Ready to purchase, looking for advice.

[Joseph Michael Napper]

I'm going to buy a 1980 xs400 special 2. 11,000 miles, looks great, stock and clean. The current owner says it's been in storage for a couple years and the battery is dead and can't start it. $1000. He has agreed to me bringing a fresh battery and carb cleaner and gas to get it started before purchasing. I've been riding a long time, I have a little mechanical ability but I thought I'd ask from you all who are in the know on these particular bikes what else I should consider if I can't get it running. Thank you.

 

[buztabuzt]

bike looks in pretty decent shape.

step 1. read around
http://www.xs400.com/threads/how-to-what-to-do-first-with-your-new-xs400.10595/

step 2, negotiate. I'm guessing bike mileage is fine if lower miles, but will need work that will cost even if you're doing it, doubt carb cleaner alone will do it unless he's actually going to disassemble and clean them proper.

 

[Joseph Michael Napper]

bike looks in pretty decent shape.

step 1. read around
http://www.xs400.com/threads/how-to-what-to-do-first-with-your-new-xs400.10595/

step 2, negotiate. I'm guessing bike mileage is fine if lower miles, but will need work that will cost even if you're doing it, doubt carb cleaner alone will do it unless he's actually going to disassemble and clean them proper.

Thank you. I plan on doing a proper carb clean when I aquire the bike. I'm hoping to get it started before I purchase it . Thanks.

 

[buztabuzt]

Starter fluid directly into engine and you should get some brief life to confirm not seized.

1k seems a little high unless it's an actual runner with little needed maintenance in which case good deal. Tires aren't cheap

 

[Joseph Michael Napper]

Thank you. That's my plan.