1985 Honda V65 problems
The Honda Magna is a cruiser motorcycle made from 1982 to 1988 and 1994 to 2003 and was the second Honda to use their new V4 engine shared with the VF750S Sabre and a few years later a related engine was fitted to the VF750F 'Interceptor', the later models used a retuned engine from the VFR750F with fins added to the outside of the engine. The engine technology and layout was a descendant of Honda's racing V4 machines, such as the NS750 and NR750. The introduction of this engine on the Magna and the Sabre in 1982, was a milestone in the evolution of motorcycles that would culminate in 1983 with the introduction of the Interceptor V4. The V45's performance is comparable to that of Valkyries and Honda's 1800 cc V-twin cruisers. However, its mix of performance, reliability, and refinement was overshadowed by the more powerful 1,098 cc "V65" Magna in 1983.
Though criticized for its long-distance comfort and lauded mainly for its raw acceleration, the Magna was the bike of choice for Doris Maron, a Canadian grandmother and accountant-turned-traveler who toured the world solo by motorcycle. She made the trek without the benefit of the support crew that usually accompanies riders in adventures depicted in such films as Long Way Round.
The Honda Magna of years 1982–1988 incorporated a number of unique features into a cruiser market dominated by V-twin engines. The V4 engine configuration provided a balance between torque for good acceleration and high horsepower. The 90-degree layout produced less primary vibration, and the four cylinders provided a much smoother delivery of power than a V-twin. Good engine balance, plus short stroke and large piston diameter allowed for a high redline and potential top speed.
Besides the engine configuration, the bike had water-cooling, a six-speed transmission for good economy at highway speed, and common on other middleweight bikes for Honda in the early 1980s, shaft drive. While the shaft drive is very convenient with virtually no maintenance required (and no oil getting slung around), it also robbed some power from where it was more evidently lacking on in town or lower speed riding. It also had features like twin horns, hydraulic clutch, and an engine temperature gauge. A coil sprung, oil bath, air preload front fork with anti-dive valving was an improvement, although the Magna did not benefit from the linkage based single shock that was on the Sabre and Interceptor.
The V-65 Magna and other large-displacement Hondas were assembled in the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Ohio for US delivery and in Japan for other markets. In 2008, Honda announced plans to close the plant, their oldest in North America, in 2009, which had been still making Gold Wings and VTX cruisers.
Social links
Common 1985 Honda V65 problems
The Honda V65, produced in 1985, is known to have several common problems, particularly related to the engine and valve train.
- Oil System and Valve Train Design: The oil system and valve train design of the first and second-generation V4 engines are also problematic. The engines' oiling system does not provide adequate lubrication to the cam lobes, especially during high-rpm operation or when the engine is hot. This insufficient lubrication can accelerate cam lobe wear and lead to engine failure.
- Gear-Driven Camshaft: The gear-driven camshafts in third-generation V4 engines, such as the VFR, address the cam lobe wear issue by providing more consistent lubrication and reducing the risk of wear. However, the gear-driven camshafts can also introduce new problems, such as increased noise and potential gear wear.
- Cam Chain Tensioner: Another common problem with the Honda V65 is the cam chain tensioner. The tensioner can fail, causing the cam chain to become loose and potentially damage the engine.
- Exhaust Valve Guide Wear: The exhaust valve guides in the Honda V65 can also wear out, leading to reduced engine performance and potential engine failure. This issue is particularly prevalent in engines that have been driven hard or have high mileage.
- Fuel System Issues: The Honda V65 can also experience fuel system issues, such as carburetor problems and fuel injection issues. These problems can lead to reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and potential engine failure.
- Electrical System Issues: The electrical system in the Honda V65 can also be problematic, with issues such as faulty ignition coils, worn-out spark plugs, and electrical wiring problems. These issues can lead to reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and potential engine failure.
In summary, the Honda V65 has several common problems, particularly related to the engine and valve train. These issues include cam lobe wear, inadequate lubrication, gear-driven camshaft problems, cam chain tensioner failure, exhaust valve guide wear, fuel system issues, and electrical system problems. These issues can lead to reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and potential engine failure.
How fast is the 1985 Honda Magna V65?
In spite of this, the V65 Magna appeared from 1986 to 1989 in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest production motorcycle with a "design speed" of 278 to 283 km/h (173 to 176 mph).
What year is the fastest V65 Magna?
He informed me that the 83 indeed was the fastest year and that Honda detuned them a little more each year until they dropped them in 86. He also said that the 84 v65 Saber was more powerful than the 84 v65 Magna due to better flowing exhaust on the saber but not as powerful as the 83 v65 magna.
How fast does a 1985 Honda Sabre go?
In three point zero four seconds. And it would run the quarter-mile in eleven point two seconds with the speed at 121 mile an hour I read somewhere gets theoretically in high gear at 10,000 rpm.
How much horsepower does a 1984 Honda Magna V65 have?
The 1100cc engine didn't have the same bad rep, though—it was one of the most powerful motors of the 1980s, with a claimed 116 horsepower. In a straight line, the Magna V65 was basically as fast as any superbike on the market for several years.
1985 Honda V65 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Honda V65 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Honda V65 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Honda V65 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Honda V65.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-20
- VIN: 1HFSC1719FA
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN THE FORK BRACE FAILS THE FORKS FLEX CAUSING THE STEERING TO WEAVE AND CAUSE A CRASH. THE CRACKS IN THE ALUMINUM CASTING ARE BARELY VISIBLE UNTIL IT COMPLETELY BREAKS IN TWO.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Honda V65 problems:
Common problems/ quirks & solutions - V4MuscleBike.com
Welcome to V4MuscleBike.com. We're an online community dedicated to owners and enthusiasts of V4 powered Muscle Bikes such as the Honda Magna, ...
tell me about the honda v65 (1100cc) sabre | Adventure Rider
Aug 22, 2008 ... I've been looking at an 84 honda v65 sabre for sale locally. I really think it's a sharp looking retro bike and in nice shape for a nice ...
1983 V65 Magna problems - V4MuscleBike.com
Common problems are the 3 yellow wires form the stator to the rectifier can melt the connector. The main fuse can fall apart after 30 + years.
80's Honda V4's: How Common Were Valve and Cam Issues ...
Jul 20, 2015 ... 3) None that I can think of. A friend owned an '82 750 Magna and never had any problems. I have owned 2 V65 Sabres over the years and never any ...
Honda Magna V65 cam problem - V4MuscleBike.com
... problem. The bike I am looking at is a 1985 with 50,000 kms (31,000 miles) on it. So what can anyone tell me about the modifications that ...
Other years of Honda V65
Are you having problems with your 1985 Honda V65?
Leave your review of 1985 Honda V65