Retrospective: 1983-1986 Honda VF1100C V65 Magna

By
Clement Salvadori
-
1985 Honda V65 Magna
1985 Honda V65 Magna. Owner: Van Krebs, Fresno, Ohio. Photos by Jason Keller.

The motorcycling world looked upon this machine in absolute amazement — a cruiser putting out more than 100 horsepower. Unheard of! Sure, sportbikes like Honda’s CB1100R were knocking out that many ponies, but those were for riders who liked leaning into corners at insane speeds. But a cruiser with feet-forward pegs and wide handlebars — and a shaft drive no less? This was nutso!

If this bike could be put in a category, it would be Power Cruiser. Harleys were the standard cruisers of the day, and they were lucky to get 55 horses to the rear wheel, using a pushrod V-twin that had been around for the better part of half a century. Whereas this bruiser was a V-4 with two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. And liquid cooling to boot, so no worries about overheating when cruising down Main Street on a crowded Saturday evening. Except for that mildly unaesthetic radiator up front.

1985 Honda V65 Magna
1985 Honda V65 Magna.

What was Honda thinking? The company had a whole bunch of bikes in the showrooms that year, 40 different models covering all the bases, from shopping-friendly Passports to huge Gold Wing touring platforms. Even a V-twin cruiser, the 750 Shadow. And a second V-4, the 750 V45 Magna, introduced the year before.

This all began with Soichiro Honda’s wanting to again be celebrated for putting an entirely new machine on the market. The world remembers (although this may be news to some of the younger generation) when he introduced the overhead camshaft, in-line four back in 1969, beginning the evolution of the UJM — Universal Japanese Motorcycle. Now the V-4 would do it again…he hoped.

But the backroom boys wanted to create a jaw-dropper, knock the American public back on its heels, as they used to say. The 750cc V45 was just a starting point for creating a machine the likes of which the motorcycle crowd had never seen. The V65’s majorly oversquare engine, with a 79.5mm bore and 55.3mm stroke, would cheerfully rev to 10 grand, with maximum rear-wheel power of 105 horses coming on at 9,500, redline at 10,000. A lot could go wrong with 16 valves popping up and down 10,000 times a minute, but Honda’s engineers made sure nothing untoward would happen.

1985 Honda V65 Magna
1985 Honda V65 Magna.

These horses came from using some appropriate fiddling inside the head, with the four valves having a rather narrow 38-degree included angle. This and the shape of the combustion chamber effectively put the fuel as close to the spark plug as possible, compressed 10.5 times. Bang, bang, bang, bang — and the crankshaft spins.

Four constant-vacuum 36mm carbs, by Keihin, were accessible by lifting the gas tank. These had an easily changeable paper air cleaner. Fuel consumption was less than 40 mpg, but range was no problem as most riders wanted to get off after an hour or so. And at the time the U.S. was blessed (cursed?) with the 55-mph speed limit, so highway riders on the V65 had an excuse for not going very fast. With the V65 ergonomics city traffic was preferable to the interstates.

Power ran via straight-cut gears back to a hydraulically operated clutch. This had a diaphragm spring as an essential part of the device, which the engineers knew would be much abused, with the single diaphragm offering more consistent control than a multi-spring unit.

The gearbox had five speeds plus an overdrive sixth. If the bike could have pulled 10 grand in sixth gear, its top speed would be better than 170 mph. A more practical (!!) top speed was 140 in fifth. If the rider could hang on!

1985 Honda V65 Magna
1985 Honda V65 Magna.

A full-cradle frame, with double downtubes, held this unit-construction herd semi-firmly in place, as rubber mounts were used to keep any vibrations hidden away. Which were few as the 90 degrees between the two pairs of cylinders presumed good balance, enhanced by that short 55mm stroke. A shaft final drive went out the left side, so those Levi’s would be nice and clean on cruise night, not having to put up with an oily chain. An air-adjustable 41mm fork suspended the front end, with an anti-dive unit. Rake was a pretty lazy 30.5 degrees with more than four inches of trail, and while this was OK in town, it was best not to get too optimistic out on the twisties. At the back a pair of shock absorbers had all the adjustments: spring preload, rebound and compression damping. The fork had almost six inches of travel, the swingarm a little more than four inches. Axle to axle measurement was just shy of 63 inches.

