: March 10, 2017, 06:28:05 PM »

can someone on here who has a 1997 honda VF750c magna tell me if they have a dipstick to pull out to check for oil level much like our Valks vs. say a 2001 Vf750c magna or do they just have a window bubble to look thru on right side to check oil level?

I test rode a 1997 but did not see the dipstick below the oil filler plug on right side but did not look too much for it since was getting dark soon wanted to test drive it before it got dark out.

Also,  anything to look out for in terms of clutch/brakes/chain/carbs while looking at or test riding it?  Seen a 1997 for sale drove it was nice overall but not in mint condition being 20 years old for 1800 bucks with ONLY 13K miles on it.  Ran fine no lag or stuttering but he had it warmed up right before I got there and told him next time down there I want it cold not warmed up so I can use the choke system myself when completely cold.

Dealer told me carbs are big issues on it but mostly bulletproof and if can find ANY UNDER 2K price,  snatch them up if in pretty good shape since will never loose a dime on one is bottomed out at around 1600 even if needing work on them but not all scratched or dented up.  

I think not much difference from 94-2003 magna correct or is there anything different stock vs. stock?

Much appreciated!

P.S. - that 1997 magna 750 I think was quicker but not as smooth as my 84 magna with shaft drive vs. chain drive now.  Plus, the 90s magna are sort of cheapened up some vs. the 80s magna:   no shaft drive, no 6th gear overdrive,  no left and right turn separate signals, choke and key switch on left side down low by tank which is not as easy as on top in middle like the 80s magna, no hinge on gas cap staying on have to take the entire gas cap off which sucks,  footpegs upfront tad bit more but 2 inch shorter seat height makes it more cramped in 1990s models for most drivers,  but I think the 90s magnas are easier to flick around and feel lighter for sure than the 80s magnas.    NOt so sure though I want to go 20 years old on a magna and for sure go backwards getting another 30 year old 80s magna?

Most are telling me NO do not get it is too fast for a 16/17 year old but is ONLY if you allow it to be is the only bike that size which is forgiving in any gear not having to be in the RIGHT gear all the time to drive it normally.  Insurance is ONLY 12 bucks more per year vs. a newer yamaha vstar 250cc and about same price to purchase used.  

« Last Edit: March 10, 2017, 06:42:45 PM by cookiedough » Logged
Sorcerer
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Posts: 552

Brooklyn Center MN.


« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2017, 07:03:58 PM »

the dip stick is counter clockwise from the fill hole. Power to weight ratio is pretty much the same as the Valk. You have to remember the Magna is a wolf / VFR 750 in sheeps clothing. Slightly different cams and carbs. I used to surprise a lot of riders with the Magna.
« Last Edit: March 10, 2017, 07:15:58 PM by Sorcerer » Logged
cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2017, 07:17:31 PM »

the dip stick is counter clockwise from the fill hole.

so all 94-2003 VF750C magnas have an oil dipstick correct?

I went to see locally a 2001 magna just today and the small dipstick was 4-6 inches below the oil filler plug, just do not remember seeing on the 97 the dipstick that screws in below the oil filler plug on top on the right side.
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2017, 07:24:30 PM »

another question:  What are a few good websites to get Honda or aftermarket parts/accessories for these magnas from?  Would like a nice windshield and chrome flat luggage rack behind the passenger backrest and think I have the saddlebags picked out from Viking Bags website maybe?
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Pappy!
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Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2017, 08:33:08 PM »

Here you go! Introduce yourself in the Lounge area. Tell 'em Pappy sent ya!
This site is very close to the Valk site. Tons of information and helpful people.

http://v4musclebike.com/forums/index.php

I had a '94 for a while. Loved it. Super fast for a cruiser and, as has been said.... will surprise a bunch of bikes.
Lesa about killed me when I sold it. She loved it as well.

