66 replies to this topic

[JerryS]

I've got an urge to try a Royal Enfield Himalayan.....Just fancy something different to ptter around on.

[mh1848]

Like my TDM but also like my Buell Ulysses XB12X - not everyone's cup of tea - but i always liked the engineering - petrol in frame; oil in the swinging arm - that big front disc - and that roll on kick in the pants - that being said best weather for a couple of years at this time and both stuck in garage under lockdown up here

[SeizedBalt]

I've always quite like Buells: they are different, and probably a hoot to ride.

 

Not sure I'd commit to buying one, though.

[Catteeclan]

I serviced one for a friend a few years back. Lovely while riding not quite so at tick over.

[AliG]

I've got an urge to try a Royal Enfield Himalayan.....Just fancy something different to ptter around on.

I've got one. It's a hoot to ride on the back roads up here in Scotland. but I wouldn't part with my TDM if I had to make a choice.

[Favs]

Any BMW that will match my gloves 

[leehenty]

Yes but you're a three bike man Ali

[Studley Ramrod]

Any BMW that will match my gloves 

Nice, good quality gloves them.

[mh1848]

i know how BMW's are generally viewed on here but surprised no-one has mentioned the new 900 or if they have i missed it - is it not a TDM for the 21st century?

 

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[ramo]

Been looking at the 2 BMW 900's as well, 

 

weight power etc seems right, no BMW shaft to go wrong, mmmmmmm

[Catteeclan]

Good looking bike. I remember drooling over the 1200 when it came out. Price soon put a stop to that.

[dablik]

Yup i agree that's a modern day TDM alright,  would have one..

[Robodene]

I am miles way from being a BMW fan but I do like that one.

[Studley Ramrod]

Looks good in that pic but another angle of it and it looks a bit sparse at the rear end.

 

Just needs Acras, summat to stop rear wheel crud flying all over ya and some panniers wi top box. I'd prefer a (reliable) shaftdrive though. fnarfnar.

[Rallyist]

 I'd prefer a (reliable) shaftdrive though. fnarfnar.

 

Not fitted to BMUU's tho

[Nog]

I'm another one for a Tracer, because that's what I changed to and haven't looked back

 

I know what you're saying about new bike prices, but you should be able to pick up an early Tracer (2015/16) for pretty cheap now and they had ironed out a few problems they found in the early MT models that was out for a few years beforehand.

 

I'd had 2 niners before and was similar minded in feeling I'd always go back*, but having lived with the Tracer for a year now I find the TDM clunky by comparison.  Don't get me wrong, still great bikes, but the Tracer has moved the game on and is sort of the TDM's natural successor.

 

The triple is massively more flexible than the 900 twin, it pulls smoothly from lower RPM and rev's out higher with more pull and urgency to it.  Headlight is a massive improvement (how could it not be) and generally a nice bike to ride and fuel economy is on par with the TDM.

 

Negatives - being honest to myself, I'd say it's a tad less comfortable than a TDM over long distance, but not so much it would put me off, but main gripe would be weather protection.  Around the legs is great due to the big tank area, but the screen is next to useless and it feels close to being a naked bike.  I've fitted a touring screen and it's just about ok.  That said, the TDM has long had issues with buffeting etc over the years, so I think this is something Yamaha still haven't got their heads around.

 

* actually have a third I'm doing up at the moment, blogged it over on CMC but thought I'd drop in to give my take on the Tracer

[Studley Ramrod]

Following yer TDM blog on CMC Nog. Sure was a rusty looking piece of poop to begin with.  Coming along nicely though.

 

Actually just bought some Abranet, well, I went for some Pronet as I could get a mixed pack, delivered just now and looking forward to trying it out.

[Nog]

Following yer TDM blog on CMC Nog. Sure was a rusty looking piece of poop to begin with.  Coming along nicely though.

 

Actually just bought some Abranet, well, I went for some Pronet as I could get a mixed pack, delivered just now and looking forward to trying it out.

 

Thanks, yeah it sat in my mates barn for 2 years (it wasn't great before) which left it looking a bit unloved.  Think I got very lucky with the engine stud but fingers crossed valve clearances etc all going well and it should look like a 2007 bike again soon.

 

Will check out the pronet, guessing they're all much the same and just the brand names, but yeay very impressed with the stuff.  I'll probably still use traditional fine wet and dry for the final sanding of paint with a bit of soapy water before polishing, but this is great for the early stages.  One thing I have noticed is oil and grease ruins it a bit, so best to use on dry parts if you can.

Edited by Nog, 20 May 2020 - 09:48 am.

[Studley Ramrod]

You could help Sidey sort out his yellow 9'er, it's deffo got some rusty spots and flakey engine paint.

 

It gets a bit pricey if you're wanting a range of grades in a decent size but if it lasts longer I guess the extra cost is offset.  I went for some small 145mmx70mm pads just to try em out first.  Cost me £9 for 10 pads.  Thanks for the oil and grease info.

[sidestand]

The only thing that can replace a TDM really is another TDM !

S'funny how Yamaha stopped making the parallel twin with a 270 degree crank, then everyone else started 

The BMW 900XR is basically an updated TDM

But if you're getting an XR, then got for a second hand first generation S1000XR .........awesome bike 

 

Here's my latest ....Big old V twin ...back to 2003 - but Ohlins Suspenders, Mille cams & hot chips & maps .......it's a proper hoot to ride  & about the same price as a similar age Niner 

 

 

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