Carl sed:
>The tip over switch cut the engine just fine.
My Magna has a tip-over switch too. It's called, the-carbs-flood-when-you-drop-the-bike.
I've only tested it once, but it seems to work fine.
Pseudo-Winterize
My wife and I intend to ride our bikes this winter whenever there's a sunshiny day and no snow or ice on the road. We live in Indianapolis, and there are generally one or two oddball days that meet this criteria even in the winter months.
My BMW-riding friend has already tucked his 1150 in for the winter and won't ride again til spring. My Harley-riding friend has already started his winter repairs, and probably won't ride again til spring.
What's an appropriate level of winterizing for us? It may be a month between rides. I've put stabil in the tanks and am going to buy a battery tender. Anything else?
Regards, The Rat
1984 VF500C V30 Red "Katie" (hers) 1984 VF500C V30 Black "Raven" (mine)
MSF BRC Grad: 2000 (her); 2004 (me)
My BMW-riding friend has already tucked his 1150 in for the winter and won't ride again til spring. My Harley-riding friend has already started his winter repairs, and probably won't ride again til spring.
What's an appropriate level of winterizing for us? It may be a month between rides. I've put stabil in the tanks and am going to buy a battery tender. Anything else?
Regards, The Rat
1984 VF500C V30 Red "Katie" (hers) 1984 VF500C V30 Black "Raven" (mine)
MSF BRC Grad: 2000 (her); 2004 (me)
(Un)Stuck Bleeder Valve
Thanks to those who replied with helpful hints on unsticking my bleeder valve. This afternoon (when I should've been riding) I bled the brakes and cleaned out the master cylinder.
Actually, the components inside the master cylinder looked brand new, no deterioration at all. The fluid wasn't black, it was a murky reddish brown, and it did have some brown sediment in it, clogging the ports in the reservoir.
I suspect the calipers will need to be rebuilt. Where's the best source for a caliper rebuild kit?
Any tips for tackling that one? Thanks to all who reply.
...The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black "Raven" (mine)
Actually, the components inside the master cylinder looked brand new, no deterioration at all. The fluid wasn't black, it was a murky reddish brown, and it did have some brown sediment in it, clogging the ports in the reservoir.
I suspect the calipers will need to be rebuilt. Where's the best source for a caliper rebuild kit?
Any tips for tackling that one? Thanks to all who reply.
...The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black "Raven" (mine)
Stuck Bleeder Valve
Front brakes are not releasing on my 84 Magna; I want to do a master cylinder rebuild on it. And probably a caliper rebuild as well. That's what we had to do when my wife's had the same symptoms.
My caliper bleeder valve is stuck though. Any suggestions on persuading it loose? I don't want to snap it off! I was able to release the brakes by loosening the brake line at the caliper and bleeding off a little black, evil goo fluid there.
Regards,
The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red -- Katie (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black -- Raven (mine)
My caliper bleeder valve is stuck though. Any suggestions on persuading it loose? I don't want to snap it off! I was able to release the brakes by loosening the brake line at the caliper and bleeding off a little black, evil goo fluid there.
Regards,
The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red -- Katie (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black -- Raven (mine)
Wrenching Up Front
The front end of my V30 Magna hasn't been quite right since I took my lowside ("broke my cherry) in a puddle of water and gravel in the outside of a curve at dusk, last month.
The front fork brace snapped, and there was some sort of lateral twist to my front forks. I have replaced the front fork brace with a stock part (PartsBandit.com), but still notice something's not feeling right in the front end. When I am headed straight down the road, my steering head is pointed a few degrees to the right. The handle bars are not bent. Also, there's a little bit of front end wobble or shimmy that I cannot identify.
The front fork brace fits in place, but is obviously a little bit akimbo. Between the brace and the left fork, where the metal meets, I couldn't slip a piece of paper between. On the right, I could slip a dime between.
I've followed suggestions of this list and have tried loosening the upper and lower pinch bolts on the forks (after removing the fork brace). I tried to shoosh it back into center, but no luck.
I don't think my forks are bent; I have been thinking they were just twisted.
Any other suggestions?
Regards,
The Rat
1984 V30 Magna VF500C (Red) my wife's -- "Katie"
1984 V30 Magna VF500C (Black) mine -- "Raven" (or "nameless here forevermore")
She took her MSF course in 2000. Bought her first bike 8/13/2004.
