Tdm Vs Gs

Posted 24 October 2011 - 11:56 pm

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 12:18 am

Yes, the GS is the better bike, as you'd expect ( sorry Ivan, but it's true)- but there's nowt wrong with a TDM - I've still got my Mk2 850

now with the TDM's, the 900 is technically the better bike - but the 850's are the better ride !

Edited by sidestand, 25 October 2011 - 12:19 am.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 07:15 am

QUOTE(sidestand @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, the GS is the better bike, as you'd expect ( sorry Ivan, but it's true)- but there's nowt wrong with a TDM - I've still got my Mk2 850

now with the TDM's, the 900 is technically the better bike - but the 850's are the better ride !

And the TDMs are more reliable.

Edited by Catteeclan, 25 October 2011 - 07:16 am.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 07:38 am

QUOTE(Borderraider @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 12:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Anyone had both & can offer a true comparison?

Here is a true comparison.

One is riden by true motorcycle enthusiasts who recognise a good reliable often overlooked bike, who look past the "tedium" joke. Spread by RiDE fookin magazine ( Sponsored by BM fookinW)

Vs

The other is riden by corporate sheep, who like spending money on a unreliable pieces of german SHITE !

And anyone who says otherwise is living proof of the BMfookinW brain washing machine.

"Barr Ram Uwe, Barr Ram Uwe ! To your breed, your clan be true !"

On the other hand,

The TDM is not as powerfull having a few less horses to work with. Easier to work on and cheaper parts. The knowledge is readily available for DIY servicing and repairs, hence cheaper all round.

The GS is a lot more vibey, and feels like a deisel, harder to work on and the parts and knowlege are kept secret !

At the end of the day they are completely different bikes, different images and you pick the one that suits you best.

Having ridden both of them,

I stick to the TDM

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 07:54 am

You're mellowing in your old age Ivan...

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 08:50 am

Not exactly the same class of bike and I've not owned a GS, but even so, I've rode my mates GS1150 which some say is still better than the 1200, but either way I'd sooner pull my own liver out than own the GS over the TDM9... I've only had my Yam since the end of May, but really believe its a mis-understood little gem of a bike with can be had for not a lot of pennies if bought used. Everyone of my bike mates has been positively suprised with the TDM.... and to think its been around for 20 years!! If you can sort the possible low speed snatchy throttle the bikes a pleasure to own. Glad I saw the light back in May! I am very biased, (believe it or not) but my bias is partly based on my own 'ridings' and on various mates ownerships and experiences of the German tractors....

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 09:59 am

QUOTE(sidestand @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, the GS is the better bike, as you'd expect ( sorry Ivan, but it's true)- but there's nowt wrong with a TDM - I've still got my Mk2 850

now with the TDM's, the 900 is technically the better bike - but the 850's are the better ride !

Mainly interested in handling, can a TDM run with a GS on bumpy back roads or will it tie itself in knots.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 10:01 am

QUOTE(Borderraider @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mainly interested in handling, can a TDM run with a GS on bumpy back roads or will it tie itself in knots.

I have seen Dandy & tony make these TDM900's sing on the A-roads of Scotland, never mind GS's I think they could give most sports bike a run for their money.
TAM

Edited by TDMTAM, 25 October 2011 - 10:02 am.

2008 TDM 900 in BLACK, MRA Vario, DL handguards & more to come
1994 TDM 850 mkI Silver, with Blueflame end can, Gone to a new owner & I kinda miss her!



Only a Biker knows why a Dog sticks it head out the car window

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 10:31 am

It depends where you ride and what you want. For more serious offroading TDM MK1 is a lot better.
GS - front feels really heavy, in serious mud you cant even push it through, the front end will sink. In deep narrow tracks the cylinders are too wide. It has too much power, it is really hard not to "over-accelerate" and the rear end will sink or loose grip depending on the surface.
When riding in deep water (I mean DEEP) the GS's engine will be full of water sooner Don't ask me how I know that.
At the same time GS is a little easier to pick up when you've fallen, the cylinders keep it in a little bit more upright position.
When riding around the world two-up I'd pick a GS. You can use car oil in the engine with no problems and I think getting spare parts for BMW is a little bit easier in most parts of the world.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 11:11 am

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 11:38 am

and to boot, Troy Bayliss was on the GS in Graeme's vid!! BTW, nice vid Graeme.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 12:55 pm

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 02:06 pm

QUOTE(TDMTAM @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have seen Dandy & tony make these TDM900's sing on the A-roads of Scotland, never mind GS's I think they could give most sports bike a run for their money.
TAM

We tend to ride in Scottish Borders, Eskdalemuir, Langholm etc. My wifes Versys manages Selkirk to St.Marys type roads fine but struggles on the bumpy bits into Moffat whereas the GS 'ploughs' through.

