catnut

Took 2 technically minded friends together and after inspection, pricing up and bartering, finally bought it for £850. She is a minter, just needs new consumables (tyres, chain, oil and filter change) and a carb clean (will be sorted by said friends) and she'll be with the pack on the roads again where she belongs

Restricted 600 would be my advice, you get used to riding a big bike so you're all set for when the two years are up. You also you dont have to worry about loosing money by trying to trade in a 33hp bike when you gain a full license, just whip the limiter off. Performance wise you're still going to get a thrill, just dont expect to be the fastest on the road but again, thats not the point of riding on the roads. Insurance-wise look at the quotes for various models and decide for yourself but be aware that running a bigger displacement bike will have the associated costs (fuel, tyres chain etc etc) but you'll probably end up paying a certain amount for that on any bike you get. Personally I've never had an experience of two strokes but whilst they are arguably fun, I have heard and seen from freinds that do have them that they do require quite a bit more work, so unless you have time & skill or a lot of money for the stealerships then I wouldn't advise you choose a two stroke for your first 33hp bike. Like I said, this is only my view, some (arguably more experienced) users may disagree but at the end of the day its always a personal choice of the rider, just important that you appreciate the relevant factors :-) Whatever you choose you'll have a great time, and when you're out on a good road having a nice ride you'll realise that it doesn't matter if your bikes not "the best" so long as it makes you happy!

I'm gonna have another chat with the bloke but I think he said the last time he ran it was last year *winces* but said that when it started it sounded fine. Probs a good idea if I actually get to see the bike again and talk to him before I post any more how much of the above is sortable at home, my freinds dad is a bit of a wiz with bikes so he might be able to have a look at it hopefully but thanks for the bike-specific info, much appreciated!

Hi, first post from a new member I passed my practical on an SR125 and loved how reliable it was when I had it. Now after a while I've found myself with the opportunity of buying a thundercat. I discovered it by talking to the owner at a social gathering and he mentioned that he used to ride a thundercat. So I asked him to show it to me and at the bottom of the garden under a tree, from under a cover was unveiled a mint looking sliver/yellow thundercat. Bone stock from what I could see (apart from a yolk cover and a tank pad). This guy had buggered his shoulder up about 4 years ago and found that he just couldn't operate the controls of the bike safely enough to warrant riding it and its just been sitting there with 8200 miles on the clock. Its got quite a few cobwebs in the cockpit and a few leaves at the bottom but I was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers as he's prepared to accept offers in the region of £1000. What kind of things should I look out for, is it wise to try and start it if its been sitting so long, what kind of work would it need to get back on the road etc etc, basically, does it have the potential of being a good deal. I'd really appreciate your info as I'll either buy it as an alternative for my other bike or do it up and sell it on.