>>> INTRODUCE YOURSELF HERE <<<

Im in the Sligo area Paddy, so may not be that far from you

I'm over on the East coast

Edited by Paddy900, 25 May 2009 - 07:27 pm.

Seeing as how I've been lurking for almost a year it's probably time to introduce myself: Hi, I'm Steve

I've had my TDM since 1996 and have actually been on this forum before, although I left in a huff about 10 years ago (did we have the Internet then?) after arguing with someone about the fuel pump – rubbish by design, do they ever work? My bike came with K&N, Dynojet, Datatag and a warning never to let it go down to reserve... That made riding it a bit of a mystery so I replaced it with a Facet solid-state pump (remember this was about 12 years ago and it was this or an original one), followed by a Facet regulator when I found the pump was too powerful for the float needles (it has «Not For Motorcycles» written on it ). The best bit about this pump is the racket it makes when the bike starts running out, so none of that «panic, panic, where the f*ck's that fuel cock??»

Later modifications include being knocked off of it at the BMF rally in 2001 by an uninsured driver


and sliding off in the rain when the woman driver I was following suddenly slammed her brakes on and indicated right:


I was running two bikes, (the other being a 1991 KLE500), a car and a company van, so the TDM doesn't have much mileage – about 20k. 5 years ago my employers, BT, offered me a shed load of cash to eff off, so I followed a mate out here. He's actually a native and went home when his marriage went tits-up and the court awarded his ex the shirt off his back. He's a biker too, so I wanted to bring one of my bikes out here. I decided on the TDM when the KLE decided to urinate petrol everywhere and I flogged it cheap 'cos I was too busy getting my affairs in order to fix it. The TDM went in the back of the Tranny I bought specially and off we went:


Since then I've bought a house out here, found a nice young lady and got married. Meanwhile I hardly ever see my mate, what the courts did to him in England was pretty shabby and he just can't get over it, and me finding a wife here doesn't help his mood. He also wrote his bike off about 3 years back. The roads here are appalling, pothole city, plus when it rains it washes gravel across the roads, usually on bends. The drivers are also maniacs, most of them seem to have an insane need to overtake anything in front of them at all costs and biker fatalities are a regular occurrence, so 3 years ago, finding myself with no biker mates and nearly being knocked off for the nth time, my bike went to the back of one of my garages and hasn’t been on the road since.

Now I’ve met up with some bikers and have decided to do something with my TDM, so I’ve dragged it out and intend to register it here so I can see how I feel about it. I could do with the cash (let’s give some perspective here, before I left I almost bought a TDM900, when I came out here I knew I’d never be rich but the pound’s dropped 30%, I'm funded by renting out my house in the UK and I’ve munched through what was left of my leaving bribe so I’m pretty skint) but I know if I flog the TDM I’ll never be able to afford another bike. My Mrs hates them with a passion (oops).

The first thing I noticed was the r/h fork seal leaking (dammit, I only replaced them, errr, 10 years ago) so I thought the bike could do with a major overhaul – fork seals (thanks for the hydraulic tip guys!) swinging arm bearings, caliper and m/cylinder seals, brake hoses, head bearings – before I even think about riding it. These are all on order but, seeing as how I seem to have the only TDM in this part of the world (loads of KLEs tho) it’s all coming from Japan and taking ages.


Once it’s safe I plan to look at the mechanicals, it had a dealer service 4 years back and I’ve been running it once a month (more or less) so I don’t think there can be too many problems lurking (famous last words…)

So that’s me, hope that wasn't too dull

What did I do on my bike last weekend? Hoovered the dust off it

Good morning all, bout time I posted something I think. Picked up my TDM900A last Saturday and now can't ride her for a computer of weeks.

The joys of having a large ganlionic cyst removed from the ankle. 10 minute op and back to work Monday turned into a 75 minute op, excessive haemorrhaging, and three weeks signed off work and hobbling around on crutches.

On the positive note it does give me plenty of time to order some nice shiny bits and bobs for the TDM.

