First Bike -Buying YZF R6 Thundercat 1996. 37000 miles
Discussion
Sorry, I know it must be a pain for the regulars to keep getting queries about buying a first bike but I'm in a quandry!
I'm after a 600 and like the R6 particularly the model around 2000. However, I've seen one that's a 1996 for considerably less than the prices I've seen the later models at. Am I asking for trouble getting a 12 year old bike that's done 37000 miles? Is there anything about this model that's a concern. I know 2nd gear could have problems on the 1999 - 2001 models but does the older model have the same problem too?
One of the reasons I didn't want to spend too much is that I don't want to end up in tears when I make some basic error and drop it but I don't want to save money on the bike only to end up paying another grand on maintenance because of other problems a bike of this mileage might have.
I’ve only ever ridden an ER 5 before during my DAS so probably wouldn’t notice any issues on a test ride of the R6 bike.
Any thoughts gratefully received (well nice ones anyway!)
I'm after a 600 and like the R6 particularly the model around 2000. However, I've seen one that's a 1996 for considerably less than the prices I've seen the later models at. Am I asking for trouble getting a 12 year old bike that's done 37000 miles? Is there anything about this model that's a concern. I know 2nd gear could have problems on the 1999 - 2001 models but does the older model have the same problem too?
One of the reasons I didn't want to spend too much is that I don't want to end up in tears when I make some basic error and drop it but I don't want to save money on the bike only to end up paying another grand on maintenance because of other problems a bike of this mileage might have.
I’ve only ever ridden an ER 5 before during my DAS so probably wouldn’t notice any issues on a test ride of the R6 bike.
Any thoughts gratefully received (well nice ones anyway!)
Not sure I'd want to ride an R6 as my first proper bike.
The riding position is very extreme and early R6s, ISTR, have a bit of a 'reputation' as the sharpest, edgiest hooligan machine of their era. Modern 600s are relatively tame and soft in comparison.
I've ridden an early R6 and a GSXR1000K2 - the GSXR was much more user-friendly....
The riding position is very extreme and early R6s, ISTR, have a bit of a 'reputation' as the sharpest, edgiest hooligan machine of their era. Modern 600s are relatively tame and soft in comparison.
I've ridden an early R6 and a GSXR1000K2 - the GSXR was much more user-friendly....
Alfa_75_Steve said:
Not sure I'd want to ride an R6 as my first proper bike.
Hi Gary,I can see what Steve is saying. Its a bit extreme for a first. I started off (after id passed my test) on a lovely FZR600 and found that pretty quick....moving on (two years later)to a Fireblade which ripped me arms off!!
Im glad i didnt start off with R6/Fireblade as i probably wouldnt be here..
Dibs
I passed my DAS in August, and started with a 95 FZR600R, which was a good bike to get some practice on.
After about 2 months I traded up to a 1999 YZF600R Thundercat. I found it to be a much better bike.
Decent performance, handling, brakes, comfort, decent looking, its got the lot and you'll struggle to do better for the samll amount you can pick one up for.
37k is big miles but I'm sure people will tell you they are fine if looked after.
I sold mine about 2 months ago and bought an new R6, amazing bike but you do have to be a bit careful on it.
After about 2 months I traded up to a 1999 YZF600R Thundercat. I found it to be a much better bike.
Decent performance, handling, brakes, comfort, decent looking, its got the lot and you'll struggle to do better for the samll amount you can pick one up for.
37k is big miles but I'm sure people will tell you they are fine if looked after.
I sold mine about 2 months ago and bought an new R6, amazing bike but you do have to be a bit careful on it.
Been looking at Thunderctas as my brother was interested in one for his first bike and they seem a good choice with few faults however having done a bit of research I've heard the gearbox can become problematic on higher mileage bikes (20,000 miles plus) and although regarded as a nearly as good as, cheaper alternative to the Honda CBR 600f the Yamaha does not share the Honda's excellent build quality. The finish on most bikes we've looked has been poor with in particular the swingarm being prone to rot!
My brother has since decided to go the naked route and has decided on a Hornet 600.
My brother has since decided to go the naked route and has decided on a Hornet 600.
Whilst there's nothing intrinsically wrong with buying a high mileage bike, I found out to my cost that things do start to wear out pretty regularly on higher mileage machines - my ZX7R started to cost an awful lot to maintain around this mileage. If you know what you're looking for though, you might be ok. Also, be aware that it will be harder to sell on due to the mileage. If it's cheap enough, go for it, but just tread carefully 
That's a good point actually. I think I might keep away from the really high miles ones, it could be a false economy if I end up paying out hand over fist as things wear out.