Here is a video I did of a roll-on from first through the top of 3rd gear on mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzhsEJ0vGyQ
« Last Edit: March 10, 2017, 08:47:03 PM by Pappy! » Logged
Alpha Dog
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Arcanum, OH


« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2017, 09:23:12 PM »

Here you go! Introduce yourself in the Lounge area. Tell 'em Pappy sent ya!
This site is very close to the Valk site. Tons of information and helpful people.

http://v4musclebike.com/forums/index.php

I had a '94 for a while. Loved it. Super fast for a cruiser and, as has been said.... will surprise a bunch of bikes.
Lesa about killed me when I sold it. She loved it as well.

Here is a video I did of a roll-on from first through the top of 3rd gear on mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzhsEJ0vGyQ



Pappy's right, he would know.   I had one for a couple of years, the 97 and if I had more room I would get another.   It likes to go as slow or as fast as you want and if you want - hang on.  Terrific cornering bike also and suspension is good enough.  Mine got 45 mpg.
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Pappy!
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Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2017, 11:12:52 PM »

Also, Mark T's wife rides one. A 2003 she has owned since new I believe. Had it at Inzane last year. Gorgeous bike. Just happen to have a pic of it.

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bg
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Cumming, Ga


« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2017, 02:45:07 AM »

i also have a 99 magna.......love it.
you can see the dip stick in mark t's pic.....it is in the 6 o'clock position down from the filler cap.
just changed my oil last week, mine is in the same position.
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2017, 05:15:43 AM »

i also have a 99 magna.......love it.
you can see the dip stick in mark t's pic.....it is in the 6 o'clock position down from the filler cap.
just changed my oil last week, mine is in the same position.


so all 94-2003 have that dipstick down below right??  If so,  I must have missed it looking at that 1997 magna since was in a rush to get riding it before dark and under 40 degree temps.

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Willow
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Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP

Olathe, KS


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« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2017, 08:48:27 AM »

Dipstick, yes.  Power and performance? A '97 Magna will stay right with a Valkyrie right up until top gear.  The Valkyrie will walk away on top speed.
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Sorcerer
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Brooklyn Center MN.


« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2017, 12:31:59 PM »

I had both my 97 Magna and my 98 Valk to a indicated 130 mph. Both were still pulling, I quit. If you wanted to make a Magna sing you had to run it up to red line. If I didn't red line 4th, I was to low in the power band to make 5th stretch it's legs. I quite regularly would bounce of the rev limiter in first and second gears. When making a statement, red line shifting all the way to into top gear. If you had the preverbal barn door windshield, that would cut down the top end. I had a ally cat windshield on mine. Took most of the wind off my chest and that was all. It did pop open my Shoe full face shield at 110 mph. Just about took me off the bike.
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Willow
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Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP

Olathe, KS


WWW
« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2017, 01:16:43 PM »

I had both my 97 Magna and my 98 Valk to a indicated 130 mph. Both were still pulling, I quit. ... If you had the preverbal barn door windshield, that would cut down the top end.
...

LOL! My apologies.  I have no idea what a Magna will do with a windshield.  I guess I have little knowledge of Valkyries with windshields either.   Wink
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Gavin_Sons
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VRCC# 32796

columbus indiana


« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2017, 03:25:13 PM »

My dad had a 95 Magna. Traded it for the green and cream tourer my brother now rides. It was supposed to be both of their bike but that turned into a fight deciding who was riding when. So dad found an IS amd bought it a cluple years ago and now both are happy. That little Magna was a fun little bike with plenty of power.
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Pappy!
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Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2017, 06:55:22 PM »

Lesa and I had a ball with ours.
I remember turning left onto a back road that led back to the house. I poured the coals to my Valk and was grinning like Hell while thinking I was leaving lesa, on the Magna, in my dust. About 100 I looked in the mirror and saw her right on my tail.

Hated that stupid skull on the tank someone painted there. Loved the bike though.



Better photo showing the dipstick.

