Past Motorcycles
Welcome to Trip's Honda
Magna Page
Since selling my Magna and taking this
Magna website off the web, I have been asked numerous times
to place it back on the web for those 3rd Generation Magna
owners that need the information contained on this page.
If
you have any questions or need any advice concerning your
Magna, feel free to contact the Magna Owners of Texas (MOOT)
at http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com
- Robert "Trip" Hilliard
 Magna
Specs Articles
Camping
Lists Trip
Reports
Paladin
Pics
Accessories
"Hilliard Style"
Another Previous
Motorcycle..."Maverick"
Magna Tips
& Tricks Frequently
Asked Questions
Magna Links
Wind Chill
Calculator
Jump to Robert Hilliard's Kawasaki
Page
Paladin has been sold...
As of September 17th, 2005, Paladin was officially sold to
Linda Sue Peaker, who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada. Linda decided rather than have Paladin shipped to
her, she would fly to Texas, come to Lindale and pick up Paladin
and ride him all the way back to Vancouver...solo! And to
make the trip even more interesting, she decided to make the
trip back a fundraiser for the non-profit Hospice that she
works for. You can follow her journey back to Canada on her
blog at http://www.deltahospice.blogspot.com.
I feel good in knowing that Paladin will have a good home.
Linda Sue is getting a good bike and I know she will take
care of Paladin.
"Craving the Freedom of the Saddle"
I was the proud owner
of a
1998 Honda Magna VF750C nicknamed "Paladin".
"Paladin: It's a chess piece, the
most versatile on the board. It can move in eight different
directions, over obstacles and it's always unexpected". Well,
that's the way Richard Boone sums it up in the TV western show
"Have Gun Will Travel". But I prefer to define Paladin
the same as the dictionary...a "Knightly Champion". Paladin
actually means, "vigilante protector". I purchased Paladin
July 31, 2001 and I must say, I'm very impressed with him. I've
been used to riding a vintage V4, and in comparison there are
some stark differences, but the newer Magnas appear to be more
nimble and powerful. When I got him, he was bone stock, but
accessories have been purchased and the final product is below.
My favorite thing to do is ride Paladin
down a twisty, country road on a 70 degree, sunshiny day with
a group of friends.
I also love to bike camp. Bike camping is a fun and it's a cheap way to see the USA. There's nothing more fun than riding and camping in a state park or camping facility on your bike. I keep an updated list of things I bring on a camping trip. Click Here for the non-trailer list and Click Here for the trailering list. These lists are constantly modified, so check back often for an updated list. Also, if you know of something that I'm forgeting to include on the lists, feel free to drop me an Email and let me know.
1998 Honda Magna Specs:
Model: 1998 VF750C
Engine Type: 748cc liquid-cooled 90° V-4
Bore and Stroke: 70mm x 48.6mm
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Valve Train: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
Carburetion: Four 34mm CV
Ignition: Solid-state digital
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: O-ring-sealed chain
Front Suspension: 41mm cartridge fork; 5.9 inches travel
Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with 5-way spring preload adjustability; 3.9 inches travel
Front Brake: Single disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tire: 120/80-17 tubeless
Rear Tire: 150/80-15 tubeless
Wheelbase: 65.0 inches
Seat Height: 28.0 inches
Dry Weight: 504.8 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
Oil Capacity: 3.3 quarts with new oil filter
Articles
My List Of Top Ten
Texas Roads by Robert Hilliard
My List Of Top Five
East Texas Roads by Robert Hilliard
Bike Camping Lists
Robert's
Camping List - If you're not trailering
Robert's
Camping List - If you are trailering
Trip Reports
 Texas Hill Country Trip, "The 3 Amigos Tour" - October, 2001
 Arkansas Trip, "You're in ARK - IN - SAW" - June, 2002
 Texas Hill Country Trip, "We Ride Again" - September, 2002
 Texas Big Bend Trip, "Riding the Texas Top Ten" - May, 2003
 Colorado Trip, "Roadway To Heaven" - August, 2003
 Talimena Highway, "Scenic Highway 1" - October, 2003
 Riding the "Pig Trail" - Highway 23 - May, 2004
The "Pig Trail" REVISITED - Highway 23 & 123 - June, 2004
 Colorado/Wyoming Trip, "Yellowstone Experience" - September, 2004
OK/AR Trip, "The Run For Eureka Springs"
- April, 2005
Trip Videos produced by VideoCafe
(All videos produced for Windows Media Player)
Combination Montage video of Rides
Yellowstone-Tetons Ride
Picture background provided by
Trouble Town
Home of the Texas TroubleMakers
Brownsboro, Texas
Accessories installed
"Hilliard Style":
 Memphis Shades, 17", clear, slim windshield purchased at www.wingthings-texas.com.
