I've got an opportunity to buy an 84 Honda V30 Magna for $300. 11,000 miles on the odometer. Its got the same engine as the VF500F Interceptor. Does anyone have any experience with these? The guy lost the key (but he has the title), it doesn't start, and it needs a new gas tank. He said that it ran fine about 3 years ago. I'm thinking it may just need a good carb cleaning and it would make a good winter project, and I've got a bunch of extra VF500F parts laying around (although not a tank.) I've heard that there was a kit made to help oil the top end of the engine, how can I tell if it has this kit installed or not?
One of my project bikes. Bought in a non-running condition. If you think that all it will take is a carb cleaning and a tank, then go for it. I found a slew of problems with mine. All the valves were out of spec, but it was relatively painless to get them back in, except for the one with the broken tappet. Also had no compression on a cylinder and oil coming out of the exhaust. But I'm lucky like that.
Also, no need for the oil mod on the VF500's.
And...for $300, if it's going to take serious buck to get it working, you can part it out and make back most of that money, if not all of it.
Had one for about 5 years - good bike. Enough power to ride wherever you like, but never did get it past 160 km/h (100mph). A little cramped for me, even though I'm only 5' 10". Ask your Honda dealership what parts availability is like since it's so old.
Bought it used for $2400 and 15 yrs. later they were still selling for $2400. Can't feel bad about that.
[image: View Post]SAFE-T, on 29 November 2010 - 09:55 PM, said:
Ask your Honda dealership what parts availability is like since it's so old.
There are plenty of parts available for peanuts on ebay. Heck. I found a running replacement engine in good nick for $100. Even came with a good chain and sprocket.
As for size, yet, it does feel quite small, but not entirely cramped. Great for the shorter riders out there, as the seat is pretty low.
My brother had one back in the 80's. As I recall, it was a good dependable bike with decent power for the displacement, and really good fuel economy. Carbs will need rebuilding, check the tank and fuel system for rust and debris, cooling system will need flushing and a few bits replaced, and the valvetrain will need checking. However, if I recall correctly... Posted Image I thought the Magna motors spun in the opposite direction than the Interceptor engines, because of the shaft drive. I could be wrong, but for some reason, that sticks in my mind. It's no matter really, but it does mean that many internal parts of the two engines will not interchange. Maybe someone else can confirm the opposite rotation direction, or confirm I'm getting old and my mind is going... LOL
[image: View Post]racerman, on 30 November 2010 - 08:03 AM, said:
My brother had one back in the 80's. As I recall, it was a good dependable bike with decent power for the displacement, and really good fuel economy. Carbs will need rebuilding, check the tank and fuel system for rust and debris, cooling system will need flushing and a few bits replaced, and the valvetrain will need checking. However, if I recall correctly... Posted Image I thought the Magna motors spun in the opposite direction than the Interceptor engines, because of the shaft drive. I could be wrong, but for some reason, that sticks in my mind. It's no matter really, but it does mean that many internal parts of the two engines will not interchange. Maybe someone else can confirm the opposite rotation direction, or confirm I'm getting old and my mind is going... LOL
Garry
You're right as far as the shaft drive part - but the V30 Magna was chain drive. :wink:
Strip it down to a bobber and paint it with VFR color scheme with a matching under belly pan and straight bars with a little fairing. I can see it now. :fing02: Put a large ring on the big so the little bike pulls from stop light to stop light like a monster truck.
The V30 is refered to as the "baby Magna", but it not looked down upon. There are also lots of parts resources and technical articles in there.
If it has the Dave Dodge oiling kit on it, it will have a spacer behind the filter with two hoses coming off of it and up to the oil ports in the heads.
End of thread · 9 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 4 Jun 2011