piemuncher

Yea it did it before the new relay. Strangely I can still bridge the relay with a screwdriver and the starter motor spins - so I'm no convinced it's related to the side stand or kill switch, though may be wrong. Unfortunately I bought the bike because it was old (and therefore mechanically easy to work on), didn't realise it would still have electrical stuff to annoy me. Can't complain though, its the first issue I've had in 30,000 miles! Pie

I do have a neutral light...... I've just replaced the start relay but its still just flashing up on the dash as if the kill switch is on!.... Hmmm

Hi all, My thundercat is now pissing me off..... I like to think that I'm quite mechanically astute, I do all the work to my bikes and cars myself and have built a mobylette in the past (I can't remember why!). My thundercat was working fine all last week, and when I came to start it yesterday the lights came on (as if its in first gear) without any ignition sound. I've charged the batteries, checked a number of fuses and still can't see a problem. Does anyone have any suggestions? Its doing my head in, there are no obvious issues with side stand switch or anything like that... Pie

You make an interesting point - I'm more long torso than arms and legs.... Maybe worth going and test riding one first then... I quite like the look of a Dragstar but I think its just a bit big... Food for thought though, thanks!

Hi all, I've posted a few times on this forum with various issues and questions! Currently I've got an SR 125 1997, Thundercat and Vespa ET4. I sold my Mobylette AV89 a few months back and am now looking to sell my SR125 as its now not insured. So, in summary I can go very fast or look very city-boyish on the Vespa. (I can't go for a relaxed cruise though....) I was on ebay looking at the values of SR125's for when I put it up for sale and happened to trip on a few XV535's for sale. My SR125 is seemingly worth £300-600 (coincidentally, the same as I paid for it 4 years ago.. Weird), and there's a few XV535's on the net for the £800-1400 bracket. I've seen an american import up for £1200.00, its a 1986 with cut pipes and flat bars and 32,000 miles. From the info I've gained off of this forum and others, I understand that the mileage isn't much of an issue due to the unstressed nature of the engine. I'm also aware that the 1986 bikes have a ridiculously small tank (but in my opinion, a really good look). I'm a little unsure as to its value though, as this one doesn't seem to be any cheaper than the newer models with the 13l tank - Surely that should effect value? I'm just looking for a little guidance really! I'm 22, 5'11 and 17 stone so not small, and I'm aware that the bike (like the SR125) was made for the 'smaller rider' market. I'm prone to an impulse purchase, so any wisdom or advice would be appreciated!

Hi thanks for your answers. The clutch has been fully adjusted, its on 45,000 miles with the original clutch! Would like to replace them anyway for piece of mind as I'm planning on taking a pillion for a good amount of its riding. Thanks for your help!

Hi all, I have a little travel on the front brake before I get any pressure on the lever or front wheel, its nothing ridiculous that comes back to the bars but it does mean it can be a little grabby at times. The brake fluid is within the limits that it should be, could this just be pads being low? Another silly question by, Pie

Hi all, Looking to change my clutch and check the shims on the thundercat this weekend... Is this the correct oil? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YZF600-R-THUNDERCAT-CASTROL-POWER1-OIL-AND-FILTER-KIT-/300574124316?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item45fb9d291c#ht_2017wt_1396 I've read a load of bad bits about putting the wrong oil in causing the wet clutch to slip? I really don't want that because its one of those things that just does my head in...... Also, I assume with the clutch removal the oil in the clutch chamber will come out, I'm going to buy new oil to replace it. When doing the shims, I assume I'm going to drain a few ml of oil out of the engine but no more? The oil comes in 4l tubs and the engine takes 3.5 so I'll just top it up so that's not a massive worry. Oh and one more question, tyre pressure in the manual are listed at 32psi and 36psi - What weight rider would this be? I only ask as the bike rides like poo when I have them at those pressures but I brought them up to 36 42 (versus 36 41 in the book) for carrying a pillion and when riding by myself it felt perfect! I way 105kg (about 16.5 stone) so wondered if a chunk such as myself would count as 2 people... Embarrassing I know... Looking forward to your answers to my oh so basic questions! Pie

45,000 miles - A few little bits to sort out until she is completely perfect but this is how she stands now. I don't like the white lettering on the tyres, but oh well! Also would like to replace the screen and would like to refurb the brakes and replace the clutch plates in the next few weeks! But, I got it for under £1000 - so I'm happy!

He is right, though its probably more accurate to say the R6 is a tuned Thundercat motor?? lol I don't know, MCN are the ones that confuse people! I test drove 4 over the weekend ranging from 20,000 to 45,000 miles - 2 of the lower mileage ones popped out of second gear around 8k revs so I walked away. One at 30,000 miles needed a new chain, sprockets and back tyre and the guy wanted £1,500 so I walked away, the one with 45,000 miles came with a folder of service history, had a new front tyre, cam chain tensioner, stainless steel headers and started on the button so after some deliberation and negotiation (due to a very high clutch and the shims) I managed to bag it for £875.00. I know my way around an engine (or at least would think I do!) and knew beforehand that I can replace the clutch for around £100.00 from Wemoto - Also, the tappety sound does very much sound like the shims, isn't a great issue to me as if it started doing that during my ownership I probably wouldn't bother sorting it out! I love it though, did 300 miles on it over the weekend, didn't miss a beat at the girlfriend was very comfy on the back. I love the fact its nice and manageable but if you want to razz it it really does go! Also, with my careful riding (due to the girlfriend!) I returned 65mpg - not bad! Pie

