Yamaha Thundercats

[Fowlersrs]

Got a chance of picking up a thundercat in decent condition locally for little money, blokes asking just under a 1k for it, £800 offer?

Will it be a bit more interesting than an sv650 to ride?

[weasley]

Depends how you define "interesting". Faster, yes. Not as agile but very sure-footed and can be hustled along very nicely; the 160 back tyre might not look the best but it makes it turn easily.

The engine has a strong mid-range, making it easy to ride lazily, but it will scream to the red line too. It has more peak torque than every R6 model that 'superseded' it. It is a very capable tourer too; I have ridden some long distances on mine easily.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[grant965]

I had one for a year and really enjoyed it. Top heavy and a lot heavier than most 600s and even some 1000s due to the massive steel frame, so I did drop it a few times coming up from a 125. Soon get used to the weight though.
Was a good fun bike to ride, no problems, decent MPG, very comfortable. Could ride it for hours with no issues, sounded ace too.
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Ex bikes: 05 Suzuki En 125, '98 Yamaha Thundercat, '08 Honda cbr125, '05 Kawasaki z750, '03 Triumph Daytona 600, '91 Kawasaki ex250, '03 Hyosung Comet 125
Current Bike: '02 Suzuki TL1000R

[Fowlersrs]

Here's the one I've got my eye on;

https://bit.ly/134NM6V

Worth 950? I was thinking 900 max with MOT, 800 without?!

[J4mes]

Looks pretty tidy!

I have a 'Cat and love it, find it great to ride in all situations really

[Moxey]

Some things to check

Down pipes: Prone to rusting, the example you listed looks to have a stainless system but may just be the end section make sure the headers are too or if not they are at least in good nick.

Gearbox: If you can get a test ride give the second gear a thorough testing if it slips into neutral when accelerating hard can be a sign the gearbox is lunched (may also happen between 3rd & 4th but less common), gearbox fix is an engine out and apart job, no easy task.

Brakes: Best part of the bike when serviced which I found to be a bit of a pain in the ass so check they aren't spongy and the discs aren't warped (eight pistons & dust seals can be pricey) the front calipers look to have been well maintained from the pics though if on original hoses replacing them will sharpen them up.

Considered getting one of these after my test but insurance was too high for my liking, often described as a budget VFR 750 which is by all means no bad thing, 3 of my mates seem quite happy with theirs at present (one is even on his second after a crash on his 1st he likes them that much).

As for the price, considering how clean it looks and the mileage if it checks out with the above then I would go for it all of my mates paid 1200+ for higher mileage but still clean 98/99 bikes and that was in Winter.
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Current: 02 FZS 1000 & 91 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Some Bike Pics...
'I was too busy paying attention to pay attention'

[Fowlersrs]

[Moxey]

[Carvel]

Cbr600
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2002 Aprilia RSV1000R, Cbr600Fs, Mk1 B12, Vfr400 NC30...

Matt B: I can deal with crushed nuts to beat Ollie.

[weasley]

Looks tidy enough. But note, the £950 is a starting bid, not the price. If it went for that it would be pretty much on the money; the stands are a bonus. It pretty much matches mine (same year, similar miles) and I'd expect around a grand for mine, if I were ever to sell it. I've had it 11 years now though and the only fault I have had is a failed plug cap. Massively overlooked and underrated bike, a match for the CBR.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE