Thanks, Tom
Should I Buy A New Tdm
Started by
tomwal
, Jun 04 2012 03:30 pm
22 replies to this topic
#1
tomwal
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- Member
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Carpe groupie
- Location:London NW
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 04 June 2012 - 03:30 pm
I have always thought the TDM was a really good bike but never got round to owning one. My local dealer has a new TDM for £6995.00. Having perused this forum and read articles, including the recent Ride article, I am seriously considering the bike. My main reservation is whether it would be a mistake to buy an obsolete model. Any advice would be much appreciated by the members of this most excellent forum
Thanks, Tom
Thanks, Tom
#2
TDMTAM
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- Member
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Carpe Citizen
- Location:Glasgow, Scotland
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 04 June 2012 - 03:40 pm
QUOTE(tomwal @ Mon 4th Jun 2012, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My main reservation is whether it would be a mistake to buy an obsolete model.
Why would it if you like the bike go for it, and use that as a bargaining tool to get some money off their list price also get them to do it on the Yamaha's low rate finance.
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
Only a Biker knows why a Dog sticks it head out the car window
#3
pete7
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RTT10 manager
- Location:warrington, cheshire, UK
- TDM model: 2007
Posted 04 June 2012 - 03:49 pm
My immediate reaction would be:
- yes buy one - if you do the numbers ( costs to buy, cost to run, power, handling , comfort, weight, noise levels, ability to fit full size panniers) its still hard to beat a TDM
- £6999 seems a lot to pay even for a new one - try to drive a good deal, buyers market etc etc etc...
- perhaps look for a virtually new one for much less, or use such references as bargaining power
For a genuine all round bike, it is very difficult to find anything fully comparable despite this part of the market expanding in UK.
Tiger 800 looks good, but this and all the others seem to have daft wheel sizes and compromised carrying capacity because of fashionable high level silencers.
I don't expect to ride off road or through deep water so do not feel such specification are necessary for a UK road bike.
Just my personal opinion and there's loads of much better informed advice on here
Best of luck
Pete
NOTE - TDM is not obsolete ( I think). Yamaha dealers locally says they are still listed.
- yes buy one - if you do the numbers ( costs to buy, cost to run, power, handling , comfort, weight, noise levels, ability to fit full size panniers) its still hard to beat a TDM
- £6999 seems a lot to pay even for a new one - try to drive a good deal, buyers market etc etc etc...
- perhaps look for a virtually new one for much less, or use such references as bargaining power
For a genuine all round bike, it is very difficult to find anything fully comparable despite this part of the market expanding in UK.
Tiger 800 looks good, but this and all the others seem to have daft wheel sizes and compromised carrying capacity because of fashionable high level silencers.
I don't expect to ride off road or through deep water so do not feel such specification are necessary for a UK road bike.
Just my personal opinion and there's loads of much better informed advice on here
Best of luck
Pete
NOTE - TDM is not obsolete ( I think). Yamaha dealers locally says they are still listed.
Keep music live!
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#4
tomwal
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- Member
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Carpe groupie
- Location:London NW
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 04 June 2012 - 03:50 pm
Another problem is that it is that gunmetal colour with a strange reddish/brown coloured seat.
Maybe I am being too fussy but I am worried that the colour would start to bother me.
Maybe I am being too fussy but I am worried that the colour would start to bother me.
#5
AliG
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has been here 4ever
- Location:Galicia, Spain
- TDM model: 2010
Posted 04 June 2012 - 04:09 pm
QUOTE(tomwal @ Mon 4th Jun 2012, 04:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another problem is that it is that gunmetal colour with a strange reddish/brown coloured seat.
Maybe I am being too fussy but I am worried that the colour would start to bother me.
Maybe I am being too fussy but I am worried that the colour would start to bother me.
I agree with Pete. Price is on the high side. Check out some of the new ones available on fleabay and MCN and go back and negotiate. Then go and get the seat recovered or keep it and buy an aftermarket replacement with some of the money you saved. Seemples. I don't like that seat colour either, but the gunmetal is nice. If I had a spare 6.5 grand, I'd have one.
