Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: First bike, new, rider

Question
Hi there;

I am a newbie looking to buy his first used bike.  I am
6'2"  235 lbs and the bike I am considering is an older model...1982 Kawasaki 440 LTD.
Does this seem like a reasonable fit.  Access to controls, power etc.  A friend mentioned that he thought the inward angle of the handlebar grips  and low seat might dive a newbie some problems.
What do you think?
Thank you in adance for your help  

Answer
That's a good enough starter bike. It will probably be a little small for you physically but you'll be able to handle it just fine. Ride it for a year or so before looking for a bigger newer bike.

Beware though, the tires on that thing will probably be old, blue, and hard as rocks. Don't get on it unless the tires are less than two years old. Pick up some fresh tires, chain and sprockets, bleed all the brakes out, check the brake pads/shoes, replace the fork seals and fluids, and make sure all the lights and signals and such work before you buy it! Tires will run you a couple hundred $$$ mounted and balanced, chain and sprockets probably 200 installed, forks another 150 unless you can do all this work yourself. Carbs should be cleaned up too, figure 100 for that. Keep that all in mind when bargaining over price.

Pat