tell me about the honda v65 (1100cc) sabre

[pitbull]

I've been looking at an 84 honda v65 sabre for sale locally. I really think it's a sharp looking retro bike and in nice shape for a nice price. I don't really know much about them other than they make about 120hp and were the fastest honda of their day.

please enlighten me.

[El Guero]

Has it been ridden regularly in that time? Just know that the old V4's are maintenance nightmares, at least until you get used to it. The Sabre may not be as bad as my Magna since it only has 1 gas tank though

Me and my dad bought a V65 Magna that had sat for a few years. It has taken me most of a year to get it into road-ready condition in my spare time. If everything seems to be in good working order on the Sabre, go for it. But you better like wrenching, because at least around here most shops won't even touch them. The motor is sweeeeet like you wouldn't believe though, so it might be worth it

[kootenay kid]

crazy power, terrible handling

[pitbull]

thanks for the info. guys. I may go look at it this weekend as it looks to be in excellent condition and well kept. The poor handling comment has be a little unsure however.

[dustfilter]

but what do you honda guys think about a naked 1978 goldwing 1000 in very good condition for $1800? How is the maintenance and handling for such a battle-cruiser?

[Chuckracer]

No different than the anchor discussed above. Big, heavy, horrible handling...

[markjenn]

Sabres are pretty cool bikes, but hard to work on and spares are either expensive or non-available. For the right price and in good condition, go for it if a big, heavy, cruiser/standard is your goal, but I wouldn't try and bring one back from the dead. Carbs are particularly hard to get to and work on.

Personally, I'd tend to look more at the big Suzukis GS1000, GS1100, etc. in this genre as better bikes and certainly easier to work on.

- Mark

[* SHAG *]

Originally Posted by pitbull

I've been looking at an 84 honda v65 sabre for sale locally. I really think it's a sharp looking retro bike and in nice shape for a nice price. I don't really know much about them other than they make about 120hp and were the fastest honda of their day.

please enlighten me.

I bought one brand new in 84. Strong engine, gearbox & drive train. Had a problem with speedo sensor. Fixed under warranty. Tall & top heavy.
Great bike until the V-Max came out the next year

[ST-DocLizard1]

Originally Posted by pitbull

I've been looking at an 84 honda v65 sabre for sale locally. I really think it's a sharp looking retro bike and in nice shape for a nice price. I don't really know much about them other than they make about 120hp and were the fastest honda of their day.

please enlighten me.

Listen for a rod knock on number 3 cylinder upon cold start. Typical of previous owners flogging the snot out of the bike without proper warm-up. Big, heavy, and doesn't handle well by current standards, but oh... that power curve.

Doc

[gasandasphalt]

You will still have throttle left at 135mph, stiff ride, go for it!!!!!

[Skippii]

V65?
Geez, and I thought MotoGuzzi's V8 was excessive.

[pitbull]

great advice guys.....thanks very much again, I knew I would get the straight goods here. Based on all the comments of poor handling, I think I may take a pass on this one.

[rlucas]

Big power. Flexi-frame. Carbs are a bitch to work on. Soft cam lobes. Bent shift forks, possibly.

Cool bike though. Depends on your level of mechanical comfort and the condition of the bike....

Rossi

[mike]

got some pic's of it?

[wildbill]

Originally Posted by dustfilter

but what do you honda guys think about a naked 1978 goldwing 1000 in very good condition for $1800? How is the maintenance and handling for such a battle-cruiser?

Piece of crap. Had one. Electrical problems and coolant leaks. Very marginal performance and handling. Don't see why some like it.