Honda VF750C Magna

The Honda VF750C Magna went through a number of iterations since the 1980s - search online and you'll find the full story. Mine is a year 2000 bike from the last generation.

What's to like? Lots. It's got the hugely proven VFR750 V4 engine from the mid-90s, which of course means not two chrome exhausts on one side of the bike, but two on both sides! Which is important. What's more it's got near sports performance, easily outstripping a Harley for speed, handling and every day practicality.

What could be better? The fuel tank, as every owner knows, is ridiculously small and requires filling up every 100 miles. Fuel consumption is noticeably worse than my VFR800 of the same age. And of course there's a lot of chrome to clean, which is why there are probably fewer than 100 on the roads in the UK. Mine lives in Spain which is far more practical. They're also popular in the US and Germany.

Buying one? Check out Metric Cruisers in Bournemouth - I've never even dealt with them but they seem to have all the after parts that you could want, as well as some good examples for sale from time to time. Try it for size - I'm 1.86 and to be honest it feels a bit small for me - the saddle height is only 28". Choose red over black, and consider getting some chrome side panels (look on eBay) - you'll turn virtually the whole side profile of the bike to chrome. There's some expensive afterpart exhausts that sound well worth getting in - need to save up!

If you want a bit of summer fun and can't afford the price and size of a Harley, but still want a head-turner, this is one worth checking out.