Best of luck
Ali
2004 900 - Blue with lots of goodies
2012 900 - Still adding shiny bits. Was black, changed to white and now back to black again.
#6
dablik
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- Location:Bootleshire
- TDM model: 1992
Posted 04 June 2012 - 06:24 pm
Tom,, Yes buy one,, fantastic all rounder,, lookee here
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item1e6dc89b97
you could save a few Bob Tom
Edit.. I agree as well,, recover the seat black and the jobs a goodun,,, what you would save on summit like this will buy all the extras you may want..
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item1e6dc89b97
you could save a few Bob Tom
Edit.. I agree as well,, recover the seat black and the jobs a goodun,,, what you would save on summit like this will buy all the extras you may want..
Edited by dablik, 04 June 2012 - 06:26 pm.
Bigred mk1 R1 Calipers- Braided lines- Givi wing rack-Crash bungs- Hi vis bullets-PR2's- and a hoot to ride.
Quad 900 Silver Laser duo tech pipes-Scott oiler-Engine crash bars- Radiator mounted see me ring LED's-Datatool system 3 alarm -Centre stand- Extender fender-Renthal bars-Handle bar risers-Mirror extenders-BMW GS Handgaurds-Acumen uprated horn & Nautilus-Stainless steel Radiator guard-Givi wing rack-OEM screen-Yammy touring screen-MRA Vario-MRA Double bubble cut down for fast as fk riding-Tiger screen-Tank protector-Stomp grip panels-Optimate lead Gone to Heaven 
1991 MK1 in need of some TLC watch this space Gone to Heaven 
Sorted and on the Road Mick 
it's the bike that Jack built 
#7
TDMTAM
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- Location:Glasgow, Scotland
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 04 June 2012 - 07:07 pm
yep recover the seat or get them to do it as part of the deal.
I'd Say you want it for £6199 and hold out as long as possible, they will want to shift it.
TAM
I'd Say you want it for £6199 and hold out as long as possible, they will want to shift it.
TAM
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
Only a Biker knows why a Dog sticks it head out the car window
#8
robelst
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Posted 04 June 2012 - 08:54 pm
Looking at the way a TDM 900 is put together, 7 grand is good value. I don't think Yamaha will have spend a lot on R&D on the TDM over the past decade (most noticeable by the unrefined fuel injection and ergonomics) but it's still capable and the engineering and quality is not too much comprimised by Yamaha's money-scraping financial department.
It also has most traits of an all-road adventure bike (comfort, size, load, twin-engine) without actually being one, so you don't look like a sad twat in the mid-life crisis while riding something compromised for on-road use.
Still: If you are not certain you will hang to it for quite some time, you will find it hard to sell for a decent price after one or two years. That is mostly because most bikers are sad twats in their mid-life crisis and will look for something more "fashionable"
It also has most traits of an all-road adventure bike (comfort, size, load, twin-engine) without actually being one, so you don't look like a sad twat in the mid-life crisis while riding something compromised for on-road use.
Still: If you are not certain you will hang to it for quite some time, you will find it hard to sell for a decent price after one or two years. That is mostly because most bikers are sad twats in their mid-life crisis and will look for something more "fashionable"
That was not a banana, Dougal
#9
TDMick
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- Location:South West London
- TDM model: 2010
Posted 04 June 2012 - 11:44 pm
P&H have just sold a '61 plate (I think it might have been a demo) black one for £5.8K.
And Lamba have a black one on sake for £7.5 IIRC, so the price isn't a bad one, but squeeze them for all they're worth!
And Lamba have a black one on sake for £7.5 IIRC, so the price isn't a bad one, but squeeze them for all they're worth!
Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional
Who dies with the most toys wins!
2010 'stealth' grey 900. '14 plate. engine bars, Centre stand, datatool alarm, datatag, E22s, Cree DRLs, Barkbuster handguards, Carpe sticker. Led running lights
#10
MikC
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Posted 05 June 2012 - 11:47 am
Just had a look on ebay. Your gonna pay almost that for an XT660 new.
Know what I'd rather have. To go anywhere anyway....
Mik
Know what I'd rather have. To go anywhere anyway....
