Tips for buying a parts motor

Hi there. Gears from my (CB360) transmission were stolen. Does anyone have tips on buying a parts motor?
Is it always a gamble?

If you can see and hear it run before you buy it, then it isn't a gamble. Or do a compression test on both cylinders.

If you just need the transmission gears, find them on ebay. It will be far cheaper and easier to track down than an entire motor.