Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

Recently I have been considering changing my SV for something with a fairing due to my 65 mile a day commute which is mainly on motorways. With my SV being naked it's just become a bit of a drag to ride to work and I find myself taking the car more often than I'd like (definitely more often than my girlfriend would like as we share a car). I've considered putting a screen on the bike or getting an "s" but fancy a change.

I want a bike thats got good weather protection, is comfortable over distances, isn't too big, not too expensive, looks ok and is fun to ride. The Yamaha Thundercat seems to be a good choice for this, its sporty enough without being too extreme a riding position for commuting and seems to have a good fairing. Does anybody have experience of this bike or have any other recommendations?

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

You would want to PM _stretchie_ about this - he rides a 'Cat

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

i was torn between a thundercat & an SV

i chosse well IMO

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

Good bikes the Thundercats. Just watch for the gearboxes as they can cause some issues, however regular oil changes and keeping up with the servicing should keep it good.
Also concider the Kwak ZZR 600 or the ZX6R

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

I do about the same mileage as yourself all on M'ways. I have done it on faired bikes and yes they are better but I love my nakeds. That being said when it rains you really do get the full onslaught of the rain with a naked bike. I'm sure the Thundercat is a great bike, have you thought about something like a CBR600F?

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

darylB has one, PM him. It's physically large, but very comfortable. The standard can looks cheap rubbish IMO.

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

I went from an SV to a thundy fro similar reasons. I do miss my SV but wouldnt go back now. The Yam has better suspension, more poke, slightly more comfortable seating position and is easy to ride as a tourer or a sports bike. If I had the money I would have kept both.

As has been said in the this thread, the main thing to look for is a whiney gearbox as this is a sign that it could be on its way out and is a commonish fault / problem with the Thundy. Apart from that they are a vastly underated bike. I dont think you would regret the move, although you will miss the torque and sound of a twin!!! I know I still do.

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

And of course knowing that you are riding a bike named after an 80's childrens cartoon. :-s

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

That's the main reason I'm looking at getting one!

Thanks for the responses, I guess I'll take one for a test ride and see how I find them. I know I'll miss the SV's motor, but hopefully the Thundercats extra size and weight won't be a problem.

Re: Thundercats - Ho? (Change of bike)
 

if i got one i was going to get the thundercats logo done huge on the fairings

but the dodgy gearboxes put me off it