I can't find anything online or even in the V30 service manual on draining carbs. It must be supposed to be really simple and obvious, because the owner's manual for both V30 and VF750C say matter-of-factly "drain the carbs".
I can't see anything that looks like a drain plug or screw. It's not obvious to me.
Can anyone talk me through it or point me to some perty pictures online that'll show me?
P.S. It wasn't the battery. Charged it fully and it still won't start. It tried. Made a couple of sounds like it really wanted to, but didn't. Plenty of crank. No joy.
Sounds Like A Harley
I'll mention one more aspect of this story.
After I got it running, it faultered and backfired for a while. For a while I thought it wasn't running on all four cylinders.
I frowned at its halting, stuttering exhaust note.
"Sounds like a stinking Harley," I told my wife. "It's an outrage!"
She knew I was goading her. There's a bit of a good-natured ribbing going on between me -- I proudly ride Honda -- and my wife, who considers riding a Honda a necessary evil, but deep down bleeds black and orange.
She smiled back, and because the children were in the room chose to mouth these words to me (rather than give them voice) -- "Bite me!"
I laughed!
Eventually, I futzed around with the choke and idle speed, got the bike warmed up, and it smoothed out. I don't know if it was choking on the last bit of that old crappy gas, or what, but once it warmed up and ran for about five minutes it was fine.
After I got it running, it faultered and backfired for a while. For a while I thought it wasn't running on all four cylinders.
I frowned at its halting, stuttering exhaust note.
"Sounds like a stinking Harley," I told my wife. "It's an outrage!"
She knew I was goading her. There's a bit of a good-natured ribbing going on between me -- I proudly ride Honda -- and my wife, who considers riding a Honda a necessary evil, but deep down bleeds black and orange.
She smiled back, and because the children were in the room chose to mouth these words to me (rather than give them voice) -- "Bite me!"
I laughed!
Eventually, I futzed around with the choke and idle speed, got the bike warmed up, and it smoothed out. I don't know if it was choking on the last bit of that old crappy gas, or what, but once it warmed up and ran for about five minutes it was fine.
Running Again
drained the carb float bowls and tried again last night to restart it. No joy.
Tonight I changed the plugs, and it fired right up. Linus has his security blanket back!
Trouble is, the plugs I took out don't seem to be all that bad. They were the correct kind, and didn't appear to be all that bad. I'll post pics and maybe yall can tell me if you see anythign wrong from it. I get the feeling I'm missing something.
As for the experience at changing the plugs on the New Magna versus the V30, I had been so hopeful when I saw how Honda had thoughtfully outfitted the radiator on a pivot that allowed it to move out of the way for ease of access to the front plugs.
In reality, I've discovered that ease of access is a relative concept. It was still a bit flusterating, but better than the V30.
I wonder how you're supposed to give the plugs the requisite 1/2 turn following seating, in order to compress the washer, as the manual says. I mean, you can't really see what you're doing and it's hard to gauge how much you've turned it when you're turning it a click at a time.
I suppose I shoulda figgered how many clicks it takes to get to half a turn, and counted clicks.
I did notice a steady stream of smoke rising off the left rear cylinder -- right at the exhaust manifold. I wasn't sure if it was burning off some oil that had leaked onto the exhaust pipe or what. I shone a flashlight on the spot and couldn't see any more. The smoke went away. I'll see if it returns next time I start it up (after it sits for a day) and see if it could be oil leaking out onto the exhaust manifold.
I think I'll chalk it up to some misplaced motorcycle polish that was deposited on the exhaust pipe when my 5-year-old daughter helped me polish the bike last week.
I know that previous sentence makes no sense to you Sabre owners. If you're a Magna owner, you'll understand...
Tonight I changed the plugs, and it fired right up. Linus has his security blanket back!
Trouble is, the plugs I took out don't seem to be all that bad. They were the correct kind, and didn't appear to be all that bad. I'll post pics and maybe yall can tell me if you see anythign wrong from it. I get the feeling I'm missing something.
