About 600 of these 500cc opposed twins were produced for the 1965 model year, primarily for the U.S. market. 150 of these are in the Register. Most were black and silver, with a few painted the optional candy apple red. Distinguising features of this model are that the cylinders were silver, the carbs 22mm, the r.h. tool box cast aluminum. Frame numbers are F9-0001 through F9-0590, engine numbers 2-0001 through 2-0590, seldom matching the frame number. A few of the earliest examples, such as this one, had a round BMW-style taillight, but most used the same Stanley taillight as Hondas of 1965. The V-twins had used a rotary shift mechanism which allowed shifting from 4th to 1st, and there was a yellow '3rd gear indicator light' to show that it was safe to upshift. The 500cc models used a similar model with the rotary feature disabled, but still had the yellow light.
Incidentally, the '9' and the '2' in the serial prefixes yield 'R92'. The few of this model that were badged as Lilacs for the non-U.S. market, were known as model R92. There are 150 STs in the Register, and the Register excludes known examples where the serial numbers are not known. It is reasonable to conjecture that half of all Marushos are still retained by enthusiasts.
Other Specs: OHV 2-cylinder opposed,
68x68, c.r. 8.2:1 (also given as 8.0:1), 35.6hp@7000 (also given
as 38), 3.25x18/3.50x18, telescopic/swing arm,
Cycle World test gave top speed of 79mph, 188kg.
The 4 black and white photos are of the author's Magnum F9-0667 and carry no copyright restrictions. The color photo is of Brian McDonough's (GB) Magnum F9-0708 as restored by Greg Holliday. This bike won best of show at the Staffordshire vintage bike show in April 1992. Photo © Greg Holliday.
Other Specs: OHV 2-cylinder opposed,
68x68, c.r. 9.6:1, 40hp@7000, 3.25x18/3.50x18, telescopic/swing arm,
100mph, 188kg.
Of 123 built, 50 can be found in the Register. This bike, being the largest and most expensive ($1195) that Marusho/Lilac built, is highly collectible, and is a popular export back to Japan. Serials span F9-1001 through F9-1123, with engine numbers matching (for the first time I have encountered) as 2-1001 through 2-1123.
All specs given for the Magnum also apply to the Magnum Electra.
Footnote: The author has a nearly complete set of blueprints for
the Electra (rather crispy) that confirm that the changes for 1967
were indeed designed in the U.S.
Photos: (Left) Electra F9-1080 © Kikuo Iwatate; (Right) Electra F9-1076, by the author, no restrictions. Both of these were exported from the U.S. back to Japan.