For Those With Multiple Bikes

[arent_we_sarcastic]

I'm faced with a dilemma and the solution appears to be "get another bike". That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

When I first told my S.O. that I was getting a motorcycle her initial responce was "Fine" (I'm sure we're all well versed in what that means) "but I'm not getting on it". That was fine with me as I wanted a Magna anyway and they are not very conducive to 2up riding so it wasn't a problem at the time

Apparently, her girlfriends told her how much fun it is to ride and what she's missing out on so we got her some gear and she's been for a few rides now. We went for a 45 minute ride to visit my parents and I was told the back seat seems to be lacking sufficient width for her to be comfortable... well I ain't saying it...

I've tried searching for a Mustang or Corbin seat to replace the stock seat but have been having no luck as the Magna is a 1986 and that particular seat model is discontinued. No luck on evil bay either.

So, I'm left with the option of getting a newer and slightly larger bike that's more 2up friendly.
I've been doing some on line window shopping and the one thing that jumps out at me is that I'm would have to go up to something in the 1300-1500cc range to get anything that's even close in performance to the Magna.

The obvious solution to me is to keep the Magna for when I'm riding solo as I'd hate to give up the performance and get an 1100cc cruiser for 2up. The Magna currently gets stored nicely at the back of the garage over the winter but a second bike would take up sufficient room that I would lose the "park my car in the garage" privileges. I'm in Canada remember so thats a significant sacrifice. We're closing in on a record snowfall this year, we're at about 190cm (not quite 75") now.

I gave some serious thought to a very nice 2003 750 Magna that I saw at a local dealer here but when we both sat on it it's still a little cramped. I'd like something with a bit larger tank (longer range) and either shaft or belt drive.

For any of you in a similar situation, what did you do? I'm looking for input for a good 1100cc cruiser. What did you like, what didn't you like etc?
Thanks

[trapper]

Well...I can attest that you can get 6 Magnas, 1 Pagsta, a pocket bike, a truck and a car into a 2 car garage.     But seriously...Many of the MOOTsters, well at least several....OK a few that I know of..., will highly recommend the Honda Valkyrie.  It can be had in a cruiser, tourer, or Interstate version and will cost huge pocket fulls less than the "other brand".  I know I have one on MY wish list, right after my own Super Magna and 3rd Gen.

[L J VFR]

MY WIFE AND I RIDE MY 2001 MAGNA EVERYWHERE.  THE ONLY THING WE ADDED WAS A MUSTANG SEAT AND SOME CYCLEISTIC PEG EXTENDERS FOR THE REAR PEGS. I ALSO HAVE A SISSY BAR ON THE BACK I BELIEVE TO BE STOCK HONDA.  SHE HAS NO COMPLAINTS AND THE MUSTANG SEAT IS ABOUT A FOOT WIDE.  GOOD LUCK TO YA.    LANCE

[Greg Cothern]

If a Magna is not big enough for 2up riding in your situation then I MUST say a Valkyrie will fit the bill!!!!!!!!!!     We made that move and would have NO other bike under us. 
Magna will certainly handle the tast of 2up riding, but can be a bit cramped if your not the Ken and Barbie size couple.

[John Luttrell]

Here was my answer to the same problem my wife and I had; we aren't getting any younger, or thinner as far as that goes.  You can pick up a used touring bike for a song and dance if you just look for them.  Last year I payed $2,300 for this 1991 Voyager 1200; it has 49k miles on it, but looks and rides like a new bike and uses no oil between changes.  Of course I kept the Magna too; it's still my favorite ride.

[Charles S Otwell]

If the bike is big enough, the pillion can be replaced with a comfortable seat. Just don't make the mistake I made and buy your wife her own bike, unless you don't want her riding with you. I might as well have a solo seat as my wife doesn't ride two up any more  .

Ps if your wanting a second bike, please disregard this post .

[Curtis_Valk]

The only thing I can say negative about a Valk is that they are no longer made and the aftermarket is drying up for them.  Most Hondaline accessories are now discontinued and Rivco is selling off their last run of center stand kits.  OEM replacement parts for the bike itsself are still plentiful though.

Also, for some reason the Valks seem to sell for a couple thousand bucks higher in Canada than they do down here in the 'States so price might be an issue.

Good luck,
Curtis

[Charles S Otwell]

If certain people didn't have to have two of them, there would probably be enough to go around  !!

[seratt]

Get a crotch rocket. lol

My girlfriend swears my cbr is more comfortable for her then my magna. Of course, my wrists say otherwise.

[Greg Cothern]

Put a Mustang seat on that Magna and she will like it more than the CBR!   

[arent_we_sarcastic]

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions guys.

We have a 2 car garage here as well and the way the garage is set up the Magna sits nicely on the center stand beside the end wall in front of the S.O.'s full size minivan. There are some concrete curbs set up on the floor as a positive stop to assist her in parking (read: not hitting the bike). The snowblower sits in front of my car, so a second bike would effectively relegate my car to the elements.

I've looked in vain for a Corbin or Mustang seat unless someone knows how to modify a third gen seat to fit a first gen Magna???

[TLRam1]

If Mustang ever made a seat for your model call them, may have one laying around or know a dealer who might.

[Greg Cothern]

Corbin and Saddleman made seats for the 1st gen Magna's.  See them on Ebay occaisionally.  Not sure if Saddleman still makes them or not.
I am sure some 1st gen folks will speak up and let ya know.

[silveradocowboy]

I have a Corbin seat on the V65 and my wife likes it a lot better than the stock seat. Got it off ebay for about $240.

[Jerry G Turner]

I have seen aftermarket seats for the V65's but I have never seen anything for the V45's if they are out there I have'nt come accross them.