Mik
''Work'' The horrible four letter word
#11
Capers1962
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seems to like Carpe
- Location:Northampton UK
- TDM model: 2007
Posted 05 June 2012 - 06:05 pm
QUOTE(tomwal @ Mon 4th Jun 2012, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have always thought the TDM was a really good bike but never got round to owning one. My local dealer has a new TDM for £6995.00. Having perused this forum and read articles, including the recent Ride article, I am seriously considering the bike. My main reservation is whether it would be a mistake to buy an obsolete model. Any advice would be much appreciated by the members of this most excellent forum
Thanks, Tom
Thanks, Tom
YES!
I came of a 1300 Pan onto a 9er and I am lovin'n it!
I have just dome a trip to Cornwall for a weeks M/C holiday with my wife (she was riding her own bike) and I have averaged 58mpg (solo with givi topbox and panniers).
Later in the month, I am going away with 9 others (all on different bikes) and I know that the 9er will do everything the other will - apart from the 'stupid' spurts on the motorway!
Well happy with my choice and dont regret the move from Honda to yamaha.
RIP - 2007 TDM900 (non ABS) in Lava Red - Avon Storm ST's - MRA Vario screen - Barkbuster Knuckle Guards - Givi luggage (side & top box) - Bagilux Tank Cover (in red of course) - Givi engine bars - some Gucci little LED running lights on the engine-bars + other gadgets!!
#12
tomwal
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Carpe groupie
- Location:London NW
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 05 June 2012 - 07:09 pm
Thanks for taking time to give all the great advice. I am going to see the dealer tomorrow. I will see what sort of a deal they will make.
I want to see if I can get panniers, topbox and meta alarm.
If I buy the bike will post on the forum,
Thanks again, Tom
I want to see if I can get panniers, topbox and meta alarm.
If I buy the bike will post on the forum,
Thanks again, Tom
#13
trevini
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- TDM model: 2004
Posted 05 June 2012 - 07:52 pm
If I ever manage to completely break the one I'm riding now, I'll buy another, but 7 years in, it's still going strong and hasn't let me down once in 46k miles....and I still love it!
Regularly tour on mine in europe and used it for commuting when I first bought it (changed jobs and have co vehicle now). I'd be more than happy to just check the tyres and ride off into the sunset without any fear of breakdowns. The reason I've kept it so long is that I can't think of any other bike that does the combination of things a TDM does. It's not the best at anything, but as an all rounder, it's as close to perfrct as you'll get.
I wouldn't bother with the alarm - they have a factory fitted immobiliser, so spend the money on a decent chain and lock. That way, if you catch anyone trying to nick it you have something hefty to clout them with :-) I reckon you'll get it a bit cheaper. I wasn't aware they're obsolete. It's only ride/mcn that seem to think that. No-ones told Yamaha yet!
Regularly tour on mine in europe and used it for commuting when I first bought it (changed jobs and have co vehicle now). I'd be more than happy to just check the tyres and ride off into the sunset without any fear of breakdowns. The reason I've kept it so long is that I can't think of any other bike that does the combination of things a TDM does. It's not the best at anything, but as an all rounder, it's as close to perfrct as you'll get.
I wouldn't bother with the alarm - they have a factory fitted immobiliser, so spend the money on a decent chain and lock. That way, if you catch anyone trying to nick it you have something hefty to clout them with :-) I reckon you'll get it a bit cheaper. I wasn't aware they're obsolete. It's only ride/mcn that seem to think that. No-ones told Yamaha yet!
Edited by trevini, 05 June 2012 - 08:03 pm.
2004 Galaxy Blue. Owned since 486 miles.Renthal 755 bars, Bagster tank cover, Oxford heated grips, DL650 hand guards, Double Bubble screen, Scorpion Rad guard, Gel pad insert, HLD undertray, Angry Badger tailtidy, Roadsmart 4s, Givi E21s, E46 topbox, Ohlins shock and YSS cartridge emulators Currently not fitted - PC3, Remus Revolutions.
Putting up with the "niner" jokes since 2005
Check out http://www.hotcoldground.co.uk we're really rather good!
