Possible purchase (YZF600R Thundercat)

[Big Jock]

I have been keeping my eye on the classifieds for something I can use once I get my big bike license and this thundercat came up.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704174505175?cc-to=800&radius=25&sort=price-asc&postcode=g328dw&advertising-location=at_bikes&cc-from=500&page=1

Not much info so I contacted the seller. This was his reply.

Bike has a strong engine with no gear problems as they are prone too. Two new Avon storm st tyres. A ART PRO SERIES2 exhaust. Small ding in tank and plastics a bit shabby due to age but easily replaced. The wheels hold air but could do with re powder coating. I bought it last year as an emergency vehicle to get me to work due to a write off. Ran it for 6 months then stored it in a container over winter. I have a new car and the bike is surplus to requirements. Open to offers.

He also sent me through some more pics.

https://servimg.com/view/19681502/4
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/6
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/1
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/2
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/3
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/5
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/7
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/8
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/9
https://servimg.com/view/19681502/10

Plan would be to spend some time and money while I get my test done so as its ready for me to ride. Nothing major, just make sure mechanically its sound and tidy it up a little.
I'm going to go see it in the flesh next week and see whats what.

[groovylee]

looks reasonable for the money

i would plan on budgeting for replacement brake lines, and possibly an overhaul of that rear caliper, but that is just from looking at the pics.

otherwise parts seem plentiful and cheap, so if it all looks good on the day i see no reason not to go for it

Lee
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Past - 1988 honda revere 600, 1996 kawasaki gpz500s, 1999 Yamaha R6

Current - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000R & 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R

[pompousporcup...]

buy it before i do

looks alright, could do worse

One thing. the blue spot calipers need good regular maintenance or they lose their effectiveness.. in good condition they are a fantastic set up.

as above ^^, budget for braided lines(at your leisure) and a caliper rebuild(£100-150 or so ) + general service(£50)

Make sure it stays in second gear under load. Second gear failure is not as common as the web makes it out to be. My cat, same year and mileage is still going strong as are plenty of others, however its something to consider. Replacing second gear is a bitch of a job.

Final point. Check whether its the original exhaust manifold. They rot pretty badly and i'd expect you to find a series of holes underneath. A Delkevic 4-1 was around £150 or so and fitted perfectly.

[Big Jock]

Thanks guys.
I'm going to see the bike on Monday and I've got a bike mechanic coming with me so fingers crossed i'll get a deal done

[ackack]

I like that, I see the usual age related scars, shame about the tank though. A few sensible upgrades and some TLC and you'll easily double your money on that. I had mine for 8 years and sold it for exactly the same as I paid for it and it never let me down once mechanically.
It's a great choice for first big bike too. Good luck with the viewing.
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"fli hi mi angle"

[Sean.S]

buy mine instead by the time youve spent a few quid on that, you may as well of bought a really nice example in the first place

Practically mint confition, and both brakes have just been rebuilt
https://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd404/SeanS91/1997%20Yamaha%20YZF600%20Thundercat/DSC_2343_zpsspsyvcee.jpg

[Big Jock]

Hey Sean

Your bike looks lovely but I'm not interested in a mint condition bike anyway. Its my first big bike and looking to learn a bit about looking after it myself so the one I went to see was perfect. Very average condition and got it for a great price.
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1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat

[DRZ4Hunned]

How's the front sprocket nut?
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DRZ400-SM
FZS600

[Big Jock]

[DRZ4Hunned]

[Big Jock]

Will do. Cheers
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1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat

[weasley]

I have heard of a couple where the sprocket nut undid itself and the sprocket either came off, or came loose enough to lose drive. 5 minutes to take off the sprocket cover and assess the sprocket condition and nut tightness (and if the locking washer is there and bent over the nut). Whilst you're there you can clean out all the crud that'll be in there.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[myvision]

The sprocket tightness is a good tip when i came to change my sprocket the nut was finger tight.
I'll keep my eye on that now.
I can't fault mine it's great a lot more fun than my Hornet and join the owners group on Facebook some good rides out and good set of lads.
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VFR800FI, YZF600R Thundercat and FZS 1000