My first ever bike… and it some ways it ruined me for later bikes.
The Magna was bought from a buddy’s brother second hand for not a lot at all. What it gave was ridiculous. A thumping V4 750cc engine that gave enough power (87hp when new) and torque (53 ft lb) to put it firmly in muscle cruiser territory. I rode this thing everywhere. It never let me down.
The magna made a beautiful sound with its 4-into-4 exhaust. Could carry half the house without noticing to rallies and I could ride all day without it breaking me.
I’m short as well, so for a first bike the low centre of gravity was perfect. Gave me the confidence to learn how to ride properly and the pace to make it fun. It even took me and Mrs Spider on tours… I should still apologise to that golf course in Northern Ireland we ended up riding across by accident!
For a first bike it was extremely forgiving. It was easy to ride, cornered well and would let me rack up miles without thinking. More than one occasion I had to phone home to explain I’d be late in as I had no idea where I was as I’d followed a road and just kept going to see where it lead for the sheer biking pleasure of it.
Unfortunately, my fondness for riding the Magna also sealed it’s fate. I rode all winter, every year and had no garage to keep it safe and warm in. Eventually the conditions got the better of the paintwork and chrome and she began to suffer. But for those glorious years it was fantastic. Even now I cast an eye over any I see for sale and have to stop myself filling the garage even more.
A seriously under rated machine. Comfort, power, good handling, great road presence. You can find all the models they made and some links to the specs here