Hi all

Looking to trade the Cat in, and have been like a kid in a sweet shop recently on biketrader trying to find a suitable replacement, but still not really anywhere near a decision, and hope somebody/everybody can help.

Looking to spend no more than £4k, and as I commute all year round I need some reliable, good mileage, and comfortable for my 6ft1inch frame. With the commute it often means riding back at night, and with that I would prefer something with a good set of beams on too...

Any ideas anybody?

I've been thinking along the lines of Yamaha TDM, Triumph Tiger, Triumph Sprint, Honda VFR, Honda Varadeo, BMW R1150GS, Susuki Bandit 1250, etc. Does anybody have any of these and could tell me good/bad points, or even suggest different ideas?

I've been riding for 7 years now, and not fussed about engine size, as long as it's more than 400cc.

Stick with the cat

But then I'm a tad bit bias

you have quite a mix in your wish list. problem here is one mans meat is anothers poison, i wouldnt hesitate in advising you to dump that list & go for a ZX12R-cos i love mine....i've done such diverse things as conduct a CBT road ride on it (following a 125 scoot)-OK we were short of a bike that day-to continental tours & everything in between. my mate has one & hes 6'4" so the height thing isnt an issue, fuel consumption is good, compared to my V12 jag its positively frugal but its MY ideal commuter.

you need to narrow down your list to sports, sports tourers, retro etc. then in true forum fashion listen to all the (biased) advice & completely ignore it.......

as an instructor i had this conversation with hundreds of students, pointing them in the direction of what i thought was the best "starter" bike for each individual-about 80% ignored that advice & bought the complete opposite to what they "thought" they wanted at the start.

get your arse on as many of the bikes in your list then have a think about what you need. faired bikes can be hell on wrists in slow moving traffic, but great at speed & in bad weather, naked might be more user friendly, but offer no protection. in the end its got to be you that decides, not us mate.

And very often just sitting on a bike you thought you wanted tells you it's not for you - and vice versa!

I've spoken to a few people who've owned Thundercats and switched bikes. There have also been people on here who've chopped in 'Cats for other bikes. Every one of them has (for a while at least) regretted losing the 'Cat.

Not saying don't get rid of it. Just think hard about what you want and try a few bikes first of all - make sure you've got the right machine before you lose the Cat.

It might help us if you could tell us what it is you wnat more of (that the 'cat doesn't give)

i.e. more upright, more torque, better luggage options, pillion capability, etc

I hear what you are all saying, and cannot wait for the blooming snow to clear up so I can get out there and start sitting/testing some machines.

I think to answer the above question the main thing I am looking for is reliability. but looking at reviews and on the net, the perfect bike for me seems like the Triumph Tiger - tall, comfortable, tourquey, etc. but I suppose I need to sit on one.

The search continues......

fazer 1000 - nuff said mally

Thought about a Blackbird?
Never heard a bad word said(or read) about them.

My mates a big lanky fooker and he`s always saying how good the bird is.
Hes toured europe,commuted,and been out on weekend blasts as well.

He also has an RR4 Blade,but seems to use his Blackbird more

Thats strange..Defiler says his is crap!!

Ah well now i`ve heard a bad word about them.

My Blackbird's fecking ace! It's just DP that says their crap, but he's a dyed-in-the-wool Kwak man so he'd rather have a ZZR.

Good things about the 'Bird:

It's (very) comfortable
It's not bad in a corner
The linked brakes are actually pretty good (despite the fact that reviewers seemed to enjoy moaning about them)
The brakes are *big* - stops pretty hard
The engine. You could go on for days about the engine - it's smooth, torquey, powerful, and revs so high you can kick god in the nuts. Needs an oil change every 6000 miles and a service every 12000, so it's not even bad for that.
Below 5000rpm it's a pussycat. Over 7000rpm it's a psychotic device designed to induce panic.
Loads of luggage options if you're touring.


Bad things about the 'Bird:

It's a bit thirsty on the fuel (well, it is an 1100 after all)
It's quite heavy. Fully-fuelled it's a quarter-tonne. Don't drop it. When it's moving, though, you don't notice.
It's a big machine. Filtering will be fairly different to your Thundercat. I found it hard work at first, moving from my Divvie, but it's okay when you get used to it - you can squeeze through most traffic. Just expect to clip those expensive mirrors once or twice.
Rear shock is an excellent unit, built down to a price. Overhauled, it becomes a brilliant part.
Electrical regulator/rectifier is made of crap. Worth upgrading.
Some people complain that the mirrors are too small / show only shoulders. I've not had a problem, though.
90mph is easy. 100 is easy. 110 is easy. 120 is easy. 130 is easy. 140 is easy. You get the idea - watch the license. It'll only go as fast as you ask it, but it's very tempting to ask for a big number.
They have a bit of a reputation for eating chains. I'm refitting my Scottoiler.


Overall, if I didn't have mine, I reckon I'd be in the market to buy one. In my mind the good points far outweigh the bad points.

CBR 600F
or
Fazer FZ6

bulletproof, faired (or unfaired with the FZ6), fun, cheap and comfy

You need bulletproof these days with the rise in gun crime

Thanks for all your advice. I've seen a gsf1200 bandit for a good price so thinking about that, but also tempted by a not so good priced cb1300. Think the bandit will win that match mostly on price, but also because it offers a little protection with the nose fairing.

Had one for a while (before I killed it... twice ) & was alright. Will say that for double the CCs it's not that much more in performance over the 600. You may be a bit disppointed, after the 'cat.

But it is comfortable, keeps going, LOADS of parts & accessories, and the fairing works better than it looks.

knifeproof is good too