Hi All,

Here's the basic stats on me and my bike.

My name is Robert, I live in northern California outside the bay area (SF), 54 yrs old, riding since I was 11 (literally), still ride all the time (work/play/vacations), single father with beautiful daughter, occupation scientist (computational modeling and systems design), half decent (emphasis on half) motorcycle mechanic and farkler.

I own a couple bikes, but the relevant one here is a 1992 TDM 850 bought new by me, currently with a mere 38000 miles and running better than original. I wouldn't hesitate to get on this bike and ride it around the world (modulo the tires sucking for offroad use) [in case you're wondering, I run Metzler Z6s which are awesome sport touring tires]. I know many people think of the TDM as an adventure tourer. Yeah well, doable, but not really IMO. It is however, based on my experience, a wonderfully reliable and fun sport tourer that can do mild off road duty when needed. Feel free to flame that accounting, but I do have about 10 years of hard core off road riding to my credits.

Here's some of the 'upgrades' I've done to the bike. I'll post a few photos and maybe if there's anything useful I can be talked into posting a howto if by chance I did something new (not likely I imagine).

Lights: ditched the dual 35W headlights for super bright 55W ones (wow, big difference). Doesn't melt the housing, which I wondered about since it's plastic.
Luggage: set of Krauser K4 panniers which are bullet proof. Tore one off in a collision and after much mashing of metal, reclipped on the spot and road on another 4k miles on that trip.
Seat: Corbin saddle. Way more comfy than stock.
Tank bag: Bags connection 'City' bag w/ SW motech gas ring attachment (very solid). Also have "GS" bag, but too bulky for my tastes.
More lights: dual 55W running lights mounts on brackets attached at front signal light brackets.
Stator: upgraded, supposedly 20% more power. Question that, but it's best I could find. Would like to triple the power if I could.
Reg/Rect: upgraded to supposedly 20% more capacity one. Fried it. Back to old one. Carry spare at all times.
GPS: Zumo 550 mounted w/ touratech locking mount (love that thing).
Radar: TPX unit, mounted to handlebars w/ ram mount (ugly but effective). A must have item.
Misc electric: Kisan (?) volt/amp/temp meter, runs in ammeter mode 99.9% of the time. Critical if you load electrical like I do.
Heated grips: not sure brand, uses continuous adjustment control (0-full, all points in between), controller on 'dash'.
Exhaust: Staintune, single can/pipe, deleted that 1000 pound collector box and old cans.
Carb: Dyno-jet stage 1 replacement jetting (just did that yesterday - nice improvement in smoothness and little more power I think).
Misc: 2 powerlet power sockets, 1 by seat for heated jacket, 1 on dash (don't use since I perma wired the GPS).
Windshield: MRA touring model (bit better coverage).
Front suspension: Race tech gold valve complete rework, sprung to my weight.
Rear suspension: Penske race shock, sprung to my weight.
Front brakes: R1 calipers.
Hoses: Stainless steel braided hoses on clutch (I think I put on there, can't recall) and front brakes (definitely here).

Hmmm, probably forgetting some stuff.

Here's my assessment of the bike w/ those upgrades.

First, the suspension upgrade is HUGE improvement. Bike drives great w/ right suspension setup. Probably isn't better off road though, since it's a heck of a lot tighter and might jolt your head off your shoulders vs the very soft OEM suspension. On the street it's spectacular compared to stock.

Lights upgrade - 55W mains are a no brainer - just do it if you don't have HIDs or something along those lines already. The 55W aux lights you can skip - probably don't have the power to run em anyway.

R1 brakes w/ steel hoses - nice, but stock brakes highly adequate on that bike IMO.

Luggage - well, I tour so got to have something. Would prefer some touratech zegas or Jesse's but no clue how I'd mount them.

GPS - Zumo 550 is great is you have maps you need. It's bullet proof far as I can tell.

