1985 Honda Magna 500

[pick-up_man]

I have never really ridden a motorcycle before besides a honda spree scooter and a honda trail bike. I am looking into buying a 1985 Honda 500 Magna. 85 Honda 500 Magna for restoration or parts I have not actually gone to look at the bike yet but I can already tell it needs some work so I would take the time to have a training course and get the license while I fix it up. I have a couple questions that I hope someone can answer. How would this be for a first-time bike? Also, how easy are these to work on and/or find parts for? I have a lot of experience working on cars and truck but I am interested in learning to work on two-cycle engines, I have a basic knowledge of how they work but would like to learn more and I prefer to learn in a hand-on manner. Would this be a good one to more-or-less teach myself on?

Thanks for any help/advice.

[Motorcycle Forum]

[AloRaptor]

I think an 85 Magna is a 4 cycle engine. Wheather it is worth fixing is really gonna depend on what it needs and your own skill level.

Find out what is wrong with it then come back and post that and I am sure you will get many opinions.

[omegajim]

generally speaking, I would say no.

I will no prove my argument

A) bought a(n) xs 750 triple Yamaha that although it didn't run perfect, ran okay - $300.

b) bought a 1980 cb750 (when it was 15 years old) running - did very little work to it - $750.

c) bought another 1980 (funny that year keeps popping up) when it was 20 years old for $900 and that was an xs 850 yamaha.

If you could go to the 900 - 1200 dollar range, you can find something that runs, drive it for a year or two then learn how to work on it as things break or you want them to work better.

[Easy Rider]

How would this be for a first-time bike? Also, how easy are these to work on and/or find parts for?

It would, no doubt be a valuable learning experience.

Whether or not it would end up with a rideable bike is a whole different question.

So......if you want a bike to actually ride any time soon, I suggest that you pass on this one.

Or if it turns out to be REALLY cheap, start looking for something else to ride while you tinker with it.

If you really want experience with 2 cycle engines, that bike won't help.....since it is NOT a 2 cycle. Best to get that kind of experience with an old lawn mower, snow blower or chain saw. Two cycle motorcycles tend to be somewhat problematic......even when they are running good.