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The 1983 V45 Magna was available in one of two colors and the headlight, instruments, and fenders were chrome. The fuel 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 four-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a six-speed transmission and a shaft drive. (1983 starting SN JH2RC071*DM100011)
The 1983 V45 Magna was available in one of two colors and the headlight, instruments, and fenders were chrome. The fuel 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 four-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a six-speed transmission and a shaft drive. (1983 starting SN JH2RC071*DM100011)


The US government imposed tariff rate hikes for foreign-built motorcycles over 700 cc in order to combat their rise in 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 VF750s to 698 cc, and the Magna became the VF700C in the USA. Colors available for 1984 were either black or Candy Andromeda red. The headlight changed from round chrome to a rectangular chrome housing. The seats were changed to a wider 2 piece design in an attempt to improve rider comfort. The rear shocks also changed to eliminate the extra fluid resivoir. The wheels were different as well. Honda only made the vf700 for the late part of 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987, then back to the vf750 after that. The 1985 model was black and scorpio red. The 1986 model was black and glory red. The 1987 model was black and Candy Bourgogne Red. The first part of 1984, the magnas were vf750.
The US government imposed tariff rate hikes for foreign-built motorcycles over 700 cc in order to combat their rise in 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 VF750s to 698 cc, and the Magna became the VF700C in the USA. Colors available for 1984 were either black or Candy Andromeda red. The headlight changed from round chrome to a rectangular chrome housing. The seats were changed to a wider 2 piece design in an attempt to improve rider comfort. The rear shocks also changed to eliminate the extra fluid reservoir. The wheels were different as well. Honda only made the vf700 for the late part of 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987, then back to the vf750 after that. The 1985 model was black and scorpio red. The 1986 model was black and glory red. The 1987 model was black and Candy Bourgogne Red. The first part of 1984, the magnas were vf750.


Models from 1982 to 1984 were unique in their use of a larger primary fuel tank and smaller sub-tank. The sub-tank is located almost in the position of a side cover, well below the level of the carburetor banks and has a low-fuel sensor incorporated into the body. Owing to the low seat height (much lower than in a standard street bike) and cruiser styling of the bike, the main tank is relatively small. Because the bottom end of the sub-tank is so low, all bikes in this family have a fuel pump to get the fuel up into the carburetors. In practice, the fuel pump adds more complexity to a carbureted bike which otherwise doesn't need pressure fed fuel.
Models from 1982 to 1984 were unique in their use of a larger primary fuel tank and smaller sub-tank. The sub-tank is located almost in the position of a side cover, well below the level of the carburetor banks and has a low-fuel sensor incorporated into the body. Owing to the low seat height (much lower than in a standard street bike) and cruiser styling of the bike, the main tank is relatively small. Because the bottom end of the sub-tank is so low, all bikes in this family have a fuel pump to get the fuel up into the carburetors. In practice, the fuel pump adds more complexity to a carbureted bike which otherwise doesn't need pressure fed fuel.

Revision as of 17:50, 12 August 2010

Honda Magna
ManufacturerHonda
Classcruiser
EngineDOHC 4-valve 90° V-4
RelatedHonda Sabre V4, Honda Interceptor

The Honda Magna was a cruiser motorcycle made from 1982 to 2003 powered by Honda's V4 engine taken from the VF/VFR. The engine technology and layout was a descendant of Honda's racing V4 machines, such as the NS750 and NR750. The introduction of this engine on the Magna and the Sabre in 1982 was milestone in the evolution of motorcycles that would culminate in 1983 with the introduction of the Interceptor V-4.[1] The V45's performance is comparable to that of Valkyries and Honda's 1800cc V-twin cruisers. However, its mix of performance, reliability, and refinement was overshadowed by the more powerful 1,098 cc "V65" Magna in 1983.

While Honda's release of their V4 technology in the Magna (and other bikes like the Sabre and Interceptor) was certainly a bold move, it was somewhat overshadowed by at least two problems. One was the decline of motorcycle sales after the boom in the 1970s. While Honda quality was a given and the amount of features provided in these bikes was great, they were still relatively expensive bikes at the time. An expensive, complex bike wasn't an easy sell in a down market. The second was the manufacturing and engineering problems encountered after the release in 1982.

