Evenin all!!!

Alright people, I am very new to biking, so much so i've only passed my cbt and theory test in the last week. I've got me first proper ride on a 'big bike' on Saturday and am goin to look at a Thundercat tomorrow. (My own little treat to me sel since i got back from Afghan 3 weeks ago)
There's 2 I'm currently lookin at; would love some tips on what to look for, good and Bad bits, both are trade so gonna have to get me haggling techniques brushed up!!
Nice to meet you all by the way!! X

Reading through the site I found this about service schedules, could someone confirm this please.
Minor Servicing - 4k,8k,12k £100ish
Major '' '' - 16k including valve clearances £250ish

Hiya mate,
Not sure about costs ' cos I do my own servicing, every 4000 for basic, with a few other jobs thrown in for some of the intervals. Valve clearances are at 28000 I think (always seems a long time without checking to me) but I haven't got my manual to hand at the mo. 2nd gear is the main potential problem with the Cat (and several other bikes from what I understand). On a test ride give it some stick in 2nd and see if it pops out. 'Tis expensive to fix if you get a dealer to do it, and a major headache if you do it yourself (I haven't, yet). Otherwise can't think of much except the usual checks for any bike. Brakes stick if you ride in the winter but simple enough to control if you clean them regularly. Standard exhaust headers rot (listen for a ticking sound).

Cats are very good all rounders (haven't tried off road yet, well once but not intentionally...)

Take one for a good test ride and see what you think.

Cheers,

Adrian.

Welcome to site just been looking at old bills mine was just over 100 Inc vat for service and just on 200 for big one and valves so it's prob about right. Let us know what you get.
Suzie
Ps yes valves at 28k

Hello and welcome.

Good choice of bike. I've found it nice to ride and it can certainly spread the grin form ear to ear if you want it to.

Hello, Good evening & Welcome megamoose

Glad to hear you got back from over-seas ok. Well done on yer passing theory & CBT and luck to you on going further in your trg. I'm guessing you're heading down the DAS route ?
The really is a very good choice for a first big bike, and you've had sound advice above so I'll not repeat. Other than to advise investment in a battery trickle charger and a scottoiler for the chain and sprockets.

Well you have started at about the right time of year to get your trg and tests out the way in time to hopefully enjoy a full season of biking for 2011 (job not withstanding). Perhaps when your feeling confident enough you'd like to join in on some of the organised events. It'd be great to see you there.

Cheers and regards
Tel

Hi & Welcome.

Good luck with the training & cat shopping.

Cheers
Rosco

Helloooooo and welcome!!

Good luck wih the test and 'cat shopping, its a great bike and you won't regret it.

Ellie

Thanks for the warm welcome, Yeah on me DAS in Oxford, goin on an assessment ride sat morn so lookin fwd to that!
Went to look at 2 Cats today Both looked good, one, although higher mileage looked in better nick, but that might just be down to the garage cleaning up the chain and sprokets.
Takin me mate wit me over the weekend, he'll test ride them for me, then who knows fingurs crossed i'll be the proud owner of a Cat!!!

Good evening

Hi and welcome, dont be afraid of milage as there are a few on here been round the world a couple of times , i did have one with 36k on and it was fine, thing with valve clearances is if it dont rattle dont do, but its up to you, i had mine from 16k and didnt do them as it ran great , if it had been tappy or low on power it would have been done but sweet as a nut, and a lot do the same on here.
2nd gear can be an issue but does not affect as many as people think, keen aceleration in 1st , then into 2nd its at this point it would jump out every time if a problem, clean oil and less hard riding in low gears can prevent it (eh Dan).

Pete

mechy69 wrote:
2nd gear can be an issue but does not affect as many as people think, keen aceleration in 1st , then into 2nd its at this point it would jump out every time if a problem, clean oil and less hard riding in low gears can prevent it (eh Dan).

Yes dad.

Listen to him mate, I didn't

Cheers all, will take on all advice! I cant wait to get it!!!

Hey, not TOO far from me if you fancy a bimble out sometime. I'm just south of Chippenham

Welcome aboard