Home of the Super Magna Owners Group (S.M.O.G.) International

       

 

 

   

Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions about the Supermagna.  For a broader range of information from some of the most knowledgeable owners around, make sure you stop in to the discussion forum

1- Where can I get a backrest for my Super?

The original Hondaline backrest system, called the “Stay Kit”, for the Super consists of three discontinued parts: the backrest (Honda part #08111-MN000-01) with pad (Honda part # 08111-MN000-03) unit, the luggage rack (Honda part #08153-MN000-01), and the mounting brackets (Honda part # 0811-MN010-01 for the right side, and Honda part # 08111-mn010-02 for the left). Alternatively, the luggage rack and back rest assembly off of a 1994 and up Magna can be used in substitution for the Super parts - the new Magna’s unit is slightly taller and thinner, so spacers will be needed to fill the gaps. The big problem is the left and right mounting brackets – they are very scarce and are specific to this application. No one at this time offers a replacement. The best bet is to regularly check www.eBay.com, the discussion forum at www.supermagna.com , and area motorcycle salvage yards. With perseverance, a good set in the $100 to $300 dollar range can be found.

2- Where can I get an engine guard for my Super?

The original Hondaline engine guard for the Super, called the “Engine Guard Kit”, consists of the engine guard itself (Honda part # 08151-MN000-01) and it’s connecting pieces. The guard is discontinued and no longer available from Honda. The best bet is to regularly check www.eBay.com , the discussion forum at www.supermagna.com , and area motorcycle salvage yards. With perseverance, a good unit in the $100 to $200 dollar range can be found.  SMOG member (9)Gord Latham has put together this comprehensive outline of what guards were available for the SuperMagna.

3- What were the factory options for the Super?

Available for the 87 from Hondaline was a nylon seat trunk, engine guard, magnetic tank bag, backrest, leather backrest pouch, luggage rack, cruiser shield, day cover and body cover. In 88, Hondaline reduced the offerings to the cruiser shield, backrest, luggage rack, engine guard, tank bag, body cover, leather backrest pouch and day cover.  An original brochure showing the items can be seen in the Press Room.

4- Where can I get forward controls for my Super?

Several sets of forward controls were available, but most are out of or going out of production.  Click here for more information.

5- How many Supers were made?

So far, Honda has refused to release any and all information about the Supers, including production numbers. Industry folks tell me that it is common for Honda to be very tight-lipped about it’s internal goings-on. I have, however, attempted to approximate the number of units made by collecting the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN’s) of members’ bikes to determine a range of vehicles out there. My best approximation is about 10,937 bikes in 1987, and about 12,234 units in 1988. For more information, check out the production numbers page.

6- What are the differences between the 87 and 88 model years?

 

1987(US model)

1987(Non-US)

1988

Colors available:

Candy red/ candy blue

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Candy red/ black

Lower cowl:

Black

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Color matched

Tank logo:

“Honda” wing

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Stylized “Magna”

False air box:

“Magna”

“V45”

“V45”

Triple trees:

Black

Red stem light

Gray

Handlebar clamps:

Black bolt caps

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Chrome bolt caps

Case cover (right)

“Made in Japan”

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blank

Seat:

Heat seams

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Stitched seams

Exhaust:

Stamped on top

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Stamped on inner side

Displacement:

699cc (42.6 cu in)

748cc (45.6 cu in)

748cc (45.6 cu in)

Bore & Stroke:

70.0x45.4mm

70.0x48.6mm

70.0x48.6mm

Ignition:

Magnetically triggered

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Digital

Primary drive gear:

67/37, 1.81

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66/38, 1.74

Overall gear ratios:

(1st)15.69, (2nd)11.10, (3rd)8.84,,(4th)7.33, (5th)6.17, (6th)5.14

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(1st)15.08, (2nd)10.64, (3rd)8.49, (4th)7.06, (5th)5.89, (6th)4.93

Generator:

345 watts

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360 watts

Headlight (high/low)

60/55 watts

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60/45 watts


7- How much is a Super worth?

Motorcycle values are difficult to figure, especially with an older Japanese collectable like the Super. Traditional resources such as Kelly Blue Cook ( www.kbb.com ) list the 87 Super at about $2,320, while NADA ( www.nada.com ) list it as low as $1,500. Realistically, if you go looking for a very clean and serviceable Super, you will likely find yourself spending at least $3,500 and could go as high as $5,000. The bike’s collectable value is difficult to interpret consistently enough to figure into the price guides, so it is left for the market to dictate actual values on the bikes.

8- Where are the best places to get parts and accessories?

Don't forget that the best source for parts is still Honda - most of the bike's parts are still available from Big Red.  Check out www.partsfish.com, www.servicehonda.com, or your local dealer.  www.ebay.com and other similar sites are also an option.

