Honda Magna
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1st Generation VF750C (1982-1986)
The 1982 Honda V45 Magna was sold in 1982 and was available in either Candy Maroon or Candy Imperial Blue, but for the gas tank and side covers only. The headlight, instruments, and fenders were chrome like many other bikes at the time. The front disc brake had straight grooves. The speedometer had a 85 mph (135 km/h) limit. The engine was a 748 cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a 6-speed transmission and a shaft drive. (1982 starting SN JH2RC071*CM000033)
The 1983 V45 Magna was available in one of two colors and the headlight, instruments, and fenders were chrome. The gas tank and side covers were the basic color (maroon or black). The front disc brake grooves were curved. The speedometer had a 150 mph (240 km/h) limit. The engine was a 748 cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a 6-speed transmission and a shaft drive. (1983 starting SN JH2RC071*DM100011)
The US government imposed tarriff rate hikes for foreign-built motorcycles in order to combat their rise is sales in North America, and to aid the domestic motorcycle manufacturers, namely Harley-Davidson. So for 1984 Honda responded by reducing the engine size for the 750s, and the Magna became the VF700C.
Specifications:
- Engine: dohc 4 valve 90 degree V-four
- Displacement: 748 cc
- Transmission: 6 speed
- Seat height: 32 in (813 mm)
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Cooling: Liquid
- Brakes: Dual Disc-Front, Drum-Back
2nd Generation VF700C and VF750C (1987-1988)
Various mechanical and cosmetic changes were introduced over the years, but the basic core of the Magna remained the same. In 1987, the 700 cc engine produced 80 bhp (60 kW) @ 9500 rpm, with torque being 46 ft·lbf (62 N·m) @ 7500 rpm. In 1988, the Magna grew back to its original size of 748 cc.
The 1987 V45 Magna was available in either Black or Candy Bourgogne Red (1988 dropped Blue in favor of Black), the air cleaner cover was wrinkle black with a "V45" emblem, and the "MAGNA" tank decal was silver. The exhaust system was now an upswept 4-into-4 set of pipes, truly unique in the cruiser world. Although the exhaust pipes were a beautiful sight, they were not friendly to the use of saddlebags as they were too high. The rear wheel was a solid aluminum disc and the chin fairing was color-matched. The second generation was also the first to have the lower seat height of a mere 27.8 inches (706 mm), more than 4 inches (102 mm) lower than its predecessor. A total of 16,000 units were built for the 1987 model year, while only 3500 were built for 1988. (1987 starting SN JH2RC280*JA100001)
Specifications:
- Engine: dohc 4 valve 90 degree V-four
- Displacement: 700 cc and 748 cc
- Transmission: 6 speed
- Wet weight: 529 lb (240 kg)
- Seat height: 27.8 in (706 mm)
- Final Drive: Shaft Cooling: Liquid
- Brakes: Single disc front, drum rear
3rd Generation VF750C (1994-2003)
The 'Power Cruisers' category that had been occupied by the Kawasaki Eliminator's and the Yamaha V-Max, (as well as the 1980s Magnas), was bolstered in 1993 with the Magna 750. As an early release 1994 model, Honda sought to capture the market for powerful cruisers by lifting the engine from the VFR750 and slotting it in a cruiser chassis. The engine itself was beautified by the addition of chrome and some extra fins, and by the chromed 4 into 4 exhaust. The seat was kept very low, at 28 inches, with the passenger seat being detachable. The all new frame was complemented by 41 mm forks, dual shocks, and a single disc on the front. A drum brake was used on the rear. A few internal changes were made to the VFR engine for use in the Magna, including a different crankshaft, a 5 speed transmission and chain driven cams. Smaller carbs were also utilized. The changes resulted in a stronger mid-range pull, and a very broad band of power. Power is 78.2 bhp (58 kW) @ 9000rpm, with torque of 48.2 ft·lbf (65 N·m) @ 7250 rpm.
The design of the 3rd generation Magna remained relatively unchanged over its lifetime. The tank decal was changed in 1995, and a miniature fairing was available on 1995 and 1996 Deluxe models. The only practical way to tell the year of a Magna from a distance is by its paint scheme, but even that is not a given since only a few colours were rotated through use. The most distinctive paint scheme was a "scalloped" design found on mid-late 1990s models.
