Magna Owners Of Texas

Public Forums => The Garage => Topic started by: jp2magna on May 25, 2007, 07:51:24 AM

Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: jp2magna on May 25, 2007, 07:51:24 AM
Does anyone have any data that shows what the Magnas weighed since it was introduced in ...1982? through 2003?

I would imagine a V65 is heavier than a V30, unless they used the same block, just bored larger, but I don't know.

Thanks!
~Joe
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: Greg Cothern on May 25, 2007, 09:14:02 AM
Joe there is some of that info on the MOOT main site, http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org/specs.htm#A1.1
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: jp2magna on May 25, 2007, 09:55:57 AM
Quote from: Greg CothernJoe there is some of that info on the MOOT main site
Got it, Greg. I thought I'd seen it before, but just couldn't find it.

1983-1986: 574 lbs.
1994-2003: 539 lbs.

Someone told me they did not think a V65 Magna's center stand was strong enough to support the newer Magna's weight. Guess that proves him wrong.

Does anyone have pictures to share of the V65 center stand mount? I'm curious to see if my 2002 still includes the mounting holes for a center stand, but I don't know if they would be in on the frame or the engine.
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: Greg Cothern on May 25, 2007, 10:00:41 AM
Joe, www.cycle-istic.com for a 3rd gen Magna centerstand..
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: jp2magna on May 25, 2007, 10:10:17 AM
Quote from: Greg CothernJoe, www.cycle-istic.com for a 3rd gen Magna centerstand..
Oh, I visit the sponsors!

But $200 (with S&H) for a center stand is a little steep for my salary, especially since a V45 or V65 center stand goes for under $20 on eBay.
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: Greg Cothern on May 25, 2007, 10:22:48 AM
I completely understand, and wish I had the welding knowledge, experience, and tools required to do some of my own creations LoL.
Getting the weight balance is the key, and I think Dobie has found that balance with his unit.  
That and making sure it doesnt interfer with normal operation of other components.  All this without loosing ride heigth and you have a winner!
Title: The needle in the Haystack
Post by: dc112675 on May 25, 2007, 11:15:55 AM
Since I am still bed-ridden I guess that makes me the designated researcher.  To be honest, finding the #'s were a little harder than I thought, mainly because Honda has several names (and numbers) for each bike.  I apologize to all you first-gen owners, I am still quite clueless about your bikes.  Nonetheless, here is what I dug up:


84-85 Honda Magna V30 (VF500c)
Dry weight - 439 lbs
64 HP
498cc

84-85? VF700C
Dry Weight -497 lbs
82 HP?
698cc

82-86 Honda Magna V45
Dry Weight - 489 lbs
80 HP
748cc

87-88 Supermagna (VF750C)
Dry Weight 502 lbs
79 HP
748cc

94-03 Magna
Dry Weight - 504 lbs
78 HP
748cc

83-86 V65 (VF1100C)
Dry weight - 590 lbs
116 HP
1098cc


Disclaimer:  I obviously know nothing about the history of Hondas.  I had no idea they produced so many models that were so similar.  One website had scanned in a 6 page ad of its 23 different models produced in 83.  http://www.vf750fd.com/vf750f/vintage_5.html

The 700cc Magna and the 750cc V45 Magna seems to run together.  I think the stats are correct, but short of a few motorcycles and a big scale, I am the mercy of others stats.  

But to answer your question, there was a substantial weight difference between the v30, v45, & v65.  Anyway, hope this helps, dc
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: Jerry G Turner on May 25, 2007, 11:27:16 AM
Thats interesting that the VF700's produce more horsepower than the 750's.
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: jp2magna on May 25, 2007, 11:49:27 AM
DC,

Wow! Neat site you found, and thanks for all that info!

Now, how do we get Honda to build those V65s again?
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: trapper on May 25, 2007, 07:39:58 PM
No kidding, JP....Let's start a petition....lol
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: silveradocowboy on May 26, 2007, 10:37:55 PM
Quote from: Jerry G TurnerThats interesting that the VF700's produce more horsepower than the 750's.

Snipped from the web:
The V-Four engine was very prominent in Honda's early 80's line-up, with the Interceptor's, Magna's and Sabre's. The V-Four design had only been used a few times in the history of Motorcycles, most noteably by Matchless. The concept probably came about as a loose derivation from the NR500 oval pistoned V-Four racer. The V45 engine was remarkably narrow, being only 16 inches wide, and had perfect primary balance, making for a smooth engine. In 1985, Honda sleeved down the engine in response to tarriff rate hikes for 750's, and the Magna became the VF700C. In 1988 it grew back to 750cc. Various mechanical and cosmetic changes were introduced over the years, but the basic core of the Magna remained the same. In 1987, the 700 engine produced 80bhp@9500rpm, with torque of 46ft/lb's@7500rpm. Wet weight was 529lb's.

This article mentions that they changed in '85 but IIRC they changed in '84 instead. They changed the final drive gear ratio to 3:48 (someone correct me if I'm wrong). V65 owners wanting more lower end punch have changed the final drives from the 84-85? V45's.
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: dc112675 on May 27, 2007, 12:28:46 PM
Jerry-
I agree about the higher hp of the 700 as opposed to the 750. That was why I had a question mark.  I think the hp rating I found was from an owner (maybe from a dyno) and so there is some room for error.  I suspect it's actual rating would be in the 78-80 range.

Silverado Cowboy-
Thanks for the interesting clip.  I couldn't figure out why Honda would make two engines so close in size, weight, and power.  The issues with importing/tariffs makes a lot of sense.  dc
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: drkngas on May 27, 2007, 01:33:41 PM
When I bought the 96 I have now I was disappointed in the performance compared to my 85 700cc I had years before.  It actually felt like more than a few hp differrence.  I think the lighter bike, 6 speed tranny and lack of the mid-range lull made the 84 seem like a much better performing bike. The driving habits of my youth might've also been a major contributing factor.  I cured thee lull, but I will always be shifting into a 6th gear that does not exist.
Title: Magna Weight through the years
Post by: silveradocowboy on June 10, 2007, 10:17:57 AM
While browseing the net I ran across some more info. on the final drives posted by DD....

A VF700 Sabre or Magna primary gear and clutch housing will increase your
your RPM by approx. 500 in each gear. These two pieces will fit your V45
and install without special tools. Takes about the same amount of time as a
clutch replacement. Example 40 MPH at 3,000 RPM would become 40 MPH at
3,500 RPM.

The V45 Magna has a 3.18:1 rear-end ratio. You could use the ring/pinion
gears out of a V45 Sabre or the VF700 Sabre or Magna, which is 3.4:1 ratio
and good for about 750 RPM more in each gear. You would need to install
these into your V45 Magna rear case. Sabre does not have the shock mount
lug. As you know, the rear-end gears would need to be set-up.

The Interceptors are chain driven with 5-speed trans ratios. The primary
gears are way too low for the Sabre/Magna, though they will fit.

The lower gear ratios were used in the 700 to make up for its' lack of
torque. You might also consider the spark boxes from a 700 which provide 5
degrees more initial timing at idle, with the same 37 degrees full advance.

I am always looking for parts and potential trades for them.

Regards,

Dave Dodge - DRP