I took my MSF course 8/31/2004. Bought my first bike 9/18/2004.
The front fork brace snapped, and there was some sort of lateral twist to my front forks. I have replaced the front fork brace with a stock part (PartsBandit.com), but still notice something's not feeling right in the front end. When I am headed straight down the road, my steering head is pointed a few degrees to the right. The handle bars are not bent. Also, there's a little bit of front end wobble or shimmy that I cannot identify.
The front fork brace fits in place, but is obviously a little bit akimbo. Between the brace and the left fork, where the metal meets, I couldn't slip a piece of paper between. On the right, I could slip a dime between.
I've followed suggestions of this list and have tried loosening the upper and lower pinch bolts on the forks (after removing the fork brace). I tried to shoosh it back into center, but no luck.
I don't think my forks are bent; I have been thinking they were just twisted.
Any other suggestions?
Regards,
The Rat
1984 V30 Magna VF500C (Red) my wife's -- "Katie"
1984 V30 Magna VF500C (Black) mine -- "Raven" (or "nameless here forevermore")
She took her MSF course in 2000. Bought her first bike 8/13/2004.
I took my MSF course 8/31/2004. Bought my first bike 9/18/2004.
Getting Back On The Horse
Please help!
As I posted previously, I dropped my Magna about two weeks ago, lowsided it, and cracked the front fork brace. My first accident, and really not all that bad, but it shook my confidence. It happened so quickly!
My wife, who is the original motorcycle enthusiast in the family, has been pretty worried that I would get scared and not get back on the bike. She insisted I upgrade my gear to include some textile pants from NewEnough.com (to complement my full face helmet, gloves, and cruiser jacket which I was wearing when I crashed...)
She also insisted that I ride again as soon as I could sit on a bike. So she loaned me hers -- also a Magna V30 -- a time or two while I was waiting for my replacement part, so that I wouldn't have two solid weeks to play mind games and psyche myself out of ever riding again.
Well, my replacement fork brace came in the mail, I put it on, fired up my Magna, and took it out for a spin, and ... was very nervous going around every corner. It was my least enjoyable ride ever. Even the ride where I wrecked was more enjoyable, because at least I was having fun for most of the ride -- right up to the minute I lowsided the bike! This trip was torture!
I've already gotten lots of support and encouragement "off list" from Maggots who replied directly to me when I posted the tale of my accident. The support and encouragement makes me willing to embarrass myself, and brave the inevitable ridicule that will also come, by confessing that I'm afraid ... afriad of dropping my bike again.
I would welcome any suggestions!
The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red "Katie" -- my wife's
1984 Magna V30 Black -- as yet unnamed -- mine.
(Today I would name my bike "Cecilia":
You're breaking my heart, you're shaking my confidence...)
As I posted previously, I dropped my Magna about two weeks ago, lowsided it, and cracked the front fork brace. My first accident, and really not all that bad, but it shook my confidence. It happened so quickly!
My wife, who is the original motorcycle enthusiast in the family, has been pretty worried that I would get scared and not get back on the bike. She insisted I upgrade my gear to include some textile pants from NewEnough.com (to complement my full face helmet, gloves, and cruiser jacket which I was wearing when I crashed...)
She also insisted that I ride again as soon as I could sit on a bike. So she loaned me hers -- also a Magna V30 -- a time or two while I was waiting for my replacement part, so that I wouldn't have two solid weeks to play mind games and psyche myself out of ever riding again.
Well, my replacement fork brace came in the mail, I put it on, fired up my Magna, and took it out for a spin, and ... was very nervous going around every corner. It was my least enjoyable ride ever. Even the ride where I wrecked was more enjoyable, because at least I was having fun for most of the ride -- right up to the minute I lowsided the bike! This trip was torture!
I've already gotten lots of support and encouragement "off list" from Maggots who replied directly to me when I posted the tale of my accident. The support and encouragement makes me willing to embarrass myself, and brave the inevitable ridicule that will also come, by confessing that I'm afraid ... afriad of dropping my bike again.
I would welcome any suggestions!
The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red "Katie" -- my wife's
1984 Magna V30 Black -- as yet unnamed -- mine.
(Today I would name my bike "Cecilia":
You're breaking my heart, you're shaking my confidence...)