Cast wheels were 18 inches at the front and 16 at the back, with two discs at the front and a single at the back, all three squeezed by twin-piston calipers.

This power cruiser was designed by the Los Angeles boys for the American market, because the rest of the motorcycling world was not much interested in cruiser styling, preferring standard or sport. Honda hoped that the numbers would blow the Harley riders into the weeds.

Which they did. Quarter-mile times? Don’t even think about them. The 1,338cc Harley was in the 14-second category, and couldn’t break 100 mph. While the 1,098cc V65? In the 10s!! At 125 mph! More numbers? At $4,000 this V65 was at least three grand less expensive than a Harley.

What Honda had failed to realize was that in the cruising world of the 1980s, style was far more important than performance. Power cruisers would be a passing fancy, whereas Honda’s Fury model of today is a V-twin.

One final note: apparently somebody in the 1980s was selling a supercharger kit for the V65 Magna. Boggles the mind!

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118 COMMENTS

  3. I have a 1983 v65 1100c magna now. I’ve have gone thru just about everything on the bike except the frame. Looks better then new. Little over 16,000 original mile on it. Love the bike!.

  6. I had the last of the breed, an 86. I called it my rocket ship. Fast, smooth, and a gorgeous sound when I twisted the throttle! I didn’t expect a bike with that kind of frame and front forks to handle well, but I could easily keep up with some of my buddies on their BMWs in the twisties. Like I told them, “There’s no substitute for lots of torque.”

  7. Suzuki Madura was even uglier than the Magna but I preferred the ’83-84 Sabre V65 style even if its acceleration figures were little less good than the Magna .Pee Wee Gleason ran a 10.92 1/4 mile on this bike ( = magna) . Honda unfortunately revive the Sabre name in 2000 for a v-twin of the Shadow variety maybe to disassociate the name with this first gen of Honda v4 which was affected by heads/cams wear problems .

  10. I own an 83, they will do better than 140 mph… They are scary at those speeds, but can. The gas tank is not fake, it has a secondary tank near the battery, but the main tank is still the larger tank. Best looking bike ever made. Mine still draw attention everywhere I go.

    • I’m pretty positive that my buddy topped 150-155, and he’s not a bullshitter, maybe 156, as that seems to ring a bell in my brainless cavern. Mostly remember that because I’ve always had Corvettes so we would compare. Couldn’t touch my 454 1974, done up real good for about 185 mph. Nothing like keeping you awake on the way home, at night in the dark, 130 plus mph side by side lol

  11. my son came across an 86 v65 sitting in the corner of a garage had 1600 miles on it for 500 bucks, it had been sitting for many years. well countless hours and about 2500 bucks spent over a 3 year period i have a fantastic magna that is a joy to ride and stops bikers in there tracks. its ready for another 36 years.

    • I have an 83 honda magna v65 1100 but need to get parts for up until 5 days ago i had a 1985 yamaha virago 1000 it got stolen havnt found it yet so back to working on the honda

      • I had an 84 virago. Had 3400 miles on it and always garaged. Took a little more work than I preferred to lean into the curves. Sold to my brother in law (on credit of course). Lasted about a month and he straightened a curve, modified a fence, and destroyed a man’s field as it went end over end. Fortunately he made out better than the bike.

    • Hello Mr. Vant,

      With only 1,600 miles, the bike must have been in excellent shape. In spite of the bike sitting for however long it sat for, what sort of things had to be done to get it up and running again? Was the $2,500 just to get it running again, or was it more for extra add-ons?

    • A buddy of mine got one really cheap a few years ago. He was a big, big guy, and I hopped on the back. We were leaning into some curves going well over a 100 mph, when we hit some railway tracks. Won’t forget the feel of that! Couldn’t believe the bike held up with all that weight!
      Pretty scary lol!

