Should I buy a 1986 Kawasaki zg1000 Concours?

I would pay no more than $1100 for it. Parts are plentiful.

The first year of a 19 year model run, with very few changes made other than wider rims and a few minor things. Parts are still plentiful at dealers, meaning you can ride across country with peace of mind. A very dependable engine, hydraulic lifters, decent fairing, decent luggage capacity, decent fuel economy and it will probably run another 80,000-100,000 miles with no major engine problems. Some people considered the engine somewhat "buzzy", but I think the sensitivity of the rider was a big factor.

For a sport touring bike, in its day it was one of the lighter ones on the market with maybe the exception of a BMW boxer, but the BMW didn't have anywhere near the luggage capacity, fairing protection and other creature comforts. But it's still a big bike and the weight could certainly cause the inexperienced rider to drop it if they aren't careful. And with the luggage and fairing, dumping it at speed could tear up a few things. If the bike is mechanically ok, the price is very reasonable.

One thing you need to check on, on the '86 models Voyager II dressers, the electronic timing curve on the igniter was such that if the battery was run down, if the engine backfired with trying to start it, it would break the drive chain on the starter. Kawasaki issued a recall and replaced the igniters on the dressers, which cured the problem. I can't remember if the Concours had the same problem or not, but if the seller is the original owner, ask if it was changed. Replacing the busted chain is a fairly expensive job, I think around $800 at a dealer.

Kawasaki Concours Specs

A zg1000 Concours is definitely NOT a first bike.

They are to heavy.

The steering geometry makes slow speed riding feel like you're pushing

a wheel barrow with 100lbs of bricks in the bed.

first bike 1000cc NO NO NO even though you have done a rider safety course you do not have the knowledge or experience to ride a bike like that, Lack of experience on a large capacity bike can have very bad results DEATH being the worst one, plus I bet your not even allowed to by your state laws. do yourself a favour and look ata a smaller capacity bike for now