This standard motorcycle was introduced as a balanced bike that was just as enjoyable yet easier to ride in town than its larger Magna siblings, with good power and a broad torque band. Thanks to its V4 design, power in the 500 engine is not peaky and ample torque can be found throughout the rev band, and the six speed transmission ratio was unique to this bike versus the ratio on the VF500F.^[10] The engine produced between 64-68 horsepower, and combined with its low weight and low center of gravity, the bike was lauded by critics as an easy to ride and entertaining motorcycle.^[10]

The Magna had no shaft drive like its larger siblings, but a traditional chain drive.^[10] As well, unlike the larger displacement V-four motors, the VF500 did not suffer from the oil cooling issues of the larger V-four motors (the larger displacement engines would not send sufficient oil to the cam lobes under 3,000 rpm, causing premature wear), yet the VF500 was still phased out as Honda reworked its technical designs for all its VF motors and cut down on its number of competing models in the market to keep from cannibalizing its sales. Today the bikes have a small but loyal following for their great handling and reliability.

Specifications:

• Standing-start quarter mile - 12.9 sec at 103 mph
• 0-60 in 3.9 seconds
• 60-0 in 120.6 feet