« Last Edit: March 11, 2017, 06:58:25 PM by Pappy! » Logged
cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2017, 07:57:11 PM »

nice black magna even with the skull on the tank.  same exact magna black/chrome as I am looking at buying.    Am chomping at the bit one fellow said a more local guy is looking at it tomorrow but if he does not buy, he will let me know ASAP.  Why is it that I seem to be always 2nd best or 2nd to arrive which in todays world is basically worthless in regards to my life?   tickedoff tickedoff tickedoff tickedoff
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #15 on: March 12, 2017, 01:50:11 PM »

found one in black/chrome I want to jump on and ride home ASAP for 1900 bucks,  guy has not given me his phone number yet to call him up in contact by email requesting his phone number and so far no luck.

cheapest one seen is 1800 all scratched up vs. most are asking 2K all the way up over 2500 bucks, but NONE local so far.  Got the ITCH for one of these bikes after riding one last week..... 

I might have to sell my 250cc scoot to make room for it in my garage though, will see, if I get one?   coolsmiley
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Alpha Dog
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Arcanum, OH


« Reply #16 on: March 12, 2017, 02:15:06 PM »

found one in black/chrome I want to jump on and ride home ASAP for 1900 bucks,  guy has not given me his phone number yet to call him up in contact by email requesting his phone number and so far no luck.

cheapest one seen is 1800 all scratched up vs. most are asking 2K all the way up over 2500 bucks, but NONE local so far.  Got the ITCH for one of these bikes after riding one last week..... 

I might have to sell my 250cc scoot to make room for it in my garage though, will see, if I get one?   coolsmiley

Guarantee you will love it.  2.5 to 3k is a reasonable price for a quality one.  At 1900 and in good shape it is a bargain of sorts.  It amazes me how people list stuff on craigslist and then you can not get a hold of them.  Several times I just gave up and moved on and the bike would sit there for weeks, 45 days runs out and post it again.
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shortleg
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maryland


« Reply #17 on: March 12, 2017, 03:48:56 PM »

   I had what was called a V 65 saber back in the 80s.
 Was that the same kind of motor.
   That bike was fast as hell.
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pais
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One more turn should do it!

Kent, Ohio


« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2017, 04:12:32 PM »

    V-4 motor by Honda was a great motor during that time. Had it in a VFR1000, loved it.
    Love to find one, should have never let that one go  uglystupid2
    When I was looking for a bike before settling on a Valk. Looked at a few Sabres, just nothing in decent shape.
    Around here in NE Ohio. The 750 Magna seems to be rather prevalent and can be had in the $2000.00 range with relatively low miles.
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!

Pappy!
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Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2017, 06:25:33 PM »

The V65 Magna was, at the time, the fastest production bike made. I think it was the VMax that took that crown away from it. Surprisingly the V65 Magna is also a very comfortable bike to ride. Different bike than the Sabre.
I went and looked at a '97 today in town. Was a bit rougher than I had thought it was and had a weird feel to it when riding. When I turned the bike the bike wanted to turn in harder by itself. Either direction it did this. Not like my '94 did at all. New front fender on it and repainted radiator says that something happened along the way.
Good looking bike though for the most part. This was the D model with the two tone paint. Corbin seat. Front fender should be red.
https://daytona.craigslist.org/mcy/6040078473.html
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #20 on: March 12, 2017, 06:46:50 PM »

The V65 Magna was, at the time, the fastest production bike made. I think it was the VMax that took that crown away from it. Surprisingly the V65 Magna is also a very comfortable bike to ride. Different bike than the Sabre.
I went and looked at a '97 today in town. Was a bit rougher than I had thought it was and had a weird feel to it when riding. When I turned the bike the bike wanted to turn in harder by itself. Either direction it did this. Not like my '94 did at all. New front fender on it and repainted radiator says that something happened along the way.
Good looking bike though for the most part. This was the D model with the two tone paint. Corbin seat. Front fender should be red.
https://daytona.craigslist.org/mcy/6040078473.html

