18th May 2008, 12:05

My husband had an '84 V65 back in the late 80's, and he absolutely loved that bike. He told me just how powerful it was, and that he still wishes that he had it (but doubts he would still be around today if he had kept it longer).

2nd Jun 2008, 06:36

The V65 Magna is one of the best muscle bikes of all time. I've had mine for about 2 years and only wish I could go back in time to buy one new. I plan to keep it for a long time. Reliable and very hard acceleration.

24th Aug 2008, 19:08

I`m the second owner of my 85 VF1100C Magna. I rode a friends in high school and wanted one ever since.

Well about 10 years later (1995) I started looking for one.

I found it in the trade and times.

Pulled up and it was in the front lawn. It was sold before I got out of the car, it was gorgeous. 6000 miles for 2500 - the seller was like do you want to take it out, I said no need to, I know what I`m looking for and you have it.

Today 8/08 I still have, matter of fact I just got done with my weekly Sunday ride and she still puts a smile on my face.

More to come about my baby coolhandluke2965@hotmail.com

27th Sep 2008, 06:45

This is more a question than a comment, and I would appreciate some feedback.

I want to purchase a 1986 V65 Sabre. I have heard that they have problems with oil not cooling the heads enough, and therefore damaging the engine. Is this true? Is there something that can be done about it? Any other known problems with this bike? I don't want it to turn into a money pit. I want to be able to ride to work and back (50 Miles 1 way) and not have to worry about the bike as long as I do the required maintenance. Similar to my 1996 Honda Civic. I just put gas on it and change the oil.

Thank you.

12th Nov 2008, 10:58

I used to own a 1984 V65. I bought it in 96 with 16,000 miles on it, and when I sold it in 01 it had 120,000! So I put 104,000 on in about 5 years! I missed only 10 days of riding it, maybe.

The bike SCREAMED! Period. It was top heavy and the rear end was squirly in the rain, but, I lived in Las Vegas then so that wasn't often.

Fantastic bike and like another commenter said, "wish I could go back in time and buy a new one!"

3rd Apr 2009, 11:13

These bikes are great. I started with an ‘84 Sabre (VF1100f), and when it was stolen replaced it with my current ’85 Magna (VF1100c).

In all the years it has been a faithful bike and a joy to ride. Except that it is way too easy to nail the throttle.

Now my daughters are looking at the V30s and V45s…

27th Jul 2010, 20:56

The V-65 series is the best motorcycle of all, period. With yearly hi quality fluid changes, it will last for many trouble free years.

5th May 2011, 10:58

I own a V65 Sabre as a daily rider. There is nothing glaring to worry about. The cam wear problems you may hear about were only on the very first year... with an 85/86 you should not sweat it. When looking at a used one, be sure to accelerate hard in second gear and make sure it doesn't pop out of gear (a problem caused by owner abuse).

These are great '80s bikes. A wonderful ride for low bucks.

There's a great owners group with forum to ask questions: Google SABMAG and you'll find it.

30th Jun 2015, 02:55

Try putting in a fan switch about 15 degrees below specs. It worked for me.

18th Jul 2019, 20:24

I’m considering buying a 1984 VF1100C. It has a few cosmetic issues, but overall it looks fine. My concern is it hasn’t been started in about 2 years so I can't hear it run. I don’t know much about motorcycles, and don't want to buy a money pit, but the price is reasonable. Owner said it ran fine, then just got to where he didn’t ride it anymore. What should I look out for?