New magna owner/member here. (Updated with pics!!! 2/21/10)

[hootmon]

If you ever want to get rid of your speedometer, Dan "1985v45Magna" will take it!!!!

you're a class act, Harry.

LOL

Just looking out for you - good buddy!!!

[xwarp]

Got the carb rack back on and NO leaks!

Let her idle for a bit and took the bike out for a quick run around the block. She did pretty well considering. Now need to deal with the rust in the tank and get the lights in order.

Oh, in case you were curious, I had a one gallon gas can strapped to the top of the frame for this little test ride.

bill

[lragan]

You gotta love it!  Innovation at its finest.  If you still have the gas can in place and can post a pic, it will be a classic, for sure!

Congratulations on getting it running.  We are all pulling for your ultimate success, and with the kind of perseverance and thinking you have shown so far, I am confident it will turn out well.

[guywheatley]

Oh, in case you were curious, I had a one gallon gas can strapped to the top of the frame for this little test ride.
bill

Boy are you on the right board.   

[a65bug]

I wouldn't worry too much about the smoke unless it doesn't go away in a reasonable time after running the bike.
2 possible culprits (I got into a bit of a debate on the v4 board about this, I know I know who could believe I would debate something)

1. (my stand) is that an engine that has been sitting can easily get stuck rings allowing for some oil to slip by and cause the smoke.  It is possible after some running; heat/cooling cycles; that they will break free and be fine.  IMO if you suspect this then put some Seafoam in the oil and run it a bit then change the oil.

2. Oil has built up in the collector for the exhaust, not the muffler but the "box" where all 4 pipes come to equalize things.  Some of the guys on the v4 board have this theory how it can happen.  How it happens with a non running engine so that there is enough oil in there to smoke when starting it again is beyond my understanding.  Their theory, IIRC, was something about the valve seals leaking and the oil somehow draining down the valve and out the exhaust port.  Again, I had trouble wrapping my head around this theory, but the guys who believe it really believe it.  Although I often felt on that board some just LIKED to debate, ESPECIALLY with anything I stated.

Oh, you KNOW that they just like to debate, but i think it's with everyone...

I can see both being a possibility, I know oil pools up around the valves, so I can imagine how in theory the oil sitting there covering the valve seals could leak through over time...but I also KNOW that rings stick after sitting so I'd say it was more likely that.  Well, or the valve seals could be bad too...well best to wait and see if it goes away...

[xwarp]

Oh, in case you were curious, I had a one gallon gas can strapped to the top of the frame for this little test ride.
bill

Boy are you on the right board.  

Too funny, but I had to ride this beast for a few feet at least. Will be utilizing this tactic until I get the tank cleaned and lined.

OH MAN WHAT A FEELING!!!!

I don't recall mentioning that the last bike I had was a 1986 vfr700 back in 95-96, and that was the last time I got on a motorcycle until today.

And for the excitement I have for this v-four and this bike in particular, I share the following:

edit: there was supposed to be a big dancing banana here.....

[TLRam1]

What tank liner are you using?

[xwarp]

What tank liner are yo using?

I've read good things about that stuff called "Kreem". (I think that is what it is called.)

[a65bug]

Used it on my little Magna and it's been good for 5 years, but I've heard people who have had problems with it peeling.  POR15 is supposed to be the s*%t though, but it can be harder to find.  With Kreem, I think the magic factor is give it LOTS of time to dry/cure before putting fuel in, mine sat for months before being used.  Whichever you use, be very careful if you like your paint, because the stuff to prep the tank will do a number on it, it peeled a good cuunk of my paint, which was ok since I was going to repaint it when I was done anyway.

[TLRam1]

Recommend POR 15. Kreem as stated above, peeling issues, poor adhesion.

[drkngas]

I know I've mentioned this before but I used Don Hart restorations to completely restore a tank and it was perfect.  I think the liner had a 10 year warranty.

http://www.donhart.com/

They'll also sell you the kit they use if you want to do it yourself.