I like that red/black combo the best but black/chrome is sharp as well.  Besides, my black/chrome VAlk I/S will be in good company sort of like a mini me - valk vs. magna sitting side by side one 1/2 the size of the other but both equally as fast.   I test drove one and liked the handling and quickness at 300lbs. lighter than my Valk I/S but even being only 5'10" I was tad bit cramped on it with OEM footpeg placement.  If I can find a mustang seat being fatter padding hopefully tad bit higher up 1 inch or so and jardine forward more footpeg/shifter placement, would be perfect.  Not so sure I like in that Florida red/black magna though the Jardine exhaust being MUCH LOUDER than stock magna exhaust, almost as loud as the Valk 6x6 cobra exhaust as heard on youtube videos.

that red/black one in Florida has a very odd seat on it and with over 40K miles asking 2500 seems a tad bit too high in price, but dealer pricing will sell at that 2500 all day long. 

windshield is needed as well for sure not sure which one is best?  what about aftermarket parts for a 97ish honda magna say saddlebags or a much needed rear chrome flat rack behind the passenger backrest????

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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #21 on: March 12, 2017, 07:10:54 PM »

My high school kid got online doing a hp vs. ton weight comparison of that magna at 76 hp vs. exotic small sports cars and is in that upper escalade of expensive lightweight sports cars hp to tonage weight ratio he said like an aston martin and other sports cars never heard of before.

What he does not understand is it also takes torque to get the cycle moving and the 750cc magna has about 46lbs. of torque (give or take) vs. our 1520cc Valkyries about 96 (give or take) so is double the torque but only about 20 more hp (76 vs. around 93 for valk)  with our Valk IS's near 850lbs. vs. the magna 550lbs. with gas, etc. on them, so 200 to 300lbs. heavier depending on which std. or I/S Valk it is.

Either one though is plenty fast enough for my needs and to know both comfy and smooth is icing on the cake.   cooldude

 
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dragonslayer
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Posts: 179

palm bay fl.


« Reply #22 on: March 13, 2017, 08:07:44 AM »

I have a 97 and love it,sits next to the valk.Great around town bike and did some 100 mile runs with ease.Drilled the muffler covers and pulled out the baffels and is quiet until you twist the wrist.I get a little over 40 with windshield,bags,rack,rackbag and alittle more weight.The bad is they are prone to regulator/rectifier failure.Cheap fix and always carry a spare,honda only,aftermarket suck.The other problem I had was the vacuum gas dohicky  that protects it from hydrolock.also another cheap fix.I'm short and with the mustang seat and bike lowered it's like super easy to handle.Working on it is a breeze.I really enjoy this bike.Good choice.I would take the carbs apart and clean them and up the jets 1 click and it'll run with the best of them.
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2k IS
98 Tour
2001 Stand
Pappy!
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Posts: 5710


Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #23 on: March 13, 2017, 08:21:13 AM »

Dragon - the jetting you want to go to for the Magna is 105/42. Comes out perfect. Did the same modification to my exhaust as well.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2017, 08:26:13 AM by Pappy! » Logged
Woton
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Posts: 410

1997 Tourer Pearl Green/Pearl Ivory "BRNHLDE"

Central North Carolina


« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2017, 01:43:22 PM »

Ahhh, the Magna!

BikerGirl and I started riding later in life - after our retirement from the working world in 2007.  Yeah, we were crazy (OK...maybe) but what a chapter in our lives this decision began...

These were our first bikes - hers a '99 Red (21K miles) purchased in a private sale and mine a '97 Red/Black Deluxe (10.6K miles) purchased from consignment at our local Honda shop. 

The memories of the adventures remain.  We shipped these bikes to/from Las Vegas and rode the Grand Circle of National Parks...Rode all 100 counties in NC in one calendar year...  What GREAT adventures!  These were life-list events!

