“A budget buy that is ideal for beginners or well experienced riders alike! A tried, tested and reliable engine brought over from the Fazer 600, this engine gives you a split personality. In the lower part of the rev range (up to 7k rpm) it is manageable and predictable with just enough torque to keep things interesting, ideal for beginners. After 7,000 rpm and above the bike transforms into a bit of an animal with that high revving, screaming engine usually associated with the later R6 & R1. This bike, along with the Thunderace set the foundations for these later bikes.
The bike itself is a cross between a 600cc supersports and a sports-tourer. Super comfy on the long haul with decent wind protection but has the ability to keep up with the big boys in the twisties when kept in the power band towards the top of the rev range, mated with a good set of breaks which makes it a great all-rounder.
The Thundercats' suspension set up is its only downfall in my opinion. It has a very spongey set up which is great on the long journeys but when under heavy braking going into a turn it likes to dive a little too much with not quite enough rebound out of the forks. Although, a conversion can be done at little expense to the later R6 rear shock which is supposed to transform the bike (I've yet to try it).
the Thundercat has 2 common reliability issues, the 1st major issue is the dreaded '2nd gear issue'. To spot this, the bike starts to jump out of second gear when under load (acceleration) and struggles to select second gear. A very expensive fix not usually worth repairing (new gearbox needed!).”
“Very affordable bike. I have had the cat for three years now brilliant bit of kit. I payed £1600 for my 2001 model I have noticed prices have gone up since then. Im thinking of buying another bike next year but there is no way im selling that cat its that reliable. Hope this helps”
