Seriously, If you were to design the 4th Gen Magna . .

[dc112675]

Ok, so maybe I don't know anyone at Honda, but the April Fools hoax allowed me to verbalize my dream bike.  So what about you? Granted, this is a Magna forum and we are all partial to our 1st - 3rd Generation Magnas, but what changes would you make to it if you had the chance?

The seemingly apparent deficiencies are brakes, tank capacity, lack of a 6th gear, and chain drive.  Is that the order that you would put them in?  And are there others that you would classify as major changes.  While the rear tire might not be classified as a deficiency, a beefier tire sure would add style points.  

I certainly would update the all the lights (to LEDs) and the headlight to something that does not remind me of a '68 VW bug.  The wheels would probably need an update too.  

Most importantly, what would you do with the power plant?  Is 750cc/90hp sufficient?  What is a good number, and can you stray from a V4 and still call it a Magna?  

I know this thread serves no real purpose, but I have spent some time thinking about what changes I would make, and I am curious of yours.  Lastly, if we could configure the "best bike" would it be a big seller on the market?

[MagnaMan]

Chain drive is not a problem in my opinion. I prefer the maximum HP transfer and no shaft jacking in the corners.

I think they should make two Magnas, a 750 cc version and one based on the ST1300 V4.

I would go with (in no particular order):
1. Cartridge suspension in the front forks and better rear suspension with adjustable or auto damping.
2. Hydraulic slipper clutch.
3. Fuel injection mapping that can be changed from the handlebars while riding.
4. Chain drive.
5. Larger fuel capacity.
6. 4 in 4 exhaust.
7. Disc brakes all around with an ABS option
8. Better looking fake air cleaners or real air cleaners on the side to give us some tank capacity.
9. More ground clearance/lean angle.
10. Some place to attach frame sliders.  
11. No VTEC unless they can get it working correctly.
12. Better trim/styling on the radiator.
13. More common tire sizes for high performance options.

[Charles S Otwell]

I would be happy with the 83 model V-65 drive train , updated, including fuel injection and chromed out (more like the third gen) and all this shoved into the ACE Touring chassis! Avaliable in all Honda colors.  And, if I ever hit the lottery I'm going to just do it myself!

[chel_in_il]

I was a member of a truck "club" for 5 years (www.mysporttrac.com), and Ford reps read ideas from the forum on our website for their 2nd generation Sport Trac. Mysporttrac.com had members in every state, and we had a yearly meet in Louisville, where they built the Sport Trac, which Ford would sponsor. (There was a meet once in Texas at their state fair, but it wasn't as well-attended as the Louisville meet.) They listened to many of our ideas, and the 2nd generation Sport Trac was born. They even featured the website in their employee newsletter.

I'd liken the popularity of the Sport Trac to the Magna. It was no F-150, as the Magna is no VTX, but the owners loved them.

I wonder if Honda reads enthusiasts websites like Ford did...

In any case, I don't have any ideas to add other than what has been suggested in this thread. I'm happy with the chain too - that's all I had even ridden, except when I test drove a Kawasaki ZL600. I downshifted a bit hard and it scared the holy crap out of me with how unforgiving it was.   (I thought I broke something..)

[Greg Cothern]

A V-4 1000cc+ 120-135 rear wheel hp
Dual front discs, rear disc.
Hydraulic clutch
Shaft drive
6th gear
Slightly larger frame
5 gallon fuel tank +/-
Fuel injection
all in a 600lb +/- weight range
Priced in at under $10K

[ThomasMagna]

I've got the 1st gen V45 and I like it fine. Bigger tank would be better for sure. That tank is so small. The thing I like least about the bike is the placement of the foot pegs. They are not under my center of gravity and if I have to or want to shift my weight, I have to PULL myself up with the handle bars. Not good I believe. Don't know if the other generations are different, but it bugs me on mine. Rear disc brakes, better suspension, more horsepower and as long this is just wishing, give one to all current Magna owners. Ya, and if not free, at a huge discount!
I'm not sure that is my 2 cents worth, maybe 1/2 or 1.

[MagnaMan]

Suspension and tires! You've got to have better suspension and tires if you're going to control all that power in the corners. Otherwise you've got a V-MAX and all you can do is just point it straight.

Shaft-smaft. I'm not an old man on an ST1300! Give me chain drive, baby!    

[Greg Cothern]

Jesse, while your adjusting and puting lube on your chain, I am zooooom gone!  LoL.

[MagnaMan]

Til we get on it hard in the corners and your back end goes wobbly. Oh wait. I can also adjust my gear ratio by changing sprockets. Zoom!

[MagnaDaddy]

Gotta say as an old guy I like Greg's specs.
Also I like the placement of the footpegs on my 1st Gen V45.
So for me,
bigger engine
Larger frame and load capacity
Keep the shaft
Fuel Injection
But keep it nimble like my 700
You said wish list right  

[MagnaMan]

Put a chain oiler on it if you absolutely must have it easy, otherwise quit turning the Magna into a Valk! LOL

For the Magna to stay viable it needs to out-perform all cruisers as a muscle-bike in every sense of the word, both in the straights and in the corners. Unless they can work out the performance problems in the shaft drive, it needs to stay a chain.

There's also the issue of weight. If the bike is to be light and handle nimbly then the chain will let you shed weight and not hinder your cornering clearance like a shaft drive will.

Most of the "old" guys in riding are moving to either the Harley's, Wings, or ST1300s, or the bulkier bikes. This is not the Magna's place. It needs to be positioned to blow away the V-Rod, V-Max, M109, Mean Streak, etc. Not take on the Gold Wings, and touring bikes.

[Greg Cothern]

Jesse, I must say I know you have ridden behind Curtis on his mighty Valk.  I also must say that he is not slowing ANYONE down LoL.
Seriously though I agree that the Magna needs to blow all these other bikes away, but I think a shaft drive unit would be a good addition.

[drkngas]

Have you raced a 1800 Gold Wing?  I am not ready for one yet but as my friends move into them (3 so far) I am totally amazed at how fast they are and how well they handle.

That said... on my Magna wish list would be the current Interceptor motor with fuel injection, a larger tank (I'd be happy with just 1 gallon more), and since I didn't mind the shaft performance on my previous Magna, I'd go with shaft drive.  An option for more chrome in such places as the fork lowers, radiator cover and rims would be nice. And finally.... a tour option like the Yamaha Tour Deluxe with the quick removing windshield and backrest.

David
MOOT #362

[Curtis_Valk]

This is almost as bad as an oil thread.  

LOL

[silveradocowboy]

Have you raced a 1800 Gold Wing?  I am not ready for one yet but as my friends move into them (3 so far) I am totally amazed at how fast they are and how well they handle.

I raced a guy with an '05 Goldwing(whichever year the 30th anniversary is) on my V65 Magna and bet him twice. Once from a stand still and once from 40 mph. I know the guy very well, ridden many a mile with him, and he wasn't afraid to open it up. I didn't walk off and leave him til the roll on start. The Goldwings do handle very well(even heard them compared to a sportbike) and do have plenty of power. One of these days we are going to get one.