Just watched a video of him trying to start the bike; it IS turning over.

Here's some more pictures

 

Any bad noises when its turning over?

I don't like the looks of the carb corrosion. Tires look okay. The plastic rash isn't unexpected for a dual sport.

You said above "trimmed pegs." Do you know what that means?

 

trimmed pegs wasn't correct; my bad.

Yes, the corrosion at the seal is troubling. Is it an indication of much worse condition inside? Bad gas?

There were no clanking noises or anything disturbing--sounded clean.

 

I've tore apart one other carb that looked like that and it was a mess inside.

However, if he's used it as a daily rider, then it shouldn't be that bad inside. It could certainly be an indicator of a dirty carb that needs cleaned and that caused a non-running condition.

Can you do this work yourself?

 

My motorcycle instructor lives across the street and has a big workshop. I'm a hands on learner, have auto experience, and am highly motivated.

I mean, thats what the forums and youtube are for!

 

If you look at the bike the oil is checked in a sight glass on the rear break side of the motor. Stand the bike up and see if it looks ok, no dip stick so you can't tell too much but if it is not there (oil) stay away from it. If you can pull the seat a shot of starting fluid in the snorkel will make it fire up for a short period of time clogged jets or not.

 

10-4 on the oil check. Yeah, he said the mech sprayed it and it started up for a while. I've asked to view it tomorrow, we'll see.

 

Can't tell if that is corrosion on the carb, or someone tried to make a carb bowl gasket out of orange permatex ?

 

That's what it looks like to me. Should be an easy fix. Tell the owner you think the crank is done and lowball him with cash in hand. Hold that poker face

 

That's what I think. So maybe some of that got where it shouldn't have ...