Picked up a non-Suzuki the other day.

[suzuki_dog]

Picked up a 1985 Honda V65 Sabre the other day. Always liked the look of these. I really wanted to see how much power they actually had, claimed 121 HP.

A couple of pics:









I've had limited time riding it, so far, but I like what I have experienced. Yes, it is fast, but I still think my '82 GS1100E is faster..... maybe quicker. It is a smooth runner, I'm looking forward to some more saddle time to see what it's really about.

[rphillips]

I remember back in "83", when they were first introduced, they were to be the fastest Honda out, V-4 and all. We found out quickly, in our area, the in line 4, CB 1100 F's were quicker than the V-65's

[JEEPRUSTY]

gorgeous bike my frined had one and I got to drive it for a full day way back when
big heavy and well behaved sticks tot he road like glue

[suzuki_dog]

I remember back in "83", when they were first introduced, they were to be the fastest Honda out, V-4 and all. We found out quickly, in our area, the in line 4, CB 1100 F's were quicker than the V-65's

The specs are impressive.... I haven't had enough saddle time to dispute them, just my first impressions are that the big inline 4's are quicker (more scary fast) machines. I do like the bike, it's looks, it's handling, etc.

[robertbarr]

I remember back in "83", when they were first introduced...

Me too. That was back when the Japanese knew how to design beautiful motorcycles instead of Transformers. The V65 was a gorgeous bike. Their 700S and 650SC were on the showroom all at the same time.

[RedBaron]

I swear I saw the same bike, same color and everything, leaving the Love's station in my town Sunday. Looked like stock muffler on it though. Beautiful machines.

[wymple]

My 82 1100EZ used to nick the V65 by a length or two most every time, mostly at the launch. They pulled the same, but the GS got a better holeshot. I liked the looks, except for the radiator, and they have a very tall 6th gear that was great.

[GS1150Pilot]

Don't forget, the Sabre is a shafty. It's damned quick.

[suzuki_dog]

I swear I saw the same bike, same color and everything, leaving the Love's station in my town Sunday. Looked like stock muffler on it though. Beautiful machines.

It wasn't me.... lol! I think it's a sharp bike, also. Funny thing is, over on the V4 Forum, they think the Sabre is the ugly stepchild of the V65 Magna.

[rphillips]

Naw, the Magna don't impress me near as much as the Sabre. Really nice bike, That's my opinion, & ought to be yours. Hey Dog, Please don't take this wrong, but do those pipes look a little...different,,,,odd,,,not impressive,,, not bad, just not as attractive as they could be.

[suzuki_dog]

Naw, the Magna don't impress me near as much as the Sabre. Really nice bike, That's my opinion, & ought to be yours. Hey Dog, Please don't take this wrong, but do those pipes look a little...different,,,,odd,,,not impressive,,, not bad, just not as attractive as they could be.

You mean the Kerkers on the V65? I believe they are 1980's vintage mufflers. The down pipe and collector are stock pipes, Kerkers are slip-ons, if you will. I'm not ashamed of them, I would rather have stock mufflers, though.

[JTGS850GL]

Mind me asking what she set you back? I've seen a few in my area and always wondered what they were worth.

[suzuki_dog]

Mind me asking what she set you back? I've seen a few in my area and always wondered what they were worth.

$1525.00 plus the drive to pick it up.

[Jedz123]

Be wary of the tranny! I got a V45 and it was allot of fun! But it wouldn't hold second unless you held the shifter up.... I watched a V45 interceptor loose it's tranny completely... LOL It sounded like nuts and bolts in a blender... BUT my buddy did limp it home, then bought an Aprilla RSV. I rode with a Magna once, We were pinning it, he was in 2nd and the bike sounded like it just went into neutral during acceleration. Pulled over and the guy said it wouldn't grab in 2nd anymore.

Yay... #V-4 Problems.

2nd gear/tranny is their Achilles heal I've heard and definitely seen.

[suzuki_dog]

Be wary of the tranny! I got a V45 and it was allot of fun! But it wouldn't hold second... I watched a V45 interceptor loose it's tranny completely... LOL It sounded like nuts and bolts in a blender... BUT my buddy did limp it home, then bought an Aprilla RSV.

2nd gear is their Achilles heal I've heard.

Yep, I'm well aware of the second gear issue. I consulted with a couple of V65 guys prior to purchase who informed me of the questions to ask. There's no issue with the one I bought (hopefully) as far as I know, the seller is a motorcycle guy (he has 18) so I sort of trust his opinions, also. I was also told that the second gear issue generally occurs before 20,000 miles or so. Mine has 42,000 miles on the clock. Time will tell, nothing is guaranteed on a used bike.