47 replies to this topic

[robelst]

G'day,
I am new here and actually still TDM-less at the moment.

I have three bikes at the moment, an early XT600 Tenere, a Buell Cyclone and a Honda Africa Twin. Since I love all three to bits and all being over 50k-miles they are hardly worth a penny I won't part with them, but my new job requires quite frequent rides from the Bristol area to "lovely" Luton and none of these bikes seem highly suitable for this. The Buell works surprisingly well for long trips through heavy trafic but at 55k is more like a retired oddity I'd rather use for more interesting trips before it blows up; same goes for the XT which isn't great for this sort of thing anyway. The Africa Twin seems the obvious candidate but gets uncomfortable after an hour, becomes quite thirsty when doing over 85 mph, is a bit vague in the rain / wind, wide handlebars gets you stuck in bad trafic and the overall poor build quality means a lot of attention in winter to avoid rotting brake calipers, wheel-rims and anything else that's not made of plastic. That's the famous Honda quality I suppose . But after owning two desasterously poor BMW R1100's I guess quality is no longer of any relevance in bike-land

Now then. Time for a cunning plan. An inexpensive plan if possible.

After some thought the TDM came to mind; it reminds me of the Africa Twin but more road-bias (that's what I'm after) and a few more horsies don't hurt either. And unlike the Africa Twin, prices seem amazingly low, even for new ones.
I like the looks as well, seems pretty roomy for my modest 6"5 frame.

So: Is the TDM the answer? Are they fun, comfortable, easy to work on, economical? Are they winter-resistant? What's the catch with these low prices (if any)? What to look for when buying one? Would I want an 850 or 900? Any particularly bad / good years? What does a decent used one go for?

I've probably just blown my maximum quarterly ration of question but since it's raining maybe some of you can spare a moment sharing some of your own TDM experience? That'll be grand

Cheerio,
Robert

Edited by robelst, 22 October 2006 - 02:23 pm.

[Drew48]

G'day,
I am new here and actually still TDM-less at the moment.

I have three bikes at the moment, an early XT600 Tenere, a Buell Cyclone and a Honda Africa Twin. Since I love all three to bits and all being over 50k-miles they are hardly worth a penny I won't part with them, but my new job requires quite frequent rides from the Bristol area to "lovely" Luton and none of these bikes seem highly suitable for this. The Buell works surprisingly well for long trips through heavy trafic but at 55k is more like a retired oddity I'd rather use for more interesting trips before it blows up; same goes for the XT which isn't great for this sort of thing anyway. The Africa Twin seems the obvious candidate but gets uncomfortable after an hour, becomes quite thirsty when doing over 85 mph, is a bit vague in the rain / wind, wide handlebars gets you stuck in bad trafic and the overall poor build quality means a lot of attention in winter to avoid rotting brake calipers, wheel-rims and anything else that's not made of plastic. That's the famous Honda quality I suppose . But after owning two desasterously poor BMW R1100's I guess quality is no longer of any relevance in bike-land

Now then. Time for a cunning plan. An inexpensive plan if possible.

After some thought the TDM came to mind; it reminds me of the Africa Twin but more road-bias (that's what I'm after) and a few more horsies don't hurt either. And unlike the Africa Twin, prices seem amazingly low, even for new ones.
I like the looks as well, seems pretty roomy for my modest 6"5 frame.

So: Is the TDM the answer? Are they fun, comfortable, easy to work on, economical? Are they winter-resistant? What's the catch with these low prices (if any)? What to look for when buying one? Would I want an 850 or 900? Any particularly bad / good years? What does a decent used one go for?

I've probably just blown my maximum quarterly ration of question but since it's raining maybe some of you can spare a moment sharing some of your own TDM experience? That'll be grand

Cheerio,
Robert

for a cheap reliable workhorse the 850's spot on ( I'm on my second ) the electrics are the main things ,a swith any bike the MK1 seems more prone to coil probs due to water ingress & the MK11 has the infamous starter relay probs ( neither major and fixable ) the oil sight glass is a pain on the later bike so can be prone to running low ( as it's not checked ) Nice punchy motor good power delivery for town work ( I find the earlier bike better at town speeds ) good MPG & more than fast enough to be fun don't know what the 900's like but I'm sure someone else will post . BTW glorious sunshine here took the SV oot for a blast

[Minty Hippo]

unlike the Africa Twin, prices seem amazingly low,
my modest 6"5 frame.

So: Is the TDM the answer? Are they fun, comfortable, easy to work on, economical? Are they winter-resistant? What's the catch with these low prices (if any)? What to look for when buying one? Would I want an 850 or 900? Any particularly bad / good years? What does a decent used one go for?

