I currently own a 1985 V65 with just over 22,000 miles. These bikes are BEASTS!!! I have had mine at 145 mph on I-24 heading into Nashville and still had more throttle but I honestly got spooked at 145!
@@financialconspirator3080Yeah sure and I had my 3.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton powered mini-bike at a solid 60 into an abandoned salt mine. V65 speedometer error is a thing of legend. Try again with GPS and post the results. Bet you not exceed 130
One day, I was rolling down the freeway at 80mph, 4,000 rpm in fourth gear, and it occurred to me. I still had 6 grand available on the Tach and two gears to go. That was when I decided it was time I got something tamer.
@@covidmisinformation7481 mine came when I had to make the decision “do I pull over and get a ticket for 110 in a 55 or do I just go ahead and twist it ?”
There's a guy in California. His name is Russ Collins, He had a company called RC Engineering back in the early 1980's. They sold re-jetting kits, stroker rods & cranks, "pop-up" pistons, Titanium valve kits, and a Dyno tuned four--into-one exhaust for the VF-1100-C & S engines. The day before my warranty was up, a shift fork broke on my Magna, and it had to go in for a rebuild. While it was in the shop, I used my Income Tax refund to purchase the valves, rods, crank, jets & exhaust, $2600 and it all went in/on when the transmission was fixed and it went back together. It was hard to believe that the thing could go faster or get any quicker from a standing start, but it was remarkable. It would easily hold 160 mph until the tank ran dry, which was usually pretty soon, as the mileage dropped significantly as a trade-off for the increased horses.
Bought an '83 maroon V65 used with 1300 miles in '85. Gas went bad, replaced tank, secondary tank, side covers and tail with black. Loved this smooth powerhouse, until some drunk old man made a quick left in front of me in the rain. Poor bike was totaled, but i survived. Never got to truly enjoy it. Ride a Z900 now, but still miss it.
I had one of these when I was in the military about a thousand years ago. Let's just say, it wasn't a good combination. I think the military is still looking for me! LOVED this bike and I wish I had it back!
I’ve got a 1985 v65 and it’s been a dream bike ver since I was a kid, dads first bike was an 84 and I’ve wanted one since. Best bike I’ve ever rode and still has enough get up and go with my size, never had anything rev so high or so fast off the line and top end in my life. I’m in love with the old jap bikes they have so much more personality than any big bore v twin I’ve ever ridden 😊
In '88 I bought an '82 750. Drive it up and down the California coast over a dozen times then across country twice over the period of 2 years. Loved it, never left me stranded. Sold it in 95 and picked up a ST 1100. Pretty much the same engine. Can't believe how clean the bike in the vid is. Mint. One of the worlds great bikes. Brings back alot of memories, all of them great. :)
Sean O starter Drive rebuild Google 1983 V65 Magna Honda Google Honda 1983 V65 starter drive clutch Google starter clutch for 1983 V65 Honda video for a rebuild on a starter drive clutch for a V65 1933 Honda
I was racing around with 2 Raiders and we touched 150 many times I am sure. They were always upset I walked away from them (not extremely fast) past like 115 or so. I loved that bike and am very sad I no longer have it!
Never knew i been watching your channel for years now its crazy. Before i had a bike , i was on youtube 24/7 looking up motorcycle vlogs reviws for years. . Cool.
82-86 Magna's are truly the best motorcycle ever made. all the v-45s, v65s even the little 30s. Had a 85 vf 700 for atleast 4 years and was the most comfy, quick, good running bike I ever had. They aint as fast as a sport bike, BUT just that style can't be beat. Thumbs up for those engineers that built that one!!!! Now I just got one last week for a thousand, runs good but cuts out after 20 minutes
+grabba73 music to my ears! fantastic bikes! I currently stripped magna down to polish many tired elements which will put a new lease of life in her,regards
@@bloolouboyle 245 kph is 152 mph. Didn't happen and you are delusional. I own 2022 Versys 1000 that has slightly more rear wheel hp then Magna and tops out at 137 mph and speed is power limited. This verified with credible autobahn GPS verified speed that you can watch as YT video. Now you are suggesting V65 can go 11% faster🤣 . Assuming the wind drag is comparable between the two bikes means the V65 would need to have roughly 33% more power or rwhp of 144 hp. Impossible.
@@DTA-me3kv It would require good mental & physical coordination to keep from losing control, starting in 1st gear. It requires good self discipline, to keep from killing your self at high speed. Perhaps not, but set it aside until you've practiced on less powerful bike? I rode a 550 for 20 some years before getting the V65.
Very good review. I am the owner of "exactly" the same bike since 1984. Magna V-65. Some details, Yes, the speed limit is very "high". I drove it at 238Km/h (less 8500 RPM, don't forget that the "red" zone on the RPM is around 9000 RPM. Acceleration: Awesome! But just a little precision. He said that this bike was a "Canadian version". WRONG! All Canadian vehicles are equiped with a speedometer graded in Kilometers not in miles. 2 options, this is a US bike or ..... the speedometer was changed . Mine is perfect and has only 43000 kms. It is my "Black Beauty!
