1982 Honda VF750C Magna from United States of America

Summary:

V30, V45, V65; Collect the whole set

Faults:

Electric cooling fan malfunction.

Fork seals leak.

Clutch lever position switch not sending signal.

General Comments:

Twenty six year old bike, still on the road.

Parts available, from dealer or after market.

Water cooled, shaft drive, the first power cruiser.

Visit http://v4hondabbs.com for a community of owners.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2008

1st Sep 2008, 18:39

Sounds like mine. I have the same bike, a 1982 with 19000 miles. It still runs new. What a machine, runs like a bear. This first year model is sure to be collectible.

23rd Sep 2010, 23:41

I bought mine 2 years ago. It had oil leak from rear left case that I fixed. It was not in good shape at first, but after painting it and riding it, I am getting more and more used to it, and it is really powerful and reliable too.

1994 Honda VF750C Magna from United Kingdom

Summary:

The VF750c is a versatile, robust, stylish and very quick motorcycle

Faults:

Now on my third battery in two years.

Wheels have a bad case of 'white rust' where the lacquer finish has deteriorated.

General Comments:

This imported motorcycle had been wrapped in polythene and stored in a back yard for two years before I bought it 2005, but was still in pretty good nick. The tank has a few pock marks here and there as you'd expect, but otherwise the paintwork is sound and bright, and the logos are intact.

Apart from being started up periodically to maintain the battery and turn the engine, nothing had been changed or added during all that time.

So with plans to clean her up, change the fluid, and prepared to spend the rest of my life polishing, I bought my first bike in 30 years.

She started up on the second attempt and I rode the 75 miles home. 10 miles into the ride I knew I had mean machine between my legs and a grin on my face that lasted well after I had returned home.

All I have done to my Magna is replace the side panels with chrome ones and polished it (a lot). I have also fitted an 'off the shelf' windscreen, which took away the pressure beating at my chest, but didn't do too much to stop my head from being buffeted about.

She has the style of a cruiser and the grit of a sports bike. It never fails to amuse me when sportier bikes pass me by and (when safe to do so) I drop a cog or two and 'cruise' right by them. (Oh that feeling) Granted I can't maintain a lead for long (80 bhp? let's be realistic here) but it's fun while it lasts.

I use my bike for work as well as for pleasure, and so while she might not win any beauty competitions in the Magna world (There are some highly maintained Magnas out there -well done guys-) I love my Magna.

PS If you haven't tried a tank full of Shell V- power unleaded, try it... The term 'S*** off a shovel' springs to mind. Happy cruising y'all.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2007

14th Nov 2008, 17:12

I have a '94 Magna. I absolutely love the bike. However, along with my boat, I didn't use it for 2 years. All 4 carbs froze. (My bad!) NOTE: Always turn off gas and run carbs dry if you aren't going to use the bike for a while. I had the carbs professionally rebuilt (new ones cost $1600 - ugh!) I'm selling it now because my life is taking a different course. Enjoy your "baby." It's probably the greatest bike made. I don't know why they stopped.

6th Jun 2009, 11:43

Great review.

I'm currently looking at a 94 Magna for myself, it's in Austria were I live, in mint condition with only 24500 km on the clock (but I take this with a pinch of salt).

You didn't say in the review how much you paid for the bike, the one I'm looking at is on the market for 5000 euro, a bit expensive, but bikes over here are!

Have you carried a pillion on yours? If so, does it handle as good??