  12. I’m still rockin’ my ’83 Magna. It’s been through a lot, and kinda shows it too! But hey… it’s a Honda! All they do it RUN! I’ve owned 3 V65s and 3 V45s. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t own a V4… all the way back to the mid 80s and my first 2 bikes (both Honda’s as well). I can’t imagine getting ahold of a new (sic.) one today! Without the cam chains slappin’ away in there… without the exhaust leakin’ outta the rust perforated collector down below… without the rear brake wanting to be a parking brake if you left her parked for more than a month!! But do I love the bike? Hell YAA! Do I long for some other bike to putz around town on? Doubtful.

  13. Still have my burgandy 83. Love that bike and she loved to cruise no less than 100. I think I actually hurt some feelings while riding that bike and never coming in second. One night the spring that engages the transmission shift arm broke leaving me at a dead stop in forth gear. She pulled forth from a dead stop.

  14. I owned Magna V65 in late 80’s or early 90. I traded my Shadow for this Guiness Book winner at loco Honda dealer.
    With only 3000 K (Burgundy) what a bike it was!
    I used to take my Magna for ride in late afternoon Vancouver – Seattle and back home.
    At 140K/hr in OD downshift and would take off like a bullet, and limited slip clutch was a great invention then.
    I never went over 165 K/hr there (Interstate 5) and I agree with comments that Sabre would feel more comfortable at those speeds. I always look at Magna V65 as Honda great achievement.
    And guess what I am looking again for one of those Great Classics.

  15. I am 51 years old, and from Duluth Minnesota. Over the years, l have owned 4 v-65 magnas, and loved blowing away harleys and anything else that I didn’t see fit to be ahead of me. This fire breathing dragon, i have loved my whole life. It would be nice to see a v-105 Magna.

  16. I ride every day.ive owned over 100 bikes.5 v65 and four v45.still ride one of each. I have lots of parts.call me 251 979 8068. I’m In Foley ala.my name is ray

  17. I was fortunate to have the 500cc first, and the V65 ,both the same burgundy color. It was a nice Ride. I remember I had to lean forward for inicial take off.
    That’s how it felt!!!

  18. I have two sons in their twenty’s that need to ride one of those v65magna rockets. I’m looking to purchase one for them a black one in good shape. Email me a pic and a price thanks.

    • are u still looking for one got an 83 v65 mags 1100 I just got will take 4800 run great and it black will send a picture if u want ti to look at maybe buy it

  19. After seeing that commercial of the bike with factory rider Gleason go through the quarter mile I had to have it. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley I used to love blowing other bikes and exotic sports cars off the road. I had an 83 and loved that bike.

  20. I’m 60 years old and I remember buying my first magna and 1984 83 head pull back handlebars and the 84 they changed them up just a little bit so it’s a little bit more forward my first race was against Kawasaki KZ1000 and I just came out of the showroom with the bike didn’t even break it in and that thing ripped the highway’s apart the guy in the KZ waves me off back off cuz we’re going too fast 135mph. Like you said i had to hold on for dear life love the bike wish I could get another one.

  22. I have an -83 V65 Magna, and before that I had -84 -model. I am 51 years old, and I fell in love with that bike in 1985, when I first time saw it. Sometimes I rev it up to 7000 rpm, and on that point things start to happen VERY fast. Usually I keep the revs below that point. The looks of the bike is really great: hot rod, power, somehow brutal but still aesthetic.

  23. I was too young to own this bike during its heyday, having been born in 1974, but I was a huge bike fan as a kid (dad and both uncles rode and I grew up on the back of a Z1, an XS1100, a Virago 1000, a Goldwing, and an FJ1100) and just loved this bike. This is exactly what a “cruiser” looks like to me, and exactly the kind of engine one should have, too. Closest I’ve gotten was owning a Kawi 454LTD and a Honda VF700 Interceptor.