Overall electrical output - this is actually one of a few reasons I toy with ditching this bike for a KTM 990 adv or BMW R1200 GSA. I came about 1 nanometer from buying a 2009 GSA a couple months ago, but decided to wait to see the 2010 models. The output on the electrical system on the TDM is insufficient if you run heated clothing and serious lighting, IMO. The second reason is seat room for my GF (GSA has a LOT more rear seat room). She's 5'7" 110# yoga queen, so not exactly a fat ass and she barely fits when the bike is loaded for long distance trips. Third and final reason is off road capability. As I said earlier, TDM doesn't really cut it off road.

That said, I LOVE this bike, and often drive it in preference to my totally-dialed-in-for-touring BMW K1200S (yes, you can turn one of those into an awesome touring bike - I did it). For reasons I can't completely describe, I just enjoy the hell out of riding the TDM. It's top heavy, slow compared to BMW (what isn't), and still I love the feel of it and manage to burn the chicken strips to zero (gone baby gone) on the TDM, loaded for 5k mile journey and all. It's so predictable and linear and stable (upgraded suspension/brakes) that it's just a joy to ride once you're used to the weight and can throw it into the turns.

Well, that should give you all plenty to flame me about! LOL. This is an awesome forum, and despite the few criticisms noted above, I think the TDM is a superb bike and I'm sorry they only carried it in USA for 2 years. Shame on you yamaha, or american riders for not liking a great bike. BTW, when I do buy a hard core true adventure touring bike I have no intention of selling this TDM. I'll ride this thing until it or I drop.

cheers,
Robert

ps. Next ride scheduled for 2 weeks from now - gonna explore north of Lassen to scout out fly fishing on Pit River. 2 weeks after that have 5k mile journey planned through idaho, montana, wyoming, british columbia, washington, oregon, nevada, and of course, northern california.

pps. Added June 14, 2009: OK, here are a few pics from the trip we made last summer, to BC from California, the long way. 4700 miles total logged that trip. Has few shots of the bike, me, Tory. Since then, more mods to the bike (based on two up experience) - R1 front brake calipers and SS lines; Penske rear shock (nice!); staintune 2-to-1 exhaust to lower weight a bit and raise power; rejetted carbs (more power, better mileage I think); touratech locking GPS mount so I don't have to worry when I get a coffee that my Zumo will get nicked; dual 55W headlight bulbs (way improved). Wow, that's a lot of mods since last year now that I think of it.

http://s535.photobuc...../Canada 2008/

If it challenges you for a pw, try "please".

Edited by LDRider, 15 June 2009 - 05:45 am.

There's a few guys on this forum who seem to do a fair bit of hardcore off-roading on TDMs of all types, and IIRC a guy rode two up from england to New Zealand on Mk1, although I suspect he had it shipped a couple of times, (they're not THAT good) .

Good luck on your trips, and remember we like pictures even if they've not got TDMs in them.
Mick

Oh and

Edited by TDMick, 07 June 2009 - 11:48 pm.

Hi I'm Erny, been here for a short while but I thought I'd better do the right thing - for prosperity.
Passed me test in April 09 at 40 y.o.
Bought my first bike 6 or 7 weeks later. A TDM 850 1996, a popular bike on here, I'm led to believe.
I rode it for 300 miles over 2 days, before I had to got london on it, I just had to.
3 weeks and 2500 miles later, I'm still breathing, walking and smiling... Thankyou Baby Jesus.
Here I am somewhere on a twisty near Glossop, a break during my first piilion passenger ride.

wow big photie

hello there..

Greetings from singapore. KmaX here with 2008 TDM.

I used to be neighbor with carpe-forumer A.J and being poison-ed with his TDM and finally got myself one.

Hi Guys,

Just registered today so Hi to all.

Im looking to get back into biking after 7 years off and im drawn to the TDM as its always been a bike i've liked a lot.

After passing my test at 18 in 97' I rode a Honda VT250 ( Jap Import Box Frame Model with full fairing unlike the tube frame street style UK model ) and then when my full license activated in 99' kept the VT and rode that and my Dads CBR6 at the time. I got rid of my bike in 2001 and didnt ride at all since then.