As for the experience at changing the plugs on the New Magna versus the V30, I had been so hopeful when I saw how Honda had thoughtfully outfitted the radiator on a pivot that allowed it to move out of the way for ease of access to the front plugs.
In reality, I've discovered that ease of access is a relative concept. It was still a bit flusterating, but better than the V30.
I wonder how you're supposed to give the plugs the requisite 1/2 turn following seating, in order to compress the washer, as the manual says. I mean, you can't really see what you're doing and it's hard to gauge how much you've turned it when you're turning it a click at a time.
I suppose I shoulda figgered how many clicks it takes to get to half a turn, and counted clicks.
I did notice a steady stream of smoke rising off the left rear cylinder -- right at the exhaust manifold. I wasn't sure if it was burning off some oil that had leaked onto the exhaust pipe or what. I shone a flashlight on the spot and couldn't see any more. The smoke went away. I'll see if it returns next time I start it up (after it sits for a day) and see if it could be oil leaking out onto the exhaust manifold.
I think I'll chalk it up to some misplaced motorcycle polish that was deposited on the exhaust pipe when my 5-year-old daughter helped me polish the bike last week.
I know that previous sentence makes no sense to you Sabre owners. If you're a Magna owner, you'll understand...
Stabil
Seriously, too much stabil is a possibility? I might have done that. I suppose I could drain the entire tank, dump that into my car, and refill the magna with fresh.
I didn't think too much stabil would be a problem; worst case just a waste of stabil. Is that not true?
Is there such a thing as too old stabil? That might be another factor.
I didn't think too much stabil would be a problem; worst case just a waste of stabil. Is that not true?
Is there such a thing as too old stabil? That might be another factor.
Low Tech Magna
The new magna does not have a fuel pump, shaft drive, or 6 speed transmission.
Someone commented: If it's got a vacuum-operated fuel-valve, it should have a "prime" position rather than an "off" position. Turn it to "prime" and the fuel should flow. It should, but it doesn't. Remember the "New" Magna engineering moto:"Low Tech, or No Tech." ;-)
To which I said:
Hey, man, brute force has an elegance all its own. There's something to be said for low tech. I'm not sure what. I sure would love to have a 4th generation magna show up next year, with a shaft drive and fuel injection. It would be back to the future! They can put flippin' shaft drives on a God-forsaken V-Twin. But they stick the Magna with a chain!
Someone commented: If it's got a vacuum-operated fuel-valve, it should have a "prime" position rather than an "off" position. Turn it to "prime" and the fuel should flow. It should, but it doesn't. Remember the "New" Magna engineering moto:"Low Tech, or No Tech." ;-)
To which I said:
Hey, man, brute force has an elegance all its own. There's something to be said for low tech. I'm not sure what. I sure would love to have a 4th generation magna show up next year, with a shaft drive and fuel injection. It would be back to the future! They can put flippin' shaft drives on a God-forsaken V-Twin. But they stick the Magna with a chain!
Won't Start VF750C
My new-to-me 3rd gen Magna won't start today. It's 36 degrees out. It's been 10 days since I started it last. I bought it 3 weeks ago. I've started it a few times since I bought it. I put stabil in the tank and ran it long enough to warm up 10 days ago.
I was feeling all PMS-y today so I tried to start it up again. Wouldn't start. Plenty of crank. Sounds like it wants to start. The exhaust smelled like exhaust, not raw fuel. I believe it was maybe hitting on one cylinder or something?
After I get the kids tucked in their beds tonight I'll try again. I'm stubborn. I want to ride this week if the rain washes away the rest of the road slush by midweek.
New gas? Check the plugs? Check the fuel flow while cranking?
I have yet to find a service manual for the 3rd gen online -- so I'm stumbling in the dark. I'll keep searching for the service manuals.
I know my way around the V30 a little bit. I assume that the 3rd Gen magna, like the V30, has a fuel pump. Does it truly have a reserve tank (like the V30) or does it just have two drains in the main tank -- one high, one low? The petcock on the V30 was lower than both tanks. To drain both tanks, you could just disconnect the fuel line at the petcock. The petcock on the 3rd Gen is right up under the tank. Makes me think there is no under-the-seat reserve.
