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There are a couple at a local dealership, an '85 with 25k miles, the other a 84with 40k. $1200 and 1400.

I know that those magnas need a cam oil kit/fix.

Anyone ever had/ridden one of these?

Yes, I had the opportunity to ride the V30 Magna when looking for a beginner bike for my brother. It is very easy to ride, very lightweight, easy hydraulic clutch, and controlable power.

I would say it is a good bike to learn on.

Just make sure the cams are in decent condition, with that many miles on them, there is a chance they could be pretty beat up. I just installed the top end oil mod from Dave Dodge on my 84' VF700F Interceptor today.

Also, the carbs on the magnas/interceptors are a pretty big pain to work on... another reason to make sure they are in pretty good condition.

We ended up not getting the V30 Magna, because it was too small for my brother (his knees came up way over the gas tank.. it just wasnt comfortable for him), so instead I got my Interceptor, and he is getting our KZ650.

Good bikes, you will like it. All these oil mods etc are debatable, some swear buy it other think its a waste. That isn't the problem just get one that is in good shape and runs and you will be fine. Parts are harder to come by nowadays and prices are going up, so if you can afford a little more you might want to get on a ninja 250 or 90s nighthawk or something that you can keep running easier. Great bikes, it all depends on how much wrenching you want to do. 40k on most bikes is alot of miles, they can do it easy, but still you probably will either pay out the nose or need to wrench yourself.

Thanks both of you.

Yeah, I'm trying to keep wrenching to a minimum.

I'm looking for a starter cruiser so I'm checking out Shadows, smaller Vulcans, V-Stars, Viragos and such but I just keep being drawn to Magnas...

Anyone else with opinions- please chime in!

We ended up not getting the V30 Magna, because it was too small for my brother (his knees came up way over the gas tank.. it just wasnt comfortable for him)

How tall is he? I'm 5'11, trying to figure out if that'd be a problem on smaller cruisers.

If you are trying to keep wrenching to a minimum you are buying the wrong age bikes. If you find a bike with low miles at that age, that definitely means you need to do some wrenching (maybe easy stuff change all fluids, maybe treat tank). If its a sat around beat up bike expect alot of wrenching. Bikes this old need love, then they work like they are suppose to. I'm not sure about the height on the v30s, but if they are anything like the v45 or v65 magnas you could be 6 6 and still have no problem. The v45 sabre is a standard that is pretty high, standards in general tend to have higher seat heights. Smaller cruisers tend to be low to the ground (cruisers in general actually) I don't see you in a rebl 250 but the v4 old hondas should be fine for you.

If you don't want to wrench try to find the newest and best shape (reliable brand/model bike) you can afford.

I have an 85 v30 with 45k on her. I'm 5'11'' and I fit really well on the bike. She runs great and though cleaning the carbs were a "dog" (using a hair dryer is the best way to get them back on... that and ratcheting tie down straps).

However, the bike rides like a dream. Easily gets you to 100 if you want and faster if you're braver than me. Drops so well into curves it practically turns for you. I've taken two up on it for a two hour trip with no complaints. I know a guy with 120k on his that didn't have any problems (didn't do the oil mod, but couldn't hurt if you have time/money I guess). We both change the oil regularly and make sure to keep up basic maintenance but it's a very solid bike.