Any bike can be re-built with time, material and patience. Having a decent place to ride being the primo concern.

Back country here in Florida is great--lots of open space, trees and greenery. In town with the Buicks filled with cue-tipped Ohio retirees is frightening. People from the midwest tend to confuse distance with perspective. If the object is smaller than a Buick, it must be a long way away. Therefore, it is fair game to pull up on it as close as possible--to read the message on the rider's tee shirt.

I had a 750 Yamaha that found a fresh semi brake on Highway 27 here. This cost me six broken ribs, a $800. leather jacket the EMS guys insisted on cutting up as the first-first aid, and a long term loathing for bikes on crowded fast moving highways.

Stick to back country, enjoy the views, and wear a helment.

Publius