April 2014 Bike of the Month

[FromMaine]

I'm posting this a bit early as I will be really busy after tonight for a couple of weeks.

This months winner was a no brainer, not because its a nice looking bike, it is by the way, but because of the process the owner took to get there. He bought this bike and restored it even though he had never restored a bike before, and in his own words taught himself how to work on these old bikes. He did so by reading up on the Board here and asking questions and by consulting the service manual, which he freely admits he did only after doing the job a few times and finding out it still was not right. He has company in this respect, maybe even in Maine :) Although he did not have to do any major surgery on his engine, it is apparent that this experience has given him the confidence to tackle any issue on his bike in the future.  

I have a tremendous respect for everyone here who works on their own bikes, and maybe a bit more for those who admit they are newbies and tuck into their V4's anyway. Its the only way we are going to keep these bikes on the road.

Have a read:

http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=66429.0

Congratulations Mattel, your 86 V65 Magna is April 2014's Bike of the Month.


http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/Edwardprince/magna2/P1010062_zps68740897.jpg




Check out the reflection of the guy taking the pic in the side cover in the photo. I don't own a mirror that bright never mind a motorcycle part. BTW, love the fact he describes this bike as rider. IMHO they all should be.

[klopperg]

Excellent choice, well deserved and congrats Mattel  tenof10

[FiremanBob]

I really dig that front fender.

[Mattel]

Thanks to everyone for their guidance and help.  Out of 6 motorcycles in my garage, my v-65 was the only one that worked the first day of riding this year!  I took it on a great ride through the mountains and it did not disappoint.  What a great bike, what a great forum.  Without you guys this would not have been possible.

Here are some current pictures of how she looks now, set for riding....






Thanks again!

[leebee]

Well done!    :thumb

Excellent work!

Lee B

[motobuffy]

Great Bike!!!!

Michael,
   Great choice.

[OregonMike]

Great looking bike & good call Michael!

Congrats :beer:

[Stretch]

Is that a spec of dirt on the fender...


Na. just a reflection.  ;D

Congrats and Well Done.

[zarticus]

 :beer:

[KneeBurner]

Awesome job, you brought the '80's back in full color!
                     Speed safely!

[John Hilmer]

Mattel,

I've been expecting this for some time because of all the reasons Michael mentioned and also because of your attention to the details through the build process. I also am impressed with how quickly you got through the restoration. You are in a class with Steve and Raymond in this regard as I see it.

In my view you have done a very fine job and the bike certainly fell into the right hands.

Congratulations, and I'm looking forward to the next from you,

John

[chazglenn3]

Beautiful...congrats!   :beer:

[subsidiarymaxima]

That is one SWEET looking Magna.  Congrats, Mattel!  And, well done!   :thumb

[Six7390GT]

I think that is my favorite Magna on the planet (OK other than mine). I remember the restoration thread on this bike and it was impressive and informative. Thanks for taking the time to share that project.
Nice guy too, I purchased a Sabre fork brace from Mattel a while back, and it was in much better condition that I expected.

[Hopit88]

Looks really nice and the work involved is clear.  :thumb

[Miecul]

I have to agree with John on this one, a very nice bike Mattel. The fruits of your efforts shows up in spades. Congratulations!  :thumb :beer: :thumb

[Teradyne]

Congratulations
Really nice ride

[65crazy]

Great looking magna.  Well deserved BOTM .

[vinman]

Inspiring story. I'm inspired to bring my Sabre back to its former glory.

[The Dutchy]

 :thumb

On this picture it looks like...



the yellow sign on top of the rear top saddle bag has a direction attached floating to look forward..

And that's where all the nice and deserving parts are located..



Very nice looking bike, and I see the ton of work that has been in there making it look very good...  tenof10

[BILL PERDUE]

Nice paint and chrome. Like the color. If you can make a Magna look this good just imagine what you could do with a Sabre.
Congrats.

[MB_ED]

Beautiful bike!!!  :beer:

[Superblackbird]

Very nice, I don't think that they are that clean when they are new!  The Magna is definitely a classy bike especially all shined up like yours.