  24. I have a 1994 v4 Honda magna 750. I love everything about it . Its fast for sure 135 is not a problem for my old girl yesterday! I did some research as to why she was so fast ,and I found my answer on ebby I hit in the search bar for a 96 intercepter replacement motor and there it was ! My motor no chrome but exact motor as what is on my bike ,the only difference in them is mine has chrome and the tranjy is different.

  25. I bought a 1984 V65 with my best friend buying o e also.
    We paid $3,485 each and got the roll bars, sissy bars,
    AND an ORIGINAL shop manual ALL INCLUDED in the deal.
    I ran mine on a dyno, and recorded it @8,700 rpm ,
    164.3 MPH!!
    I have just shy of 20,000 miles on it, AND can STAND IT STRAIGHT UP in first gear WITH 1 or 2 people on
    AND land on the ground AT 70 MPH!!
    BEST BIKE I HAVE EVER HAD!!
    LOVE PULLING A WHEELIE FROM A START TO PASS ANYONE!!

  27. I have a 86 V65 magna.2nd owner 1 family owned. Black with 11,700 original miles. Runs,Rides,Drives and looks excellent. I’m asking $4000 no disappointments.

  28. I have a 86 V65 magna for sale.2nd owner 1 family owned. Black with 11,700 original miles. Runs,Rides,Drives and looks excellent. I’m asking $4000 no disappointments.

  29. I bought an ’83 v65 in 1984. The first day I rode it for about 2 hrs to get used to it. My wife said I jumped and twitched in my sleep all night that night (my accelerator was extremely responsive). One day a few months later I took it out for a ride and missed my shift from 3rd to 4th. Because I was still in 3rd and released the clutch I did a wheelie at 93 mph. That thing was a beast, I loved that bike.

  31. I bought my v65 back in 83. It was not been on the road for 25 years and needs a lot of love. Does anyone know where I can find parts to restore it?

  32. My first was a 84, I let someone ride it, they never came back, so I got another one, let someone ride that one, it did come back, but he was pushing it., with a hole in the block, the third one? That guy is still going to rehab, the forth one? Only has 108 miles on it, and it stays in my shed.. where no one rides it but me!

  36. Near impossible to drag race a shaft drive bike, that first to second shift had to be done slow and deliberate, I used to see these for sale all the time with no second gear. They did handle nice for what they were.

  37. I accidentally went 135mph with a passenger on my V65 once. Wasn’t trying to go fast, just passing an 18 wheeler and bus. Looked down and was at 135.

    I had the quickest bike, and quickest American car from 1984. A black V65, and black Buick Grand National. Being king then was fun. The bike almost killed me though at only 40mph with a left turner.

  38. I took delivery of my first 1983 V65 Magna on 03-21-1983 at the age of 16! i had the Pearl Siren Blue model and I became “Fast Eddie” when I was on that Magna. So much fun and great memories. After 9 years of not riding, I purchased a 2016 Yamaha VMax 1700 last September because that I wanted a taste of crazy. Last week, I bought 1985 back into my life with a 1985 Honda V65 Magna with only 9600 miles! I took my first ride on the V65 yesterday, and the flood of memories came rushing in… the smoothness of the engine, the sound that is uniquely V65!

  39. I too have 2 v65 Magna’s . The 1983 is an Arizona storage unit find back in 2010 with only 9000 miles on it . This is the faster of the two and now with 20,000 miles on still runs very strong .My 2nd V65 is a 1985 model with 72000. kilometers and is located in Manitoba Canada .I have owned it for 4 years .It is aesthetically better of the 2 but I must admit does not have equal power to the 1983 model .Both ,however are a treat to ride and Harley humbling is a pleasant experience .There is no better feeling than rolling the throttle on these bikes . I have owned several other bikes including Gold Wings but these are the most satisfying and fun.

  41. I love my “83” V65 C, never had any trouble with 1st to 2nd shifts except for keeping the front wheel on the tar. I’m 69 now and fear the day when I can’t ride any more ( when I in the ground lol). Had a harness so my dog could ride and do wheelies with me. He loved it to. Can’t be beat!!! Great bike, a classic!