Looking to get back into biking mainly for weekend rides home ( I live in Scotland but am originally from Co. Durham ) and the odd ride to work in Glasgow ( as I hate sitting in the traffic every day then having to find somewhere to park without having to re-mortgage my home ).

As im returning after a few years off im looking for something easy to ride but with a bit of poke and nimble enough around town. The roads to work are a mix of A,B and Mway with the surface conditions on the A&Bs not fantastic. For this ive got myself set on a TDM 850 and still really like the 3VD model I saw as a boy all those years ago at the NEC bike shows !

Also, the cost is an an issue as i dont want to spend a fortune straight away as I have to get a new Helmet and Suit too. Have seen some 2001 examples around circa the £700~£1,000 mark with 30k ~ 50k on the clock but with history and good tax/test.

So, ill be having a good look through the forum for buying advice etc and hope to pick one up mid/end July to see the summer out and get me back on two wheels.

( Noticed a nice Black 2001 850 on these sales forums in Arbroath which is about 1hr 40mins from were I live.....hmmm )

Cheers Guys and Hi again !
Tone

Edited by tone, 15 June 2009 - 11:33 am.

Several more to the fold. Welcome all

Tone, there's a get together in Aviemore at the start of September which preseumably isn't that for from you.

Cheers Guys

Chris, Im in South Lanarkshire so maybe around 2 hours away but will keep this in mind as looking to get the bike just shortly.

Cheers
Tone

Hi Every one, I´m DrSlumper from Valencia (Spain) and I´m a "invader" owner of a ´96 red TRX, I had my trixie for two years ago and I want to do some mods (some of that I´ve done). Also I have a blog where I talk about my bike and other things that I like like. Excuse my English maybe you can find here and on my blog some mistakes but I try to write the better for that I can. Regards for every one from Spain.

You can visit my blog or send me photos of your mods, upgrades or bike projects to publish on my blog.

http://thetrxproject.blogspot.com/

to Carpe.


What's up Doc? (could not pass that up)

Just introducing myself and to say hello to everyone. The TDM is a great bike! I'm Yamaha trough and trough with one and a GTS also. So, if your in Midwestern USA don't be afraid to let me know. By the way dapleb I'm in REAL Badger Country.

Welcome. Yer a lucky fella.

G'day guys from downunder

Welcome everyone ............... you'll won't regret joining here.

Damn ....... here's me thinking that dapleb was one of those people who love selling fundraiser "badges" on street corners

P.S. I'm one of those off road nutters who take the TDM where it shouldn't be taken & love it

Pity I won't be in Aviemore until late December ChrisG, when I'm over to see your white Christmas/New Year, staying with friends at Edinvillie.

Ride safe.

Edited by masterbrewer, 23 June 2009 - 08:10 am.

Hi, I'm Tim Porter from Hitchin, Herts and before that, London. Just bought a 2008 TDM 900, black, standard, after 15 years of sports bikes/sports tourers. A friend had a TDM 850 for 17 years and loved it; I rode it a few times and a 900 was the obvious choice when I realised I needed something more versatile than my RSV Mille. Anyone in N Herts, Cambs, Beds or elsewhere nearby who fancies company on a spin some time, let me know.

Hello everyone. I'm thinking about buying a TDM, and have come here to learn. Despite having held a bike licence for about 15 years, I have never owned a road bike, just trail bikes used for greenlaning. These bikes look just right for me to razz around on and do a few journeys. Also, I believe that they are not too intimidating to ride, and not too far different from the dirt bikes I'm used to.

As I don't have a TDM yet, here's some pics of my other bikes:

Honda XR600



TM125 obscure Italian race bike -- work in progress

Hello to all, I've been here for a while, mostly reading and a little writing.
Just wanted to make an official introduction.
I own a TDM 900 '02, bought june 2008 and now with +20K km on it, the dark blue one.
I live in Bulgaria, so if you ever come by, don't hasitate to PM or something - I love TDMs, beer and camping.

Edited by infestdead, 13 July 2009 - 12:38 pm.