This morning, my wife is dropping me off at the barn and I get to ride my 1983 V65 Magna home. It’s a red letter day!
Normally, by now, I would have the motorcycles home from storage out at the farm. This year, we have been blessed with cold weather most of the spring and we have been very busy with other things.
A little history: When I was in High School in 1983 the Honda V65 Magna was introduced to the world and it was every motorcycle loving 17 year old’s dream bike. I was no exception. Although at the time, I had now way of affording a brand new motorcycle. I was still riding my 1973 Yamaha RD 200 Electric and my Dad’s Honda CB450. Over the years I have had a few other bikes such as a Yamaha 400 Special, Yamaha 650 Special and a couple of dirt bikes. Flash forward to 2004. A friend of mine was buying a Honda VTX 1800C and needed to get rid of his “old bike”. I asked him what kind of bike was it ( I never saw him ride a motorcycle before that ). He said it was an Old Honda Magna and he wanted $xxxx for it. I said I would take a look at it. When I pulled into his driveway I about S*** my pants! It was my dream bike. At that point it was 21 years old and had 25,000 miles on it. It had been layed down but was repaired and ran good. I bought it on the spot.
Since then, I have put about 6000 miles on it and added a few things. A windsheild, an old fart’s backrest and GPS. This year I’m going to add a camera mount so I can do some videos using my flip camera.
Here is a 1983 TV AD for this bike:
The V65 Magna was the fastest production motorcycle from 1983-1986 when they quit making them. It has 120hp and only weighs like 450lbs. They say the top speed is somewhere in the 150mph range. I’ve never had the guts to go that fast.. Maybe someday on a track, but I doubt it. The acceleration is incredible. 0-55 can be done in about 35 feet and 3 seconds. It’s CRAZY fast.. All while getting 45mpg! I’m kind of a slow rider so I never get crazy on it, but it’s nice to know the power is there when needed (or wanted)
This is my motorcycle last fall.
So, I look forward to putting a few miles on it today and then get it cleaned up and ready for the motorcycle season here in Michigan (however short it is)
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I have a 83 v45 magna and would like to rig up a video camera mount for my flip camera I see you mentioned doing something similar, could you post some photos of your rig?
Mike, I too have a V65. Mine is an 84 model. I have really enjoyed the bike and will most likely keep it even if I add another one to the stall. Tell me about the old fart backrest you added. I too need one but can’t afford the KG Slider. Where did you buy? Thanks abd keep enjoying the V65.
Madison, MS
In case anyone else is interested, I got my backrest at this website http://www.protac.net/index.html
Happy Riding!
-Mike
Hi Mike! GREAT bike.. I have one just like it!!
Curb weight is just shy of 600 lbs, btw.
Grrr…
I’d love to know how you’re getting 45 MPG… Best I can get is 41 and that’s going downhill with a tailwind!!
http://www.flyv65.com/Cycle_March_1983.pdf
Ride safe!
Tom.
Tom,
Well, I get 45mpg only because I ride with a lot of Harley guys and I have to take it easy on them
-Mike
I own a 1985 v45 700cc Magna. Its my first bike, and I’ve ridden it for 4 years now.
Another correction I’d like to make to your article.
The V65 Magna was the fastest bike from 1983-1984 only. When the VMAX hit the stage in 1985, it took the record for the fastest bike in the quarter mile.
IMHO, the V65 Magna still rocks to this day as it is fuel efficient, good drag bike, faster than most bikes (except modern day sportbikes (CBR 600/1000, GIXXER 600/1000, Kawa etc.. and modern day power cruisers (VMAX, Triumph Rocket 3, etc..)
The v65 Magna was rated at 4.2 seconds in 0-60 while my V45 Magna is rated at 4.6 seconds in the quarter mile. Although the thought of owning a 65 Magna would be cool, I’ll probably be pursing a newer VFR for my next steed.
Great Story btw!
Mike,I too as a teenager wanted the v45 or v65 real bad.Got a 83 v45 when I was in the airforce. This spring a friend bought a new Harley and I asked what are you doing with that v65? He said its yours if you want to buy it.I said sold before I new what he wanted for it. He gave me a great deal.Come to find out it only had 7450 miles on it . Thats super low for a 85 model.I liked the v45 but that v65 just is unreal. Talk about a power band. I also have a short riding being up in northwestern Minnesota. Thanks for the good story.
That is one beautiful bike. I was 13yrs old when they came out and always wanted one. As of March 19th 2010 I will finally own one. Can’t wait!