New member in florida...

Hi folks! Tim here....greetings from heat central. It was 94 and 100% yesterday...love it! (except when I have to go outside and work in it ) Many people think florida is better, for whatever reason, but I can tell you this..after getting over my first excitement of being here (took about 1 year) I am now a more educated person. I do not get out in the sun, I avoid it as much as possible, unlike the tourists I see during the season. Since I have been here I have seen some old Floridians who have been out in the sun for their whole lives, they don't go out in public, they are reclusive people who look like lizards! (well not exactly but you get the point.) I am trying to say, enjoy yourselves where you are, sunshine all day long is not what it is cracked up to be.

Anyway, I am an old motorcyclist. Previously owned and rode Bultaco Pursang, Montesa Scorpion, Montesa Cota, Ossa Stilleto (Dick Mann Replica), Yamaha DT250, Yamaha DT360, Heathkit Boonie Bike, Honda XL250, Honda Shadow. I have raced motocross (not like todays riders), flat track, hare scrambles, one enduro and eventually amateur trials competition. After many accidents, tip overs, leg burns, nose damage, broken wrist, I have stopped all that nonsense and am now restoring a 1981 and 1982 KZ440 LTD. The 1981 is a parts bike for the 1982, It needs a lot of aluminum polishing, rust removal, etc but it has all the parts and a smooth running motor. The 1982 was partially bobbed by a PR and I bought it. One month into owning it I hear grinding sounds, drain the oil and find metal in the pan. So I came to this site looking for help. Thanks for all the help I have gotten...great site I followed the most dire advice that said "get a new motor, you got the short end of the stick". So I found the 81 and may pull the cases apart on the 82 to see what is breaking up inside. Or just ride it until it breaks and swap motors.

I love the sound of these bikes, the look, the experience. I am in Harley territory, so I get no respect. But I can say that the power to weight ratio is about the same for my 440 and their Harleys and I can keep right up, without all the extra weight to carry around.

Have fun and drive safe....Tim

Welcome Tim...welcome to KZR.

Things I know about Florida. The turkeys come down from the north around thanks giving. Santa walking on the beach is just wrong.Yes lemon trees have thorns. Don`t even ask. All the people driving there got there licence at Pepboys!

Welcome aboard Tim! Which part of Florida do you hail? Just a note though, I find a lot of the lizard looking Floridians like to hang out at the Walmart. Just say'n. You can't beat the winters down here though.

Thanks for the welcome. I am on the east coast, south of Melbourne. Harley country it seems.

Watch out for Florida Man !!