 Engine guard purchased at www.wingthings-texas.com.
ISO stirrups (part #8070) with quick clamps purchased at www.kuryakyn.com
(Currently not installed on Paladin).
 Scottoiler purchased at www.scottoiler.com. Note: As of 10/2004, I have taken the Scottoiler off due to age to the unit and rubber lines and connections drying out and not feeding oil correctly to the chain. I used the Scottoiler for three years before taking it off.
 Sissy bar and fender rack. They are not Hondaline brand, but can be purchased at www.wingthings-texas.com. The fender rack is made by M/C Enterprises.
 Throttle lock purchased at www.wingthings-texas.com.
 Chrome horn cover.
 Set of chrome turn signal grills.
 Tank Panel (Iron Horse) available at www.cyclestuffusa.com.
 Fork Bag by Willie and Max. Available at www.willieandmax.com.
Chrome (Plastic) radiator cover purchased at bikercom.com.
Cobra HH45WXST CB (I purchased the full face mic and speaker
kit for my helmet from www.radiogadgets.com,
used to be www.soundradio.com). As of 02/2005, I have added
a CB whip antenna for better transmission and reception. Click
Here to see more pictures of Paladin's CB Setup (Currently
not installed on Paladin).
No ride would be complete without a GPS. I use the Garmin V
GPS. Click
here for pic and info. Currently not installed on Paladin).
The CB and GPS are mounted with RAM mounts on the handlebars
purchased from www.cyclegadgets.com.
(Currently not installed on Paladin).
 Backrest purchased at Utopia.Click here for pic and info.
LeatherLyke Cruiser bags. Purchased from an individual. Click
here for info. Hard bags, lockable and waterproof.
 I have performed the "Muffler Mod" on Paladin. This involves taking the back plates off each of your mufflers and cutting the baffle off. Then, rivet the back plates back on. It's a simple procedure. Click here for illustrated instructions. Paladin sounds sweeter than ever.
 Brake Stay Rod purchased from www.cycle-istic.com.
Backrest Trim with "V4" engraved purchased from www.cycle-istic.com.
 Genmar risers installed for handlebars. http://shop.store.yahoo.com/azmotorsports/genrisformag.html.
Kuryakyn ISO Grips (#6236) with Chrome Rings and Throttle Boss
from www.wingthings-texas.com.
(Throttle Boss currently not installed on Paladin).
 SuperBrace fork brace for the Magna. Purchased at www.superbrace.com.
Progressive
Front Suspension Springs. Purchased at www.wingthings-texas.com.
Magna Tips & Tricks
Tank Rust Prevention:
To help prevent rust forming in your fuel tank, get into the habit of filling up your tank before storing your bike in the garage.
Cleaning:
Use a toothbrush to clean those hard to get to areas. Also, feel free to use a Q-Tip for cleaning delicate areas of your bike.
Tire Pressure:
Check your tire pressure often. A tire that is low on pressure can wear out prematurely and cause problems in handling.
Winter Suggestion:
If in the winter, you find yourself not riding your bike as
often as you would like, keep your battery and engine in good
running order by starting up your bike once every two weeks
in the wintertime. Long periods of time sitting in the garage
can make a battery weak and possibly gunk up the carbs, so if
you find yourself not riding much in the winter, start up your
bike once every two weeks and let it run for about 15 minutes.
For the Magna, let it run until the cooling fan comes on.
Better Fuel Economy:
For better fuel economy on your Magna, try this. When running down the highway, keep your RPM's at a constant 4500RPM. It is a proven fact that running at 4000 to 4500RPM can yield an extra 5-6 miles per gallon. Running at 4500 RPM's will put your highway speed at about 60-65MPH, but who's in a hurry when your cruising the countryside?
Reviving Rubber Grommets:
You may have noticed that the rubber grommets on your Magna where the side covers snap on are getting old and dry. Periodically, these need to be checked as the side covers themselves are subject to coming off while riding. A new side panel is an expensive item to buy. It is a good idea to take the grommets off occassionally and rub them with light machine oil to breath new life into them.