Very nice review from someone who obviously doesn't own one (no insult intended) but he's being very conservative. I've run the 1/4 in less than 10 seconds. The top end on the speedometer is 160, and I've had it pinned for over 20 secs while still accelerating like a madman. I'd guestimate 180+ If you are lucky enough to be looking at buying one bear in mind that it has one (quite often fatal) design flaw. Between 120 - 130mph the forks go "out of tune" and start wobbling like crazy. Your first instinct is to back off on it, DON'T!!! it will only get worse. Give it full throttle and punch through to 130 and it will settle down. This only occurs if you are just cruising at around 125, not an issue if you are rapidly accelerating or de-accelerating. It is however, the reason that it was given the nickname V65 Mankiller by Honda mechanics and aficionados everwhere. As has been stated in an earlier post "back in the day," the only thing that could beat it off the line was the VMax, I was lucky enuf to ride with a buddy who had a VMax, and we used to "run 'em off" constantly. He could "dust me" for about the first mile or so, but I'd always catch up, and then when I did, I'd look over at him, plunk into 6th, and it was "C-Ya!" (The Vmax was a considerably heavier bike after all.) I'm 64, and have owned bikes from just about every major manufacturer since the first generation of the Honda MiniTrail, and the Magna has ALWAYS been my favorite.
Interesting read thanks. My fist bike at 12 was a XL 75 I owned a 84 v65 sabre I'm looking to get back in a 55 years old I still have a unrestricted M. If I buy a used magna v65 ( better on the back) then the sabre in my twenties what should I look for?
120 horsepower! That's the amount of horsepower that's in my 1.8L Nissan Sentra's 4 cylinder engine. And my little Nissan is really no slouch. It's fairly 'peppy'. I couldn't imagine having the same amount of power on tap in a bike weighing like what, a few hundred pounds? And my Nissan Sentra weighs around 3,000 lbs.
I had an 1984 V45. I was racing across the desert at 160 and climbing. At 180 the front tire kept trying to go airborne, it took all my weight forward with head and shoulders over the handlebars to keep the wheel down. I think if a beatle had been crossing, it would've been over for me.
I beleave you. I lost my balls at 153 per on a v65 sabre I owned back in the 80,s. It had more Not into that now. Looking to get a v65 likely 1985 magna now. Lots of them here in Canada. Anything I should look for? Good ,bad, thanks
@@danny7954 They are great bikes, I had them both. The V-65 if you're tall and v-45 if you're not. Both have amazing power. I had to sell both of mine because I had no self control. The V-65 is heavier and can handle the higher speed a bit better but nothing stops the lighter v-45 except stupidity which is why I, for the sake of my family, had to sell.
my dad and I bought ourselves each one of these in 1983. Nothing could keep up with us at the time. Off the line this thing would hold the wheel up threw 3rd gear and at that point you were going over 100
Rode an '82 for a few years...I seem to remember something about top-end oil starvation for which there was a mod involving an external oil feed from the crankcase. Amazing torque and went like stink.
Great bike. I had the v65 sabre looking to get back in now I had my sabre at 153 per on a raised hiway in Quebec City in 85. I chicken out and it had more. You could not pay me now at 55 years old to do that again. Thanks for the review.
i had mine up to 130 mph a whole bunch of times in one day racing a harley davidson. 130 no problem. you mention acceleration. try this.....as you enter a freeway highway motorway whatever way you call it and vehicles are traveling between 70 to 80mph.....in first gear slow down as much as possible, then pick a car, try to time it as close as possible and when that car is side by side with you hit the throttle and lean forward to not pull the front wheel up and catch up to that car as fast as possible......it’s only take a couple on seconds.....,it’s amazing. zero to 80mph in 2 seconds. all that fun stopped when i almost died on it only going 35 mph and some jackass decided to not stop at an intersection. have fun but very careful. i miss that bike more than my ex wife.
I have an 84 Magna. Only has about 8,000 miles on it. It is currently sitting in my shop awaiting an overhaul. I've let it sit a number of years, and it needs some attention.
I just bought me an 84 VT Shadow 700... 32000 MI.. Just as clean as that . magna.. 1000 US dollars...I spoiled myself for Christmas I wish I could send you pictures.. fast very fast for a 700
I miss riding my V65 Magna, I bought it new in 1984 for $3350 USD. The glass bottle plant I worked at closed and I sold the bike for what I owed on it. But I'm going to buy one again. it's on my bucket list even though it might be the kicker now that I'm 53 .... :)
Had an '85. 145mph twice. 130mph with my mother on the back she liked bikes. Only thing I didn’t love was about the bike was hard cornering. Frame wasn’t strong enough so it wallowed some. But yeeha in a straight line!
It's still had tons left. I don't blame you for calling it at that speed. Could of been the best 60 seconds of your life. Super bikes get real weird at 13o to 160 . Could not pay me warren buffet money to do that now. Cheers
If you do the math on the rpms and gear ratios,including the power.knowing from actual first hand experience, i did myself.the 1983 will do 172mph at rpm redline. It had the power to reach 200mph with the right gear ratio,if you had the balls and the strength to stay on the bike at that speed.with out any type of wind deflector,the wind would practically push you off the bike. the 1983 had more power due to the carbs having a slightly larger jet set up then the other years.Honda was forced to shrink the jets due to the large amount of power, which made it hard to find an insurance company willing to insure it. the insurance companies werent use to dealing with bikes with so much power back in the day.
Point proven. BTW, I never agreed to this guy's logic so "you obviously don't" pay much close attention to what's actually being said. And now, I'm done spending time speaking to a cyber bully.
These seem to be (relatively, anyway) fairly common in Canada compared to elsewhere, even to this day. In any case, 80s muscle-cruisers (v30/45/65 Magna, Kawi Eliminator the original V-Max, etc.) are just the best. Totally their own personalities, with actual performance.
