Going to see a Thundercat tomorrow

Hi Folks

Looking for a bit of assistance.
A friend of mine is looking to buy it but hasn't passed his test yet......I'll bully him into joining the site if he buys it.

I'm going to give it a once over for him.
He is putting his faith in me so I'm passing the buck and I'm putting it in you lot.

I'll be taking it for a ride and will give the gears / brakes / handling etc a good test.
It hasn't done many miles < 10,000 allegedly.

I'm looking to build a checklist of what else to look for / test.

Fork Seals, Brake discs / pads, suspension.... what else?
Best way to test bearings.

Any pointers please?

Cheers
Ross

Guess this is probably an obvious one but make sure that the VIN numbers match and haven't been tampered with.

Also if it has Datatag or similar make sure the numbers match and the documents to transfer them to the new owner are available.

And of course all keys should be there too.

Maybe that's useful...

Ensure your cut of the "wedge" is big enough [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Head bearings - jam on front brake push, pull and waggle and feel for movement

Wheel bearings - in the absence of paddock stands, use the bikes stand as a pivot to get the front & rear (in turn) off the ground to check for play. Also while the front is up turn from lock to lock and feel/listen for grinding, general unsavoury sounds

Rear Suspension - you and I both know the risk of neglect and what to look for but rebound and any funny squeaks etc

Fork - check seals, stems for corrosion & stone chips/damage also check operation, rebound and damping, ensure they're not bottoming out

Check all lights, horn, electrics

Make sure the vehicle is completely cold for start up, if its been run and the seller is itchy about waiting for it to cool, ask yourself why!!

Inspect bar ends, crash bungs, mirrors, indicators for any scuffing/damage indicating possible drop or trip down the road

Feel all the panels for smoothness and ensure there are now stickers covering up damage

Have a listen to the engine and the rest is test ride me reckons and I'm sure you know how a cat should feel/behave/pull etc

As a final I'd also be inclined to do an eBay search of ended items to find some damning evidence about how much the bikes sell for and try to get a bit more knocked off.

Can't think of much more and I bet I've missed something really obvious!!

Hope this helps

steve"s given  a pretty good list there!

I'd add (sorry if these are a bit obvious)
general bits like chain, sprockets and tyres... if the nearly worn or getting there, that's a level for some money off as they'll be needing to be replaced sooner.

check to see what the batteries like to I guess.. if it takes a bit to get the engine to turn over, could be a not looked after battery.. possible replacement needed (yet more bargaining area) or at least a charger/optimate thingy.

I also guess general possible rust on the swingarm and any exposed metal, also see what the headers are like, stainless or not. could be more bargaining area if they are the chocolate originals.

Cheers peeps.

I'll let you know how it all goes ...... or maybe my mate will.

Cheers
Ross

Don't forget lock to lock on the bars, neither end should trap a hand against the tank.

Check the oil sump for any cracks/leaks and also the headers/down-pipes for corrosion, especially if they are original, there may be some holes 

Good luck!

And? How did it go? Did he buy it?

He said he would sign up and tell y'all.

Sounds good.

Hi I'm Neil and I'm the proud owner of this

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Ross kindly came with me to cast his eye over it and I'm absolutely delighted. Its has 3 previous owners and 6800 on the clock. At low revs it's running a little rough but it's been off the road for nearly 4 years and could be doing with fresh fuel and a service. I've no licence at the moment but have my mod 1 on Wednesday so hopefully will be on the road soon. Thank again Ross. 

welcome neil

ah good to see its in the best colours!! very tidy looking bike there!

dont let ross get too close too it or terry will have two bikes on his swan vesta hit list!

dave

Hi Neil,

Welcome to the forum.

3 owners and 6800miles! Looks like you've found a much under used, but hopefully nearly mint, example of a 'cat. And I bet if Ross had anything to do with the purchase you probably paid the previous owner in Tesco tokens - so a bargain as well! 

Good luck with the Mod 1. Let us know how you get on.

I only have 2 requests:
i) don't try and emulate Ross on the road ( he's had more close shaves than Wallace and Gromit, but knows how to ride the 'cat)
ii) don't try and emulate Ross off the road (that's a mighty fine looking bike, it doesn't deserve to end up looking like Ross' cat)

Get to know your steed and enjoy it.

Chris

Welcome aboard Neil!

What a find!

Ross has his uses.


Ellie.

greencat wrote:Hi Neil,

Welcome to the forum.

3 owners and 6800miles! Looks like you've found a much under used, but hopefully nearly mint, example of a 'cat. And I bet if Ross had anything to do with the purchase you probably paid the previous owner in Tesco tokens - so a bargain as well! 

Good luck with the Mod 1. Let us know how you get on.

I only have 2 requests:
i) don't try and emulate Ross on the road ( he's had more close shaves than Wallace and Gromit, but knows how to ride the 'cat)
ii) don't try and emulate Ross off the road (that's a mighty fine looking bike, it doesn't deserve to end up looking like Ross' cat)

Get to know your steed and enjoy it.

Chris

all you'll need to do is clean it more than once a year and it'll look nowt like ross's!

A bit of an update on this.
I fitted new plugs as the paperwork I got with stated only one had been changed when it was in for its MOT. (Odd?). It's now running sweet throughout the revs and I've cleaned it up. Just needing a couple of bits and it'll be a minter.
I also passed my mod1 today which is great but the earliest I can do mod2 is September. I've requested to be put on the cancelation list so fingers crossed.

Congratulations mate, well done on the bike and the Mod 1.

Cheers
Billy

big congrats on passing the Mod 1!

thats a long wait for the mod 2! hopefully something comes up soon for you

Congrats on passing the MOD1 thats the hard part done.

Brilliant....well done Neil.

Glad the low revs fix was relatively cheap and easy too.

Cheers
Ross

i have  never  seen  rosco bike well  clean  any  way  is  it  a  blue  1 or  just the  mucky dusty  brown  job i see  every  time  we  meet  if  i remember  right  the   last time  rosco  clean  it  some  1  reported  a  stolen  bike out  side  his  house
well done on passing the mod 1 & the bike looks a minter best colour to boot to
pete

Wow! Great looking bike! Even the tires are shiny!

Congrats