Ouch, Damn -- Followup
In response to the story of my crash, I got a number of responses from the group. I thought I'd share a few quotes with the group.
>Hey Ted - sorry to hear about your bike. It can be fixed - don't spend a
>bunch making it perfect right now because there's a chance it'll be
>dropped again in this steep part of the learning curve.
That's true. That's why I started with a 20 year old bike. But now I'm in love with it and don't want to hurt it again!
>Don't be too hard on yourself....Keep the safety gear on and the speeds low, and >keep working at it. I look forward to meeting you at a SABMAG event sometime.
All of this is great advice. But I have to do something about my brain, which is now trying to over-think every move I make. It used to be natural, now I have to analyze every turn to death. Ugh!
>Go get those pants, something with knee and butt armor.
Good advice. I ordered armored riding pants the day after my accident!
>Well, you broke your cherry and got that out of the way.
I hadn't heard it put in those terms exactly, but that's a good way to look at it!
>Welcome to the club. Most of us have done this in some form or other.
That actually makes me feel a lot better!
>i have been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. anyone that rides for >any length of time will put it down ... "it is the nature of the beast". it sounds like >you learned a lot from it and likely will not put it down (least not for that reason >again).
I feel like I've learned a lot. But I also feel like I'm thinking too much now. I have to get back in the saddle and stay there until I feel comfortable again.
Thanks for all who offered encouragement in my time of (self) doubt.
Regards,
The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red -- "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black -- as yet unnamed (mine)
>Hey Ted - sorry to hear about your bike. It can be fixed - don't spend a
>bunch making it perfect right now because there's a chance it'll be
>dropped again in this steep part of the learning curve.
That's true. That's why I started with a 20 year old bike. But now I'm in love with it and don't want to hurt it again!
>Don't be too hard on yourself....Keep the safety gear on and the speeds low, and >keep working at it. I look forward to meeting you at a SABMAG event sometime.
All of this is great advice. But I have to do something about my brain, which is now trying to over-think every move I make. It used to be natural, now I have to analyze every turn to death. Ugh!
>Go get those pants, something with knee and butt armor.
Good advice. I ordered armored riding pants the day after my accident!
>Well, you broke your cherry and got that out of the way.
I hadn't heard it put in those terms exactly, but that's a good way to look at it!
>Welcome to the club. Most of us have done this in some form or other.
That actually makes me feel a lot better!
>i have been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. anyone that rides for >any length of time will put it down ... "it is the nature of the beast". it sounds like >you learned a lot from it and likely will not put it down (least not for that reason >again).
I feel like I've learned a lot. But I also feel like I'm thinking too much now. I have to get back in the saddle and stay there until I feel comfortable again.
Thanks for all who offered encouragement in my time of (self) doubt.
Regards,
The Rat
1984 Magna V30 Red -- "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black -- as yet unnamed (mine)
Cracked Front Fork Brace
After reading the horror stories of cracked front fork braces on Magnas and the resulting instability, I have decided not to ride until my replacement stock part comes in. Found it at bikebandit.com for $55.00.
I may also talk to my local "Jurassic" bike shop, who specialize in older bikes and who have access to a machine shop for parts fabrication. I may work with them to design a more substantial replacement.
The jury is out from the group whether after-mark braces -- such as superbrace -- meant for a V45 would work on a V30?
Thanks for all the support and advice. Meanwhile, I've managed to borrow my wife's Magna a time or two.
Regards,
The Rat
1984 Honda Magna V30 (Red) -- "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Honda Magna V30 (Black) -- as yet unnamed (mine)
I may also talk to my local "Jurassic" bike shop, who specialize in older bikes and who have access to a machine shop for parts fabrication. I may work with them to design a more substantial replacement.
The jury is out from the group whether after-mark braces -- such as superbrace -- meant for a V45 would work on a V30?
Thanks for all the support and advice. Meanwhile, I've managed to borrow my wife's Magna a time or two.
Regards,
The Rat
1984 Honda Magna V30 (Red) -- "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Honda Magna V30 (Black) -- as yet unnamed (mine)
Learning The Hard Way
1984 Honda Magna V30 Black
- Bought the bike 9/18/2004
- Wrecked the bike 9/20/2004
Here's a summary of the damage.
Left Front Blinker. Also, road rash on the speedometer housing.
Right Front Blinker. I taped it up and kept on riding.
