Introduction and Question

[Irisheagle]

Hey guys,

I thought I'd introduce myself and then ask my question

My name is Dave Childers and I live down in the Corpus Christi area. I bought my buddies old 1984 Magna VF700C a few months back in July as my first bike. Since then I've tried to do basic stuff with it, learned the hard way flushing/bleeding the brakes/clutch lines, and did some other minor stuff. Also ended up having to drop $450 to have the engine worked on when a part of the cams started to go bad.

So here's my question. I want to learn to do all of the maintenance and repairs myself, especially to save on labour costs. I have the old Haynes manual and have access to a hobby skills shop on the Naval Air Station with most of the tools. What I don't have is experience or know anyone else who does, and reading a manual is completely different from hands on experience. If there is anyone in the Corpus Christi area whose going to do work on their bike in the future and wouldn't mind having a rookie watch and learn, it would be greatly appreciated and would be accomodated (most likely in six packs )

Also, if anyone has any advice on where else I can learn from, whether it be websites or books, that would be appreciated as well.

Respectfully,
Dave

[roboto65]

Well let me be the first to Welcome you and you are at the best source for info and people on Magnas MOOT that is . David is somewhat in your area and will chime in soon!!!!!

[hootmon]

Welcome from Safety Harbor, Floriduh..
I'm a Gen 3 rider, so I can't help you out.. But as said before, others will chime in..
Great to have you on the Forum!!

[L J VFR]

Welcom to the forum!!   Great people here!

[Curtis_Valk]

I love Corpus Christi area.

Curtis

[silveradocowboy]

There are several sites with tons of info.(just google it) and for your 1st gen you should check out this forum and website. If we don't have the info someone can point you in the right direction.

Another good way to pick up on some tips is to attend a wrench session when someone has one.

[BA]

Hi Dave,

I had an '85 V30 (500cc) a couple years ago and now have two 3rd generation Magnas (I know I'm greedy).  I commute between Ypsilanti, Michigan and Brownsville and have one bike in each state.  I just completed schooling to become a certified motorcycle mechanic and have received my Master's Motorcycle Mechanics licence in Michigan.  When I retire from my current automotive engineering job (or get laid off), I plan to open my own motorcycle service and repair shop in Brownsville.  I'm only down there once a month for long weekends, and have a small collection of tools there, but am willing to provide assistance when I can.  Next weekend is the bike fest on South Padre Island.  It's a pretty good event if you can make it.

Ride Safe,
BA

[mark_gober]

Dave,

Welcome.  I, like you, am a newbie to working on motorcycles.  Personally, I consider myself a pretty good mechanic when it comes to cars, but motorcycles are a little different.  Also like you, I prefer to do my own work.  I got a CD from a guy I bought some carb kits for my 1982 Magna from and it's got great manuals.  I have the Clymer on hand and it's not really the best manual ever.  I live in D/FW and I wish I lived closer.  As a recent former sailor, I can attest to my appreciation to the auto hobby shop.  Many times since leaving the Navy, I've wished I still had access to it.  If I can be of any help, please let me know.

Mark


P.S.  Let me know if you'd like a copy of that CD.  I can ship it to you.

[Jamtndll]

Welcome to the group.  You will get plenty of great information on this sight.  As stated above keep an eye out for the wrench sessions they are a great way to learn.