Hey guys, first post. Heres my story. I've been riding a 2008 KLR 650 for almost a year and am ready for a Connie. I put the KLR (that has many, many, farkles) on craigslist for the KBB value price of $3750 or trade for a Connie. My KLR only has 3500 miles, mint shape, never dropped, farkles galor (madstad system, aftermarket seat, top box, many others). Anyways, an older gentleman about 2 hrs away calls me and says he has a 2000 model with 17,000 miles on it. He's the second owner, had it since 7,000 miles. It has Helibars, Rifle windshield, Corban seat, fender extender, Givi top box, grip heaters, and a radio system installed. He might have more, but I can't remember. Here's my problem. He said his riding partner died back in 2008 and he basically quit riding around the same time. He said he would go out and start the bike periodically but over the years the carbs started gumming up and then the battery died, so if I remember correctly he said it hasn't been started in a year. He absolutley assured me it was not ever hydrolocked and would remove the tank to let me check the piston heights. The guy sounds honest and is interested in trading for my KLR. He knows he will have to put up a little cash with the Connie since it will need alot of work to get it going again, but I checked the blue book and it's only $2550. Thats a $1200 difference between our bikes. I'm thinking I'll do the trade if he pitches in at least $600. The bike is mint. I'm excited. Do you need to remove the entire front fairing to get the tank off to check for hydrolock? If I can get it to attach I'll share a pic he sent me. The bike is clean and never been down. Would yall be concerned buying a bike that hasn't been ridden for this long?
I really hope I can get this bike. Supposed to meet on Saturday. I'm as excited as a kid on Christmas eve!