Though criticized for its long-distance comfort, and lauded mainly for its raw acceleration,[2][3] the Magna was the bike of choice for a Canada grandmother who toured the world solo by motorcycle, without benefit of the support crew that usually accompanies riders in adventures depicted in such films as Long Way Round.[4][5]

The Honda Magna of years 1982 - 1988 incorporated a number of unique features into a cruiser market dominated by V-twin engines. The V4 engine configuration provided a balance between torque for good acceleration and high horsepower. The 90 degree layout produced less primary vibration and the four cylinders provided a much smoother delivery of power than a V-twin. Good engine balance, plus short stroke and large piston diameter allowed for a high redline and potential top speed.

Besides the engine configuration, the bike had water cooling, a six speed transmission for good economy at highway speed, and common on other middleweight bikes for Honda in the early 1980s, shaft drive. While the shaft drive is very convenient with virtually no maintenance required (and no oil getting slung around), it also robbed some power from where it was more evidently lacking on in town or lower speed riding. Features like twin horns, hydraulic clutch, and an engine temperature gauge add nice touches to the bike. A coil sprung, oil bath, air preload front fork with anti-dive valving was an improvement, although the Magna did not benefit from the linkage based single shock that was available on later models of Sabre and Interceptor.

The Magna and other large-displacement Hondas were assembled in the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Ohio.[3] In 2008, Honda announced plans to close the plant, their oldest in North America, in 2009, which had been still making Gold Wings and VTX cruisers.[6]

1982–1984 V45 (VF750C)

1982–1984 V45
Also calledVF750C
SuccessorV30
Engine748 cc, bore x stroke 70 x 48.6mm, 10.5 to 1 compression
Top speed122 mph
Power80.3 bhp @ 9500rpm
Torque46.2 lb ft @ 8000rpm
Transmission6 speed, straight-cut Gears, Multi-plate wet clutch, shaft drive.
SuspensionFront: Telescopic anti-dive Travel: 5.5in, Rear: Swing Arm, Travel: 3.9in
BrakesFront: Dual 10.8in disc, Rear: 6.25in Drum
TiresFront: 110/90-18 Rear: 130/90-16
Rake, trail30° / 4.1 in
Wheelbase60.6 in
DimensionsW: 29 in
Seat height30 in
Weight518lb (wet)
Fuel capacity3.7 gal.
Oil capacity3.7 qts
Fuel consumption46 mpg

The first generation 1982 V45 Magna was available in either Candy Maroon or Candy Imperial Blue.[7] The headlight and fenders are chrome. The front disc brakes have straight grooves, dual piston calipers, and TRAC anti-dive. The speedometer reads 80 mph. The redline is 10,000 rpm. The engine is a 748 cc DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled 90 degree V-4 linked to a six-speed transmission with a hydraulically actuated wet-plate clutch and shaft drive. Compression is high, and the stroke is short.

The 1983 V45 Magna was available in one of two colors and the headlight, instruments, and fenders were chrome. The fuel 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 four-valve liquid-cooled V-4 linked to a six-speed transmission and a shaft drive. (1983 starting SN JH2RC071*DM100011)

The US government imposed tariff rate hikes for foreign-built motorcycles over 700 cc in order to combat their rise in 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 VF750s to 698 cc, and the Magna became the VF700C in the USA. Colors available for 1984 were either black or Candy Andromeda red. The headlight changed from round chrome to a rectangular chrome housing. The seats were changed to a wider 2 piece design in an attempt to improve rider comfort. The rear shocks also changed to eliminate the extra fluid reservoir. The wheels were different as well. Honda only made the vf700 for the late part of 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987, then back to the vf750 after that. The 1985 model was black and scorpio red. The 1986 model was black and glory red. The 1987 model was black and Candy Bourgogne Red. The first part of 1984, the magnas were vf750.

Models from 1982 to 1984 were unique in their use of a larger primary fuel tank and smaller sub-tank. The sub-tank is located almost in the position of a side cover, well below the level of the carburetor banks and has a low-fuel sensor incorporated into the body. Owing to the low seat height (much lower than in a standard street bike) and cruiser styling of the bike, the main tank is relatively small. Because the bottom end of the sub-tank is so low, all bikes in this family have a fuel pump to get the fuel up into the carburetors. In practice, the fuel pump adds more complexity to a carbureted bike which otherwise doesn't need pressure fed fuel.

Beginning in 1985 models, the sub-tank was dropped in favor of a slightly larger and wider main tank. Again because the reserve level of the tank was below the carburetor, the requisite fuel pump and series of fuel lines was kept.

