I'm thinking about buying a used KLX that I found on Craigslist. It has 11,700 miles on the odometer (mostly highway commute) and the seller says that oil changes were done every 2,500 to 3,000 miles after the first at 500. However, it's never had a valve check. Should I be concerned about the valve clearance and general maintenance style or is the milage low enough that it should be OK if I change the oil and check the valves after I purchase it? Also, are there other periodic maintenance items that I should be worried about, in addition to the oil and valves? It looks like most of the items that are supposed to happen at 7,500 miles should be visible in a thorough inspection of the bike and it's really only the oil changes an valve checks that relate to internal wear and damage potential in the engine. Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

Yes, get those valves checked. Check chain and sprockets. Flush and replace coolant, brake fluid. Check brake pads. Pull wheels and swingarm, check and lubricate bearings. Steering stem bearings may not be a bad idea either. Find a shop manual and check the periodic maintenance chart. There's a bit of work that should be done if only oil has been changed in 12K miles.