Topic: V-65 Sabre 1100, anyone had one ??...... any opinions ?

[Spanner 1]

I'm currently lusting after a V-65 Sabre that's for sale. Any info. on them appreciated. Also it's an '85, were there top-end lubrication problems with the V-65 motors in '85?

[kevins750]

I had one used and put about 35K on it...Sold with about 66K on it...I don't think the 1100 had the problems the 500 and 750's did..At any rate that bike is a beast, good torque...The bikes are a little tall for some riders, I am over 6 feet tall, and had no problems with it...The only problem I recall was burning up the stator harness plug...Found one a replaced it...One thing I can tell you also, battery must be kept charged..Other than those things the bike ran well...

[Laminar]

http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,1532.0.html

[GoatBaSS]

Heard from an owner that the Carbs are a bit of a bear. But he likes his.

[Spanner 1]

Thanks for the replies so far, Kev., Lam., Goat..... good info......anyone else ??

[gane]

Never owned one, but have serviced/ridden several... The v65, both Sabre and Magna were monsters in their day. Great torque and usable power. they did have a couple "charactaristic" shortcomings..  1st was poor hardening of cams and followers leading to premature wearing of  cam lobes and followers. 2nd was the the locking mechanism for cam chain tensioners. (I believe there were updated parts for both)  removing /cleaning carbs on all the period v fours were a chore, but worked very well when correct. I'm not aware of any top end lubrication probs, luck G

[lockpn]

Dale Walker: http://www.holeshot.com/ has a kit to improve top end oiling if it's a concern.  Installed one on a few years back on a V65 Sabre.  Quality kit.

[jtb]

My buddy cal has one.  He put an oil mod kit on it, and it really quieted the top end down.  Make sure 2nd gear is OK, a lot of them have problems.

[pmguy801]

I have owned an 84 V65 for over 20 years. It has been very reliable. I did have the cams replaced at 20K miles but no problems since and I haven't installed an oiler yet (47K miles now). Very powerful bikes, thrilling acceleration. But very smooth for long day rides. I have logged many 500-600 mile days on this thing and am comfortable when I get off. This bike has the Hondaline fairing. I put a taller Rifle windscreen on it and that really cut the wind turbulence at the helmet level. The original windscreen looks nicer but the Rifle is more functional. They are tall bikes but on the road that goes away and they can keep up with most any bike in the twisties.

Maintenance is pretty easy except for adjusting the valves. It is tedious but not hard, just takes some time. Fortunately it doesn't need done very often. Balancing the carbs is also pretty easy. These bikes don't need much. Most of these bikes have a problem with the plastic on the tack and speedo clouding up over time. Using McGuires Plastix plastic polish does a good job of keeping it at a minimum, however.

I get about 10K from my tires, prefer Metzlers for all weather traction and confidence in leaning it over.