germ79

I am looking at getting a bike, but am not really interested in a crotch rocket. I am looking for a nice cruiser and the Honda Sabre looks very nice. I have researched them and have learned some about them, but was just wondering if any of you have personal experience with them. Thanks!

Bieg

The Sabres had cam problems so stay away from them. The Magnas and the VFRs are the V-Four Hondas to buy.

Scot

My dad has had a 1984 V65 Sabre since that he bought new in early 1985. It had/has 121 horsepower and weighs about 600+lbs full of fluids. He has never had any problems with his but it only has 4k miles on it. It is shaft drive and I think back when i was 14-15 I was on the back at over 130mph (i won't be doing that with my kids on my motorcycle ever).

I am not sure why the Sabre's would have any problems that the Magna's wouldn't... the engines were the same I thought.... V65 Magna = 119 hp

I guess those extra 2 hp were a difference in cams.?

I think my dad's still has the original tires on it.... back then 130 rear was HUGE... not soo huge looking anymore with the 250 Avon out there!

Scot

Chris S

hmmm....4K over 18 years => must not be a very fun bike.

If you want a cruiser, a V twin is the only way to go IMO...they have the sound and powerband to mesh w/ the cruiser experience.

germ79

What is the deal with the Magnas? I understand that they have the V-4, but is that better than the v-twin or just different? Is the Magna more powerful? It seems smaller, is it not? I really like the look of the Sabres. I like the big, beefy, solid, cruiser look they have.

Ravskau

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scot
[B]My dad has had a 1984 V65 Sabre since that he bought new in early 1985.

Ravskau

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bieg
[B]The Sabres had cam problems so stay away from them.

Ravskau

I don't have a Sabre but I do have an '01 Spirit and they share a motor and frame. The sabre forks have 3 degrees less rake to them and the ecu timing is a little different. I got mine used and it had sat up for several weeks while for sale and I bought it right before a several week long spell of rain. So I changed the oil and oil filter, sparkplugs, and air filter. Ran a batch of seafoam carb cleaner through it and it runs like a dream......It also has a set of Cobra slash cut drag pipes on it and I replaced the baffles with a set of HP plus baffles from Khrome Werks.
I love this bike (last one was in late 70's a Kawa trip cyl 2 stroke, sorta an early model crotch rocket) but if I was looking for new I'd probably go with the VTX 1300, we are probably in the last days of the 1100 Honda Cruisers.
looking at their website I do see that the Sabre and Spirit are both listed for '03 though. You should be able to find one used (Mine is an '01 even though the original owner bought it new in Jan of this year) with all the mods done, Pipes Windshield saddlebags Chrome stuff etc. for around 6000-6500.
check out this website
http://www.hondashadow.net
Look at the owners page and ask them what they think

Scot

i did not know they still made magna's/ sabres.... my bad.

My dad's with 4k miles is because he is old...ahahah... he is just too lazy to sell the thing. I think he rode it 3k the first year and then 20 miles per year since then for it's annual inspection.

Scot

Bieg

I was talking about the original V-4 Sabres (vintage late 70s early 80s I believe). I was unaware they resurected the name.