Adik can you comment on whether it is still worth buying the 1100 Magna today keeping in mind spare part availability and the bike's reliability itself? This bike is from the 80s after all. I think I read somewhere that there was a problem with relatively quick wear of some element inside the engine but cannot recall what it was exactly and if it indeed concerned the Magna or was it a different bike. I'm hestitating because I always liked choppers but never actually ridden one. I owned a Bandit 1200S which deliveres the same grunt that the magna does from what I can see. I am also considering a ZZR 1200. So either something more modern and for touring or the beautiful Magna. The pricing is similar but the age of the vehicles is totally different and the two modern bikes are known for their reliability. I've no idea how the Magna falls in in terms of reliability. Could you help? Your remark will be greatly appreciated!
Hi, we've owned the Magna for about 10 years now and it's been shockingly reliable considering it's age. There was one electrical fault which occur recently which was caused by defective battery. After replacing the battery and couple of fuses bike starts like new. In terms of Magna's so called "known weaknesses" i would mention the starter clutch which can fail resulting in difficult starts. This is no big deal as replacement of starter clutch is a fairly easy job and aftermarket parts will cost maybe 150 bucks. That fault can happen in many Honda's V4s including even super reliable VFR 750. We had this happen few years ago and fix was quick and cheap. The other and somewhat infamous problem is premature wear of camshafts. All 80s V4 from Honda suffered from that (Magnas, Sabres and Interceptors). This situation can end up with worn lobes on camshafts and wear on cam followers. Historically this was regarded as design flaw but over the years V4 community came up with variety of measures to help with this. Number one is to use high quality engine oil and change it every 3k miles or 12 months(whichever comes 1st). Next there is a recommendation to avoid prolonged idling as oil pressure is rather low at idle. Keeping valve clearance in check is supposed to help also but the biggest one is using of the aftermarket Dave Dodge "oil mod kit". This kit allows to drastically improve lubrication of heads, oil pressure improves and volume of oil going through heads lubing cams is better. I have a video about oil mod kit on my channel, check this out. If you were in a situation where the bike has worn cams/followers you could sort it out in two ways. 1st is buying new cams and followers from Honda which would probably be about 1500 bucks in parts. OEM cams/followers are increasingly difficult to get these days but better option is to have cams and followers reground and rewelded. Same end result for half the price. Our bike has never had issues with the engine , perhaps cams were replaced in the past but in our 10 years history zero issues with that. Valve gear is driven by chains in all 80s V4s (apart from VF1000R) and at some point it's beneficial to replace the chains. Chains are cheap and would cost maybe 60-70 bucks per chain(Tourmax-good replacement) and to change them engine can stay in the frame. I replaced both chains myself in my Interceptor(the same procedure as in Magna) so it was cheap as chips and i have a tutorial video on my channel if needed. Overall engine is stonking and lovely, bottom end is super reliable, gearbox is decent too. Low maintenance shaft drive, 6 speed overdrive tranny, digital gear indicator, superb comfort, tonnes of power throughout the powerband, amazing looks etc. I love the magna and 1100 version is the one to go for. Just go for the cleanest and most looked after one and you'll be happy. Pay more for the bike instead of trying to get a cheap deal with issues. This bike really is great.
@Adikxx Thank you for a quick and thourough reply, I really appreciate it. I'll have a look around the polish market somewhere around spring and see if there's something interesting to buy. There are a few bikes for sale every now and then, some looking really great visually at least from the photos, but for such an old bike like this paying 8000PLN is already the level of a 2001 Bandit 1200S. You know where I'm getting at with this comment... I'm sure you know how reliable (and powerful) a 1200cc Bandit is. I'll have something to think about in a few months from now. It'll all come down to buying a bike with my heart or with reason. Anyhow, also a big thank you for the video about the bike. I return to it every now and then and it's very interesting and persuasive, also well put together. Keep up the good work!
0-60 in around 4 seconds, MY ASS! The one I had took my then 160lb ass from 0-60 in about 2.2 seconds. I could hit 90 mph going into 4th gear in under 100 yards with a passenger on the back.
I went 156 gps mph on mine its got 31k miles on it and it's bogging not even making full power. It can definitely reach 170 if you have the room and the sack
It is right about the valves! They do not require service in this bike. www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_vf1100c_magna_v65%2085.htm go to that link and read the review where it clearly states the engine is equipped with autoamtic adjusters. Also think about it logically.Valve adjustment every 4000 miles???ARE YOU CRAZY ???YOU CAN DO 4000 MILES IN ONE MONTH!!!! Even high reving and exerted sports bikes need valve adjustment every 12000 miles. Seriously where did you get that 4000 miles from? it is almost funny.
adikxx83 That site you linked is often wrong. You should know better than to trust it. I have owned both a V65 Magna and a V45 Magna. I know a lot more about them than you do. The owner's manual states that they are to be checked and adjusted every 8000 miles, but with the cam wear issues many of these bikes have, a later recommendation from Honda was to do it every 4000. Later Honda V4's with bucket tappets hold valve adjustment far longer than the cam and forked rockers of first generation V4's. Clearly you should never buy an older Ducati!
Mia Pett Offhand, a couple of other things that it got wrong: the rear tire size is 140-90/16, not 140-80/16. And the shaft drive is not maintenance free: Honda's spec is check final drive oil every 8000 miles, replace at 24000.
Mia Pett I should add one more thing. Thank you for the review and the nice things you said about the bike. It is a blast to ride. It gets disrespect sometimes because it's not as fast as the V-Max, but it was the first, and I like the way its power just keeps coming more than the V-boost's bump.