How to make a Poor Man's Lift for the Newer Magna:
Have you ever needed to just lift the back of a newer Magna without spending a lot of money? Maybe you need to clean your back rim or clean and wax your chain? Well, now you can perform those chores with minimal fuss by using the Poor Man's Lift. Here's how you make one:
 Take a 4"x4" piece of wood and cut a piece 11.25 inches long and another piece 2.75 inches long. To use, all you do is place the 11.25 inch piece between the floor and under the right back swing arm. Get on the left side of your Magna and gently push the bike to the right. Once high enough, slide the 2.75 inch piece under your kick stand. Ease your bike down and voila! That's all there is to it.
To let your bike down, reverse the process. Once on the lift, you'll find your bike is very stable to where you can clean or wax that chain or clean your back rim. Your back tire rotates freely.
If you have taller tires, you'll need to cut the blocks longer. Remember, you assume the risk.
Want a better smelling Helmet?:
There are a myriad of things you can spray into your helmet to make it smell better, but here's something you can do that is easy, safe and will keep your helmet smelling fresh all the time.
Fabric softener sheets...You know, those little sheets your wife puts in the dryer to help your clothes to be soft and smell fresh. One brand is called Bounce. Just take a couple of sheets straight out of the box and place them inside your helmet while it's being stored. When you ride, take them out and when you store your helmet, put them in. It's that simple. Your helmet will smell fresh all the time.
Smoother Shifting Transmission:
Have you ever noticed how shifting the gears on your Magna can get a little sticky at times? Shifting between the gears seems to not flow as well as it used to. Maybe it's because your gear linkage needs lubricating. Yep, your gear linkage can get dried out over time. Try this. Take a large syringe and fill it with axle grease. Inject grease into the two rubber boots on your gear linkage and see how smoother your shifting will be. I surprise myself with this one everytime I do it.
Progressive Springs Install on Newer Magna:
I recently had Progressive Springs installed on my 1998 Magna, Paladin. I must say it went smoother than I ever thought it would and it only took about an hour to accomplish. For a good explanation of how to perform the install, refer to this link on the Magna Riders website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
What type of oil do you use on Paladin and how often do you
change the oil and filter?
Answer:
I use Mobil 1 SuperSyn 15w50 Synthetic oil and Bosch 3323 oil filters. The Bosch oil filter features a 11-17 PSID bypass valve an anti-drainback valve and a filter element consisting of 37 paper pleats 2.075" long over a steel frame. The Honda oil filter contains an anti-drainback valve, no bypass valve, and a filter element consisting of 12 felt pleats 2.575" long over a plastic frame. The Bosch 3323 is about an inch longer, black in color and costs only $6.00 at any Auto Zone. I change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Question:
How often do you change Paladin's battery and what battery maintenance
routine do you use?
Answer:
I try to purchase and install a new battery about every three
years whether it's needed or not. This is due to the fact
that I don't want to increase my chance of experiencing a
dead battery on a trip. You never know when a battery is going
to die on you. So, I buy and install a new battery sometime
between the 3rd and 4th year of use. I don't really have a
battery maintenance routine. Since the battery for a newer
Magna is sealed, there is no worry about checking water level.
I do try and start up Paladin (generally every two weeks)
on a routine basis during inactive months, (usually during
cold winter months and hot summer months) and warm him up
until the cooling fan comes on.
Question:
Why did you install a back rest on Paladin and is the cost for
it worth it?
Answer:
I needed a little support for my back on long trips, so I
decided to purchase and install the Utopia back rest espcially
made for the stock newer Magna seat. The backrest costs about
165.00 dollars and I feel it is WELL worth the money. I have
not suffered any back pain from riding since installing it.
Question:
What kind of windshield do you have on Paladin and how do you
like it?
Answer:
It's a Memphis Shades 17" clear, slim windshield. I like
the way it looks on a Magna and how it performs. I've used
it for the past four years with no problems.
Question:
You've installed a ScottOiler on Paladin. Do I really need one?
Answer:
Installing a ScottOiler is not really a must...it's more of
a convenience. I decided that I wanted to lubricate my chain
on a slow and even routine instead of going through the task
of manually cleaning the chain every 300 miles and applying
chain wax. I find the ScottOiler helps with the longevity
of my chain. All I do is wipe my rear rim clean every once
in a while and keep my reservoir full. The down side to installing the ScottOiler is that, with age, the rubber connections and feeder line get dry and crack, eventually causing a problem in oil feed to the chain. After using the ScottOiler for three years, I decided to take it off.
Question:
You have performed the "Muffler
Mod" on Paladin. How do you like it and how loud are
the pipes?
