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Chronology of Honda's V4
Magna Series
(Click on the
pictures for a larger version, or on highlighted text for
related pictures.)
1982:
The
V45 (750cc) debuts!
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Honda
releases the 90 degree V4 motor technology from the
NR500 racebike
to the public in the form of the Magna and Sabre!
-
The
first V4 engine configuration in a production motorcycle
since the Matchless Silver Hawk.
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Motor
claimed to be one of the strongest, most technically
advanced production 750's ever built.
-
5-speed
tranny with overdrive, hydraulic clutch, shaft drive and
TRAC (Torque Reactive Anti-dive Control) forks.
1983: The massive V65 (1100cc) arrives!
-
CYCLE
magazine finds the V65 to be the most powerful
production motorcycle they ever tested!
-
Road
tests at the Orange County International Raceway
(01/05/83) reveal a quarter mile time of 10.838 seconds,
making the V65 the world's FASTEST production
motorcycle!
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V45 gets
a rebuild of the air filter and changes to the carbs,
resulting in a power increase from 82 to 86 hp. Also
receives new paint options and a price increase.
1984: De-stroking due to import tariffs
-
American
V45 models de-stroked 3.2 millimeters (down to 698cc) to
come in under American import tariffs. V65 exempt from
tariffs, as it is produced in Honda's Marysville, Ohio,
plant.
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V45
receives new seat and chrome-plated ComCast wheels.
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V65
receives new tubular pull back handlebar for a more
cruiser look and also gets chrome-plated ComCast wheels.
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V65
produces 5 more horsepower through modifications to
exhaust, cams and intake.
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V30
(500cc) introduced in Magna and Interceptor versions.
Chain-driven only. 1/4 mile=12.79 @103.03 mph, 64hp, top
speed 140mph.
1985: Magna's run wild!
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V45
frame redesigned to lower seat height, resulting in loss
of auxiliary fuel tank. Also new handlebar bend.
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V45
swing arm lengthened 1 inch to help fight
chassis-jacking inherent to shaft-drive motorcycles.
Rear drum brake increased 20mm.
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V65
receives wider-bend handlebar, push-to-cancel/automatic
turn signals.
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V65
speedometer changed from increments of 10 to 5 (55mph
speed limit), receives adjustable clutch and brake
levers.
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Rumors
of a new bike from Yamaha designed to fight the Magna,
called the "V-Max".
1986:
Last stand for the line...
1987:
Honda shocks the industry!
-
Honda
trailblazer Mr. Iwakura, famed designer of the
1982 CBX Six and
the
1983 CX650 Custom,
introduces the radically designed 1987 Magna.
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Completely redesigned V45 only Magna available. Features
include radical upswept pipes, louvered side panels,
solid disc rear wheel, dramatic rake (5 more degrees to
35, with 6 in. trail!), two-piece seat and dual tail
lights.
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Reshaped
valve ports, larger 27mm intake valves, new cams for
better midrange power, compression dropped from 10.5:1
to 10.2:1.
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V45
receives ignition system with on-board computer from
previous years VFR750. Looses center stand and TRAC
system, swing arm elongated another 1.2 inches creating
an incredible 66 inch wheelbase!
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V45
receives 19 inch front tire and 15 inch rear
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Dramatic
and, to some, bizarre appearance of the new Magna leads
to it becoming known as the "Super" Magna.
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Available in red and blue.
1988: The
Super continues...
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Tariffs
rescinded, displacement returns to 750cc!
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Side
logos on tank and faux airbox changed, bottom skirt
color matched to bike.
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Available in red and black
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Sagging
sales, possibly due to ground-breaking design, cause
this year to be the last of the Magnas.
1989 to 1992: The Magna-less years
1993-1994: The Magna returns!
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Summer
of 1993 sees a totally re-designed Honda Magna VF750C is
introduced as an "early release" model for 1994!
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Bike
receives modified version of the VFR750F power plant.
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Cost-fighting chain drive used in lieu of shaft.
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Receives
5 speed tranny and 360 degree crank, cable operated
clutch and chain-driven cams.
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Single
brake caliper up front, traditional drum brake.
1994-2004: The End of the Line.
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