Mia Pett Thanks for kind words about the review,only done it cause I couldn't find any review in video format about it so thought people might benefit from it.I could swear that i also read some archive american review in old magazine from 80s which additionally stated that the valves are adjusted automatically...but do you know what is really interesting?the dealer who we bought the bike from told us same thing...our Magna was also serviced over there so I'm really shocked if that is the case.8000 miles interval sounds more reasonable,will definitely watch ours to make sure mishaps wont happen. Also wanted to refer to what you said about the article saying that shaft is maintenance free,everybody knows that you still must replace the oil at certain stage but you could class it maintenance free cause it's easy,cheap and takes almost no time comparing to annoying chain adjustments,lubrication and finally costly inevitable replacement of it,so I guess this is what they meant mentioning maintenance free shaft. All in all Magna is awsome,looks the part,goes like stink and it's very rare so becomes almost collectible today.You could argue on necessity of poorly working anti dive system at front end but I find it cool cause no other bikes have it nowadays.Many don't like the way it sounds but hey! it ain't lumpy V2 that's a charm of bad ass V4!
Well it isn't actually the manual it was just a little booklet that came with the Manual. It gives all the specs and I'm sure the bike that did that was probably aftermarket with a good rider
My V65 had that, it was an 86. I also remember buying an aftermarket manual, a Clymer I believe, that had the HP and Torque listed for the 83-86 models. The manual claimed 116 Hp in 86.
@@Adikxx I would have to agree. Good plan. I had an 82 V45 Magna in the early 90s and my brother had the Sabre with the same engine. We took trips together. Those were good bikes that gave me some memories. I miss my old Magna. They're getting pretty old now (I guess I am, too).
Those bikes did not take a long stretch to get up there. I lost my balls and chickened out at 153 per out of my 85 v65 sabre on a raised high way in Quebec City. One of the best 90 seconds of my life. Cheers
Sorry for You John, I purchased this bike in 1984, and I still have it. I never met a mechanic that have any kind of problem to fix or adjust my carburators ......
you could never redline the bike in 6th gear........ the fix? I have v45 final drive. Lower gearing and am afraid to top it out now. It's much quicker and faster than stock. Some one put 4 into 1 exhaust on it and really pops and backfires on deceleration... uugghh. Don't care for that. Cruising RPM's a bit higher and may go back to stock final drive. You can't take v 45 final and just install it. Takes a gear pack swap but have heard the nighthawks work but no first hand knowledge.
I'm a new rider...Would you recommend this bike? There is one for sale in my area, like new condition with less than 3k miles for $800. How does the ride compare to the more modern bikes? Is the suspension loose and sloppy compared to more modern bikes? That would be my major concern.
I currently own a 1985 V65 with just over 22,000 miles. These bikes are BEASTS!!! I have had mine at 145 mph on I-24 heading into Nashville and still had more throttle but I honestly got spooked at 145!
145 with more throttle on a 40 year old bike what more could ya want
@@financialconspirator3080 most I had was 115 in 4th but I’m also 300 pounds so I was getting worried about engine strain. 😅 beast of a bike though
@@Tonto_1999 i still havent hit redline in 4th or 5th gear not because the bike cant do it because im fearful for my life lol
Yeagh 145. OK.
@@financialconspirator3080Yeah sure and I had my 3.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton powered mini-bike at a solid 60 into an abandoned salt mine.
V65 speedometer error is a thing of legend. Try again with GPS and post the results. Bet you not exceed 130
I had the 1986 version of this bike, it came out of 2nd at 90mph! Developed a high speed wobble at over 140… scared the shit outta me!
One day, I was rolling down the freeway at 80mph, 4,000 rpm in fourth gear, and it occurred to me. I still had 6 grand available on the Tach and two gears to go. That was when I decided it was time I got something tamer.
@@covidmisinformation7481 mine came when I had to make the decision “do I pull over and get a ticket for 110 in a 55 or do I just go ahead and twist it ?”
@@cosmyccowboy Had one of those moments, too.
@@cosmyccowboy Mine was 117 in a 55 back in 1989. Still have mine but actually is for sale now.
There's a guy in California. His name is Russ Collins, He had a company called RC Engineering back in the early 1980's. They sold re-jetting kits, stroker rods & cranks, "pop-up" pistons, Titanium valve kits, and a Dyno tuned four--into-one exhaust for the VF-1100-C & S engines. The day before my warranty was up, a shift fork broke on my Magna, and it had to go in for a rebuild. While it was in the shop, I used my Income Tax refund to purchase the valves, rods, crank, jets & exhaust, $2600 and it all went in/on when the transmission was fixed and it went back together. It was hard to believe that the thing could go faster or get any quicker from a standing start, but it was remarkable. It would easily hold 160 mph until the tank ran dry, which was usually pretty soon, as the mileage dropped significantly as a trade-off for the increased horses.
Bought an '83 maroon V65 used with 1300 miles in '85. Gas went bad, replaced tank, secondary tank, side covers and tail with black. Loved this smooth powerhouse, until some drunk old man made a quick left in front of me in the rain. Poor bike was totaled, but i survived. Never got to truly enjoy it. Ride a Z900 now, but still miss it.
Old drivers and bikes never seem to mix well
I had one of these when I was in the military about a thousand years ago. Let's just say, it wasn't a good combination. I think the military is still looking for me! LOVED this bike and I wish I had it back!
I’ve got a 1985 v65 and it’s been a dream bike ver since I was a kid, dads first bike was an 84 and I’ve wanted one since. Best bike I’ve ever rode and still has enough get up and go with my size, never had anything rev so high or so fast off the line and top end in my life. I’m in love with the old jap bikes they have so much more personality than any big bore v twin I’ve ever ridden 😊
In '88 I bought an '82 750. Drive it up and down the California coast over a dozen times then across country twice over the period of 2 years. Loved it, never left me stranded. Sold it in 95 and picked up a ST 1100. Pretty much the same engine. Can't believe how clean the bike in the vid is. Mint. One of the worlds great bikes. Brings back alot of memories, all of them great. :)
Sean O starter Drive rebuild Google 1983 V65 Magna Honda Google Honda 1983 V65 starter drive clutch Google starter clutch for 1983 V65 Honda video for a rebuild on a starter drive clutch for a V65 1933 Honda
I have 1983 v65 magna, I absolutely love it!!