9- What about eBay?

eBay is a good online resource for parts and accessories - if used VERY carefully.  Many Super-related parts can be found there - just be patient and they will pop up.  There had been known problem sellers that I would not recommend dealing with - be cautious of dealings with John and Greg McCulloch, using the names "john2u3696", "python423", "motoaccessories" and "motosalvage".  Other names of concern would be "V4-Honda-Parts" and Jim Holland, eBay name "ghostonwind".

SMOG discussion forum reference 9127.1

10- What’s the best tire for my Super?

Personal preference, really - the Super's stock sizes are 150/80/15 (rear) and 100/90/19 (front).  Owners have recommended the stock replacement Dunlop's (K555 rear, F24 front), the Metzler ME880 (180/70/15 rear) and the Avon Venom X (Front stock size, rear 150/90/15).

11- What are Laser/JAMA pipes?

JAMA Engineering B.V. ( http://www.laser-jama.nl/ ) is a company in the Netherlands that produces exhausts systems under several names, including Laser Deeptone. The company does produce an aftermarket set of Laser Deeptone’s for the Super that have been very popular with owners, including myself - the pipes are available for purchase in the SMOG Store.

SMOG Discussion Forum reference: 38.6 ; 1241.1 ; 1319.1 ; 1568.1

12- How do I get the VTX headlight on my Super?

The following is a parts list for the VTX headlight conversion.  Best prices will likely be at www.servicehonda.com, but shop around.  The headlight is a bolt on, but the speedo cable WILL RUB the side of the headlight housing.

Description

Part #

quantity

   

Headlight unit

33120-MCH-671

1

Rubber cover

33180-MR7-003

1

Headlight case

61301-MCH-670

1

Headlight rim

61302-MCH-670

1

Headlight stay

61312-MCH-670

1

Special screw

90104-KZ3-B00

2
Screw, Tap 93903-24380 2

Screw

90380-GE2-760

3

13- What oil should I use in my Super?
I will always recommend very strongly that the best oil to use is the oil the manufacturer wants to be use in it’s engine, HP4. Many users swear by Mobil 1, while others use regular car oil. What ever you use, just make sure it is changed regularly!
SMOG Discussion Forum reference: 1095.1 ; 1364.1 ; 1876.1

14- Can I get an aftermarket seat for my Super?

No companies currently offer an aftermarket seat for the SuperMagna, although several did in the past.  SMOG member (9)Gord Latham has put together this comprehensive outline of what aftermarket seats have existed for the SuperMagna.

 15- What other handlebars will fit my Super?

"Highway Hawk" does make a set of bars for the Super (part # 55-221)- you will also need shims (55-950) for the bar thickness difference on the Super.  Be sure to check out SMOG member (11)John Bird's extensive guides to installing aftermarket bars on your SuperMagna in the Mods section.

16- Does the top-end oil problem I hear about in early Honda’s affect the Super?

No. By the 87 model year, the top-end oiling problems that had troubled the earlier V-4’s had been resolved. I have never seen or had knowledge of documented cam problems in a Super. No modification of the Super’s top end is necessary.

SMOG Discussion forum reference: 3898.1

17- What windshields fit my Super?

National cycle Ranger heavy duty N2290

uses 1” hardware kit.

Memphis Shades 'Pop Top' Shield

uses install kit MEM9941

 

18- I have been told Kuryakyn parts will fit the Super – which ones?

Item Model #
Mirror adapters (sold as a pair) 1445
Ellipse Mirrors with Flat Glass 1437
Ellipse Mirrors with Convex Glass - 1438 1438
Front Peg adapter for pegs without mounts 8803
Rear Peg adapter for pegs without mounts 8802
Large ISO pegs 7965
Small ISO pegs 7964
Dually Pegs 7963
Pilot Pegs 4419
Magnum Clamps for Down Tubes (will require spacer washers) 7942
Longhorn Offsets for Male Mount Pegs 8016
Standard Offsets for Male Mount Pegs 7996
Wide Levers 7429
Helmet holders (replaces lever mounting pins) 4210
Brake Pedal Cover 4029
ISO Shifter peg (requires removal of stock and drilling) 8004
ISO Grips (for stock bars) 6241
Throttle Boss 6250

19- How can I clean the carburetors on the Super?

Owner Gord Latham has compiled a list of instructions on how to clean the carburetors of you Super.  Click here for the instructions.

20- How change the fork springs on the Super?

Owner John Bird has prepared a helpful guide to replacing your front fork springs. Click here for the guide.

21- How do I install VTX shocks on the Super?

Owner John Bird has also prepared a helpful guide to installing VTX shocks on your Super. Click here for the guide.