[QUOTE=colsan1]I've found a 1999 TT600r for £1200 (uk) this appears to be a good 800 below anything i've seen a similar aged TT selling for.
The bike looks to be in good cond and the (mature) owner tells me he's only used it as a daily commuter bike.
I have a couple of questions if anyone could help me.

1) Is the £1200 as good a price as it seems for a 99 TT600r or have i just been looking in the wrong places to find comparable prices?
Don't know. I'm Dutch and living in Moscow. I bought my 2002 TTR last year for EUR 4500, so think yoyr deal is pretty good. But, with such a low price you might think of something wrong?
2) Is the TT600 suitable for my purpose, a mixture of comuting,light touring (just a tailpack on the back) and very gentle off road riding (simple green lane stuff, nothing drastic).
Its the road stuff i'm not sure about.
XT/TT's are good for anything, but your package is more road oriented. Suggest going for an XT: cheaper, more common, cheaper parts (TT parts come from Italy!), transmission dampers in the rear hub etc.
3) Are there any common mechanical issues with the TT600 that i need to be aware of, weak gearbox,heavey oil consumption, any internal problems in the motor?
Same as for the XT: gearbox (search)

4) finally, I've not had a kick start only bike for a long time, How easy are they to start? my last was an old used klr600 about 10 years ago and i remember that being a pig to get going and it got threw 2 cylinder heads due to blocked oil ways in the short time that i had it so you can maybe understand my caution with the TT.
For the TT, make sure:
- The pilot screw is set correctly
- When starting, shut off all lights etc, do not brake (brake light!)
- Do not touch the throttle
Then she should start easily.

Good luck!
Auke

__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com

Looks like a bargain, sometimes they do happen!
matt

__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!