What a great bike - the ultimate short-hop ride!  The only negative seemed to be that our two bikes were ALWAYS needing some little type of repair - especially new chain/sprockets even though I did my best to keep things adjusted.  And, the high-rev on the highways would wear on us old farts after a few hundred miles...

My '97 Valk and her '09 Stratoliner were the best motorcycle moves we've ever made.  Maintenance/repairs minimum, more power/lower revs, and NO CHAIN!  I'll never own another chain driven bike.

Would (and have) recommend a Magna for ANYONE starting out riding... Only a few tears/sad moments when both bikes were passed on to new owners.  Hope they are still riding the NC roads today!!!





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"Ride Smart - Ride Safe"
pais
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One more turn should do it!

Kent, Ohio


« Reply #25 on: March 13, 2017, 02:23:10 PM »

Ahhh, the Magna!

BikerGirl and I started riding later in life - after our retirement from the working world in 2007.  Yeah, we were crazy (OK...maybe) but what a chapter in our lives this decision began...

These were our first bikes - hers a '99 Red (21K miles) purchased in a private sale and mine a '97 Red/Black Deluxe (10.6K miles) purchased from consignment at our local Honda shop. 

The memories of the adventures remain.  We shipped these bikes to/from Las Vegas and rode the Grand Circle of National Parks...Rode all 100 counties in NC in one calendar year...  What GREAT adventures!  These were life-list events!

What a great bike - the ultimate short-hop ride!  The only negative seemed to be that our two bikes were ALWAYS needing some little type of repair - especially new chain/sprockets even though I did my best to keep things adjusted.  And, the high-rev on the highways would wear on us old farts after a few hundred miles...

My '97 Valk and her '09 Stratoliner were the best motorcycle moves we've ever made.  Maintenance/repairs minimum, more power/lower revs, and NO CHAIN!  I'll never own another chain driven bike.

Would (and have) recommend a Magna for ANYONE starting out riding... Only a few tears/sad moments when both bikes were passed on to new owners.  Hope they are still riding the NC roads today!!!







   Hey Woton,
   Great story other than the troubles. I love to hear people enjoying their retirement. Doing the things they dreamed of! Top it off, on motorcycles!

   Ride safe and take care!
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!

Pappy!
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Posts: 5710


Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #26 on: March 13, 2017, 05:59:42 PM »

Once I went through the carbs on mine and did the 3-wire fix along with replacement of the reg/rec. my '94 was rock solid in the dependability dept.
They are like two different bikes altogether. Below about 5-5500 they are docile, quiet and smooth. Above that with the throttle all in....hang on.
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #27 on: March 13, 2017, 07:26:44 PM »

Once I went through the carbs on mine and did the 3-wire fix along with replacement of the reg/rec. my '94 was rock solid in the dependability dept.
They are like two different bikes altogether. Below about 5-5500 they are docile, quiet and smooth. Above that with the throttle all in....hang on.

yes,  I still think it can be a good beginner bike starting out as well as long as keep the rpms below the 6K mark and be docile, quiet, and smooth with lower seat height and although with gas, etc. is 540lbs., does not feel heavy at all with smooth clutch and power delivery just have to be careful with that right wrist.  It is really for my 16 year old wanting to learn how to ride a cycle for the first time.  He has 10 years driving ATVs limited use 3-5 times per year riding them for 100 mile trips, but wanted to find a cheap 250-500cc but those darn things are pretty small and still over 1500 bucks.  Even what he prefers as #1 choice a 2011/2012 honda CBR250 or ninja 250 are going for over 2K which is more than the 20 year old magna.  He has to take the cycle safety course if under age 18 as well in WI is required by law costing 275 bucks signed him up tonight for early May classes 2 whole days is all on a weekend.  He has my 250cc scooter to drive for a few weeks prior to even showing him the ropes on the magna if I get it. 
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Crazy Miles
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Posts: 296