2004 saw the demise of the Magna, along with other Honda stablemates such as the V-Twin Shadow ACE and Shadow Spirit, as well as the 6-cylinder Valkyrie. All these bikes have a strong following in their respective categories, and their current owners are saddened at the huge loss. However, just as the Magna was discontinued for a number of years between the 2nd and 3rd generations, there is a possibility that a 4th generation is waiting in the wings that would satisfy enthusiasts' desires. This would include dual-disc brakes up front and a single in the rear, extended range between refueling stops, a better stock seat, and upgraded styling. It has been suggested that the current iteration of the VFR800 with VTEC would make an ideal candidate, while other adherents would like to see the return of the V65 in Magna guise.
Specifications:
- Engine Type: 748 cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4
- Bore and Stroke: 70 by 48.6 mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
- Valve Train: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
- Carburetion: Four 34 mm CV
- Ignition: Solid-state digital
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
- Front Suspension: 41 mm cartridge fork; 150 mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with 5-way spring preload adjustability; 3.9 inches (10 mm) travel
- Front Brake: 1-piston caliper, 12.4 in (315 mm) disc
- Rear Brake: Single-leading-shoe drum
- Front Tire: 120/80-17 tubeless
- Rear Tire: 150/80-15 tubeless
- Wheelbase: 65.0 inches (1.65 m)
- Rake/trail: 32o/5.2 in (132 mm)
- Seat Height: 28.0 inches (711 mm)
- Dry Weight: 504.8 pounds (229 kg)
- Wet weight: 539 lb (244 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 3.6 (US or imperial?) gallons, including 0.8 gallon (US or imperial?) reserve
- Quarter mile (402 m) acceleration: 12.71 s, 102.9 mph (165.6 km/h)
- 200 yard (183 m) top-gear acceleration from 50 mph (80 km/h), terminal speed: 73.0 mph (117 km/h)
Magna Siblings
1984-1985 Honda Magna V30
The 1984 Honda Magna V30, designated VF500C'84 (VF500CL'84 in California), was sold in 1984. Two colors were available: Candy Andromeda Red and Black. The "HONDA" fuel tank logo was straight, not curved in this first year. The headlight was chrome and rectangular. The horns were round. The chrome exhaust system was a 4-into-2. It had a chain drive. The engine was a 498 cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a 6-speed transmission.(Starting SN JH2PC1317EM000004 (California))(Starting SN JH2PC1300EM000028 (excl. California))
The 1985 VF500C V30 Magna was sold in one of two colors: Black or Candy Wineberry Red. The "HONDA" gas tank logo was curved. The headlight was chrome and rectangular. The horns were round. The chrome exhaust system was a 4-into-2. It had a chain drive. The engine was a 498cc DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a 6-speed transmission. (Starting SN JH2PC130*FM100001)
Specifications:
- Engine: dohc 4-valve 90-degree V-four
- Displacement: 498 cc
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final Drive: Chain
- Cooling: Liquid
- Brakes: Single Disc-Front, Drum-Back
1983-1986 Honda Magna V65
A year after the introduction of the V45 Magna & Sabre, came the V65 Magna; an 1100 cc V-Four producing more power than any other Honda at the time. The engine was universally praised for its broad range of massive power. The V65 engine did not share any parts with the V45, but the designs were very similar, just on a larger scale. The engine achieved perfect primary balance, and its narrow dimensions belied its capacity. The riding position was a little too relaxed for long trips, but on short hops it was quite comfortable. Suspension was almost sport-bike-taut, possibly to deal with the shaft drive effect. Power in 1983 was 105 bhp (78 kW), with torque of 68.86 ft·lbf (93 N·m) Wet weight was 574 lb (260 kg).
Specifications:
- Engine: dohc 4-valve 90-degree V-four
- Displacement: 1098 cc
- Transmission: 6 speed
- Seat height: 32.0 in (813 mm)
- Final Drive: Shaft Cooling: Liquid
- Brakes: Dual Disc-Front, Drum-Back
External links
- Magna Riders Association (http://www.magnariders.com)
- Magna Owners of Texas (MOOT) (http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org)
- 1st and 2nd Generation Magna (http://100megsfree4.com/honda/h0700/magna750.htm)
- Magna Riders Forum (MRF) (http://forums.delphiforums.com/MagnaRider)
- Honda Sabre, Magna & Interceptor Owner's Group (http://www.sabmag.org)