The Unconventional Beauty of the 1984 Honda V30 Magna

When it comes to building a custom motorcycle, there are few options more left-field than starting with a 1984 Honda V30 Magna. With its unusual design and lack of bolt-on modifications, this bike presents a unique challenge for even the most seasoned builders. But for Sean Skinner of Virginia's MotoRelic, the allure of the Magna was too great to resist.

Speaking at length, Klaus walked Sean through the process of converting the VF1000 rear shock to work with his setup. To achieve this, a custom shock was required, which Sean worked on alongside Klaus from EPM Performance. Next came the installation of a VTR1000 brake bracket, allowing the use of CBR rear brakes and requiring additional machining.

The transformation didn't stop there. A switch to CBR600 wheels meant utilizing the Magna's cush drive and machining spacers and bearings. The Interceptor 500 swingarm was then fitted, requiring customization for the bike's new mono-shock setup. With the under-seat area now clear, Sean focused on getting the bike into a rolling chassis and sorting out the suspension.

One of the key challenges in building this custom bike was dealing with its unusual fuel tank configuration. Unlike other models, the V30 Magna has two fuel tanks, which added an extra layer of complexity to the build process. However, Sean's determination to see his project through paid off, as he was able to ride away on a truly unique and beautiful motorcycle.

The bike's tubular frame and chain drive were just two of its distinctive features that caught Sean's eye when he first saw it on Facebook marketplace. The bike had been previously featured in Pipeburn's Bike of the Year competition, where it earned a spot in the top two.

Over the last ten years, the custom motorcycle scene has grown exponentially, making it possible to build show-level bikes with off-the-shelf parts. However, for Sean and his team at MotoRelic, there was no substitute for the thrill of building something truly unique from scratch. The 1984 Honda V30 Magna may not be the most conventional choice for a custom bike project, but its beauty lies in its uniqueness, making it a true standout in the world of motorcycle customization.

1984 honda v30 magna 500cc