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Going to look at a 1990 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 tomorrow. The asking price is $1800, with only 6068 miles.

Pictures look good and the seller says "...clean, runs great...carbs just cleaned and jetted."

Exactly what is it when the carbs are jetted?

This bike is EXACTLY what I'm looking for: it will be my first bike; I have my learners permit; I'm taking the MSF course March 31, April 1st and 2nd; allready have all my gear.

I'm taking an experienced rider with me to put his eyes on it, and see all that I can't.

A very subjective question, I realize, but does this sound like a good starting point?

If you have any experience or opinions about this bike, or one similar, please let me know.

All carbs have jets. It's a hole through which the carb draws gasoline. The jets on this bike were evidently replaced. They could be replaced with stock-spec jets e.g. to renovate a gummed up carb. Or, they could be replaced with modified jets to change some aspect of the bike's performance. Frequently done when a less restrictive (i.e. usually louder) exhaust system is installed in order to keep the intake side of the system balanced with the exhaust side.

You might want to check this: http://www.howstuffworks.com/question377.htm