Left Muffler. Hardly noticeable and didn't affect the bike's rideability.
Left Saddle Bag. Hardly noticeable; I put a little shoe polish on the scuffs and kept riding.
Left Rear Blinker. I taped this one up and though it still drooped, it was functional.
Fork Brace. This was probably the most serious damage and the item I had to send away for a replacement part. I bought a replacement on eBay. I don't recommend riding without one, or with a broken one. It lends stability to the front forks.
This is why I bought a used bike to begin with! It's a learning experience. I wanted to buy a used bike in case I did have a mishap. Not expensive to repair. Tape it up (for the most part) and keep riding.
Re: Ouch, Damn
Okay, my wounds have closed, I've slept since my wreck, and I went back over the bike a second time.
There's more than cosmetic damage. The thing that concerns me most is -- the brace at the front fender of the 1984 Honda Magna V30 is cracked.
Is this brace cosmetic or structural in nature? How serious is this? Can I ride it around my subdivision, should I not ride at all until it's repaired?
As for the rest of the damage, I thought I could tape up the turn signals and ride until the replacements come from Dennis Kirk. I may hold off installing the replacements until I've gotten a few hundred miles experience at least.
The saddle bags -- just a bummer, not anything I can do about it. The muffler -- also just a bummer. Although I did get one good, tongue-in-cheek suggestion off list, that I just convince whomever notices the muffler road rash that the pipes drag when you lean hard in a corner. Sounds better than having to say, "I dropped my bike
There's more than cosmetic damage. The thing that concerns me most is -- the brace at the front fender of the 1984 Honda Magna V30 is cracked.
Is this brace cosmetic or structural in nature? How serious is this? Can I ride it around my subdivision, should I not ride at all until it's repaired?
As for the rest of the damage, I thought I could tape up the turn signals and ride until the replacements come from Dennis Kirk. I may hold off installing the replacements until I've gotten a few hundred miles experience at least.
The saddle bags -- just a bummer, not anything I can do about it. The muffler -- also just a bummer. Although I did get one good, tongue-in-cheek suggestion off list, that I just convince whomever notices the muffler road rash that the pipes drag when you lean hard in a corner. Sounds better than having to say, "I dropped my bike
Matched Set
A page right out of history. 1984.
My wife and I have matching V30 Magnas. Hers is red, mine is black.
My wife and I have matching V30 Magnas. Hers is red, mine is black.
Ouch, Damn
Ouch, Damn, my aching pride!
Okay, I took my new-to-me Magna V30 for a spin tonight, and had my first encounter with asphalt.
I was wearing a full face helmet and a leather cruiser jacket, blue jeans and boots.
I was practicing my riding skills, driving through the subdivisions and neighborhoods near my home.
I took a turn a little wide and encountered a patch of loose gravel on the outside of the curve.
Next thing I know I'm scraping on asphalt, my bike first landing on my left leg, then spinning on in front of me. I lowsided and ground to a halt.
I've replayed it over and over in my head trying to think of what I did wrong, what I should've done differently.
I know I did a couple of things wrong. I shouldn't have gotten so close to the outside of the curve. I shouldn't have focused on the patch of gravel that I wanted to avoid; I should've looked through the turn to where I wanted to be.
I shouldn't have driven so close to dark. I was trying to squeeze a ride into the day before sunset, and I got caught in the twilight.
Honest to God, as I'm sliding down the asphalt, I'm thinking, "I can't believe I dropped my new bike!" It's new to me; I only posted the story of my getting it from Pennsylvania earlier today.
I did a few things right, too. I was geared up. My helmet did not touch the asphalt; at least there's no signs of road rash on it. I was wearing a leather jacket. I'm glad I opted for leather instead of the denim jacket I had been wearing.
I saw how easily the blue jeans shredded when in contact with asphalt -- makes me want to run out and buy leather riding pants to complete my outfit. My bloody left knee is what hurts the most -- except for my pride.
At least I wasn't riding in traffic. No one was right behind me to run me over when I took my little spill.
After collecting my wits by the side of the road, I was able to pick up the bike and ride it home. I guess that makes it an okay trip!
Now I need to tape up the dangling left side turn signals, front and rear, bend my headlight case back together, touch up the bright shiny scrapes on my clutch lever. Dammit if I don't have a little road rash on the muffler too -- dammit it was a beautiful bike until I went and screwed it up.