I was racing around with 2 Raiders and we touched 150 many times I am sure. They were always upset I walked away from them (not extremely fast) past like 115 or so. I loved that bike and am very sad I no longer have it!
Never knew i been watching your channel for years now its crazy. Before i had a bike , i was on youtube 24/7 looking up motorcycle vlogs reviws for years. . Cool.
82-86 Magna's are truly the best motorcycle ever made. all the v-45s, v65s even the little 30s. Had a 85 vf 700 for atleast 4 years and was the most comfy, quick, good running bike I ever had. They aint as fast as a sport bike, BUT just that style can't be beat. Thumbs up for those engineers that built that one!!!! Now I just got one last week for a thousand, runs good but cuts out after 20 minutes
+grabba73 music to my ears! fantastic bikes! I currently stripped magna down to polish many tired elements which will put a new lease of life in her,regards
grabba73 mine did that, i had to replace the cdi modules and now mine runs great
how about 87-88 magnas ?? are those rubbish ?
I've ridden mine at 245 kmh--My 1983---Im on my third since then--had an 84-blue and currently a 1985-black. Best machine built in my opinion.
BS maybe down a mountain grade with a 40 mph tailwind
maybe figure out conversion mph-kmh before spouting off@@kannermw
@@bloolouboyle 245 kph is 152 mph. Didn't happen and you are delusional. I own 2022 Versys 1000 that has slightly more rear wheel hp then Magna and tops out at 137 mph and speed is power limited. This verified with credible autobahn GPS verified speed that you can watch as YT video. Now you are suggesting V65 can go 11% faster🤣 . Assuming the wind drag is comparable between the two bikes means the V65 would need to have roughly 33% more power or rwhp of 144 hp. Impossible.
I've had mine since 2001, when it had 44,000 miles. Now over 102,000 miles. Smooth, quiet, strong, & as comfortable as my 1980 Gold Wing.
Would it be an ok starter bike?
@@DTA-me3kv It would require good mental & physical coordination to keep from losing control, starting in 1st gear. It requires good self discipline, to keep from killing your self at high speed. Perhaps not, but set it aside until you've practiced on less powerful bike? I rode a 550 for 20 some years before getting the V65.
That is one SWEET bike!!!
And ONE OF THE BEST! I love mine
awesome video, i just bought my honda v65 and i absolutely love it!
I got a 84 V65magna ... And She will FLY currently right now She's my Daily
They're superb bikes. Legendary by now.
Very good review. I am the owner of "exactly" the same bike since 1984. Magna V-65. Some details, Yes, the speed limit is very "high". I drove it at 238Km/h (less 8500 RPM, don't forget that the "red" zone on the RPM is around 9000 RPM. Acceleration: Awesome! But just a little precision. He said that this bike was a "Canadian version". WRONG! All Canadian vehicles are equiped with a speedometer graded in Kilometers not in miles. 2 options, this is a US bike or ..... the speedometer was changed . Mine is perfect and has only 43000 kms. It is my "Black Beauty!
Very nice review from someone who obviously doesn't own one (no insult intended) but he's being very conservative. I've run the 1/4 in less than 10 seconds. The top end on the speedometer is 160, and I've had it pinned for over 20 secs while still accelerating like a madman. I'd guestimate 180+ If you are lucky enough to be looking at buying one bear in mind that it has one (quite often fatal) design flaw. Between 120 - 130mph the forks go "out of tune" and start wobbling like crazy. Your first instinct is to back off on it, DON'T!!! it will only get worse. Give it full throttle and punch through to 130 and it will settle down. This only occurs if you are just cruising at around 125, not an issue if you are rapidly accelerating or de-accelerating. It is however, the reason that it was given the nickname V65 Mankiller by Honda mechanics and aficionados everwhere. As has been stated in an earlier post "back in the day," the only thing that could beat it off the line was the VMax, I was lucky enuf to ride with a buddy who had a VMax, and we used to "run 'em off" constantly. He could "dust me" for about the first mile or so, but I'd always catch up, and then when I did, I'd look over at him, plunk into 6th, and it was "C-Ya!" (The Vmax was a considerably heavier bike after all.) I'm 64, and have owned bikes from just about every major manufacturer since the first generation of the Honda MiniTrail, and the Magna has ALWAYS been my favorite.
Interesting read thanks. My fist bike at 12 was a XL 75 I owned a 84 v65 sabre I'm looking to get back in a 55 years old I still have a unrestricted M. If I buy a used magna v65 ( better on the back) then the sabre in my twenties what should I look for?
my good friend has one in excellent shape- i need to ride it again
120 horsepower! That's the amount of horsepower that's in my 1.8L Nissan Sentra's 4 cylinder engine. And my little Nissan is really no slouch. It's fairly 'peppy'. I couldn't imagine having the same amount of power on tap in a bike weighing like what, a few hundred pounds? And my Nissan Sentra weighs around 3,000 lbs.
On my 84 Magna V65 registration certificate, 246 Kg. (542 pound)
And that's a cruiser. Now imagine 200hp on a sub 400lbs crotch rocket.
I love my magna so freaking much. Best bike ever but I'll admit it goes faster than I am brave!
I had an 1984 V45.
I was racing across the desert at 160 and climbing.
At 180 the front tire kept trying to go airborne, it took all my weight forward with head and shoulders over the handlebars to keep the wheel down.
