|
The first Honda V4
engine, introduced in 1982 in a 750 cc (45 inc) capacity, was widely regarded as a milestone of motorcycle
engineering. Its 90° V
configuration allowed for a lighter engine which was more compact, yet more powerful than
any previous Honda 750 cc engine. Because of the inherent balancing characteristics of a
V-engine, as well as the rubber mountings, it is also an unusually smooth and quiet engine
compared with the more conventional in-line, air cooled counterparts in production at the
time.
The water-cooled V4-engine, which performed 86 hp, with a
90° cylinder angle, four overhead camshafts and maintenance-free shaft drive, made this
motorcycle known as the sporting touring-machine.
The 750 cc engine was superseded in 1984 by a
shorter-stroke 700 cc model, designed to fall below the heavyweight motorcycle import
tariff imposed on machines imported into the US. The 700 cc engine continued for the
remaining years of the Sabre, but a return was made to the 750 cc unit in 1988 for the
last year of the Magna's production. All models imported into the UK were of 750 cc
capacity. An 1100 cc (65 inc) engine was introduced in 1983 for the US
market. Magna 45
and 65 (Honda VF 750 /1100 C) were "choppers" which were to satisfy "the
American Way of Drive".
There are two distinctly different models, the Sabre (known as the Sports in the UK) and the Magna
(known as the Custom in the UK). The Sabre
differs from the Magna in having Honda's Pro-Link rear suspension and sophisticated
electronic instrumentation. Conversely, Magna models are custom-styled, with high
handlebars, teardrop tank and a stepped seat. The Magna's have conventional twin-shock rear
suspension.
Both Sabre and Magna have appeared in 700, 750 and 1100
cc engine sizes during the model run, and have received a number of improvements and
modifications.
[ Frame
& Engine numbers ]
|