Motorcycle Repair: 1984 Honda Magna, j c whitney, 1984 honda magna

Question
I am really glad I found you. I have this great bike and can't find a REAL mechanic to help me. I had someone put new gears in my bike and he couldn't figure out the carb adjustment when he put it back together. When it comes to car engines or big assed diesle engines I got that covered but my bike is another story. I haven't rode it in two years. ;>(
Can you direct me to a book or website that will get me back on the road? It is that time again and I have the need to ride. I am a woman, but don't let that fool you.Example: I have a '71 Mustang with a 302 that sings. I work on all of my own stuff except my bike. So I need definite details to learn this machine so that I can do it MYSELF.  

Answer
Hi Toni.

Welcome to the world of REAL riders, little sister.  Wow!! A 71 302?  Sweet!!  I love 'Stangs, btw, and I currently ride an '84 V65.

The first thing that you must do is to remember that, except for jets and the like, an engine is an engine is an engine.  Motorcycle, car, boat, helicopter and airplane engines all function on the same basic principles.

Since you can and do work on your car (so you understand basic mechanical principles), the bike is just a matter of downsizing your engine (a little).

If you can find a Honda dealership and order the FACTORY repair manual, then do so.  Otherwise, just get yourself a Clymer's manual from any decent bike shop or online through the following;

www.denniskirk.com
www.jcwhitney.com
www.repairmanuals.com

All three are reputable sites and I have dealt with Dennis Kirk and J.C. Whitney personally and am quite pleased with them.

Good luck and Ride safe.
FALCON