Honda Magna
Magna Timeline
The V-Four engine was very prominent in Honda's early 80's line-up, with the Interceptor's, Magna's and Sabre's. The V-Four design had only been used a few times in the history of Motorcycles, most noteably by Matchless. The concept probably came about as a loose derivation from the NR500 oval pistoned V-Four racer. The V45 engine (45 cubic inches or 748 cubic centimetres) was very narrow, being only 16 inches wide, and had perfect primary balance, making for a smooth, vibration-free engine.
1st Generation VF750C (1982-1986)
The 1982 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 kph) limit. The engine was a 748cc 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 kph) limit. The engine was a 748cc 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 750's, and the Magna became the VF700C.
Specifications:
- Engine: dohc 4-valve 90-degree V-four
- Displacement: 748cc
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Seat height: 32.0 in.
- 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 700cc engine produced 80 bhp @ 9500 rpm, with torque being 46 ft/lb's @ 7500 rpm. In 1988, the Magna grew back to its original size of 748cc.
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, truely 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, more than 4 inches 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: 700cc and 748cc
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Wet weight was 529 lb's.
- Seat height: 27.8 in.
- Final Drive: Shaft Cooling: Liquid
- Brakes: Single Disc-Front, Drum-Back
3rd Generation VF750C (1994-2003)
The 'Power Cruisers' category that had been occupied by the Kawasaki Eliminators and the Yamaha V-Max, (as well as the 1980's Magna's), 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 41mm 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 78.2bhp@9000rpm, with torque of 48.2ft/lb's@7250rpm.
Specifications:
- Engine Type: 748cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4
- Bore and Stroke: 70mm x 48.6mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
- Valve Train: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
- Carburetion: Four 34mm CV
- Ignition: Solid-state digital
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
- Front Suspension: 41mm cartridge fork; 5.9 inches travel
- Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with 5-way spring preload adjustability; 3.9 inches travel
- Front Brake: 1-piston caliper, 12.4-in. disc
- Rear Brake: Single-leading-shoe drum
- Front Tire: 120/80-17 tubeless
- Rear Tire: 150/80-15 tubeless
- Wheelbase: 65.0 inches
- Rake/trail: 32o/5.2 in.
- Seat Height: 28.0 inches
- Dry Weight: 504.8 pounds
- Wet weight: 539 lbs.
- Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
- Quarter mile acceleration: 12.71 sec., 102.9 mph
- 200-yard top-gear acceleration from 50 mph, terminal speed: 73.0 mph
1994: The VF750C Magna was sold in 1994 and was available in one of three colors: Magna Red, Black, or Pearl Shining Yellow. (Starting SN JH2RC430*RM000004)
1995 - The VF750C'Magna was sold in 1995 and was available in one of two colors: Candy Glory Red or Pearl Shining Yellow. (Starting SN JH2RC430*SM100001)
1995 - The VF750CD Magna Deluxe was sold in 1995 and was available in one of two color schemes: Pearl Paragon Purple with Pearl Fadeless White or Black with Pearl Salem Mint. The mini fairing had a two-tone color pattern. (Starting SN JH2RC433*SM000001)
1996 - The VF750C Magna was sold in 1996 and was available in one of four colors: Pure Red, Pearl Shining Yellow, Black, or Orange. The gas tank logo was redesigned. (Starting SN JH2RC430*TM200001)
1996 - The VF750CD Magna Deluxe was sold in 1996 and was available in one of two color schemes: Pearl Paragon Purple with Pearl Fadeless White or Black with Pure Red. The two-tone color patterns were redesigned. (Starting SN JH2RC433*TM000001)
1997 - The VF750C Magna was sold in 1997 and was available only in Black. (Starting SN JH2RC430*VM300001)
1997 - The VF750C2 Magna was sold in 1997 and was available in Pure Red with Black, Orange and Black, and Black with Pearl Shining Yellow. (Starting SN JH2RC433*VM200001)
1998 - The VF750C Magna was sold in 1998 and was available only in Black. (Starting SN JH2RC430*WM400001)
1998 - The VF750C2 Magna was sold in 1998 and was available in Black with Terra Silver Metallic or Black with Pearl Sparkling Blue. (Starting SN JH2RC433*WM300001)
1999 - Colors: Black, Black & Orange
2000 - Colors: Black
2001 - Colors: Black
2002 - Colors: Black
2003 - Colors: Candy Blue
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 enthusiast's 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 VRF800 with VTEC would make an ideal candidate, while other adherents would like to see the return of the V65 in Magna guise.
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 498cc 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: 498cc
- 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 1100cc 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 105bhp, with torque of 68.86ft/lb's. Wet weight was 574lb's.
Specifications:
- Engine: dohc 4-valve 90-degree V-four
- Displacement: 1098cc
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Seat height: 32.0 in.
- Final Drive: Shaft Cooling: Liquid
- Brakes: Dual Disc-Front, Drum-Back