I think if a beatle had been crossing, it would've been over for me.
I beleave you. I lost my balls at 153 per on a v65 sabre I owned back in the 80,s. It had more Not into that now. Looking to get a v65 likely 1985 magna now. Lots of them here in Canada. Anything I should look for? Good ,bad, thanks
@@danny7954
They are great bikes, I had them both.
The V-65 if you're tall and v-45 if you're not.
Both have amazing power.
I had to sell both of mine because I had no self control.
The V-65 is heavier and can handle the higher speed a bit better but nothing stops the lighter v-45 except stupidity which is why I, for the sake of my family, had to sell.
Man I wish they still made that bike....
Honda made it from 1983 to 1987 only. ..... Sorry,
I miss mine now! Nice bike enjoy
my dad and I bought ourselves each one of these in 1983. Nothing could keep up with us at the time. Off the line this thing would hold the wheel up threw 3rd gear and at that point you were going over 100
work of art,
Rode an '82 for a few years...I seem to remember something about top-end oil starvation for which there was a mod involving an external oil feed from the crankcase. Amazing torque and went like stink.
I had a 82 v45 magna and hit just over 150mph on I20 between Washington Thompson exit on the way to the Belair rd exit in Martinez, ga
What a ridiculous lie. Impossible
Great bike. I had the v65 sabre looking to get back in now I had my sabre at 153 per on a raised hiway in Quebec City in 85. I chicken out and it had more. You could not pay me now at 55 years old to do that again. Thanks for the review.
Wisdom comes with age
i had mine up to 130 mph a whole bunch of times in one day racing a harley davidson.
130 no problem.
you mention acceleration.
try this.....as you enter a freeway highway motorway whatever way you call it and vehicles are traveling between 70 to 80mph.....in first gear slow down as much as possible, then pick a car, try to time it as close as possible and when that car is side by side with you hit the throttle and lean forward to not pull the front wheel up and catch up to that car as fast as possible......it’s only take a couple on seconds.....,it’s amazing.
zero to 80mph in 2 seconds.
all that fun stopped when i almost died on it only going 35 mph and some jackass decided to not stop at an intersection.
have fun but very careful.
i miss that bike more than my ex wife.
Why do you clowns lie so much. Top speed in first gear is < 55 mph😂😂
I have an 84 Magna. Only has about 8,000 miles on it. It is currently sitting in my shop awaiting an overhaul. I've let it sit a number of years, and it needs some attention.
I bought a burgandy 85 v65 in 95 , sold it in 97' immaculate with less than 7500 miles..
I'm dead
I just bought me an 84 VT Shadow 700... 32000 MI.. Just as clean as that . magna.. 1000 US dollars...I spoiled myself for Christmas I wish I could send you pictures.. fast very fast for a 700
They are speedy indeed. Sweet rides.
I miss riding my V65 Magna, I bought it new in 1984 for $3350 USD. The glass bottle plant I worked at closed and I sold the bike for what I owed on it. But I'm going to buy one again. it's on my bucket list even though it might be the kicker now that I'm 53 .... :)
I got my 84 to 137 with my ex on the back. Amazing bikes
Had an '85. 145mph twice. 130mph with my mother on the back she liked bikes. Only thing I didn’t love was about the bike was hard cornering. Frame wasn’t strong enough so it wallowed some. But yeeha in a straight line!
Great story , I did 153 on a v65 sabre in Quebec City back in the 80,s. I true rocket. Your mom sounds like a real champ.
Impossible except in your wet dreams unless you have 30 mph tailwind. Top speed GPS is 135-137 mph max
120hp 1100cc for 1984 quite impressive, it's a sport bike in a cruiser
in 1984, 120 hp was pretty good in a car
E X A C T L Y ! .... quiet and fast.
It's still had tons left. I don't blame you for calling it at that speed. Could of been the best 60 seconds of your life. Super bikes get real weird at 13o to 160 . Could not pay me warren buffet money to do that now. Cheers
If you do the math on the rpms and gear ratios,including the power.knowing from actual first hand experience, i did myself.the 1983 will do 172mph at rpm redline. It had the power to reach 200mph with the right gear ratio,if you had the balls and the strength to stay on the bike at that speed.with out any type of wind deflector,the wind would practically push you off the bike. the 1983 had more power due to the carbs having a slightly larger jet set up then the other years.Honda was forced to shrink the jets due to the large amount of power, which made it hard to find an insurance company willing to insure it. the insurance companies werent use to dealing with bikes with so much power back in the day.
Point proven. BTW, I never agreed to this guy's logic so "you obviously don't" pay much close attention to what's actually being said. And now, I'm done spending time speaking to a cyber bully.
The problem is the center of gravity. Too high! The bike can ride over 150 or 160, but We can't stay on it.
Aside from C or AC model difference, that is the exact bike I have
best bike r ever hAD ONE FOR 20 YEARS, BUT I INSTALLED 20 FEET OF NEON, BEING I,M A SIGN GUY, PEOPLE IN NEW YORK REFUSE TO SHARE THE ROADS WITH BIKERS
you can hear the timing chains about to fly out of it.
Holy shit! Your right. Wonder If tensioner is even in one piece?
These seem to be (relatively, anyway) fairly common in Canada compared to elsewhere, even to this day.
In any case, 80s muscle-cruisers (v30/45/65 Magna, Kawi Eliminator the original V-Max, etc.) are just the best. Totally their own personalities, with actual performance.
Ha Ha 66Beanshit, I'M Canadian and I can tell You that this bike isn't. I love your free comment about canadians .....