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#14
dithering
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arrived on last train
- Location:West Yorkshire
- TDM model: none yet
Posted 08 June 2012 - 05:39 pm
Fascinating. Just the sort of thing I was about to ask. I am looking for a lighter bike since surgery, also something with footpegs in a position where I can shift weight of my butt every now and then. Further off the ground than current bike - 1700 roadstar. Something has changed my attitude recently, it's more about the ride than the bike now. Not bothered about people pointing at you as you rumble through town, or old geezers asking "what is it" in the car park. Just want a bike that I can live with, will do most of what I want most of the time. The only other contender might have been a Tiger 1050. Bike shops seriously pushing new 650 V Strom, just seems a little small?
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to tell me what I will - and more importantly - won't like about a TDM. Had (as well as the less memorable stuff) a CBX six, VN 15, GSX1100g, 2 Z650s, DR600, XJ650 and the most fun for the cash were probably the Z650s.
Never had a triple except in my Skoda Fabia, and rather liked the 1050 I tested.
Over to you. Why wouldn't I buy one?
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to tell me what I will - and more importantly - won't like about a TDM. Had (as well as the less memorable stuff) a CBX six, VN 15, GSX1100g, 2 Z650s, DR600, XJ650 and the most fun for the cash were probably the Z650s.
Never had a triple except in my Skoda Fabia, and rather liked the 1050 I tested.
Over to you. Why wouldn't I buy one?
#15
DeerStalker
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- Member
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really likes Carpe
- Location:Surrey UK
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 08 June 2012 - 07:02 pm
QUOTE(robelst @ Mon 4th Jun 2012, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looking at the way a TDM 900 is put together, 7 grand is good value. I don't think Yamaha will have spend a lot on R&D on the TDM over the past decade (most noticeable by the unrefined fuel injection and ergonomics) but it's still capable and the engineering and quality is not too much comprimised by Yamaha's money-scraping financial department.
It also has most traits of an all-road adventure bike (comfort, size, load, twin-engine) without actually being one, so you don't look like a sad twat in the mid-life crisis while riding something compromised for on-road use.
Still: If you are not certain you will hang to it for quite some time, you will find it hard to sell for a decent price after one or two years. That is mostly because most bikers are sad twats in their mid-life crisis and will look for something more "fashionable"
It also has most traits of an all-road adventure bike (comfort, size, load, twin-engine) without actually being one, so you don't look like a sad twat in the mid-life crisis while riding something compromised for on-road use.
Still: If you are not certain you will hang to it for quite some time, you will find it hard to sell for a decent price after one or two years. That is mostly because most bikers are sad twats in their mid-life crisis and will look for something more "fashionable"
Yes I think I'm one of those sad twats - I bought the TDM to have sitting in the garage forever and well its been there now since new for three and a half years. Sure I've thought of passing it on for a newer sexier model but then I think to myself it will cost a lot to replace it with something I actually want.
Besides and back to the sad twat bit (aged 43) I've just replaced my 2 year old HD Ultra Ltd with a new Street Glide...
