[Moto J]

Hello there,
I just bought my first bike, a 1984 Honda Magna 700, so that I can learn to ride. I’ve put about 150 miles on it so far and just drove it to work (45 minute backroad cummute) for the first time.
I’ve wanted a bike for a long time. Glad I finally bought one. So far so good!
I live in Brooklyn, MI. in the summer and in Clinton, MI in the winter. I work in Ann Arbor, doing CAD.
See you around

[WeaponZero]

The Magna is a pretty big & bad bike for a beginner. Hope everything goes well for you. Be safe and be fun!

[Moto J]

Thanks Zero. I’ve been practicing around the neighborhood for 2 weeks, and I’m a fast learner who’s very careful. I’ve done a lot of reading, so I know what to look for, now I just need to make it instinctful. I do have a nice helmet, gloves and an armored jacket. Still looking for boots and pants and rain gear.
Well today is the 2nd day driving to work. So far so good, but boy was it cold. Yesterday was the warmer day and it was cold, so today I wore 2 pairs of jeans and my jacket under my coveralls.
I think the bike lacks a lot of power. It’s not that fast. I’m sure it needs a valve guide adjustment, it makes a lot of noise. I’m going to take my road test before I have them adjusted. I’m expecting a huge difference once they are adjusted. If it doesn’t make a big difference I’ll have to flush the gas tank, change the fuel filter and then get the carbs cleaned.
It’s got 37,000 miles and it kind of bogs if I try to take off fast. If I try to accelerate at 55 mph it really bogs for a few seconds, then it kind of takes off at about half throttle. And it stalls out (after about 10 seconds of slower and slower idling) if I turn the choke all the way off.
Sounds weak doesn’t it? And I don’t really even know what it should run like.

[WeaponZero]

Back in its day that bike was known for being a musclebike, the motorcycle equivalent to a ’71 Dodge Challenger R/T 440. If it isn’t snapping your head back it’s experiencine engine performance problems. You should have it looked at.

[SafetyFirst]

Hey, what’s up from a displaced guy from Michigan.
Grew up in Novi, have family on the east side, too.

Spent a few nights in Brooklyn, man they have a nice racetrack there.
You think they’d let you take that 700 on their track once it’s worked on?

Welcome to the site and riding!

[Moto J]

I’m on the third tank of gas and have been adding carb cleaner to the last 2. Bike is running stronger by the day but has a ways to go. I’ll have the carbs cleaned and vavles checked when it snows.
Just got back from my road test. I did good. The guy thought I had been riding for a while. Suprised to hear I’ve only spent the last 3 weeks behind this one and only bike. I’ve racked up over 350 miles now.
It sure is nice to be legal.

“Spent a few nights in Brooklyn, man they have a nice racetrack there.
You think they’d let you take that 700 on their track once it’s worked on? “

Yes, it’s a nice oval track. I usually get a couple free tickets with tent passes from friends. You get tickets for food and beer and get great seats. That’s the only way to go.
I WISH I could take it around the track.

[Author]

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