Might need carburetor's sinkronized and tuned and engine May need timing adjustments
del of wing rack is that fitted to rear of bike i believe it takes on the panniers the big sideways V thingys i need know i need fab to my v65 now ..
I now regret not buying one in mint condition when I had the opportunity.
I did 140 mph...bike was still accelerating when I said "enough"...So...150 or more...very doable.
Adik can you comment on whether it is still worth buying the 1100 Magna today keeping in mind spare part availability and the bike's reliability itself? This bike is from the 80s after all. I think I read somewhere that there was a problem with relatively quick wear of some element inside the engine but cannot recall what it was exactly and if it indeed concerned the Magna or was it a different bike. I'm hestitating because I always liked choppers but never actually ridden one. I owned a Bandit 1200S which deliveres the same grunt that the magna does from what I can see. I am also considering a ZZR 1200. So either something more modern and for touring or the beautiful Magna. The pricing is similar but the age of the vehicles is totally different and the two modern bikes are known for their reliability. I've no idea how the Magna falls in in terms of reliability. Could you help? Your remark will be greatly appreciated!
Hi, we've owned the Magna for about 10 years now and it's been shockingly reliable considering it's age. There was one electrical fault which occur recently which was caused by defective battery. After replacing the battery and couple of fuses bike starts like new. In terms of Magna's so called "known weaknesses" i would mention the starter clutch which can fail resulting in difficult starts. This is no big deal as replacement of starter clutch is a fairly easy job and aftermarket parts will cost maybe 150 bucks. That fault can happen in many Honda's V4s including even super reliable VFR 750. We had this happen few years ago and fix was quick and cheap. The other and somewhat infamous problem is premature wear of camshafts. All 80s V4 from Honda suffered from that (Magnas, Sabres and Interceptors). This situation can end up with worn lobes on camshafts and wear on cam followers. Historically this was regarded as design flaw but over the years V4 community came up with variety of measures to help with this. Number one is to use high quality engine oil and change it every 3k miles or 12 months(whichever comes 1st). Next there is a recommendation to avoid prolonged idling as oil pressure is rather low at idle. Keeping valve clearance in check is supposed to help also but the biggest one is using of the aftermarket Dave Dodge "oil mod kit". This kit allows to drastically improve lubrication of heads, oil pressure improves and volume of oil going through heads lubing cams is better. I have a video about oil mod kit on my channel, check this out. If you were in a situation where the bike has worn cams/followers you could sort it out in two ways. 1st is buying new cams and followers from Honda which would probably be about 1500 bucks in parts. OEM cams/followers are increasingly difficult to get these days but better option is to have cams and followers reground and rewelded. Same end result for half the price. Our bike has never had issues with the engine , perhaps cams were replaced in the past but in our 10 years history zero issues with that. Valve gear is driven by chains in all 80s V4s (apart from VF1000R) and at some point it's beneficial to replace the chains. Chains are cheap and would cost maybe 60-70 bucks per chain(Tourmax-good replacement) and to change them engine can stay in the frame. I replaced both chains myself in my Interceptor(the same procedure as in Magna) so it was cheap as chips and i have a tutorial video on my channel if needed. Overall engine is stonking and lovely, bottom end is super reliable, gearbox is decent too. Low maintenance shaft drive, 6 speed overdrive tranny, digital gear indicator, superb comfort, tonnes of power throughout the powerband, amazing looks etc. I love the magna and 1100 version is the one to go for. Just go for the cleanest and most looked after one and you'll be happy. Pay more for the bike instead of trying to get a cheap deal with issues. This bike really is great.
@Adikxx Thank you for a quick and thourough reply, I really appreciate it. I'll have a look around the polish market somewhere around spring and see if there's something interesting to buy. There are a few bikes for sale every now and then, some looking really great visually at least from the photos, but for such an old bike like this paying 8000PLN is already the level of a 2001 Bandit 1200S. You know where I'm getting at with this comment... I'm sure you know how reliable (and powerful) a 1200cc Bandit is. I'll have something to think about in a few months from now. It'll all come down to buying a bike with my heart or with reason. Anyhow, also a big thank you for the video about the bike. I return to it every now and then and it's very interesting and persuasive, also well put together. Keep up the good work!
0-60 in around 4 seconds, MY ASS! The one I had took my then 160lb ass from 0-60 in about 2.2 seconds. I could hit 90 mph going into 4th gear in under 100 yards with a passenger on the back.
feels faster than it is..
+s preilly not sure where you're from, but we have speedometers here.
Do you also have a stopwatch nearby too?
again, here we don't measure yards with a stopwatch.
you also dont calculate speed without distance and time.
Your cameraman wants to lay off the ching 🤣🤣
Have one in top condition 1983 Honda VF 1100 c as the model is called in Sweden
I went 156 gps mph on mine its got 31k miles on it and it's bogging not even making full power. It can definitely reach 170 if you have the room and the sack
Wrong about the valves. They are adjusted manually every 4000 miles.
It is right about the valves! They do not require service in this bike.
www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_vf1100c_magna_v65%2085.htm
go to that link and read the review where it clearly states the engine is equipped with autoamtic adjusters.
Also think about it logically.Valve adjustment every 4000 miles???ARE YOU CRAZY ???YOU CAN DO 4000 MILES IN ONE MONTH!!!!
Even high reving and exerted sports bikes need valve adjustment every 12000 miles.
Seriously where did you get that 4000 miles from? it is almost funny.
adikxx83
That site you linked is often wrong. You should know better than to trust it.
I have owned both a V65 Magna and a V45 Magna. I know a lot more about them than you do. The owner's manual states that they are to be checked and adjusted every 8000 miles, but with the cam wear issues many of these bikes have, a later recommendation from Honda was to do it every 4000.
