14th May 2016, 02:50

I've owned many Magnas from 1984, 1985, 1987, 1994, 1995, 1987 (Super Magna) 1997, 2001 in 700-750cc (a few V65s also) and enjoyed every single one of them.

The 3rd generation Magna has its shortcomings. They went to a cable clutch, drum rear brake, single brake rotor up front, chain drive (maintenance, when all the other earlier Magnas were shaft drive). The good is none of that really effects the bike.

It's got a longer frame so it fits taller riders better. No fuel gauge. Seat isn't the most comfortable and not much room for a passenger, but none of them offered much of that anyway.

It's a low dollar bike and V4 reliability. Nice torque curve on any V4 Honda. Really peppy near the redline like most 4 cylinder bikes. It has more of a cruiser feel to it. Not a fan of the chain, but the rest of the bike is more dependable than the previous models.

So many questioned the oil system on the 1st and 2nd gen bikes. No one complains about premature lube failure on the valve train on the 3rd gen.