shortcomings
Written: Jan 31 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: initial cost, acceleration
Cons: confused styling, range, "buzziness", cold-blooded.
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| tsegnit's Full Review: 2000 Honda Magna |
I purchased a '98 Magna after selling my trusty (but somewhat rusty) '69 CB750 Honda. No denying the Magnas' reliability and acceleration, but the bike does fall short in certain areas. At highway speeds, the engine revs too high; beyond the point of annoyance to being a tiresome drone.
A sixth (overdrive) gear would be a welcome addition for those who like to venture further than the local watering hole. The stock seat was designed by the Marquis-de-sade; before you can run through a tank of gas, you will suffer from the dreaded numb butt syndrome. I immediately installed a Corbin seat.
Speaking of that tank of gas, it doesn't take you very far. Capacity is small, and frequent fill-ups are annoying as is the lock on the gas cap. Accommodations for myself (6'2") are more than adequate, but the passenger foot pegs are a joke! They are placed so high as to be unuseable by an adult; for a kid or vertically challenged adult they are OK.
Magnas are cold -blooded machines; even after they are up to operating temperatures, they all suffer (to varying degrees) from flat spots which can range from slightly embarrasing to downright frustrating. The cure is an aftermarket jet kit to richen the fuel mixture. The water cooled engine is a definite plus, but the aesthetics surrounding it leave much to be desired. Too bad Honda didn't take a styling cue from the Suzuki Marauder; nicely integrated radiator... you hardly notice it!
Moving on to the suspension bits, the front fork exhibits too much dive under hard braking; a set of aftermarket springs and 15 weight fork oil would go far in adding to the control and safety. Speaking of brakes, I feel Honda cheaped out with a rear drum and a single front disc. The rear shocks should be tossed too in favor of aftermarket pieces. The stock Dunlop tires provide good grip and decent mileage. Cornering can be carried on at a sprightly pace despite the 32 degrees of rake on the front fork.
I like the bike, but there are too many "little" things that I was disappointed to discover as stated above. If you want to leave every other cruiser looking at your tail lights, you don't go too far and like to ride solo, go for it. If speed isn't everything to you, look elsewhere. There is one area, however, that other cruisers cannot hold a candle to the Magna and that area is acceleration. Hold on tight, cause that 10,800 rpm red line comes up awfully fast and can become quite addictive!
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
tsegnit
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 1 member
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