advice on long-distance used bike buying (nklr)

[Weaver, Mark]

after researching, it appears that a yamaha xt225 would be a pretty good choice for my wife-first-bike/lighter-dirt-play-bike-for-me needs. there are several late model used ones available out of state for $1000-2000 savings over new (haven't found any locally in norcal for sale). any advice for buying a bike out of state? how do people normally ship them? the ones i'm looking at are mostly 2000 miles or less, and pictures look like they're in pretty new shape. what's it cost approximately to ship a bike a few states away? still considering just buying one new. this has disadvantage of slightly greater expense, and the extra hassle of the breakin svc, but it has the advantage that i take very good care of my stuff, and i know how it'll be maintained. even after stacia moves up to a bigger bike for traveling, i intend to hold onto this one for play and stuff (also got a 15 yr old son who i could break in on it when he visits). mark weaver