Guys is this 1985 250r worth 1,100

[Rustytinhorn]

Ask the guy straight off the bat why he is selling the bike?
Mechanical problems? Age? Health? No more Interest? Finances?

Give the whole bike a good visual eye. Does it look like it has been abused or taken care of?? Have things been jerry-rigged back together or where they fixed correctly??
Feel all the bearings and seals in the bike: rear axle, front axle, swingarm bearings, linkage stuff, steering stem bearings. Check the engine for signs of leaking oil, gas, exhaust, etc... Make sure there is no play in the bike. Check for leaky or squeaky shocks. Is all the electrical tight: headlight, taillight, kill switch, spark plug coil and ignition.
Insist that you personally start it cold. Make sure he hasn't warmed it up before you got there. Listen to the engine, does it start in a few kicks, does it sound right, does it sputter, does it steer straight, are both rear tires worn evenly, does it shift smoothly, does it brake like youd expect??
Check the case around the drive sprocket for whiplash off a chain, check the frame for any welds, repairs, damage by rocks, etc... Check the tires and wheels, see if they are tight on the hubs, and the hubs tight on the axle. Should be 0% play in hubs if properly tightened. See if he has been running the cotter pins in them. Is the chain worn, stiff, rusted? Are both sprockets teeth straight or worn? Are the disc brakes grooved or smooth?
Ask about the history of the bike: is it on original bore, has the top ever been off, whens the last time it had an oil, air filter, and grease job. Whens the last time the seals and bearings where replaced? Has the clutch been rebuilt? Does it have a lot of rust? There are some things that are cheaper and easy to fix, such as a new bearings or seals or hand grips, and others that can add up real fast, such as engine rebuild, exhaust systems, new forks, etc...

I know this isn't a specific list, but some pointers of what to look for.
You really wont know until you give it a ride. That will make or break it.
Just give it a good eye. Look for a good stance when looking and good feel to the ride. If its in good shape without the need of a lot of work then $600 would be a good price.
Let us know what becomes of it. And if you have the chance..post some pics.

[Jim mac]

I kind of screwed up when I bought my 84 250r, the top end was siezed, turned out I needed to have it bored. Then of course after I get it running I find out 2nd gear is gone! I just got fed up with it and sold the thing. but not before buying another 250r that was seized, turned out to be a connecting rod siezed to the crank pin. I gave the guy a deal on both of them. luckily got out without losing any money. This one if its any good I'd like to buy it, clean it up, and trade it for a 4 stroke trike. Jim