  43. So many great comments, I had to scroll down forever! I had an 84 V30 Magna from 1993-1996. I put 15,000 highway miles on it. Bought it when I was 21 in ’93 for $1,100. Rode it from Great Falls, MT to Seattle to Chico, CA and back and all over the state of Montana…Through Glacier National Park. Great motorcycle and later in life I bought a 96 Sportster 1200 and was surprised to realize that the Harley was not nearly as good of a machine. Yes, the Sportster has the look and the sound, and it is enjoyable no doubt, but I just think it is funny looking back on some of the stupid things people said about the Magna. Like my buddy who I hadn’t seen for a while saying, “Looks like a fun bike, too bad it’s not big enough to take on the highway.” I let him know that I just got back from Chico two days prior… Or a gal I was “dating” saying “Oh, is this a wanna-be Harley or something?” I didn’t realize that even that little 500cc V4 was putting out more horsepower than a 1200cc Sportster. I didn’t bother to look it up back then because it NEVER occurred to me that it would even be possible for a motor TWICE the size to have less power. Anyway, now I want to get a V65 in a few months. I want the big Magna from the early 80s, and when I get it, I will keep it for the rest of my life!

    • Robert, good post!
      My experience was in 1991, living in San Diego, I spent $800 to buy a used and beat-up looking 1982 V45 Magna. At the same time, m older brother bought a nicer V45 Sabre. We rode together all over San Diego and down into Baja. It was a great time. 1992 Mother passed away. I took off on an unplanned solo ride to clear my mind. I ended up riding the Magna from Miramar to the Grand Canyon and back in less than 24 hours. I got the Saddle-Sore 1000 patch without trying. I didn’t appreciate at the time that Honda V45 Magna was such a marvelous machine. It had all the power anyone could ever need and more. I have no doubt I could have easily made that same trip on your V30. The article above is about that Magna V65. That, I cannot imagine!

      • I had a v45 I loved it and at 48 I just bought a great v65 drove it home told the wife it’s a heart attack on wheels I’ll never sell it

  44. I had the ’84..loved it especially for the summer interstate trips..2000 rpm at 70mph..but she loved being locked at 90mph for 145mi.then time to break..purr was her M.O…..got a RC51 to rep.the heart stopping gforces..she could do it..just very comfortable for very long

  45. I have my Black Beauty 1984 Magna V65 since … 1984. Yes, I bought her, brand new 38 years ago and I still ride with her. (44,000 Kms or 27,400 Miles)

  46. I have both a 84 V65 Magna and a 84 V65 Sabre. Both are fantastic bikes. The Magna looks like she just rolled off the showroom floor and is a burgundy and chrome neck breaker. People look and then a double take trying to figure out what it is…lots of thumbs up. My Sabre I decided to customize with a cool yellow and black paint scheme. I’ll agree, the Sabre is actually a more comfortable ride in my opinion, but they both have their niche’s. If you’ve never had a chance to ride one, you are missing out. They were always my dream bikes, it took me decades but I finally have my two forever bikes.

  48. I just purchased a 1983 V65 recently and was actually wanting the 750 but could not pass up the price. I am 45 and this is my first road bike, though I have owned and ridden several motocross and duals sports. I wanted to ask for any advice to a new rider on a bike with this kind of power. I have to admit that I am a little intimidated and so far only ridden very slowly at our house and not passed second gear yet.

    • Don’t whack the throttle open! Learn to use the brakes. Beware of the back brake, as you apply heavier and heavier front brake, the weight shifts forward, you have to start releasing the back brake. Practice over and over. Practice being smooth on throttle, on turning, on brakes. Don’t speed anywhere where there is potential danger(driveways, other cars, pedestrians, animals, intersections, other motorcycles, sharp turns). Wear GEAR. Helmet, boots, gloves, lined pants and appropriate armored jacket(mesh or leather)

  49. I have a 1998 Magna 750 and it keeps up with 1400cc Harleys no problem. the magna will probably out-run them though at like 150mph

