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)
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.
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