9 replies to this topic

[Wallander]

Hello TDM fellows! I'm considering getting a TDM850, had a DL650 for 60k kms, now riding on dirt on a Honda XR400. I almost got a '01 TDM850 with 13k kms, looked like it was taken out of the dealer yesterday, but someone was quicker. Then after browsing through ads, I realized I love the mk1 looks, with the twin round headlights. So now I'm looking at a '95, 30k kms, in great shape, looks like this:



Can someone please make a comparison between the mk1 and mk2 models? I know the technical and spec changes, I'm interested how they ride, please let me know how they feel compared to each other. Like engine smoothness, throttle response, sound, comfort, forks, gearbox, handling/cornering, etc.

Many thanks in advance, looking forward to join the club soon

[Studley Ramrod]

to da club Wal !

Main difference is the engine. The mk1 is smoother at low revs and less peaky with the torque. Mk2 is a bit flat under 3000rpm but catches up after that. Mk1 will pull loike a train from 2000rpm with a more linear progression.
The late mk2 99-01 is generally a bit more economical due to improved carbs and gearbox is improved, but still clunky.
Mk2 sounds better !
They all use oil Quite a lot in some cases. 1ltr per 1000miles.
Mk2 has a longer range with the tank being a bit bigger.
Handling is about the same fer me but I'm no expert there.
Personally, I think the mk1 has more character, and is better looking, but others might disagree.

[3vd]

What he said.

The MKI is a much better bike in town, so much smoother. But when pressing on the V-Twin sound of the MKII is defo nicer.

But I found the MKII to have too much weight biased to the rear of the bike. Fine for popping wheelies but with a pillion the front was very vague. Now this may have been more down to the particular MKII I had but I've not noticed the same with the MKI I now have.

[Wallander]

Excellent replies, thank you! I love low rpms, so definitely I will go with an mk1. Yes, much better looks and character, no question about it.

I've heard many put aftermarket exhaust on mk2 to improve torque down low, and to save weight. Does it also apply to the mk1?

When checking one for sale, any particular TDM points should be checked, apart from the usual motorcycle issues?

[dapleb]

If you type in "buying" in the search and select "titles" only you will have a lorra info that should help.

[Filps]

Can't comment on Mk 2 'cos I've never ridden one but I went for the Mk 1 as I preferred the look and I quite like quirky bikes. Sounds much better with aftermarket exhaust as long as it's not a Nexxus...
Not sure that my 2:1 exhaust made any difference to power, but certainly took some weight off.

[Sidarta]

Hi Wallander!


I have little time here on Carpe house, but I think they will allow me to welcome you.
Therefore: Be very welcome!
My opinion: when I went to buy my TDM, I was instructed to buy a 900 because of the lighter weight, fuel injection and 6th gear that provides superior fuel economy. I preferred the TDM850 even being carbureted, because I thought he was cuter and with more character.
I was almost a year researching opinions of owners and virtual images, as in Brazil has few TDM's the majority found in large cities.
As I reside in the interior, had never seen a TDM850 except per photo (virtual image). I bought a 2001 MKII and am very pleased with the bike.
It is all good and then some. Last, the more I attend the Carpe and see pictures of a MKI, I'm even more passionate.
Theoretically the younger more tech, but I think the Yamaha managed to convey everything from character, grandeur, beauty and presence, the original design is that the MKI. In short, the ideal would be to relaunch the MKI with Yamaha injected engine.
But ............

PS: Sorry, sorry owners and followers of 9niner.

Cheers!

Sidarta

Edited by Sidarta, 19 October 2012 - 06:25 pm.

[Kalts]

Theoretically the younger more tech, but I think the Yamaha managed to convey everything from character, grandeur, beauty and presence, the original design is that the MKI. In short, the ideal would be to relaunch the MKI with Yamaha injected engine.
But ............

PS: Sorry, sorry owners and followers of 9niner.

Cheers!

Sidarta

No need to be sorry. As a previous owner of Mk2a and then 9er I have always looked with envy at every Mk1 in sight.
Mk1 just looks right or "sorted" to my eyes. The first thing I did with both Mk2 and 9er was to remove the side plastics. Looked
so much better... be it from the side or saddle. Frame and front shocks showing and much more narrow from the saddle.
Mk2 also fit me well in standard setup, 9er needed mods to feel comfortable, but got nowhere near in fit to Mk2 even
after that. Simply different steeds.

Like you I would like the modern reincarnation of Mk1, with smooth and frugal FI engine, less (or placed lower) weight, etc.
If Kawasaki can make and sell W800, then, well... Yamaha would have been better to discard the idea of XTZ 1200 and
offer the ideal lots of people are talking about...

[hammbo]

Also the way the seat fits into the tank, on a MKI it's velcro, which isn't great, but Yoshimura did do an exhaust system for the MK1. It's also easier to get to the battery on a MKI, not easy, but easier.

[harvey krumpet]

When the MKI came out I remember being really taken with it. Immediately after it's introduction the magazine reviews raved about, it was the butch big bro of a TDR 250. After 18 months the buzz died down, not "mad" enough for the testers.
Yamaha must have spent a fortune on R & D with the "centralised mass" concept, the first time I read that expression, that's why the battery is so hard to get too. Using a parallel twin was way ahead of the curve too, it's taken the other manufacturers more than 15 years to bring similar engines to market.
Looking at the changes from the MK I to the MK II, basically crank & plastics i reckon Yamaha nailed it straight out of the box. Nothing needed fixing.
The 900 pays homage to advances in technology not the basic design.

Edited by harvey krumpet, 08 November 2012 - 09:45 pm.