Nighthawk 250
 

Some guy is selling one locally in pristine cosmetic shape (but with a stuck carb float, so it goes leak-splutter-leak rather than actually starting) for $1k -- I'm tempted to offer him $500 cash tomorrow and haul the little barstid away if he takes the offer.

I'm assuming that a carb rebuild will cost under $50 in parts even if I do have to replace clogged jets -- should be a fun toy that I don't have to worry much about.

Most repairs such as this require no parts. Just get a can of carb cleaner and take off the fuel bowl and go from there. Most motorcycle and UTV type carbs are very simple. Most of them are harder to R&R than they are to fix. I've never had to replace a jet because it was clogged. A little carb cleaner and maybe some tag wire will clear them easily.

It is highly possible that the ethanol fuel has turned the fuel in the bowl to goo.

Larry is correct. That said, given how newer bikes are typically jetted very lean and it's easier/faster to replace jets, it does make sense to go ahead and replace them during the rebuild - but not with factory stock parts.

Also possible that the float has been turned into the same goo...