So, I found a 2006 Savage bobber on Craigslist for $600 that "Drove perfect until a month ago, lost power driving down the road." He says he's got another bike he's working on and is moving soon and just wants it gone.

I asked for details and got this response:


1. 22898 miles
2. Bought it bobbed
3. Not sure, think it was kit by the seat
4. Not sure what all is different from stock, no power adders.
While driving, the engine slowed down and shut off. would not restart on the side of the road, so I got it towed home. No spark If I remember correctly. I have another bike that my free time goes to fixing, and I never got around to diagnosing it myself. Lights all work, and it turns over just fine, but won't catch.

I don't really need a second bike, but it seems like something that may be easily fixed and turned for springtime profit or wife-bike.
If he still has it this weekend I'm going to go have a look. Thoughts?Things I should check? Likelyhood of giant headaches?

Seems like it could be as simple as a bum wire or a bad spark plugs and up to a CDI or stator replacement...

and check the battery, just because the lights come on dosn't mean it will fire.

1 thing to check on that bike is to see it the motor turns over, if it spins over freely with a wrench then I’d buy it otherwise the motor is dead and id only offer $200

You can crank the motor over with a socket,  turn the wrench the same way the wheels turn, if it doesn't turn over I'd walk unless you want the motor to play with.
You'll definitely wanna pull off the side when /if you get the bike home and check the chain tensioner