Harwich, Massachusetts on Cape Cod


« Reply #28 on: March 13, 2017, 08:25:25 PM »

They are nice bikes. My son still has his .  We got it  for him when he was 16. He is 30 now. We did do some mods, drag bars , shock set  backs, 180 rear, carb rejet, cobra straights-- super loud! Jardine forward controls,   AND--- for quick off the line----front and rear sprockets, larger rear smaller front.  It flat out moves! I love spinning around the Cape on it.  IT IS BAD ASS cooldude   
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Alberta Patriot
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Say What You mean Mean What You Say

Rockyview County, Alberta 2001 Interstate


« Reply #29 on: March 14, 2017, 09:21:44 AM »

I have looked at this bike a few times. Fast and...reliable like most metric bikes. A comment here about how Honda cheapened the New Magna with a chain instead of shaft is less than valid IMHO...  from all the discussions in total I have come across here there is a large number of discussions about the final drive of the Valk and all of the  complexity of dealing with it. If I were in the market for the Magna one thing I would seriously consider is a chain to belt conversion like this:

http://www.scootworks.com/shop.cgi/page=partsh.htm/SID=PUT_SID_HERE

Simply because the chain and sprockets on a bike with any amount of mileage on it would need changing out anyway at some expense, not to mention all the mess that goes with chain lube.

The 2 Stratoliners that I owned before the I/S had the "trouble free" belt that needed to be changed out at about 80K to 100K miles with a Gates belt for about $140.00.  Changing the rear tire was a cake walk comared to the Valk with the only thing that took some extra care was aligning the rear wheel. The belt on the one I sold a while back had about 40K miles on it and did not show any significant  sign of wear yet.

« Last Edit: March 14, 2017, 09:48:51 AM by 7th_son » Logged

Say what you mean, Mean what you say.
Alpha Dog
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Arcanum, OH


« Reply #30 on: March 14, 2017, 02:34:07 PM »

I have looked at this bike a few times. Fast and...reliable like most metric bikes. A comment here about how Honda cheapened the New Magna with a chain instead of shaft is less than valid IMHO...  from all the discussions in total I have come across here there is a large number of discussions about the final drive of the Valk and all of the  complexity of dealing with it. If I were in the market for the Magna one thing I would seriously consider is a chain to belt conversion like this:

http://www.scootworks.com/shop.cgi/page=partsh.htm/SID=PUT_SID_HERE

Simply because the chain and sprockets on a bike with any amount of mileage on it would need changing out anyway at some expense, not to mention all the mess that goes with chain lube.

The 2 Stratoliners that I owned before the I/S had the "trouble free" belt that needed to be changed out at about 80K to 100K miles with a Gates belt for about $140.00.  Changing the rear tire was a cake walk comared to the Valk with the only thing that took some extra care was aligning the rear wheel. The belt on the one I sold a while back had about 40K miles on it and did not show any significant  sign of wear yet.


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Alpha Dog
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Arcanum, OH


« Reply #31 on: March 14, 2017, 02:36:26 PM »

I have looked at this bike a few times. Fast and...reliable like most metric bikes. A comment here about how Honda cheapened the New Magna with a chain instead of shaft is less than valid IMHO...  from all the discussions in total I have come across here there is a large number of discussions about the final drive of the Valk and all of the  complexity of dealing with it. If I were in the market for the Magna one thing I would seriously consider is a chain to belt conversion like this:

http://www.scootworks.com/shop.cgi/page=partsh.htm/SID=PUT_SID_HERE

Simply because the chain and sprockets on a bike with any amount of mileage on it would need changing out anyway at some expense, not to mention all the mess that goes with chain lube.

The 2 Stratoliners that I owned before the I/S had the "trouble free" belt that needed to be changed out at about 80K to 100K miles with a Gates belt for about $140.00.  Changing the rear tire was a cake walk comared to the Valk with the only thing that took some extra care was aligning the rear wheel. The belt on the one I sold a while back had about 40K miles on it and did not show any significant  sign of wear yet.




