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This page is dedicated to my passion for the Honda V-45 Magna!!
Hello, my name is Kevin "Dragun Slayer" Reinhold and I just wanted to thank you for visiting my Web Page, now on with the story.....
I purchased my 97' Magna in March of 1998 and to this date have put over 63,000 miles on my trusty steed touring the United States. My first trip on my Magna made me realize that is the stock form the Magna was not very suited for the touring minded person. This brought about some of the following modifications to the bike to better equip it for touring duties as well as personalizing the bike and improving the level of performance that could be tapped from an already excellent motorcycle.
Below you will find a short list of some of the add-ons that I have done to the bike to improve its comfort level as well as some performance upgrades:
For some reason Honda Built the 94-03 Honda Magnas without a provision for a Center Stand which make lubrication of the chain a major chore. Lucky for us this year Cycle-istiC finished production of an aftermarket centerstand for our beloved Magna.
Center Stand -Simple, 4-bolt mounting system uses existing mounting points -- no drilling, cutting or welding required. The balance when on the stand has been engineered to lift the rear wheel, but with minimal one-hand effort and a block under the front of the engine case, the front wheel can be lifted for maintenance as well. And the best part -- you can still tackle the tightest twisties WITH NO LOSS OF GROUND CLEARANCE!
Honda Line Windshield - to break up the wind when traveling at highway speeds. I used the addition of this windshield for most of my extended touring duties but later decided that I wanted a more sporty attitude and changed to the factory bikini fairing that was offered on the 95-96 model year Magnas.
Passenger Backrest - for my passengers security on those hard launches as well as a little added comfort for longer rides.
Drivers Backrest - by Pro-Tac for those really long days in the saddle, this thing makes you feel like you are traveling in a recliner. For pictures of how this backrest mounts click on the thumbnails below.
Mustang Regal Pillow Style Seat -as far as I am concerned this is the CADILLAC of seats when it comes to touring. I have sat on many aftermarket seats available and have not found a seat as comfortable as the Mustang. With this seat a 600-700 mile day should be no problem.The Mustang is also for the long legged riders that need a little more room between them and the tank since it will raise you up about 1" as well as 1-2" back from the tank. Of course for those that are looking for the solo seat that says you are into the Drag look you can look into the Corbin Gunfighter which will put you a little lower and further back in the saddle. I decided to have a CUSTOM Corbin seat made. The standard Dual Touring Saddle that was offered by Corbin did not appeal at all.
M/C Highway Pegs- These highway pegs replace the top front motor mount bolt and offer you the option of stretching out a bit on those long trips without having to sacrafice the ground clearance offered by the stock pegs. Some people change to Forward Controls (made by Jardine) but if you plan on using what the Magna has to offer in the twisties I do not really recommend them since they limit your cornering clearances.A better choice would be a set Mapam Forward Controls that are made in Italy and offer the same ground clearance as the stock pegs while still offering the benefits of highway pegs
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Universal Vista Throttle Lock- Another little gem for those long days in the saddle would be the addition of this throttle lock. This does not function like the cruise control in your car, but it does give you the chance to take your hand off the throttle on the interstae without loosing any speed. This is a must for those 16 hour days in the saddle and you want to get some blood back into your hand.
Suzuki Marauder Drag Bars- These came off of a new Suzuki Marauder and on the Magna offer a real Muscular look to the bike. They seem to have about the same pull back as the stock bars, but bring your arms and hands in closer to the center of the bike. This offers more than just a cosmetic appeal. With these bars you will not notice the dreaded parachute effect quite as much on the highway when riding without a windshield or fairing.
Metzeler ME880 Marathon Tires- These tires will bring out the best of the Magnas ability to corner, With the stock Dunlops I felt as if the tires were sliding out from underneath me. Once I mounted the Metzelers the bike handled like a new machine. Some have chosen to run stock sizes when it comes to this tire, but I found that the stock size was a little narrower than the Dunlops so I went to the 170/80 HB15 and have found a tire that not only handles great but gives the Magna that muscular look from the rear. If you plan on going with the larger Metzeler, you will need to pay close attention to the photo of the brake stay. This will need to be shimmed to the outside to allow clearance for thew FAT tire. You can avoid this also by installing the 180/70 Metzeler. believe it or not, this tire is actually narrower than the 170/80. It does not require you to shim the brake stay or make any modifications.
Progressive Suspension has been installed to aid my Magna in the handling department. Most stock suspensions are toast after 15-20,000 miles and could use some freshening up. I also went to the Progressive Fork Springs to help the front end dive that most Magna owners experience during braking. The rear shocks (412 series HD) were installed to aid with the extra loads experienced while touring with a lot of extra gear. To view my instructions on how I installed these items, you can click on link above.
Billski Modmy latest mod was to clean up the back end of the bike. I wanted something that would show off the OVERSIZED Metzeler tire. Below are the pics of that mod and you should be able to click on the link above to go to the actual Billski Site.
Along the way I have polished almost all of my alluminum parts as well as anyones that I could convince to let me do there Magna. I have added detail by painting the unfinished or casting areas with yellow paint on my Magna and red on a buddy of mines bike, I feel this really sets the bikes off, but I guess it is up to each individual rider.If you want to know how I did it please CLICK HERE.
Along the way I have also been searching for Performance Upgrades that would help my Magna stomp the MIGHTY Honda Valykrie. Considering that the Magna is a Metric Cruiser you can amagine the problems that this request could bring about.
While surfing the Web I came across motorcyle club called The Magna Riders Association, that has a Information Board that members can use to ask those pesky questions as well as dicuss the possible modifications of the Magna. Anyone can read this Information Board but only members are allowed to post.
This is where I learned of a gentleman that goes by the name of Dave Dodge. Dave is a really friendly guy that will answer just about any question concerning the Magnas V-45 engine. He also has developed a few speed parts for the Magna that can get you into the 100 RWHP range. Don't get me wrong there are Magnas on the road that make more HP than 100 but they are running a nitrous kit or something. Here are few that I know about:
Jet and shim kit for carbs when running aftermarket exhaust.
Stage 1 Cam kit that will net you about 90 RWHP for around \\$600.00
Stage 2 Cam Kitthat will net you the 100 RWHP as well as having the bike rejetted and the trans worked on so that all that power makes it to the ground. Look to spend in the neighborhood of \\$3500.00 for this one, but he does all the work.
Kevlar Clutch Plates that will really get you off the line with a good hard launch. I just put these in and the bike seems like it pulls a heck of a lot harder than it ever did. This was probably the best \\$160.00 I ever spent.
Now none of the above performance options may seem impossible but the key to it all is to keep the Magna streetable and as reliable as it is from the factory.
Here are some of my Favorite Links!!!!
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