Faults:

Now on my third battery in two years.

Wheels have a bad case of 'white rust' where the lacquer finish has deteriorated.

General Comments:

This imported motorcycle had been wrapped in polythene and stored in a back yard for two years before I bought it 2005, but was still in pretty good nick. The tank has a few pock marks here and there as you'd expect, but otherwise the paintwork is sound and bright, and the logos are intact.

Apart from being started up periodically to maintain the battery and turn the engine, nothing had been changed or added during all that time.

So with plans to clean her up, change the fluid, and prepared to spend the rest of my life polishing, I bought my first bike in 30 years.

She started up on the second attempt and I rode the 75 miles home. 10 miles into the ride I knew I had mean machine between my legs and a grin on my face that lasted well after I had returned home.

All I have done to my Magna is replace the side panels with chrome ones and polished it (a lot). I have also fitted an 'off the shelf' windscreen, which took away the pressure beating at my chest, but didn't do too much to stop my head from being buffeted about.

She has the style of a cruiser and the grit of a sports bike. It never fails to amuse me when sportier bikes pass me by and (when safe to do so) I drop a cog or two and 'cruise' right by them. (Oh that feeling) Granted I can't maintain a lead for long (80 bhp? let's be realistic here) but it's fun while it lasts.

I use my bike for work as well as for pleasure, and so while she might not win any beauty competitions in the Magna world (There are some highly maintained Magnas out there -well done guys-) I love my Magna.

PS If you haven't tried a tank full of Shell V- power unleaded, try it... The term 'S*** off a shovel' springs to mind. Happy cruising y'all.