My parents had a Ford F150 of similar build in that generation. Good lord did that 5.4 vibrate like a mother at low RPM. It shook apart a 2 window motors, the controller for the power mirrors, and cracked the dash. Not to mention, if those still have the stock Ford spark plugs, the genius 2 piece design, you’d have to…

Early 250s highly prone/known to grind up cam bearings as they were a non-sealed/non-needle bearings. It was pretty common when they ate up the cam journals and cam bearing journals. Some have escaped major damage, though many have that unmistakable “whirr” while running.

Not an uncommon issue in regards to the head gasket; lot of companies still making parts and easy swap if you decide to just find another engine. Some of the electrics I’d worry about as those ECUs in some models during that time period were year-by-year specific.

As a Golf driver, this kind of saddens me. Though, I understand the purpose and reverse engineering behind poking fun at how VW interprets rules.

air cooled Ducs are pretty reliable; over built and under stressed. When the valves are due, you will have to (most likely) seek out a qualified tech or someone familiar with them.

Will I be able to blend in with the other hippies and their bubble helmets?

No, but every inexperienced rider assumes it is. It’s funny to watch on I95 in Palm Beach county somedays. Just waiting for people to get pancaked.

Did you find your head snapping whilst passing any starbucks?

CV carbs?!?! Really?!?!