  52. Living in El Paso, TX (Ft Bliss)I bought a 1984 Burgandy one in 93 and brought it home in a couple boxes. Last plate on it expired in 86 and it had ~5500 miles. Mouse nest in the Vee. Someone had tried to rebuild it and quit, hence the boxes. Took months of patience and cleaning but when it was done it was almost perfect. Had a local shop reupholster the seat and they outdid themselves. I traded it for a Yahama FJ1200 making one huge mistake. I loved that bike. Working a 94 VFR 750 now

  53. Cliff B has a1984 vf 1100 c for sale,burgundy,k and q seat,some extra parts(brake pads,air filter,spare starter)with brain bucket.Was moving bike a year and a half and the bike leaned over almost couldn’t handle it haven’t ridden it since.I’m in my 70’s too much power,too much weight,time to go.Shouldn’t take to long to get it in shape.live 26 miles NE of Atlanta,Georgia $1000 is fair price ,(clear title)7708401096 After 10 am please

  54. I recently purchased an 83 V65 and I’m Looking to have some engine work done to it. I live in NW Arkansas….does anyone know of a good mechanic that still works on them? I’m willing to deliver to a good shop anywhere up to around 400 miles away. Thanks in advance for any leads.

  55. Ah, the Magna. This was no pooch back in its day. I’ve owned three mostly stock versions that were mildly modified. and a fourth that was bobbed and blown. All of them had the wiring modified due to the three yellow wires. (if you know, you know). I also machined billet fork braces because the cast OEM would crack and the first bike taught me, very quickly, that when that thing cracks at 120 MPH, you’ll know it. The built bastard got custom cut gears in the trans and aft gearbox and would run the quarter under 8 and top out at 186. I often wondered if, with just the gearing and no supercharger, what it would have done. I love the V65 powerplant and have used it on a few custom builds (including a psychotic go-kart when I was a teenager) I remember the scariest, and biggest downfall for the bike was the wallow in the corners at higher speed since it was kinda heavy and the frame wasn’t all that strong when you’d put that lateral torque on it. You can literally feel the frame flexing…Anyhoo, that’s my little rant about my Magna’s and other Magna V4 projects. They are still awesome machines imho and I will continue to utilize the driveline until I can’t find any more.

    • I have an ’85 that I have not ridden for a number of years now. Would like to find it a good home. Hasn’t been started for Approximately 4 years but I have cranked it over a few times so nothing seizes up. Has approximately 44,000 miles on it.
      Any one interested can call or text me at 507-269-2097

  56. Honda came close to topping the V65 Magna with the VTX1800C. It was a big V-twin cruiser. Had that bike for 20 years and 50,000+ miles. Only sold it to help pay for a divorce. She went to a good home (a guy whose divorce was paid for and who had sold his VTX.)

    When Honda makes a machine with power, they don’t screw around.

    My dad sold his V65 Magna before I turned 16 (to an F-16 pilot at Luke AFB…call sign Midol, because he was always bitchy. He was wise not to turn me loose with that thing.

  57. I loved my ’83 V65 Magna… but I’m curious. Did anyone else experience a high speed wobble? Mine hit around 135. My cousin’s, who was a little lighter, said his would wobble around 125. If you stayed on the gas, it would plane back out but whew… it could get exciting.

  58. I saw a coworker one night take off after work on an’83 V65 and pull a wheelie and a 100’ or so we just see sparks. It broke its drive shaft n went sliding on the pavement. I heard ‘84s n on had a larger drive shaft? Later I bought a ‘84 V65 in ‘86 for $1900 while in college. Would cruise home after work at 1am in college n she loved to go fast. Loved that bike!

  59. I have an 86 v65. By far the favorite bike I have owned. A lot of memories passing groups of Harley’s. They would be all noise and the v65 just whistle right on by. Am just thinking about taking to the local Honda dealer to get it running again. Haven’t licensed or ridden since 2011. Same yr my 1st kid was born. Its time to unleash the v65 once again! I just hope the gas tanks aren’t too rusty.

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