Thoughts on this bike?

[Tirinal]

As those of you who struggled bravely through my earlier thread know, I'm in the market for a beginner bike. I recently stumbled across what seems like a nice deal but I thought I'd run it by you guys just in case. It's a 1990 Kawasaki EX500 with 30,000 miles on it. According to the seller it was only tipped over once, at which point the front windshield was cracked and had to be removed along with the mirror and tail light. The battery is also dead but he will replace it if sold. Aside from that the bike is in supposedly good condition with regular maintenance and runs fine despite not having been used in about five months. He's asking $1,200 starting.

Yay/nay? And if so, anything in particular I should be asking about or testing when I look the bike over later this week? I'm completely new to bike maintenance.

Many thanks.

[hafler]

polarelf gave me this link about used bikes. very useful and informative, but quite a read.

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

[Bike Phreak]

I would worry about a few things (I am a realist)

1) It doesn't run and he will replace the batter when you buy it?
2) It hasn't been ridden in 5 months.

Take someone with you that knows motorcycles before you buy this bike.

[cb360]

Hell, you can get a battery for $20-$50. See if he'll agree to a test ride - by someone other than you who has en endorsement if you are new to riding. The price doesn't seem wrong if the bike is in decent shape.

[9000white]

high retail price from kelley blue book is $1525--this is for one in good shape ready to ride--offer $800.

[Tirinal]

polarelf gave me this link about used bikes. very useful and informative, but quite a read.

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

Thanks for that link, it will come in handy methinks. Thanks for all the other recommendations as well. I'll do a test drive on it later and see what goes from there I suppose. Time for more research...