1983–1986 V65 (VF1100C)

1983–1986 V65
File:1985 V65 Magna Add Pic
Also calledVF1100C
Engine1,099 cc (67.1 cu in)[3]
Power116 bhp (87 kW)[3]
Transmission6-speed, shaft drive[3]
Wheelbase62.8 in (1,600 mm)[3]
Weight590 lb (270 kg)[3] (wet)

The large displacement 1,099 cc (67.1 cu in) V65 Magna created buzz as Honda's entry in the 1/4 mile wars between manufacturers at the time, causing Suzuki to respond with the 1200 Madura (1/4 mile time 11.66 s at 115.7 mph), and going up against such competition as the Suzuki GS1150E (10.47s at 128 mph).[8] The V65 landed somewhere between these two, posting a quarter mile time of 11.29 s @ 119.2 mph (191.8 km/h).[3]

Year for year in Guinness Book listed as the fasted production motorcycle.[citation needed] 1980=Dunstall Suzuki GS1100CS 1981=Dunstall Suzuki GS1100CS 1982=Dunstall Suzuki GS1100CS 1983=Dunstall Suzuki GS1100CS 1984=Dunstall Suzuki GS1100CS 1985=Honda V65 Magna 1986=Honda V65 Magna 1987=Honda V65 Magna 1988=Honda V65 Magna 1989=Honda V65 Magna 1990=Kawasaki ZX10

116 BHP Japanese Honda V-65 Magna with a liquid cooled V-4, 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC 1098cc (67.1 cubic inches) engine with a top design speed of 173 MPH. Standing quarter mile time of 11.07& seconds @ 123.62 mph and 0-60 in 4.3 seconds according to Cycle World magazine.[verification needed]

1984–1985 V30 (VF500C)

1984–1985 V30
1984 Honda Magna V30
Also calledVF500C
PredecessorV45
Enginebore x stroke 60x44 mm compression ratio 11.0:1
PowerHonda specified 64 horsepower
Torque31.7 at 10,500 rpm
TransmissionSix-speed transmission, wet clutch, automatic cam-chain tensioners, self-adjusting hydraulic clutch
SuspensionFront: leading axle, air adjustable fork, 37mm tubes, 6.3 in. travel. Rear: dual shock absorbers, 4.3 in travel
BrakesFront hydraulic, single disc, twin piston caliper
Rake, trail35.1° / 4.4 in.
Wheelbase59 in
Weight439 lbs (dry)
Fuel capacity2.5/0.9 gallons
Fuel consumption45.3 mpg

The Honda VF500 is one of Honda's second generation V4 motorcycle engines produced in a series of motorcycles designated with VF and VFR initials. For 1984-1986, Honda produced the 498 cc, V4 DOHC VF500 for the VF500C Magna V30 and its sister bike, the VF500F. This engine is an evolution of Honda's original domestic market 400 cc engine, originally deemed too small and underpowered for certain markets - notably the United States and Europe. Focusing on adding power and versatility to its motorcycle offerings, Honda bored the original 400 cc motor and improved its power and performance. The engine is almost entirely identical to the version in the Interceptor VF500F sport bike, and while Honda sold the VF500C Magna in the United States, it advertised it as the "most powerful midsize custom in the world".[9]

This standard motorcycle was introduced as a balanced bike that was just as enjoyable yet easier to ride in town than its larger Magna siblings, with good power and a broad torque band. Thanks to its V4 design, power in the 500 engine is not peaky and ample torque can be found throughout the rev band, and the six speed transmission ratio was unique to this bike versus the ratio on the VF500F.[10] The engine produced between 64-68 horsepower, and combined with its low weight and low center of gravity, the bike was lauded by critics as an easy to ride and entertaining motorcycle.[10]

The Magna had no shaft drive like its larger siblings, but a traditional chain drive.[10]

Specifications:

  • Standing-start quarter mile - 12.9 sec at 103 mph
  • 0-60 in 3.9 seconds
  • 60-0 in 120.6 feet
  • Available colors were black and dark red

Changes by year

  • Two colors were available each year: Candy Andromeda Red and Black in 1984, and Candy Wineberry Red and Black in 1985
  • The "HONDA" fuel tank logo was straight in 1984, and curved up in 1985

Facts from Cycle Magazine, July 1984[10]