I guess I'm writing to ask for some sympathy or some advice or something. Chew me out if that's what I need but take it easy on me, I've had a hard day.
Thanks,
The Rat
1984 Honda Magna V30 Red "Katie"
1984 Honda Magna V30 Black -- as yet unnamed
Okay, I took my new-to-me Magna V30 for a spin tonight, and had my first encounter with asphalt.
I was wearing a full face helmet and a leather cruiser jacket, blue jeans and boots.
I was practicing my riding skills, driving through the subdivisions and neighborhoods near my home.
I took a turn a little wide and encountered a patch of loose gravel on the outside of the curve.
Next thing I know I'm scraping on asphalt, my bike first landing on my left leg, then spinning on in front of me. I lowsided and ground to a halt.
I've replayed it over and over in my head trying to think of what I did wrong, what I should've done differently.
I know I did a couple of things wrong. I shouldn't have gotten so close to the outside of the curve. I shouldn't have focused on the patch of gravel that I wanted to avoid; I should've looked through the turn to where I wanted to be.
I shouldn't have driven so close to dark. I was trying to squeeze a ride into the day before sunset, and I got caught in the twilight.
Honest to God, as I'm sliding down the asphalt, I'm thinking, "I can't believe I dropped my new bike!" It's new to me; I only posted the story of my getting it from Pennsylvania earlier today.
I did a few things right, too. I was geared up. My helmet did not touch the asphalt; at least there's no signs of road rash on it. I was wearing a leather jacket. I'm glad I opted for leather instead of the denim jacket I had been wearing.
I saw how easily the blue jeans shredded when in contact with asphalt -- makes me want to run out and buy leather riding pants to complete my outfit. My bloody left knee is what hurts the most -- except for my pride.
At least I wasn't riding in traffic. No one was right behind me to run me over when I took my little spill.
After collecting my wits by the side of the road, I was able to pick up the bike and ride it home. I guess that makes it an okay trip!
Now I need to tape up the dangling left side turn signals, front and rear, bend my headlight case back together, touch up the bright shiny scrapes on my clutch lever. Dammit if I don't have a little road rash on the muffler too -- dammit it was a beautiful bike until I went and screwed it up.
I guess I'm writing to ask for some sympathy or some advice or something. Chew me out if that's what I need but take it easy on me, I've had a hard day.
Thanks,
The Rat
1984 Honda Magna V30 Red "Katie"
1984 Honda Magna V30 Black -- as yet unnamed
Different Kind Of Saddle-Sore
I drove 1175 miles this weekend, from Indianapolis, IN to York, PA and
back, for the love of a Honda Magna.
How's that sound for starters?
I won a 1984 Honda Magna at auction on eBay. (It's actually the 2nd Magna
I've bought this summer, but I'll tell you that story another time.)
When I originally bid on the auction, I had a friend from work who was
planning on coming with me so we could ride back together. We had the
perfect plan. We'd rent a pickup or the smallest U-Haul we could find, put
his Harley in the back, drive to York, unload his Harley, turn in the rental
car, pick up my Magna, and both of us ride back.
But unfortunately, I couldn't find an available rental truck to make the
trip for less than $400. So, instead, I hooked up the trailer to my wife's
Tahoe, and drove all the way by myself to pick up the bike and trailer it
back.
So, it didn't turn out to be the 600-mile memorable motorcycle ride I'd
hoped for. But, I have to say I'm still happy with the end result. Now I
have a Magna of my very own!
I'll post pictures soon.
back, for the love of a Honda Magna.
How's that sound for starters?
I won a 1984 Honda Magna at auction on eBay. (It's actually the 2nd Magna
I've bought this summer, but I'll tell you that story another time.)
When I originally bid on the auction, I had a friend from work who was
planning on coming with me so we could ride back together. We had the
perfect plan. We'd rent a pickup or the smallest U-Haul we could find, put
his Harley in the back, drive to York, unload his Harley, turn in the rental
car, pick up my Magna, and both of us ride back.
But unfortunately, I couldn't find an available rental truck to make the
trip for less than $400. So, instead, I hooked up the trailer to my wife's
Tahoe, and drove all the way by myself to pick up the bike and trailer it
back.
