New Rider and a KLX??

[FTL]

I am a new rider, taking a basic rider course next week, and am looking for my first bike. I have been leaning towards a KLR, but today I found a 1996 KLX for sale. Here is the post:

1996 with 9,000 miles and change
custom pipe and jetted
tires are fair
needs top end work.
will run, but need repairs on motor
price reflects the couple of hundred needed to fix
this is the klx, hotter faster, better then the klr
this is a really clean super fun bike. this is the seconed one I had. Best enduro out there!
Look them up, running is worth close to $3,000 This is a great price, and a hard to find bike.
clean title in hand.
cash please. Or trade for a jet ski!

So my question is, would this be a good beginners bike? I am very mechanical and will have no problem rebuilding any part of the bike. But, are parts available? I am fit and have mountain biked for almost 20 years so I THINK that I will have no problems learning to ride. He is asking $1250.

Thanks for the help!

   

[Hondo]

Hi FTL,  !

That seems like a lot for a bike that needs serious engine work.

If I remeber right, KLX650 parts are not impossible to find, but are by no means as easy as KLR parts.

It all depends how much hassle you want t deal with right away.

If it was me, I'd be looking for a bike that will run well with little to repair if anything.

That way you can enjoy it.

[FTL]

Thanks Hondo. I agree, would rather spend 4k on a newer klr that is ready to ride.

[nivek]

  FTL

I'd wonder how thrashed the rest of the bike is if it needs serious work at 9k.  Maybe make a ridiculous offer?

Good luck on your search.

Kevin

[SPANKY]

  Yeah ... what Hondo and Nivek said. The engine is just a symptom of what could be some serious thrashing and a lack of maintenance... spend the money, ride and have piece of mind! Or offer 500 bucks ... oh and    FTL
Look around... there are some clean, maintained, RUNNING bikes out there!