1987–1988 V45 (VF750C) Super Magna

VF700C, VF750C
1987 Honda Super Magna, Canadian-export model
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledSuper Magna
Productionless than 20,000 total
PredecessorV30
ClassCruiser
Engine699 cc 1987 / 748cc 1988
Top speed125 mph
Power88 PS @ 9000 rpm / 86 bph
Torque6.6 kg-m /7000 rpm, 47.74 lb-ft
Transmission6 speed, shaft drive
Suspension39mm non adjustable fork, dual coil over shocks
BrakesSingle disc front, drum rear
TiresFront: 100/90-19 tubeless, Rear: 150/80-15 tubeless
Wheelbase1660 mm / 65.35 inches
DimensionsL: 2385 mm / 94 inches
W: 810 mm / 32 inches
H: 1155 mm / 45.5 inches
Seat height27.8 in (706 mm)
Weight529 lb (240 kg) (wet)
Fuel capacity13 L / 3.43 US gallons
Fuel consumption30 to 45 mpg

Various mechanical and cosmetic changes were introduced over the years, but the basic core of the Magna remained the same. However, for the two years the 2G Magna was produced, it was dubbed the Super Magna. In 1987, the 700 cc engine produced 80 bhp (60 kW) @ 9,500 rpm, with torque being 46 ft·lbf (62 N·m) @ 7,500 rpm. In 1988, the Magna grew back to its original size of 748 cc.

On similar fashion the Magna V-four has done the old 750-700-750 two-step. 1982: the 70 x 48.6mm Magna 750 debuts. Quick cuts, 1984: the 70 x 45.4mm 700 (699) arrives. Revival, 1988: back to the original stroke and 748cc displacement. The Magna V-four has endured through the first and second generations of the VF and VFR Interceptors - both come and gone by 1988. Like the original 750 Sabre and VF 750, this 750 Magna engine uses a 360-degree crankshaft and chain-driven double-overhead camshafts. Thus, the VF750C unit is technologically quite different from Honda’s last V-four sport bike engine, the VFR750 Interceptor, which had gear-driven overhead cams and a 180-degree crankshaft.

The Super's cams are also line-bored (a feature first seen in the Euro 1985 VF1000F & F-II, and 85/86 VF1000R, 1986 VF500F, 1986 VF700C Magna), which greatly reduced the premature cam wear that plagued the earlier models, together with changed oil ducts.

The 1987 V45 Magna was available in either Candy Wave Blue or Candy Bourgogne Red (1988 dropped Blue in favor of Black). For 1987, the fake airbox covers were wrinkle black with a "Magna" emblem. The fake airbox emblem changes to "V45" for the 1988 model.

The 1987 Super Magna had a silver, grey & black Honda "wing" tank decal, while the 1988 model had a silver "MAGNA" tank decal.

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. The chin fairing was unfinished black plastic for the 87, and color-matched for the 88. 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)

1994–2003 V90 (VF750C)

1994–2003 VFR750C
1999 Honda Magna with aftermarket saddle and exhaust
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledVF750C
Engine748.8 cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4, Bore x Stroke: 70 by 48.6 mm, 10.8:1 compression
Top speed125 miles per hour (201 km/h)[11]
Power76.3 bhp (56.9 kW) (at rear wheel)[11]
Torque46.5 lb-ft (at rear wheel)[11]
Transmission5-speed, Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
SuspensionFront: 41 mm cartridge fork; 150 mm travel, Rear: Dual shocks with 5-way spring preload adjustability; 3.9 inches (100 mm) travel
BrakesFront: 2-piston caliper, 12.4 in (315 mm) disc. Rear: Single-leading-shoe drum
TiresTubeless, Front: 120/80-17, Rear: 150/80-15
Rake, trail32°/5.2 in (132 mm)
Wheelbase65.0 Inches (1.65 m)
Seat height28.0 Inches (711 mm)
Weight505 Pounds (229 kg) (dry)
539 Pounds (wet)
Fuel capacity3.6 Gallons
Oil capacity3.3 Quarts

The 'Power Cruisers' category that had been occupied by the Kawasaki Eliminator 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.

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 colors 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.

Notes

  1. ^ Holmstrom (2000)
  2. ^ Bartels (1997)
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Mayershon (1985)
  4. ^ Lawrence (2006)
  5. ^ Canwest (2009)
  6. ^ Hannah (2008)
  7. ^ "Honda VF750C". Retrieved 2006-12-25.
  8. ^ Ford (1985)
  9. ^ "Honda VF500 Magna print ad". Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  10. ^ a b c d "Honda VF500 Magna and Interceptor". Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  11. ^ a b c "Performance Index '07/'08 Version January 2008 (PDF: 382K)", Motorcycle Consumer News, BowTie, January 2008

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda Magna.
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