One difference I've noticed is that to clear a flooded V30, owner's manual says shut the engine cutoff "Off", and crank for 5 seconds. The 3rd Gen has no such provision and in fact will not even crank with the engine cutoff in "off" position. I might've flooded it in my earlier attempt to start it.
Any help appreciated. Thanks.
I was feeling all PMS-y today so I tried to start it up again. Wouldn't start. Plenty of crank. Sounds like it wants to start. The exhaust smelled like exhaust, not raw fuel. I believe it was maybe hitting on one cylinder or something?
After I get the kids tucked in their beds tonight I'll try again. I'm stubborn. I want to ride this week if the rain washes away the rest of the road slush by midweek.
New gas? Check the plugs? Check the fuel flow while cranking?
I have yet to find a service manual for the 3rd gen online -- so I'm stumbling in the dark. I'll keep searching for the service manuals.
I know my way around the V30 a little bit. I assume that the 3rd Gen magna, like the V30, has a fuel pump. Does it truly have a reserve tank (like the V30) or does it just have two drains in the main tank -- one high, one low? The petcock on the V30 was lower than both tanks. To drain both tanks, you could just disconnect the fuel line at the petcock. The petcock on the 3rd Gen is right up under the tank. Makes me think there is no under-the-seat reserve.
One difference I've noticed is that to clear a flooded V30, owner's manual says shut the engine cutoff "Off", and crank for 5 seconds. The 3rd Gen has no such provision and in fact will not even crank with the engine cutoff in "off" position. I might've flooded it in my earlier attempt to start it.
Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Magna Sites
A new world of ownership communities online. New bike means new groups to join. New information. New parts catalogs to peruse.
http://www.magnariders.com/
http://www.geocities.com/magna_bikes/
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Magna
Review of the bike:
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/honda_magna_750/
http://www.magnariders.com/
http://www.geocities.com/magna_bikes/
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Magna
Review of the bike:
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/honda_magna_750/
Comparisons
| Bike | VF750C | VF500C | GL1100I | FLSTF | DR650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak HP | 84.0 | 62 | 64.1 | 61.6 | 43 |
| @RPM | 9000 | 11500 | 7500 | 5200 | 6400 |
| Peak Torque | 50.42 | 31.7 | 48.2 | 77 | 40 |
| @RPM | 6500 | 10500 | 7250 | 3500 | 4600 |
| Dry Weight | 505 | 400 | 718 | 666 | 324 |
| Pounds Per Horse | 5.95 | 6.45 | 11.2 | 10.8 | 7.5 |
Helpful References
Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy
The claimed dry weight for the Fat Boy is 665.6 lbs and that heft is spread out over its 94.3-inch stem-to-stern length. The frame sports rake and trail figures of 32 degrees and 5.8 inches, bringing the wheelbase up to 64.5 inches. The seat height on this bike checks in at a stumpy 25.5 inches
Harley Ad
Regardless of what you think of their bikes, I think you'd have to admit Harley does a good job of marketing.
I like their ad with a motorcycle drawn out of a bunch of words and phrases arranged to make a picture. It's art! Like a Claude Monet or something.
I could spend hours picking phrases out of the composite picture. It's like looking for easter eggs.
Here's what I've got so far:
This really doesn't need to be sooooo difficult.
I swear I just did laundry last week.
Is it naptime yet?
Take it all in
You can never repeat the first time
Rude children suck!
My back is killing me.
Be here at 6:00 pm.
No bubbly music
You might want to stand back.
This beer tastes like swill.
If you don't vote, don't complain.
What a horrible movie.
Do cats come with girls? If not I don't want one.
Thick and delicious.
It would seem that she has a soul of pure blackness.
I think it's about time you leave.
I'll just go ahead and sweep this under the rug.
Chocolate doesn't really taste that great.
Take a L then a R
Clean is relative
Is it naptime yet?