IME da africa twin has a cult following that keeps prices pegged higher than the bike is really worth (on performance basis). Don't get me wrong, I wanted one mesel but high used prices put me off. Many TDM riders are tall. I'm 6'3" and its the comfiest bike I've owned.
Fun? Yes, muchly.
Comfortable? Yes, though some fit hb risers and aftermarket seats for utter plushness
Easy to work on? Apart from a few awkward fiddles (tail light????), yes
Economical? Yes. 900 has very low running costs and will ghost along on 65 mpg if you are light on rh.
Winter resistant? Hmmm - witness finish flaking off engine block. I'd say only averagely so, but what bike really is?
Catch with low prices? IMHO, with the 900 there isn't one, unless its 50k miles plus.
Good/bad years. I speak only for 900's - 2002 had ECU probs, should all be fixed under warranty. See current TPS recall. Mine's a 2002 and its fine.
What does a decent one go for? £3k gets you a lot of bike. I reckon new ones will be the bargain of the century next year.
Et finalement, I risk the wrath of 850 riders everywhere - but...if its low costs and relaibility you want, definitely get a 900. See ravenous oil consumption, carb prob posts re 850 as nauseam. (I love you all really )

[cupasoop]

for a cheap reliable workhorse the 850's spot on ( I'm on my second ) the electrics are the main things ,a swith any bike the MK1 seems more prone to coil probs due to water ingress & the MK11 has the infamous starter relay probs ( neither major and fixable ) the oil sight glass is a pain on the later bike so can be prone to running low ( as it's not checked ) Nice punchy motor good power delivery for town work ( I find the earlier bike better at town speeds ) good MPG & more than fast enough to be fun don't know what the 900's like but I'm sure someone else will post . BTW glorious sunshine here took the SV oot for a blast

eerrr is this something i've missed, whats all that about then?

[Drew48]

eerrr is this something i've missed, whats all that about then?

In my MK2 I went through 5 in 65k miles it is common

Many TDM riders are tall. I'm 6'3"

I must be a migit at 5'10"

[Dazzo]

In my MK2 I went through 5 in 65k miles it is common

Many TDM riders are tall. I'm 6'3"

I must be a migit at 5'10"

Dwarfish 5' 8" myself

[robelst]

Thanks so far, this is all really useful

Starter relays: I had repeating trouble with relays on the Buell (rubbish low budget "made in Albania without pride" electrics), simply replaced them with some quality items from the local car-care shop for a fraction of what bike OE equivalents cost. I by-passed the original sockets (different pin lay-out), simply soldered individual connectors on the wire-ends, slid them on applying a bit of vaseline, wrapped it all up in a bit of bicycle inner-tube and tie-wraps: all been perfectly fine for 4 winters / 42k miles Done the same a few weeks ago with the Honda indicator relay, saving me a flippin' £27 over the OE part

Edited by robelst, 22 October 2006 - 09:59 pm.

[Drew48]

Thanks so far, this is all really useful

Starter relays: I had repeating trouble with relays on the Buell (rubbish low budget "made in Albania without pride" electrics), simply replaced them with some quality items from the local car-care shop for a fraction of what bike OE equivalents cost. I by-passed the original sockets (different pin lay-out), simply soldered individual connectors on the wire-ends, slid them on applying a bit of vaseline, wrapped it all up in a bit of bicycle inner-tube and tie-wraps: all been perfectly fine for 4 winters / 42k miles Done the same a few weeks ago with the Honda indicator relay, saving me a flippin' £27 over the OE part

a potential TDm owner if ever I saw one

[Minty Hippo]

wrapped it all up in a bit of bicycle inner-tube and tie-wraps

a potential TDm owner if ever I saw one

I agree, certainly a potential 850 owner.

[v8guy]

So: Is the TDM the answer? Are they fun, comfortable, easy to work on, economical? Are they winter-resistant? What's the catch with these low prices (if any)? What to look for when buying one? Would I want an 850 or 900?

The 900 has 6 gears, which you might find useful for the usage you have in mind. I'm not convinced that the TDM makes for a great distance bike, but to be honest I've yet to find a bike that is. It is, however, comfortable (excusing the wind noise and lack of lower fairing) and economical over distance. Winter resistance seems ok from my travels last winter, although the flaking engine paint is not so good.. this is common to all 900's it seems. Maintenance seems simple enough, although changing the plugs is a hassle, but only because you need to remove the radiator. Best of all, it's tremendous fun!