I've been to look at a '09 plate TDM this morning, looks good but no test ride.

I don't want to buy & find out the handling isn't what I want or need.

Won't be taking it off road so no issues there.

Edited by Borderraider, 25 October 2011 - 02:09 pm.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 02:30 pm

QUOTE(maximuspetrolhead @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The 1200GS would be a nightmare to manhandle on the driveway, never mind fully loaded!

Main reason for change, at times I struggle to manhandle my fully laden GSA.

Graeme, Thanks for vid link..how do I play it at full speed


Need to find a dealer that will let me test ride.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 02:36 pm

QUOTE(Borderraider @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Need to find a dealer that will let me test ride.

Or a local Carpedian that will let you have a go

I really rate my TDM.

Though I don't have much to compare with as it's only my 3rd road bike.

I have a good mix of roads on my daily commute - proper "B" roads, some good "A" roads, motorway, and London stuff. The TDM takes all of the above in its stride. I'm by no means a starship captain when it comes to speed, but I've shocked a couple of my mates who were surprised at how capable it is, and how well it kept up.

I've no experience of BMW's, but when I pull up at lights next to them I can't help but feel they are too big. I'd personally bit the bullet and get a TDM, they're more than capable, and you won't be disappointed.

There's easy (and cheap) tweaks that can be made to the handling if it's not quite to your liking.

Edited by dmmsta, 25 October 2011 - 02:42 pm.

MY06 TDM 900 Blue over Silver
-----
Fuel Pipes
Givi Top Box
Renthal 758's
Grip Puppies
MRA Bubble
Dip & Hi HIDs

To-Do:
LED DRLs
Loobman
Powercoat Wheels
Hand Guards
-----
MY04 TDM 900 Blue over Silver Parts Bin
MY02 TDM 900 Yellow over Black RIP
............

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 03:14 pm

Test ride sounds like the best solution to find out what is best for your application.

And to clear up some of the falsifications above...the mkI TDM is the "best" of the TDM's regardless of criteria.

Welcome to the forum. Lettuce snow how ya get on and what you end up with.

p.s. If you ever see someone who has crashed into a sheepses around trhe borders, his name is Andy33, please tell him to pop bacon to Carpe to say hello some time.

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 03:51 pm

I came from a Versys, Borderraider... Had one for over 2 years... (great little bike). On smoother tight twisties the Versys had the edge for sure. All other times I prefer my TDM.... Im still on the non too well regarded by lots on here stock tyres as well.... Looking forward to some Pilot Road 3's. Btw, the 9er feels almost as light as the wee Kwak, but with a few more ponies to Iplay with... Love the Versys, but in love with the TDM

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 07:30 pm

QUOTE(Geordie Guy @ Tue 25th Oct 2011, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The GS is a lot more vibey, and feels like a deisel

Really, more so than a 9er?

Got mine last week but I've been laid up with the lurgy for a few days and not done many miles. Coming from an IL4 I find the 9er very vibey, but I had a test ride on one before buying and therefore knew what to expect. Thought the BMW boxer twin might be less vibey, not so?

Done a few miles today, dry roads for the first time and I'm really starting to enjoy myself

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 08:01 pm

2008 TDM900 (black) Givi 21's & topbox - Bagster/Baglux -heated grips - Zumo 550 - V Strom handguards - SW Motech mirror extenders and bar risers - R&G Bungs - Engine bars - Topsellerie seat - Tigerscreen oh and my other bikes are Harleys

Normally found loitering here www.therevcounter.com

• Back to top

Posted 25 October 2011 - 08:25 pm

• Back to top