When I got my magna I took a hard look at that Scootworks belt drive adaptor.  A few members on the V4 muscle bike forum had installed it.  At first it worked then started blowing up so to speak for lack of something, maybe a tensioner like belt drives have.
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woofred1832
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My Valkyrie

northern Ill near fox lake


« Reply #32 on: March 14, 2017, 03:09:13 PM »

           Going from my 1980 850 Suzuki was ok till I got the VTX1300 and that was great till in Sturgis,  where I saw a 1500 Valkyrie, got one of those till the new 2014 Valkyrie came out. Now that is a bike that will be the last bike I wiil need, except for the classic 1975 GL1000 that I got for a play day rider. Now I have the 2 bikes again and could not be happier.
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Alberta Patriot
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Say What You mean Mean What You Say

Rockyview County, Alberta 2001 Interstate


« Reply #33 on: March 14, 2017, 04:53:57 PM »

When I got my magna I took a hard look at that Scootworks belt drive adaptor.  A few members on the V4 muscle bike forum had installed it.  At first it worked then started blowing up so to speak for lack of something, maybe a tensioner like belt drives have.


Not sure what blowing up refers to but if it is the belt then I guess that would probably be from abusive activities like doing burn-outs or riding with a belt that is too tight or too slack. Those carbon fiber belts are pretty strong. Tensioning is done the same way that a chain is done while aligning the wheel.
« Last Edit: March 14, 2017, 05:02:51 PM by 7th_son » Logged

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Pappy!
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Central Florida - Eustis


« Reply #34 on: March 14, 2017, 07:41:34 PM »

The belt drive adapter system did not last long on the Magna for some reason. Pretty much anyone that had one experienced issues with it and went back to the chain. With a good Oring chain the maint. is reasonable anyway.
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #35 on: March 14, 2017, 08:05:22 PM »

The belt drive adapter system did not last long on the Magna for some reason. Pretty much anyone that had one experienced issues with it and went back to the chain. With a good Oring chain the maint. is reasonable anyway.

so, lubing the chain by first cleaning it with spray then chain lube every say 1000 miles or so (depending on riding condition like rain/roads, etc.)  what is life expectancy normal riding of a chain and both front and rear sprockets?  One 97 magna I am looking at has 22K on it mostly easy miles am sure not much driven in rain and never asked but pretty sure OEM since 1997 chain and sprockets.

Belt idea makes sense as long as it worked no issues for 50-60K miles or so which is a LONG time for me. 
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Pappy!
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« Reply #36 on: March 14, 2017, 08:28:41 PM »

Cookie - If the chain was a good one it will need to be replaced at about 20-22K usually. As I understand it the best O-ring chains these days do not need a frequent maint. sched. like they used to.
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cookiedough
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southern WI


« Reply #37 on: March 14, 2017, 09:09:57 PM »

Cookie - If the chain was a good one it will need to be replaced at about 20-22K usually. As I understand it the best O-ring chains these days do not need a frequent maint. sched. like they used to.

call me stupid, but how do I know when a chain needs to be replaced or what to look for when I go look at this magna this weekend for chain wear with 22K miles on it?  I doubt it has been replaced since new in 1997.
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MarkT
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« Reply #38 on: March 14, 2017, 09:59:43 PM »

The sprockets cutouts between the tips become elliptical instead of semi-circular, with wear.  That's the obvious wear with a cursory inspection.  A good O-ring chain, you can see the O-rings on the links IIRC. They last around 10X longer than chains did when I started riding in '69. Sprockets & chains are replaced together.
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Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
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Rockyview County, Alberta 2001 Interstate


« Reply #39 on: March 14, 2017, 10:07:21 PM »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZpYyBqeMyQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFDXB_KH4vs
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