Looking to buy 80 Yam 650 Questions

[dibber]

I'm new here, but not to biking or Yamaha 650's. My last Yamaha was an XS2 with about 20000 miles. Sold it along time ago...big mistake!
However, I'm going to look at a 1980 XS650 with 37,000 miles. The guy says it is a solid runner but not very good looking. $800. I would like to know is there anything I should be concerned about with a motorcycle with 37,000 miles? Oh ya he claims to have a new clutch too. I really liked my last one and looking forward to get another to fix up and enjoy. Thanks, Dibber

[XS Rod]

The list of things to look at starts at the front wheel and ends at the tail light. Not trying to be a pain here, it all depends on what you want to do with it.
Condition of frame... cut up or stock
Condition of wiring, suspension components, paint, wheels, gauges... if you're going to restore it ... is it complete? Parts aren't cheap, but that depends on your budget. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[richard]

With that many miles on it I would check to make sure it shifts through the gears ok and doesn’t jump out of any gears. 2nd and 3rd in particular The rest is down hill from there.