3,000 Miles down
Passed the 3,000 mile mark since buying my Magna. Everything has been going well, I probably put about 80 percent of my miles on the motorcycle rather than the car.
During that time I have compiled a list of some things I would like to do to it, but have resisted the urge to tamper thus far (I have essentially only changed the oil and filter so far, switching the bike to full synthetic oil). My highest priority items are kinda in the whole comfort and handling spectrum.
- Progressive fork springs (the original springs have a bit too much dive in them, this seems a fairly common change people make.)
- Progressive rear shocks
- Mustang seat (for when I have trips that are more than 1-2 hours in length)
It is also very likely that I will have to replace tires during the next year, but I am not experienced enough to know how long the current rubber will last. I will probably switch the bike back to Dunlops when the time comes though. Likewise for the front and rear brakes, they may need replaced also.
I may do some small things to screw with the cosmetics, but nothing too drastic.
During an offseason, I might consider working on increasing the performance, but its not something that I feel I need to do to keep me happy, yet anyway.
- New Sprockets 15 tooth in front, 43 tooth in rear
- Exhaust (SuperTrapp 4 into 2 or Jardine Drags would be my preference, followed by Vance and Hines Classic II then Cobra Boulevard)
- K&N Air Filter
- Rejet the Carbs probably to 108 mains with 42 slows
Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase, and quite happy with what it offers. I was a tad nervous about picking this bike for a first bike, but am glad that I wasn’t able to talk myself out of it.
Poor Man’s Lift
Posted by Matt in Uncategorized on June 16, 2011
My Magna is a chain drive, and part of the regular maintenance on chain drive bikes involves keeping the chain lubricated. I haven’t yet invested in a motorcycle lift, and it was pretty annoying oiling the then pushing over and over. So I gave the poor man’s lift that I found at Magna Owners of Texas a try.
Just in case that site ever goes away, the poor man’s lift for the 94-03 Magna’s involves a 4″x4″ that is 11.25″ long and one that is 2.75″ long.
Put the long one under the right side swingarm, rotate the bike to the right on it, and slide the short one under the sidestand. Your rear wheel will have enough clearance to rotate easily and it is surprisingly sturdy.
I have used it and recommend it, but it is not without its risk, which you need to evaluate for yourself.
It also cost me less than 6 dollars to buy a 6′ long 4″x4″.
I am legal
Ok, so I really was legal before, but now I officially have my motorcycle endorsement.
I took the MSF Basic RiderCourse a month ago through Abate of Indiana, which keeps you from needing to retake the riding test.
I also got my learners permit a month ago, which basically meant I had to pass the written test and:
- no passengers
- must wear helmet
- only ride during the day
In Indiana, you must keep your learners permit for a month before applying for your full endorsement, which happened today.
Best road so far
Mixed bag for the week, rode to work each day, which was great. But Marla’s uncle passed away, and she and Melanie are up at his funeral.
Today I went for a fairly long ride, down to bloomington, through nashville and home. during the ride, I hit State Route 45 between Beanblossom and Bloomington. I picked the road because I had seen it on http://www.motorcycleroads.us/regions/in_south.html It is one of the few roads on there marked as twisty. It was an extremely enjoyable 20 miles. Which helped me to discover that ‘I like curvy/twisty roads’.
Also discovered that I probably am going to need to invest in a Mustang seat during this summer.
Next year I will probably take part in the Miracle Ride events as well.
Bike is legal
Got back from our trip to see Nathaniel graduate, and had a nice surprise of title, registration and plate waiting for me in the mail.
put 1004 miles on the car for the roundtrip.
No riding, but going on a trip
Didn’t ride to work, due to weather monday or tuesday, tomorrow, Melanie and I are going on a trip to Branson, and then Fort Smith for Nathaniels graduation. We are all extremely proud of him. We will be back Saturday or Sunday.
First time to work
Rode to work today, its like 62 miles roundtrip, but a lot of that is interstate, it was a very enjoyable ride. After work, rode around just all over the place for a while, and started to feel it in the tush.
I’m definately not going to post every days activities or anything, but would like to keep track of some stuff that goes on.
I also kinda wanna keep a log on how much use I get out of my motorcycle vs my car, what I have to do to keep them running and so on.
vehicle number 1 is a 2005 Ford Focus ZX3 with 107,400 (best estimate for may 17th) miles on it.
vehicle number 2 is a 1994 Honda Magna VF750C with 23,592 (actual for may 17th) miles on it.
First Official Ride
Got the title and registration stuff taken care of this morning, have a temporary plate. Went for a ride, in the dark and misting rain.
Handled well, rode great, I was grinning from ear to ear constantly, that and the rain made me glad I had a full face helmet on. 
Finally
Got a motorcycle, on May 17th, 2011, it’s a 1994 Honda Magna. Run’s great, looks nice, guess it is time to make up for all those lost years of riding.