I just don't know which of 2 camps to fall into. Either buy something for a grand incase I damage it so I don't have to worry about losing too much money or spend about 3 grand on something better which will last longer but will make me cry when I drop it!
I just don't know which of 2 camps to fall into. Either buy something for a grand incase I damage it so I don't have to worry about losing too much money or spend about 3 grand on something better which will last longer but will make me cry when I drop it!
I'd spend a bit more, to be honest, and get something without too many miles on it.
The problem isn't so much the engine and gearbox, it's the cycle parts that start to cost, unless the previous owner has already had them fixed. This is especially true of anything that isn't a Honda.
You'll be looking at replacing the rear shock and sorting the front fork springs and oil at a minimum on higher mileage bikes.
£3k should buy a really nice CBR600.
The problem isn't so much the engine and gearbox, it's the cycle parts that start to cost, unless the previous owner has already had them fixed. This is especially true of anything that isn't a Honda.
You'll be looking at replacing the rear shock and sorting the front fork springs and oil at a minimum on higher mileage bikes.
£3k should buy a really nice CBR600.
I was in the same shoes as braddy.
I've recently passed having only been on the ER5 using it on my DAS.
I looked at an SV650 but it was sold the day i passed my test... bugger!
I then looked into the Thundercat, i found one with 9800 miles on - full service history @ a dealers.
I traded my little 125cc in against it.
The Cats price was £3200.
Howvever you would expect to pay more from the dealer as that price came with 12months warranty.
I've not had any trouble with it...Yet (touch wood).
But i'm part of other forums and some of those members have bikes over 30k miles and don't have any problems.
The Cats are brilliant bikes and are pretty much R6's.
The R6 has the same engine as the Cat & also the same brakes.
The R6 was built around the cat but it is smaller and lighter than the earlier Cat.
Your good for 0-60 in around 3.5-4
& it's good for about 150mph & it goes like the clappers!
It's also not going to kill you on insurance, mine was £310 TPFT.
All in all the Cats a great bike and i'd highly recomment them.
Also being a Jap bike its not going to cost a fortune like a Ducati or Trumpet would to repair!
I've recently passed having only been on the ER5 using it on my DAS.
I looked at an SV650 but it was sold the day i passed my test... bugger!
I then looked into the Thundercat, i found one with 9800 miles on - full service history @ a dealers.
I traded my little 125cc in against it.
The Cats price was £3200.
Howvever you would expect to pay more from the dealer as that price came with 12months warranty.
I've not had any trouble with it...Yet (touch wood).
But i'm part of other forums and some of those members have bikes over 30k miles and don't have any problems.
The Cats are brilliant bikes and are pretty much R6's.
The R6 has the same engine as the Cat & also the same brakes.
The R6 was built around the cat but it is smaller and lighter than the earlier Cat.
Your good for 0-60 in around 3.5-4
& it's good for about 150mph & it goes like the clappers!
It's also not going to kill you on insurance, mine was £310 TPFT.
All in all the Cats a great bike and i'd highly recomment them.
Also being a Jap bike its not going to cost a fortune like a Ducati or Trumpet would to repair!
Cheers for the info, it makes me feel a bit more confident about my decision then.
I saw a thnundercat on sunday at Wigan Yamaha and rang them up yesterday to do the deal. Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up at the weekend. Like you said, it's possibly more expensive buying at a dealers even with a bit knocked off but I'm getting 12 months MOT and it's having it's 4000 mile service done (it's got 14000 on the clock). the 3 month parts and labour warrenty gives me a little peace of mind too incase I've bought a pup. the only thing I'm really cocncerned about is that some have problems in 2nd but I spoke to the dealer and they said that problem would be covered under the warrenty if it was a problem.
Roll on the weekend, must admit to be a little nervous. It's a couple of months since I passed my test on an ER5 so not sure how the set off from the dealers will go!
I saw a thnundercat on sunday at Wigan Yamaha and rang them up yesterday to do the deal. Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up at the weekend. Like you said, it's possibly more expensive buying at a dealers even with a bit knocked off but I'm getting 12 months MOT and it's having it's 4000 mile service done (it's got 14000 on the clock). the 3 month parts and labour warrenty gives me a little peace of mind too incase I've bought a pup. the only thing I'm really cocncerned about is that some have problems in 2nd but I spoke to the dealer and they said that problem would be covered under the warrenty if it was a problem.
Roll on the weekend, must admit to be a little nervous. It's a couple of months since I passed my test on an ER5 so not sure how the set off from the dealers will go!
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