Honda VF500C Magna V30 reviews

It's an easy bike to ride and an easy bike to fall in love with. This is the last year. Honda plans to make no more in 2004. I think they are nuts because the legend of the magna must live on. Oh my god! what a bike. when you ride this bike youll never even think of getting a gutless troublesome hog! or any other motorcycle. Show less

I've owned my yellow 1996 Magna for 6 years and I'm now ready for the 1100 Magna. So Honda, if you're listening it's time to provide me and all the other magna riders with the next level of performance. As for the 750cc mill, it's very respectable. My buddy is about $1500.00 deep in go-fast parts for his 1200 sportster and still looses every race. Maybe one day I'll change the original plugs and aircleaner. After all, it's been 10,000 miles.. Keep those V twin cruiser commin' and we'll put em' down every time! Show less

I traded in my Honda Shadow VLX 600 for a 2003 Magna. I only have about 150 miles on it so far and will update this review in the future. The vlx had very little shock absorbtion for the passenger and my girlfriend was always hollering at me when I hit a pot hole while she was the passenger. When I hit a pot hole on the Magna she has no complaints and I find it more comfortable also. The vlx was a good starter bike in that it has very little power and a low center of gravity, both of which will keep you out of trouble. The Magna outshines the vlx by far in the vibration free high speed cruising department. At 85 mph the magna has very little vibration and you could drive comfortably at that speed for hours. I am 5'9"s tall and the National cycle windshields that are 19" tall or adjust to that height seem to work well for me. I hit reserves on the gas tank at 90 miles which could be better but that's ok. The bike is as fast as you need to go. Show less

I bought my new 2003 Magna a little over 6 months and 2500 miles ago. This bike handles great and has lots of power. Great all around bike, very fun to ride around town, through the twisties, and on the highway. Accelleration is fantastic for coming out of turns or getting through traffic. The more I ride it, the more I realize what the Magna is capable of doing. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a cruiser style bike that is fast and has great handling. Show less

Want to rocket on a cruiser and not lie on your stomach doing so? The Honda Magna is your bike. I leave many V-twins as a distant speck in my rear view mirror while I continue to cruise like those Harley cult members. All this fun for under 8k -what are you waiting for -get out and get one. Show less

I've owned the bike since April - nothing but praise. I use mine for daily commutes plus a few longer rides through the desert and mountains. Excellent handling both on the highway and in the city, with plenty of power to move you when you need it. Highly recommended! Show less

I own a Red/Black 1997 Magna with over 35K miles on it...been all over the western US and even into parts of Mexico. I love it. If the tank was just a little bigger I'd never complain. Tons of power, great handling, lots of fun. I love smokin' guys on their shiny new 600 sport bikes. And Valkyries? They'll get me on the highway but don't stand a chance from stoplight to stoplight. Show less

Owned sportbikes before, ridden for 10+ years, and ridden MANY motorcycles and I only have ONE thing to say about this machine..... UNTOUCHABLE!!! This machine is so fast, well handling and goodlooking that I am sure Honda will stop production soon. They always stop making the "good ones." I own a 1996 black with red and I take V-twins redlight to redlight all the time. I mean 1400cc+ machines can't take a 750cc?? isn't this great!! One must say that Magnas and Vmax's really add class to motorcycling!!! Show less

Recently bought a "99" Magna from a long time buddy of mine in Feb 2003. It had only 4600 miles on the clock and looked like it just came off the showroom floor. This bike is great! Tons of torque, speed, no vibes and smooth as silk. Love the black color with orange accents. Came with all of the extras. Have taken it on many long trips and it can keep up with about anything except the "crotch rockets". Handles great and holds the corners well. Go easy on the throttle. When you get near the power band, you better hold on tight. Scared the heck out of me the first few times! Ok, now the minor gripes: NOTE: Items marked with a * maybe because my 1983 KZ440 LTD (which I rode for (20) years and still own) have features that I am used to. We are creatures of habit. 1. *Still find myself trying to get it into 6th gear. (My KZ has (6)speeds). 2. Seat could be a little firmer. 3. My wife hates the passenger peg locations (and seat). Added peg extenders for her and that fixed one of her gripes. 4. Miles per gallon (needs larger tank). 5. *Lubing the chain is a pain unless you have a motorcycle lift due to the lack of a center stand. Bought a lift and solved that! (My KZ has a belt drive, no chain to lube). 6. *The chain drive ... I'm a clean nut, and any spots on the back wheel cause me to go into a "crazed" condition. 7. Living in Florida provides enough heat. The heat off the engine at low speeds (25mph or below or at idle when the cooling fan kicks in) just adds to the already hot condition. Will be great during our 4 days winter however! 8. *The under the tank ignition key location. 9. *The column lock. Can't tell you how many times I almost dumped the bike because I forgot to unlock it after starting the bike. My KZ has a "all in one" ignition/column lock on the triple tree area. 10. *Only has (1) helmet lock and the helmet's top can get blistered due to the high position of the muffler. 11. *Needs an automatic fuel petcock (I am always forgetting to either turn on or off the petcock). My KZ has this feature. 12. *Needs self canceling turn signals. My KZ has this feature. Would I go back to my KZ? Nope, it just sits in the corner of the garage wimpering it's little heads off. I just wish the Magna had these features. I highly recommend the bike and still give it a five star rating! Show less

I bought a used 95 honda magna in 2003. It was and is my first bike. I couldn't be more pleased with all aspects of the bike. The power is unreal! It handles curves very well for a cruiser bike. Some of my buddies ride harley's and cannot believe that I have the power that I do. I handle handle them as easily as I eat breakfast. I recommend this bike to anyone interested in riding. Show less