If you trust the guys selling it I'd go ahead and get it but talk 'em down to 1200 and tell them ya gotta get gear, license, insurance etc.. etc...
Have you test ridden it...or at the very least started it up and listened to it?
P.S. my '06 cost me 1900.00 and looks brand new! But I took my time and shopped a lot (for only S40's)...almost drove to Co Springs for one but the '06 just appeared on CL and I bought it.

My only concerns with buying a 1987 would be the starter gear & the timing chain adjuster. Might see if you can get them to do the starter gear mod & check the tensioner; then it would be worth the $1500.

My 87 went 35,000 miles before it broke the starter mount. The timing chain was still OK. I think the early bikes had better chains.

I've had a 1987, 2000, & still have a 2001. I prefer the 4 speed model because the way they geared the 5 speeds it's just an extra shift with no real benefit.

It is a gorgeous bike man! You just have to be conscious of getting eager trigger fingers when it comes to your first bike. I know I almost did, as I looked at a lot of bikes I wanted to buy before I found my girl.

As for a learner bike, I'm one season in to the sport but coming from someone who has ridden bicycles in his youth and dirtbikes briefly, the savage is grand. Lightweight and you can put both feet down confidently. Not to mention I can out accelerate my friends V Star and he has been riding for several years

Remember to leave enough money for proper gear and the safety course. Be safe out there! The Savage is an amazing bike all around and will treat you well if you choose her.

-Coming From a First Season Rookie Of Course..

-Wake