Is this a good risk?

[Balog]

I've been doing research for when I get my motorcycle endorsement, and I came across this bike on CL. Given the "negotiable" part I'm pretty sure I could bargain this down a few hundred. At what price would the added risk of having a few known issues I'd need to fix be worth it? I'm not much of a gearhead, but I know several people who are and would be up for helping get it going.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/713609233.html


Kawasaki KZ550 LTD 1983 - $900 (Capitol Hill)

This bike would make a great starter or commuter or could even be made into an awesome cafe racer.

The tires, brakes, suspension, and electrical system are all in good shape. The front tire was replaced last summer and only has a few hundred miles of wear. It ran well all last year and through most of the winter, but now it needs a little work.

It needs a carb rebuild and a tune up in order to run properly. It has trouble idling and won't run without either the choke open or at least 1/4 throttle.

The price is negotiable.


Here are a few others I've seen lately, just to give a comparison of what the market here is like.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/713324409.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/mcy/713606738.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/713563286.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/mcy/712724684.html

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

had one a lil older  served me well rode with passengers on the highway ok. i was about 150 back then

[mgdavis]

It depends on how much of a mechanic you are. Carb rebuilds aren't incredibly difficult, but there's a lot of small parts. I'd also take note of the car parked right next to the bike. Parked that close, they probably belong to the same person. Stereotyping a bit, they might be a kid whole likes to go fast. Makes me wonder how the bike was treated, and if there are any problems that haven't been disclosed. Just coming into riding season, and with the current fuel prices, most people would probably want to hang on to a decent bike. If you're comfortable with taking a chance on the unknown, go for it. All those old UJM standards were pretty good bikes.