Later Honda V4's with bucket tappets hold valve adjustment far longer than the cam and forked rockers of first generation V4's.
Clearly you should never buy an older Ducati!
Mia Pett Offhand, a couple of other things that it got wrong: the rear tire size is 140-90/16, not 140-80/16. And the shaft drive is not maintenance free: Honda's spec is check final drive oil every 8000 miles, replace at 24000.
Mia Pett I should add one more thing. Thank you for the review and the nice things you said about the bike. It is a blast to ride. It gets disrespect sometimes because it's not as fast as the V-Max, but it was the first, and I like the way its power just keeps coming more than the V-boost's bump.
Mia Pett Thanks for kind words about the review,only done it cause I couldn't find any review in video format about it so thought people might benefit from it.I could swear that i also read some archive american review in old magazine from 80s which additionally stated that the valves are adjusted automatically...but do you know what is really interesting?the dealer who we bought the bike from told us same thing...our Magna was also serviced over there so I'm really shocked if that is the case.8000 miles interval sounds more reasonable,will definitely watch ours to make sure mishaps wont happen.
Also wanted to refer to what you said about the article saying that shaft is maintenance free,everybody knows that you still must replace the oil at certain stage but you could class it maintenance free cause it's easy,cheap and takes almost no time comparing to annoying chain adjustments,lubrication and finally costly inevitable replacement of it,so I guess this is what they meant mentioning maintenance free shaft.
All in all Magna is awsome,looks the part,goes like stink and it's very rare so becomes almost collectible today.You could argue on necessity of poorly working anti dive system at front end but I find it cool cause no other bikes have it nowadays.Many don't like the way it sounds but hey! it ain't lumpy V2 that's a charm of bad ass V4!
I own this make and model
I bought one brand new $3800 out the door
Honda hot yepp
mainly american ebay
Powerful bike but, there is something about the stance that doesn't impress me???, front forks/wheel???.
0-60 4sec? You're doing something wrong mate.
Yea lol manual says back when it was new you could do it in 2.2 seconds
zach wilson Doubt it. Wouldn't do it that quick, and also a manual would never state 0-60 times.
Well it isn't actually the manual it was just a little booklet that came with the Manual. It gives all the specs and I'm sure the bike that did that was probably aftermarket with a good rider
zach wilson The Magna's rear tire would never have enough traction to propel the bike to 60 in 2 seconds.
My V65 had that, it was an 86. I also remember buying an aftermarket manual, a Clymer I believe, that had the HP and Torque listed for the 83-86 models. The manual claimed 116 Hp in 86.
Nice Bike.. A fast One..
Hey were do you buy your parts lol
So, does your brother still drive it? There is a V65 Magna for sale about 100 miles south of here. 38000 miles on the odometer. I'm thinking about it.
Still has the Magna and not selling. Way too nice bike and way too rare to sell
@@Adikxx I would have to agree. Good plan. I had an 82 V45 Magna in the early 90s and my brother had the Sabre with the same engine. We took trips together. Those were good bikes that gave me some memories. I miss my old Magna. They're getting pretty old now (I guess I am, too).
I got to 165 going to vegas. Topped out 5th gear
Those bikes did not take a long stretch to get up there. I lost my balls and chickened out at 153 per out of my 85 v65 sabre on a raised high way in Quebec City. One of the best 90 seconds of my life. Cheers
How much the price
i want one XD
How tall are you?
My Honda magna 1985 700 not have digital indicators 🤔🤔🤔
So my Honda is 33 years old!!!!!
I think that V-45 (700) didn't have digital shifter indicator. The V-65 is a 1100cc. (65 is for cubic inches)
Possession consistent balance circle consistently narrow extra typical.
Rory Robertson what the fuck does it even mean?
Was a great bike. The carburetor/intake set-up is absolutely horrible, though. One of the worst to work on and adjust properly.
Sorry for You John, I purchased this bike in 1984, and I still have it. I never met a mechanic that have any kind of problem to fix or adjust my carburators ......
you could never redline the bike in 6th gear........ the fix? I have v45 final drive. Lower gearing and am afraid to top it out now. It's much quicker and faster than stock. Some one put 4 into 1 exhaust on it and really pops and backfires on deceleration... uugghh. Don't care for that. Cruising RPM's a bit higher and may go back to stock final drive. You can't take v 45 final and just install it. Takes a gear pack swap but have heard the nighthawks work but no first hand knowledge.
2-4k? Shoot I bought mine for 650 USD.
I'm a new rider...Would you recommend this bike? There is one for sale in my area, like new condition with less than 3k miles for $800. How does the ride compare to the more modern bikes? Is the suspension loose and sloppy compared to more modern bikes? That would be my major concern.
My v65 would easily go over 100. iT WAS PUTTIN 105HP TO THE WHEEL STOCK!
+Bricklinsv1970 Mine will hit 100mph easily in third gear.
Well, I would hope so!!
John Jones for real, my 85 sabre with a 83 magna 750 in it will do 100 in 4th, a litre better be faster!
max power at 9k! hahah, I'm not sure I ever went over 6-7!! If this is a cruiser then why dont they still make cruisers?
that's a humongous radiator.
te tylne mocowania to na kufry?
Tak,dodatkowe mocowanie na kufry,ktore wyglada ochydnie i raczej to sciagniemy,Pozdrawiam
adikxx83 jestem ze szczecina wpadnę na wiosnę zobaczyć z bliska.
spoko oko,pozdrawiam
Tell your cameraman to stop snorting and gobbing. It's disgusting.
Guy making gross noise is repulsive.