1984 Honda VF500C Magna V30

Summary:

This bike is extremely good value with a low purchase price and a low cost of operation

Faults:

I bought the bike used for $100.00. It needed regular service items; chain, sprockets, battery and fork seals. Also needed the seat recovered.

General Comments:

I love this bike. It is much lighter than my previous bike. This allows it to be easily maneuvered.

The V4 engine runs very smoothly and economically (>45 MPG).

My only slightly negative comment regarding this bike would be the small gas tank (2.9 gallons) that does not have a reserve feature. The cruising range is about 110 miles on a tank. The bike does not have a fuel gauge, so I use the odometer and fill up every 100 miles.

But the bike is very comfortable.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2010

18th Mar 2012, 18:38

My 1984 Honda Magna V30 (bought it new in 1985 as a college student, and still have it) came with a 3.7 gallon fuel capacity, and it has an "automatic" feature that I actually like quite a bit, rather than running the carbs dry and having to switch from 'on' to 'reserve', either while coasting down the road, or having to pull-over and do it "safely"...

Yes, the main tank has around a 2.8 gallon capacity, and the reserve tank under the seat is about 0.9 gallons. When the main tank is dry, the "reserve" kicks in 'automatically' and a big red "FUEL" light on the dash lights up... hard to miss if you're regularly scanning your instruments... If you do not see this light come on... make sure the bulb is not burnt out. When the "FUEL" light comes on (usually around 130 miles) I figure I have about 40 miles to find a station.

In reply to 18th Mar 2012, 18:38

7th Jul 2013, 12:46

I have a 1984 Honda Magna 500. Should the reserve switch be in the on or the off position when the fuel tank is full?

After a long ride my bike died. My error, I was out of gas. I noticed that the reserve switch was set to "on" the whole time.

Now I am unable to get my bike to stay started, even with a full tank of gas.

Can you offer any help?

In reply to 7th Jul 2013, 12:46

3rd Apr 2014, 15:41

Use a really good carb cleaner! Clean the carbs as they may have got trash in the jets.

In reply to 7th Jul 2013, 12:46

21st Jul 2014, 23:40

Bud, just clean the carbs good and you will be good to go.

This is my 3rd bike; I used to ride sport bikes before, but got tired of it. Now I would never trade my V30, not in a million years.

And also make sure that some piece of rust or something out of the tank is not stuck in your fuel line; that can also be a tricky problem, but is easily fixable.

Good luck.

6th Jun 2016, 22:21

How much did all the repairs cost after you purchased the bike?

15th Apr 2018, 21:38

This fella does not realize these bikes have a 0.9 tank under the seat for reserve that is powered by a fuel pump. These aux tanks sometimes have a relay that fails or a fuel pump failure.

15th Apr 2018, 21:48

Fix the fuel pump or the fuel pump relay, under the seat and get 0.9 of a gallon more gas; this is the reserve tank.

1985 Honda VF500C Magna V30

Summary:

Great 1st bike, great bike period

Faults:

I had to rebuild the clutch and repair signal light for a total cost of $120. (not serviced at dealership).

General Comments:

This was my first motorcycle, and it has been a blast to ride. It is surprisingly quick and nimble, and will perform just as good as a larger displacement cruiser bikes. The ride is comfortable and the build quality is outstanding.

I only paid $900 for this bike, and it has been a joy to own. I will probably purchase a newer bigger bike in the future, but I will keep my V30. A classic bike that never fails to put a smile on my face.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2010