Hi all, Picked me up my first big bike the other day and managed to negotiate myself a deal on it due it a slippy clutch between 5-7k revs. Second gear is fine (I made sure!) but in all gears when the engine gets up to speed the clutch slips so.... I've so far sourced friction plates and springs and the clutch cover gasket, is there any more I will need? It was serviced 700 miles ago so was hoping to re-use the drained all - bad idea? Also, I do have an online copy of the haynes manual, but as per usual it manages to make the ordeal sound like brain surgery! I work on my own SR125, have restored a mobylette and do all the work to my own car so I know my way around an engine within reason (bottom end rebuilds are pushing it!) So, what sort of time am I looking at to carry this out? Have I missed anything off of my list AAANND are there any tips or tricks that I could employ or bits that I might aswell replace whilst I'm in there? Appreciate the help! Pie

I think I can get a Thundercat with 45,000 miles on it (sounds like a lot!) for around £900.00. It seems to be a good specimen but sounds a bit tappety, is this normal? There are thundercats with 25k on them for between £1500-£2000.00 but I know my way around a bike and the tappets wouldn't be an issue for me to do myself, just wondering if on these bikes in particular with that mileage that there may be a deeper issue! Thanks Pie

I wonder how much all those machines cost? That looks like what it is in my minds eye as the perfect garage that I'll have one day...... Need some money first though!

As some of you will know, due to an accident a few years ago and no money I've been lazy in booking my DAS after 4 years on a CBT BUT I've been training this week at Ridesure at Dunsfold park, great place to learn as they've got the whole facility off road and good bikes (unlike some I saw at the test centre...) So far I can't recommend them enough! Started yesterday and completed by MOD 1 with 1 minor (not looking for cars whilst taking it off the stand for the manual handling.... ) Got my Mod 2 booked next Wednesday and would be lying if I said I was 100% confident, but the CBF 500 that I've been on is far more stable and confidence inspiring than the SR! Hoping to be checking out and possibly collecting a 02 Thundercat in blue and white next week if I pass! Can't wait.... Pie

My SR is called Olga and my Mobylette Nanci. Don't ask me why, girlfriend has the final say in these things and I just go along with it! Pie

To be fair, as much as people take the p*ss, the mobylette is the only thing that matters in my life... But then again, with me and my bulk on it the top speed might creep over 20mph every now and then but in every way its impractical. I do like to buy things I dont need though

Hi all, Been posting on here for a while (mostly re my piece of rubbish SR125 that has now soldiered on dragging my 18 stone bulk over 30,000 miles!). As some of you may know, when I was 17 I had my full bike course booked when a week before I got knocked off by a van and missed it! After getting over that I ended up buying a car and spending my money on drink etc until I bought my SR125 a 2 years ago (I'm still only 21!) I have now booked my DAS which is great news If things all go well I shall be fully licenced around 3pm on the 3rd December and I have never ever been so excited as getting my licence has been something I've wanted to do since I was very very young! Now, I have really wanted a Thundercat for the past few years and looking around they are very very reasonably priced for what is a fairly big old motor. As mentioned previously, I'm a fairly bulky chap, I would need to do a little over 10,000 miles a year, mix of motorway and town and will be taking my girlfriend on the back from time to time. Would this be a recommended bike for this? AAAnnd if so when I test drive one what am I to look out for? I'm aware of the 2nd gear jumping out weakness and will walk away if I come across that but other than that are they prone to corrosion etc? Thanks all, Pie

Thanks, you make some very good points. The battery was put in brand new last June so I would be very surprised if it was that! You've given me a number of things to unbolt and play with at the weekend! Pie

Hi all, Had my Yam 125 for 2 years now and aside from a set of new tyres and a few bulbs it has done the last 8,000 miles perfectly (taking it to the grand old age of 30,000 miles). Lately its been having a bit of a starter issue where when I press the starter button it just clicks near the battery seat area. I took the battery out at the weekend (thinking it might be a charge issue) and charged it and replaced it, though that hasn't solved anything - the clicking seems to come from this circular thing as per the photo below... Throughout my motor career of owning both rubbish cars and bikes I have always put starter issues to the alternator, battery or starter motor itself - though when I click the button the starter motor makes no noise and therefore (possibly wrongly) I have discounted it as a problem. Interestingly - if I put the bike in gear and rock it forwards and backwards whilst pressing the elec start button sometimes the starter motor fires out, spins up and starts the bike for me! I'm stumped..... Pie

This happened to me when I was 17... 4 days later I was released from hospital... Though I dont remember actually doing it, apparently I punched the driver as he came to see if I was ok.. Deserved it..

I shall listen to your wise words and get saving for a course then! Thanks guys

Hi all, Bit of a random little question really. I have recently completed my CBT and (when funds allow) am going going to take my theory test. Now I dont particularly want to spend £600 on a 4 day course to complete my bike liscence. With the Module 1, there are plenty of videos posted on YouTube including ones from the DSA, would you think (with a bit of background research) it would be possible to practice these by yourself and take the Module with no training on my Yamaha SR 125? Also, its the same question for Module 2. What manouvres are involved like the car test? I know of the U-turn (although isnt this in Module 1?). I have been riding for 3 years (albeit on a CBT) and still carry out all of the lifesavers, checks before you pull away etc (unlike a lot of ped boys!). Would you think it would be possible to take the Module 2 after a few 1 on 1 lessons with a private tutor, or better still, by training yourself? I'm desperate to get rid of my L plates, but the thought of paying for a 4 day course of which 2 of those days are your test days makes me feel a little sick and I cant afford it! Cheers guys

Hi, Thanks for all the help! Yes the brake was working OK, I wouldnt rely on it to stop me by itself though! To do this do you need to take the back wheel off? Its just im having problems with the brake arm coming off the spindle! I can't! May start using force...