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
Normally found loitering here www.therevcounter.com
#16
akptdm9
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- Member
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arrived on last train
- Location:shrewsbury
- TDM model: 2010
Posted 08 June 2012 - 07:04 pm
QUOTE(tomwal @ Mon 4th Jun 2012, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have always thought the TDM was a really good bike but never got round to owning one. My local dealer has a new TDM for £6995.00. Having perused this forum and read articles, including the recent Ride article, I am seriously considering the bike. My main reservation is whether it would be a mistake to buy an obsolete model. Any advice would be much appreciated by the members of this most excellent forum
Thanks, Tom
Thanks, Tom
as age creeps on i was finding my fjr 1300 could end up being horizontal more than i would like which was a shame as it is a fantastic machine, so i needed something lighter but with similar looks, twin pipes, upright seating. after looking through all the makers websites the only bike that stood out was the T D M which i had never noticed before, so of to local dealer who had a secondhand one to see, just sat on it to make sure both feet were flat on the floor and i new this was the one for me. so i am now the proud owner a new 900, done just 800 miles this last four weeks and it is a brilliant brilliant machine, so easy to ride and power that arrives with no effort at all one or two up. makes me smile every mile. in other words tom, get a tdm. peter
#17
Studley Ramrod
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Monkey Boys Monkey
- Location:HELLO ! I'm in the Library...Notts
- TDM model: 1993
Posted 08 June 2012 - 07:23 pm
QUOTE(akptdm9 @ Fri 8th Jun 2012, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
as age creeps on i was finding my fjr 1300 could end up being horizontal more than i would like which was a shame as it is a fantastic machine, so i needed something lighter but with similar looks, twin pipes, upright seating. after looking through all the makers websites the only bike that stood out was the T D M which i had never noticed before, so of to local dealer who had a secondhand one to see, just sat on it to make sure both feet were flat on the floor and i new this was the one for me. so i am now the proud owner a new 900, done just 800 miles this last four weeks and it is a brilliant brilliant machine, so easy to ride and power that arrives with no effort at all one or two up. makes me smile every mile. in other words tom, get a tdm. peter
Nice wan Peter !
to da club !
Mk2a 2000 in Silver. Top end Refurb @ 41100 miles, Scottoiler, Renthal Road High Bars, Up & Back Bar Risers, Bellypan, DL650 Handguards, Capt. Picard Bar Ends, House of Henty SS Wheel spacers, New Seat Cover Fitted. 58 MPG !! Now owned by chrisbee ! Studley's mk2a Bloggerydoodaah ! Photos of my first MK1 Photos of my MK2a TPLQHCSRSFC No. 1 Fan
#18
muddy
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full o shoite
- Location:North West
- TDM model: no more
Posted 08 June 2012 - 07:46 pm
QUOTE(akptdm9 @ Fri 8th Jun 2012, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
as age creeps on i was finding my fjr 1300 could end up being horizontal more than i would like which was a shame as it is a fantastic machine, so i needed something lighter but with similar looks, twin pipes, upright seating. after looking through all the makers websites the only bike that stood out was the T D M which i had never noticed before, so of to local dealer who had a secondhand one to see, just sat on it to make sure both feet were flat on the floor and i new this was the one for me. so i am now the proud owner a new 900, done just 800 miles this last four weeks and it is a brilliant brilliant machine, so easy to ride and power that arrives with no effort at all one or two up. makes me smile every mile. in other words tom, get a tdm. peter
Age? Hang around here for a while and you'll feel like a spring chicken. Well done on finding the excellent TDM. I've been tempted to stray a few times, but then the ol' girl just grows on me again.
Blue 04 TDM,PR2 rear Roadsmart front, Yamaha topox, Givi E360 panniers, PL pannier holders, BMW handguards, Yamaha touring screen, Scottoiler, 12v ciggie socket, carbon core HT leads
Gorn
#19
pete7
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RTT10 manager
- Location:warrington, cheshire, UK
- TDM model: 2007
Posted 09 June 2012 - 01:02 pm
QUOTE(dithering @ Fri 8th Jun 2012, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Over to you. Why wouldn't I buy one?
I am on my 4th TDM, having bought my first in 1997.
I honestly would struggle to find any real reason NOT to buy one - that is if you want a tall bike you can use any time and will do just about anything.
Tiger 1050 is great bike if you need/want 115bhp, but is very tall with a top box, and like all the 'adventure bikes' has high exhaust so you have a minute pannier on RHS.
Just buy one, and enjoy all it can do - at a really low cost to buy and run.
Pete
Keep music live!
YouTube: pete7kcu
#20
ChrisG
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- Location:Netherlands
- TDM model: 2009
Posted 09 June 2012 - 01:07 pm
QUOTE(pete7 @ Sat 9th Jun 2012, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am on my 4th TDM, having bought my first in 1997.
What was wrong with the first 3? I'm only on my second since 1998
1992 Mk1, 76k miles, Hagon springs, MTC exhaust, 4½ gears Gone now 
2009 900 abs, 42k miles, Yamaha heated grips, double bubble screen, R&G crash bungs, scottoiler, Autocom, 1500 lumen LED spotlights.
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