So, it didn't turn out to be the 600-mile memorable motorcycle ride I'd
hoped for. But, I have to say I'm still happy with the end result. Now I
have a Magna of my very own!
I'll post pictures soon.
After work I hitched the trailer up to the Chevy Tahoe, and started on my trip to York, Pennsylvania, to pick up my V30 Magna.
I got on I-70 and headed east. I haven't been east of Dayton, Ohio on that stretch of highway in my memory. I imagine I must've taken that route when we traveled to Springfield, Mass, when I was maybe 6 years old. But I certainly wasn't watching sign posts or counting the miles at that time.
I had a bed roll in the back, a change of clothes, helmet and gloves.
I might get a hotel, or if I found a decent spot I might just sleep in the back of the Tahoe. In the morning I'd wake up and drive the rest of the way.
I had arranged to meet the seller of the bike at noon. I had 570 miles to cover in 17 hours.
I got on I-70 and headed east. I haven't been east of Dayton, Ohio on that stretch of highway in my memory. I imagine I must've taken that route when we traveled to Springfield, Mass, when I was maybe 6 years old. But I certainly wasn't watching sign posts or counting the miles at that time.
I had a bed roll in the back, a change of clothes, helmet and gloves.
I might get a hotel, or if I found a decent spot I might just sleep in the back of the Tahoe. In the morning I'd wake up and drive the rest of the way.
I had arranged to meet the seller of the bike at noon. I had 570 miles to cover in 17 hours.
How To Get Hooked On Motorcycles Without Even Trying
or, "How I spent my summer."
Step 2
Step 1
Buy a motorcycle for your wife for her birthday, even though you can't ride one yourself. It's what she's always wanted, and she'll never suspect that you'll actually find a way to scrape enough pennies together to afford one.
Step 2
Get accustomed to the bike. Move it around the garage. Get used to its smell, its weight. Learn how to start it. Learn how to get on and off of it.
Fix it when it breaks. With the help of your kids, of course.
Step 3
Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation "Beginner's Riding Course". Get your motorcycle learner's permit.
Step 4
Borrow your wife's motorcycle and ride it yourself. Borrow it often enough that she says, "Hey, you've ridden my birthday present almost as much as I have!"
Step 5
Buy one for yourself. You're hooked.
New Bike Smile
Hello,
I wanted to de-lurk from this list and say "hi". I bought my wife a 1984 Honda Magna V30 as her first bike, and she loves it. I liked it so much I think I'll have to get one for myself.
I've been reading posts here and most of what I see pertains to V45's or V65's. I don't know if a lowly V30 rider is welcome in your midst or not?
I've read through the FAQ's (Honest!) But haven't found the answers I'm looking for...
I'm having an especially hard time finding parts for the V30. Even places that do have parts for Honda Magnas generally mean the bigger ones, and don't have anything for V30s.
Specifically, I'd like to get crash bars and custom seat with backrest and saddle bags.
If you've got any tips, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Atgatt Rat
1984 VF500C V30 Magna -- as yet unnamed
"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup"
-- unknown
I wanted to de-lurk from this list and say "hi". I bought my wife a 1984 Honda Magna V30 as her first bike, and she loves it. I liked it so much I think I'll have to get one for myself.
I've been reading posts here and most of what I see pertains to V45's or V65's. I don't know if a lowly V30 rider is welcome in your midst or not?
I've read through the FAQ's (Honest!) But haven't found the answers I'm looking for...
I'm having an especially hard time finding parts for the V30. Even places that do have parts for Honda Magnas generally mean the bigger ones, and don't have anything for V30s.
Specifically, I'd like to get crash bars and custom seat with backrest and saddle bags.
If you've got any tips, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Atgatt Rat
1984 VF500C V30 Magna -- as yet unnamed
"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup"
-- unknown
My son's first ride with Dad
Trailered the bike to my mom's, out in the country away from civilization.
Confidence is high -- foolishly high -- and my son accompanies me.
These are some rare pics of the ATGATT RAT in his days before "All The Gear". I did donn gloves helmet and boots, long sleeve shirt and jeans. Helmets were 20 years old.
When shown the photos later, my friend Steve said, "You look like the martian "Kazoo" from the Flintstones when you wear that helmet."
3 days later I would buy a full-faced helmet, for increased safety, and to avoid more comments from Steve.
