1987 Honda Super Magna Horsepower: What You Need to Know

The 1987 Honda “Super Magna” produced about 80 horsepower for the U.S.-market VF700C (699 cc) and roughly 78–79 horsepower for the 750 cc VF750C sold in markets outside the United States; these figures are manufacturer-claimed at the crank. Introduced for 1987–1988, the Super Magna was a short-run, redesigned V4 cruiser that came in two displacements because of U.S. import tariffs—yet performance remained close across both versions.

The Numbers at a Glance

The following list summarizes the commonly cited factory power ratings for the two 1987 Super Magna variants and how they’re typically reported by period sources and spec sheets.

• 1987 VF700C (699 cc, U.S.): approximately 80 hp at 9,500 rpm (crankshaft, manufacturer-claimed)
• 1987 VF750C (748 cc, non-U.S. markets): approximately 78–79 hp at 9,500 rpm (crankshaft, manufacturer-claimed)

Because these are crankshaft ratings, real-world rear-wheel horsepower measured on a dynamometer will usually be lower after drivetrain losses.

Why the Figures Vary

Horsepower quotes for the Super Magna differ slightly depending on source and test method. Honda’s own specs are given at the crank, while motorcycle magazines and modern owners often cite rear-wheel figures based on dyno runs. Market-to-market differences—carburetion, jetting, and emissions equipment—also create small gaps, which is why you’ll see the 700 cc U.S. model often quoted at about 80 hp and the 750 cc model just under that, despite the larger displacement.

Crankshaft vs. Rear-Wheel Horsepower

Factory horsepower ratings are measured at the crankshaft with no drivetrain losses. On a chassis dyno, the same bike typically shows about 10–15% less due to the transmission, driveshaft, and rolling resistance. For the 1987 Super Magna, that translates to roughly the mid-to-upper 60s in rear-wheel horsepower, depending on bike condition and tuning.

Key Specs That Influence Output

These core specifications help explain the Super Magna’s performance character relative to other cruisers of its era.

• Engine: 90-degree V4 (DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder)
• Displacements: 699 cc (VF700C, U.S.) or 748 cc (VF750C, most non-U.S.)
• Induction: Four constant-velocity carburetors
• Compression ratio: Around 10:1 (varies slightly by market)
• Peak power: ~80 hp (700 cc) and ~78–79 hp (750 cc), both near 9,500 rpm
• Peak torque: Mid-40s lb-ft range, typically around 8,000 rpm

Together, these features yielded a revvier, sportier feel than many contemporary V-twin cruisers, with brisk top-end pull characteristic of Honda’s V4s of the period.

Context in Its Era

The Super Magna followed the earlier V45 Magna lineage and arrived in a market dominated by torque-rich twins and the outlier Yamaha V-Max. While it didn’t approach the V-Max’s headline-grabbing figures, the Super Magna’s roughly 80 crank horsepower placed it among the stronger middleweight cruisers of the late 1980s, buoyed by smooth V4 character and distinctive styling.

Summary

The 1987 Honda Super Magna is generally rated at about 80 hp (VF700C, U.S.) and roughly 78–79 hp (VF750C, non-U.S.), measured at the crank. Real-world rear-wheel output is lower due to drivetrain losses, but in period and today, the Super Magna remains notable for delivering unusually lively performance for a cruiser through Honda’s refined V4 platform.

Which Honda Magna was the fastest?

In spite of this, the V65 Magna appeared from 1986 to 1989 in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest production motorcycle with a “design speed” of 278 to 283 km/h (173 to 176 mph).

How much is a 1987 Honda Magna worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $2,400 for a 1987 Honda VF700C Magna in good condition with average spec.

How much horsepower does a 1987 Honda Super Magna have?

80 brake horsepower
The second generation Magna of 1987–1988 was dubbed the Super Magna by aficionados of the bike, though it was not an official Honda name. In 1987, the 699 cc engine produced 80 brake horsepower (60 kW) @ 9,500 rpm, with torque being 46 lb⋅ft (62 N⋅m) @ 7,500 rpm.

What is the top speed of the Honda Super Magna 750?

3.2 What is the Top Speed of the Honda Magna VF750C? Honda Magna VF750C is powered by a liquid-cooled, 748cc V4 engine, allowing for a top speed of 120 mph (190 km/h).