Honda VF500C Magna V30 reviews

I bought a 1998 Magna back in the summer of 2002, and this is my first bike. I had considered sport bikes and even a Harley. I couldn't justify the cost of a Harley with turn of the century technology, and didn't need to go as fast as possible on a sport bike, so I turned to the Magna. I'm extremely pleased with my decision to get a Magna. Financially a good decision as well. Ergonomics are right on for my height and weight too. This bike has plenty of get up and go, with great low end and mid range power. You can rev the engine and take the twisties no problem or just set back and cruise. You get the best of both worlds (to an extent) with the 90-degree V4. But...I do have complaints as well. First off, the gas tank is too small, around 100 miles and your looking for a gas station. With no gas gauge, you have to keep an eye on your miles, and I've run out of gas consistently around 125-130 miles, before switching the reserve on. Second, the seat is too soft. After 50 miles, you are getting numb and I find myself standing at lights to get the blood flowing again. Other than that I love this bike, and have really no other complaints. I would recommend this bike to anyone! Show less

This bike is a great around-the-town & back-roads cruiser. Someone over 6 foot tall my find the bike to be a bit small on longer cruises, say over 300 miles. So an upgraded seat might do the trick quite well, it has for me. Great bike overall! Show less

Bought this bike last August (2003). I tried over a dozen bikes from 600cc and up. I tried different brand names, sizes etc. When I came back after the first trial run on the Magna750 my wife took one look at me and said: "I see" I ran it a lot during August/September, winter comes early here. It is an amazing machine; the handling and the power are extraordinary. Beat "racers" at the red light, but still cruises smoothly even with a passenger through the whole range. Show less

There are only a couple of problems with this bike. The first is the tank capacity is too small. The second is the air intake is restricted because of the tiny inlets are fed by spoilers on the handlebar neck, under the tank and curved into the huge airbox. The airbox is the reason the tank is so small. If you put a windshield on this bike, you are directing air away from the tank, and starving it for fresh air. Despite the problems, I find that I can ride with any type of motorcycle group. I'm still keeping mine! Show less

I'm 56 years old and returned to motorcycling after a 24-year layoff. Since the age of 17, I've owned a '64 50cc Sport, '65 305 Super Hawk, '71 CB350, '76 CB750 and still have a 01 CBR600F4I, which my son rides. I bought the 2003 Magna in Feb 2003 and have just over 3,000 local miles on it. The only problem was a fuel pump that produced "insufficient fuel flow" at about 2,200 miles. I have never had a mechanical problem with Honda and was surprised (as was the dealer) at the fuel pump problem. It was fixed and has been perfect since. The Magna is an excellent midsize sport cruiser with plenty of power and torque. It is comfortable for my 6'1"/200lb frame. It's center of gravity and weight distribution makes it easy to throw into any curve. I looked at H-D's and could not justify the price/performance over Honda. It's truly a shame that the Magna is being discontinued. However, if I know Honda's history, they are going to replace it with something even better. We ask for an 1100, 1200, or 1300cc version. I believe we will get what we wish for. Honda has always listened to their consumers. Show less

I bought my V65 Magna six years ago in mint condition, with only 18K miles on it. I was very impressed with the power, speed and smoothness. Only once, shortly after I bought it, did I try to see how fast it would go. I had to throttle back at 140, because I was quickly running out of road, but I believe it would bury the 160 mph speedometer if I cared to try. I've since run it up to about 50K miles, and other than routine maintainence, the only thing I've had to do to it is replace the clutch, which was on it's last legs when I bought the bike. I've thought about buying a big V-twin some day, but I believe I'll hang on to my V65 when I do. I've had several offers for the bike for more than what I paid for it, but I've grown to like it so much, I really don't think I'll ever part with it. Show less

Just finished purchasing our first bike. 03 Honda Magna. It was a 12hr round trip to go pick up this bike. Well worth it Beatiful machine, smooth running, and loads of fun to ride. Looked at plenty of other beautiful bikes out there but the more I looked the more I liked the Magna and just had to find one and make it my own. Looking forward to many years of pleasure with this bike. Easy bike to fall in love with. Keep it between the ditches. Best of luck. Show less

I owned one for 12 yrs. It was the sleekest, most powerful and fun bike I have EVER ridden. The 90 degree opposed V-4 engine had great torque in any power range and there was monster power to spare if needed. Nice low center of gravity made it a real handler, and the low dive front was great in hard stopping scenarios. BEST BIKE EVER MADE...BAR NONE!!! Show less

After almost a year of comparing, researching, and speculating, I bought my magna. Sleek, sexy, and sporty. V-twin guys cant get over how smooth the engine is, or how fast I pull away! Just put on the Vance & Hines pipes w/ k&n and jet kit.... I have never heard such a beautiful sound. Power from idle to 9500+ with no flat spots, and a tone that will get the girls. Harley who? Show less

I like both cruisers and sport bikes but like most, can not afford to have one of each. The Magna is a perfect combination of the two. The ride is smooth and very fast. Not super-bike fast but it has some serious get-up and go. I'm not sure there is a V-twin out there that could keep up. Insurance is cheap as well. (about one tenth of a sport bike) If you want the best of both worlds, try a Magna! Show less