Depending on how enthusiastic your riding is, you might want to budget to uprate the suspension; front end is soggy to say the least. As others have noted, the 2002 900 had some ECU issues.

Edited by v8guy, 23 October 2006 - 08:46 am.

[duibhce Kaelann]

I'm not convinced that the TDM makes for a great distance bike, but to be honest I've yet to find a bike that is. It is, however, comfortable (excusing the wind noise and lack of lower fairing)

imho it's an excellent bike for great distances. It is very comfortable and has a relaxed riding position. Large tank and very economical. I did several 500+ km rides on it (even some 700+) and found it at least as comfortable as my fully-faired Diversion 900 steam boat.
Wind noise is a problem but can be helped with the right screen and some earplugs (I wear them all the time anyway.)

and economical over distance. Winter resistance seems ok from my travels last winter, although the flaking engine paint is not so good.. this is common to all 900's it seems.

my 2004 isn't (yet?) flaking paint but indeed it seems to be a quite common problem. Another common problem (to many other Yamaha models as well) is rust on the exhaust collector and the front exhaust bends.

[v8guy]

Wind noise is a problem but can be helped with the right screen and some earplugs (I wear them all the time anyway.)

Yep, I always wear plugs too. I think I'm just intolerant of the wind noise common to most bikes. So, other than the wind noise.. TDM makes for a great distance machine.

[TonyDevil]

....slid them in applying a bit of vaseline....

more of a 900 rider

nb: not all 850s have problems with oil burning or wet weather, its seems to be all or nothing.
<---that ones fine with both (although i've probably just jinx'd it)

[Baron]

Thanks so far, this is all really useful

Go for a 900 Robert. It's an improved bike all round.....wether it's better or not is a matter of personal preference of course but probably the most notable improvement is in the gearbox area, it's now as good as anything on the market.

I have only recently bought mine and the TDM900 private sale prices I noted were roughly as follows:
2004 - £3,500
2003 - £3,000
2002 - £2,500

You can add on another £500 to £700 for a dealer bike, at least up here in Aberdeen!

Hope this helps encourage you to join the ranks of the enlightened

[Sven]

Hi Robert,

The TDM 900 has been the business for me the last 11 monhts. In this time, I have covered 12,000 miles, ridden 5 days a week come rain or shine, 75% dual carridge-way. Good reliability, huge agility (slim, light, grunty, and good handling).

For you, my friend, the perfect bike......

Spot the sales-man!! ... I happen to be selling my bike - see the market section.

Sven

[nuggs]

Dwarfish 5' 8" myself

A giant, im 5ft7 .

[duibhce Kaelann]

A giant, im 5ft7 .

finally, someone I can see eye to eye with

[tdm850rider]

imho it's an excellent bike for great distances. It is very comfortable and has a relaxed riding position. Large tank and very economical. I did several 500+ km rides on it (even some 700+) and found it at least as comfortable as my fully-faired Diversion 900 steam boat.
Wind noise is a problem but can be helped with the right screen and some earplugs (I wear them all the time anyway.)
my 2004 isn't (yet?) flaking paint but indeed it seems to be a quite common problem. Another common problem (to many other Yamaha models as well) is rust on the exhaust collector and the front exhaust bends.

I agree there, many 500 mile days and still comfortable after an 800 mile day.
(800 to 1300km days)

Best bike in almost 35 years of riding.

[TDMalcolm]

Dwarfish 5' 8" myself

me twooo 5'7" tdmalcolm

[wicklamulla]

hi and welkom Robelst, i have a 1999 TDM 850, a great bike thats not let me down in 4 years and 19k of ownership. 850's are good bikes but 900's are a bit better all round in my opinion as they have better fuel consumption, 6 speed gearbox (over the 850's 5 ratios), alloy frame and swingarm = no rust to worry about (forget about the flaky paint on the enjun block/cam cover as it's only paint !!), most have a centre stand fitted as standard, lighter wheels, slightly better brakes due to an improved master cylinder, and they DO NOT burn/use any engine oil (unlike most 850's), no carbs to wear out and the fuel injection can be reprogrammed using a power commander and the co2 settings tweaked via the dash buttons, so overall a better bike imo. if i were on a budget (like i always am) i'd try ferra 2003 900 fer around £2,800-£3000. 900's look a bit girly though.

incidentally i have not heard of any TDM 850's from 1999 onwards suffering from damp or worn out/corroded starter relay's because they are of a different design (plastic construction) to the 1998 and earlier models as far as i know. a pic http://shop.wemoto.c...c...4&a=3532154


what sort of daily milage is Bwistol to Luton ??

Edited by wicklamulla, 24 October 2006 - 03:39 pm.