Answer:
Actually, I'm glad I did the muffler mod on Paladin. I was
looking to make Paladin sound a little throatier, but not
so loud that I couldn't hear myself ride. The muffler mod
is a good compromise between a louder sound and spending 300.00
or more dollars for new pipes. It gives you a few more horsepower
and you don't have to rejet the carbs like you do with other
pipes. To perform the Muffler Mod, all you do is take the back muffler face plates off by popping out the rivets, then cut off the baffle. Replace the face plate with new rivets. Click here for an illustrated explanation.
Question:
I read above that you have installed Progressive Springs on the forks.
How do you like them and are they worth the money and effort?
Answer:
From the first day I started riding Paladin, I noticed that
the forks took a "dive" when I stopped at a red
light. Then, when the light turned green, the front end would
surge upward. I rode Paladin for two years like that and promised
myself I would replace the springs someday. So, with the help
of a friend, I finally got around to it. Not only did the
Progressive springs take care of my dive problem, but they
helped greatly in handling corners. I used 15w fork oil when
I changed out the springs. It took about an hour to complete
the whole process.
Question:
Does the fork brace you've installed make a difference?
Answer:
Yes, definately. You won't notice any difference in the straight-a-ways.
But you will see and feel the difference in the corners. I
can tell the front wheel doesn't want to "walk"
anymore and the whole front end seems tighter, more responsive.
The brace itself is a little pricey, $165.00, but in my opinion,
it's well worth it.
Question:
I noticed you sometimes use graphics on Paladin. What is that
and where do you get them?
Answer:
From time to time, I install flag graphics on Paladin by www.cyclegraphics.net
. Cost is minimal depending on which graphics you buy. To
install, all you do is get a hair dryer and smooth them on.
They are guaranteed to stay on up to 160 mph. Then to take
them off, you get the hair dryer back out and heat them up
and gently remove them. Sometimes, when I get in the mood,
I like to make Paladin a little more patriotic. Feel free
to view Paladin on cyclegraphics.net
by clicking
here.
Question:
How often do you change out your coolant and what kind of coolant
do you use?
Answer: I
try to flush my coolant every 2 years. I use the Honda brand
50/50 mix coolant. Regular automobile antifreeze can hurt the
seals in your engine, so I play it safe and use Honda's brand.
Question:
What brand tires do you have on Paladin and why?
Answer: I
have installed Metzeler ME880 series tires on the front and back
of Paladin. I used Dunlops for years and found that for some
reason the Dunlops would wear out quicker than the Metzelers.
Plus the Metzelers are better for cornering and ride better.
Question:
What type of air filter do you use on Paladin?
Answer: I
have installed a K&N air filter. I used a stock Honda filter for several years. I heard about the K&N filters lasting longer and giving your engine a little more horsepower so I tried one. I am very impressed. After installing one I found Paladin to run a little better and have a little more pep. The great thing about the K&N filter is that it's cleanable. You can take it out and clean it manually thus saving you the cost of buying a new filter every year or two. Cost is about 60.00 dollars.
Question:
I'm thinking about purchasing a newer Magna. Do you like the
newer Magnas versus the vintage and would you recommend getting
one?
Answer: I
owned a vintage Magna before I bought Paladin. Although I enjoyed
the ride immensely, nothing can compare to the ride a newer
Magna affords. The newer Magna sits a little bit lower making
the ride much better and the newer Magna has plenty of torque.
Question:
I see you take several trips per year. Do you camp or hotel on your trips?
Answer: It depends on where I'm going and whether the chance of rain is great or not. I try to camp as much as I can. I have a camping list that you are welcome to print and keep handy when camping. I enjoy camping because it allows me to see the countryside and the stars at night. However, if the weather is inclement, I get a hotel.
Question:
I see you have your own Top Ten Roads of Texas List. Of all the roads you've ridden, which one is your favorite?
Answer: Ranch Road 337 located in the Texas Hill Country is my all-time favorite. 337 runs from Camp Wood, Texas, through Leakey and hits Ranch Road 187 in Vanderpool. Other roads in Texas and Colorado come close to 337, but I haven't found one yet that is as fun and invigorating to ride as Ranch Road 337.
Question:
Do you use a gas additive in Paladin? How often do you add the additive to your tank?
Answer: I
use the fuel additive Techron. It calls for adding once ounce
per gallon of gas, so I add about 3 ounces to a full tank of
gas. I do this about every 600 to 800 miles or, every 6 to 8
tanks full. It helps greatly in keeping Paladin's carbs clean.