I live in the details.
I've seen bigger.
Punk is dead.
Nag nag nag.
How great would it be to date her?
I don't want to keep...
Pull it apart and put it back together.
I'm totally sick of the dog eating out of the trash
Curves or straight legs.
Just another prank caller.
Life is better on the couch.
Should I stop smoking this weekend?
1/2 cup of sugar
Thin crust all the way.
I prefer the glass cup to the plastic cup
There is no way of knowing where this will go
Don't forget to feed the dog.
What do you think?
What should be doing now
The boredom is killing me
It's always easier to do
Why did that dog puke on my shoe? I should have punted it.
Just another pain killer.
I don't want to know.
She has bad breath
No you're not tough as me
The lies that come from her mouth
Sweating on dates is not cool
There must be a catch.
You always have a choice. Don't always make the right one.
There is likely more than one solution to this problem.
Ask Jennifer what she's doing this weekend.
1979 Great Year
1977 Better Year
What we need is pretzels.
I like their ad with a motorcycle drawn out of a bunch of words and phrases arranged to make a picture. It's art! Like a Claude Monet or something.
I could spend hours picking phrases out of the composite picture. It's like looking for easter eggs.
Here's what I've got so far:
This really doesn't need to be sooooo difficult.
I swear I just did laundry last week.
Is it naptime yet?
Take it all in
You can never repeat the first time
Rude children suck!
My back is killing me.
Be here at 6:00 pm.
No bubbly music
You might want to stand back.
This beer tastes like swill.
If you don't vote, don't complain.
What a horrible movie.
Do cats come with girls? If not I don't want one.
Thick and delicious.
It would seem that she has a soul of pure blackness.
I think it's about time you leave.
I'll just go ahead and sweep this under the rug.
Chocolate doesn't really taste that great.
Take a L then a R
Clean is relative
Is it naptime yet?
I live in the details.
I've seen bigger.
Punk is dead.
Nag nag nag.
How great would it be to date her?
I don't want to keep...
Pull it apart and put it back together.
I'm totally sick of the dog eating out of the trash
Curves or straight legs.
Just another prank caller.
Life is better on the couch.
Should I stop smoking this weekend?
1/2 cup of sugar
Thin crust all the way.
I prefer the glass cup to the plastic cup
There is no way of knowing where this will go
Don't forget to feed the dog.
What do you think?
What should be doing now
The boredom is killing me
It's always easier to do
Why did that dog puke on my shoe? I should have punted it.
Just another pain killer.
I don't want to know.
She has bad breath
No you're not tough as me
The lies that come from her mouth
Sweating on dates is not cool
There must be a catch.
You always have a choice. Don't always make the right one.
There is likely more than one solution to this problem.
Ask Jennifer what she's doing this weekend.
1979 Great Year
1977 Better Year
What we need is pretzels.
Buying A Bike In February
After 6 months away from the V4 fold, I have repented and returned. Yesterday I bought and trailered home (in 40 mph wind gusts and blowing snow) a 94 Magna.
Come warm weather I'll sell my 82 Gold Wing and wipe that chapter of my motorcycle history from my memory. Maybe I'll buy a Wing again when I'm 65.
Blizzard conditions on the return trip.
My beautiful red Magna on the trailer on the way home from Michigan in the snow.
Come warm weather I'll sell my 82 Gold Wing and wipe that chapter of my motorcycle history from my memory. Maybe I'll buy a Wing again when I'm 65.
Blizzard conditions on the return trip.
My beautiful red Magna on the trailer on the way home from Michigan in the snow.
Magna Again!
I must be a Magna owner again:
1. I'm grinning ear to ear
2. I'm googling "ways to clean your motorcycle"
3. I'm thinking of designing a T-Shirt logo: V4-Ever
4. I can't wait for the snow to melt.
1. I'm grinning ear to ear
2. I'm googling "ways to clean your motorcycle"
3. I'm thinking of designing a T-Shirt logo: V4-Ever
4. I can't wait for the snow to melt.
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