I passed the ABATE course today! I didn't do particularly well on the skills test. I was pretty frustrated. In fact I failed the first skills test, as did several other riders in my range. The instructors allowed us to retake the skills test, and I passed.
I wouldn't characterize it as acing the test.
My biggest problems were the slow-speed maneuvering -- where you're supposed to u-turn the bike inside a 10 foot box -- and the full-brake application.
In the low-speed maneuvering section, I couldn't hold it in a tight loop and ended up riding outside the box. Points deducted.
For the full-brake application, I did everything fine except I forgot to downshift into first. Points deducted, but not enough to keep me from passing.
I wouldn't characterize it as acing the test.
My biggest problems were the slow-speed maneuvering -- where you're supposed to u-turn the bike inside a 10 foot box -- and the full-brake application.
In the low-speed maneuvering section, I couldn't hold it in a tight loop and ended up riding outside the box. Points deducted.
For the full-brake application, I did everything fine except I forgot to downshift into first. Points deducted, but not enough to keep me from passing.
I showed up after work at the ABATE Beginner's Riding Course tonight, hoping to get in. The course was fully booked so I was on "stand-by"
There were 6 of us waiting to get into the course and only 3 openings. We drew straws and I drew number 4. Bummer!
But the guy who drew number 3 was taking the class with his dad, who drew number 5. He bowed out of the running cause he didn't want to take the course alone. That moved everyone else up a notch and waddayaknow, I'm in!
I wore jeans and boots thinking I'd get to ride tonight. Instead we had about 4 hours of classroom material to cover. Oh, well, I'll get to ride tomorrow.
There were 6 of us waiting to get into the course and only 3 openings. We drew straws and I drew number 4. Bummer!
But the guy who drew number 3 was taking the class with his dad, who drew number 5. He bowed out of the running cause he didn't want to take the course alone. That moved everyone else up a notch and waddayaknow, I'm in!
I wore jeans and boots thinking I'd get to ride tonight. Instead we had about 4 hours of classroom material to cover. Oh, well, I'll get to ride tomorrow.
My wife's kickstand is bent, and the bike leans pretty far to the left when it is parked. I bet it happened when I trailered the bike home from Michigan. It was my first ever trailering of a motorcycle, and I relied on the folks who sold it to me to know how to load it up and strap it in. It seemed kind of strange to me to leave the kickstand down while strapping the front end down, but they seemed sure of themselves and I went with it.
The kickstand is bent and the wooden floor of the trailer is all chewed up from the kickstand biting into it with every bump. I don't care about the floor of the trailer.
I looked for replacement kickstands and couldn't find any except for a $200 one at denniskirk.com.
I'm not gonna spend that kind of money on a 20 year old bike.
So tonight I put her bike up on the center stand, and dug out my metric wrenches. I took the kickstand off the bike, and hammered the kickstand back into a shape that resembled straight.
I put the kickstand back on the bike. Much better.
My first repair. Hey, we all gotta start somewhere.
The kickstand is bent and the wooden floor of the trailer is all chewed up from the kickstand biting into it with every bump. I don't care about the floor of the trailer.
I looked for replacement kickstands and couldn't find any except for a $200 one at denniskirk.com.
I'm not gonna spend that kind of money on a 20 year old bike.
So tonight I put her bike up on the center stand, and dug out my metric wrenches. I took the kickstand off the bike, and hammered the kickstand back into a shape that resembled straight.
I put the kickstand back on the bike. Much better.
My first repair. Hey, we all gotta start somewhere.
V30 Love
My wife and I bought two Honda V30 Magnas in 2004. This is the story of our learning to ride, repair and maintain these bikes.
The Honda VF500C can't be beat as a starter bike. Its V4 cylinder engine gives it great power and responsiveness that makes you think it's a bigger bike. And they are not expensive! A great place to start.
The Honda VF500C can't be beat as a starter bike. Its V4 cylinder engine gives it great power and responsiveness that makes you think it's a bigger bike. And they are not expensive! A great place to start.
Hello, Welcome
I'm the ATGATT Rat. I live in Indiana, and I like to ride motorcycles. My wife and I both ride, and sometimes our kids ride with us. I commute to work on my motorcycle during Spring, Summer and Fall. I always wear protective gear.
I discovered motorcycles later than some folks ... near age 40. I write about learning to ride, fixing my own bike, finding great roads in unexpected places, and improving my riding ability.
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