Question:
I noticed you use the Honda stock seat. Why not use a Corbin
or a Mustang?
Answer: I
borrowed a Corbin seat from a friend one time and rode Paladin
for several weeks. Turns out my butt didn't like the Corbin.
Just too hard for my taste. I'm sure the Mustang seat is a good
comfortable seat and one that I might buy in the future, but
for now, the stock seat fits my posterior end just fine. I have
ridden many 8 and 9 hour days in the saddle and haven't had
a problem with the stock seat. There are those that say their
rear ends go numb after riding less than an hour with a stock
seat...I can certainly understand that...but for my riding,
a stock seat fits me just fine.
Question:
Where did you get the Chrome Radiator Cover? It's absolutely Beautiful! My husband and I have been looking for one for several years. I have an 2001 Magna.
Answer: The radiator cover you ask about is a plastic chrome cover that I bought online at bikercom.com. It cost me around 65.00 dollars, but now you can buy one for about 55.00.
Question:
Your website indicates that you mounted an engine guard on your bike. From the picture on your web site, it appears that your bike's
engine guard sticks out far enough to prevent your leg from being crushed if
the bike were to be dropped on it. Is that in fact true? I have been told
that an engine guard or highway bars would collapse if a motorcycle went
down while moving forward at anything faster than a crawl. However, I still
see a lot of value in having a device mounted on my Magna that would keep it
off my leg if it were somehow dropped while stationary or while moving very
slowly. I haven't found any vendor selling highway bars for the '98 Magna,
and I don't know that any additional distance they might stick out when
compared to the distance that an engine guard extends is necessary for my
protection. What do you think?
Answer: I think case guards or engine guards provide a valuable service. That's why I purchased and installed one on Paladin. In the past, I have dropped my bike accidentally. If I didn't have an engine guard, there would have been a lot of damage done to my windshield, grips and gas tank. The engine guard prevented that. True, the guard is not something that will protect your bike in the event of going down at a high rate of speed, but it doesn't collapse that easily. It's made of high quality steel and can take the punishment. I have thoroughly enjoyed mine and wouldn't ride without one. By the way, you can get one just like mine from Wing Things. Go to the Magna page and search for MC100011 Engine Guards. Currently, it costs about $110.00.
Question:
It looks like you have risers, same as I, on your magna. With risers, I'm having a problem with the clutch cable pulling too tight. Did you have the same problem? Any solution suggestions? It would be nice to keep the black cable look... but, the stock length just isn't working for me.
Answer: There should be enough slack in the stock clutch cable to allow you to install risers measuring at least an inch. With my risers installed, I still have some slack in my clutch cable. One thing that I have done to ensure enough slack is to keep my handlebars tightened and set as low as possible. If you adjust the handlebars too high, you might not have enough slack from the stock cable.
Magna, V4 & Motorcycle Related
Links
Superbrace Fork Stabilizers
Corey Prestridge
Craig Denbrook
Bob's V45 Magna Page
The Primitive Man's Bike
David Hill Homepage
www.WingThings-Texas.com
Motorcycle Cruiser "Cost Effective Cruisers" Article
Motorcycle Cruiser "Meeting Of The Musclebikes" Article
Joe Condon's Website
Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide
The
V4 Files - Robyn Landers
Dragon Slayer's Web Page
G-Man's Magna Links
Magna Riders Association (MRA)
Magna Owners Of Texas (MOOT)
Sabre's & Magna's Of Texas (SMOT)
Magna Riders Delphi Forum
Dave Dodge Racing Products
The Super Magna Info Center
Dave Berkey's Cycle Products - Products for early V4's
Honda V4 Wallpapers
Honda discontinues all multi-cylinder cruisers including the Magna and Valkrye.
Good Review Website of the 1994-97 Magna
John Luttrell's Magna Website
www.webbikeworld.com - Reviews and Articles on Motorcycle Products
ExoticSportbike.com – Motorcycle Parts and Accessories for all types of Sportbikes
Wind Chill Calculator
Previous Motorcycle
In addition to Paladin being a previous motorcycle, I also used
to own a 1983 Honda Magna 750. I bought it in September of
1997 and sold it in August of 2001. It's nickname was "Maverick".
Although I loved the bike, I experienced minor problems with
the engine. Afterall, the bike was over 20 years old. I installed
quite a few accessories and repainted it from a Wineberry
color to Black.
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