I've rode a moped and a small dirt bike as a child. i just got my motorcycle permit and i'm thinking of buying a 1986 750 suzuki intruder. The guy wants $2,000 but i bet i can talk him down to $1,500. Is this a bad idea?
Cruisers make excellent first bikes. This bike has a lot going for it. A 750 cruiser shouldn't be too hard to manage for a beginner, but it's big enough for some serious high-speed long-distance stuff if you end up wanting to do that. For $1500 you could do a lot worse.
I think it all depends on condition. A bike that old can have a lot of problems lurking. You have to make some judgement as to how well it's been cared for. There are many web pages with tips for buying a used motorcycle. Google "buying a used motorcycle".