Motorcycle Repair: 85 magna v65, resevior, break the seal

Question
I recently purchased this bike from a small bike shop owner. The clutch is stiff and the resevior is low. He says that he will come out and take care of it. Some trick to leaning the bike and topping off the resevior. Can you explain and is it possible that there is something else wrong? Also, how much oil should the bike hold and how do I measure. I am new to this bike as you may tell. Thanx much , Donnie  

Answer
Hi Donnie.

 You are in luck, since the Magna is a bike that I am very familiar with (I own an '84 V65).

 As far as the clutch being stiff, you could need to grease the lever a little.  It could be dragging on the mounting a little.  Other than that, it could just feel stiff because you are possibly not used to it.

As far as topping the master cylinder, that is simple.  Put the bike on the centerstand and loosen the screws holding the cap on the master cylinder.  Turn the handlebars away from the master cylinder (reservoir) that you are topping off (to the left for the brake and to the right for the clutch) till the fluid is level in the master cylinder that you are topping off.  Top it off and replace and tighten the cap.

There is also a method to bleed the lines for the clutch and front brakes that comes in handy when they are feeling mushy.  This is it:

1)  Bleed the system as normal.

2)  Place a rag on the tank and anything else that you don't want splattered with brake fluid.

3)  With a wrench on the banjo fitting for the master cylinder that you are bleeding, depress the lever.

4)  While holding the lever in, break the seal on the banjo fitting and then tighten it up.

5)  Test the lever.  If it still feels mushy, then repeat steps 3 and 4.  You can do this 3 - 4 times.  If it doesn't work, then there is another problem in the system.

The oil capacity at oil/filter change is 3.2 U.S. Qts.

I also recommend that you get yourself the repair manual for the bike.  If you can get the factory manual, that is best, but the Clymer manuals are almost as good.  You can get them online at www.repairmanuals.com or at the local Honda bike dealership or any decent bike shop.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON