Which one to go for?

Hello all, I'm Travis, not yet a Thundercat owner but hopefully that will change soon.

I've had a good look around and seem to be down to 2 bikes, both on 11,000 miles but one is a '96 and the other an '01.

The '01 is at a dealers, I've had a test ride and like it, but it's been resprayed for one reason or another and is a bit ropey. Fairing has a few snapped clips, headers (stainless) have melted through the part at the front somehow, and there is light rust around the shock area.

The '96 is a private bike and too far away for a quick look, but I've had photos through of everything I would want to look at, it looks in much better nick than the dealer bike but doesn't have stainless headers, though it is cheap enough to afford some down the line. I'll go hear it run and try for a test ride if I think it's worth it.

Thing is, do I go for a newer but slightly ropey bike (5 owners over 11,000 miles), or the minter looking older one. Are things on the older one about to start costing money? I could afford to put things right with the savings, but is the newer bike a safer bet despite costing more and needing work to tidy up?

All advice appreciated!

Thanks,
Travis

Without you seeing the second bike it's a tough call . . . as you already know and proably have expected someone to say. Might as well be me  

I suppose a well cared for older bike with fewer owners (yet to be established), is going to be a better and safer bet than a newer many owner uncared for rat bike . . . but you didn't need us to tell you that . . . ???

The thing to keep in mind is that (I'm assuming they're both Cats), replacement parts for both bikes will be the same and therefore anything you have to replace/renew will cost the same.
There's no substitute for a thorough inspection and a test ride. So until you have seen the private sale machine . . . you'll be none the wiser.

Not much help there then from me huh ? But you'll likely get some more views soon . . . .

Yeah guess I should have said they're both Cats :-)
I need to go see the older one, it is looking like the safer bet but only one way to know... Only downside is I'll need to sell my bike first before getting the private one, but it's all cheaper overall, so worth it.

From what you have said I'd be tempted by the older bike.
5 owners in 11k miles is a lot in my book. Why did ownership change so much? You also say it's a bit ropey.
I'd much rather have a bike where someone has kept it for a while, looked after it and therefore probably ridden it with care.
There's my opinion for what it's worth.

I hope you get yourself sorted soon. If you have any other questions just ask.
When you do decide and get it home send us some pics. We'd love to see it.

Cheers,
Chris

also if you take your wonga you might get the private bike cheaper

I go with Chris, if its an older better cared for then yes thats what i would look at first, i know the ropey one could be made good but thats extra outlay and should be chipped down accordingly

Yeah I think it's gotta be the older one, so long as it's as good as it looks when I see/ride it. I imagine it is from speaking to the guy.
Just need to sell my Bandit now!