16 replies to this topic

[Chris B]

Anyone ridden both?

 

I'm considering the swap. I love my TDM to bits. Mine has 90k+ miles on it now 75k done by me. It's been round europe many times and has been for the most part reliable the whole time. I never thought I would get rid of this bike. However as the bulk of my milage is the commute into London and in 2 years mine will be banned due to the ULEZ coming into effect, it's time to consider my options.

 

I'm 6'5" so the TDM fits my size well, it is also narrow which is good for nipping between traffic. The TDM/TRACER/Tiger style is for me something I'm comfortable on but is 100% aimed at road riding. I have Ridden a 1050 Tiger and I wasn't impressed The engine even though it was more powerful that the TDM I found it dull. I felt on the TDM more so that any other bike that there is a there is a direct connection between my wrist and the rear wheel.

The outside option is finding a 2007+ TDM Frame.

[muddy]

There are quite a few TDM riders who have ridden both and written up their reports here, me included. Just search "Tracer". Best to get a test ride yourself, it's not really similar to TDM and you may not fancy it. The Tracer 700 is a closer match.

[Matt101]

I've ridden both Chris. I think with your height a Super Tenere may be a better option. Height adjustable seat and loads more legroom compared to the Tracer.

[3vd]

I may have a 2008 TDM900 for sale soon. It's being replaced with a Husqvarna 701

[Quartermaster]

I had 2 900s and loved them and only moved to a Tracer, which is different but equally good in my opinion, because of the discontinuation of TDM production and I wanted to stay with Yamaha. Lots more power, good economy, comprehensive equipment, terrific lights, even better handling. Set against that is the over-firm seat, difficulty in cleaning and suspension that some might find a little too firm. 6'5" shouldn't be a problem.

[Catteeclan]

I may have a 2008 TDM900 for sale soon. It's being replaced with a Husqvarna 701

 

That's a bit different to what people have been swopping to. Think you'll notice the difference in the seat.

[stevierst]

I've ridden the tracer 900 and 700, and got to admit, they're both a world apart from the TDM (had an 850, now got a 900). I've also owned two tiger 1050's, but they're a little heavy in comparison, and the suspension is absolutely appalling!!! The engine needs remapping to get the best out of it, but then fuel consumption suffers (42 mpg(uk) if you take it easy)

The 700 was to me a bit boring, and at 6'1" I found it a little on the small side. And it felt quite cheap. The 900 tracer is more as we put the 'tall rounder' as is our TDM. I found the tracer engine absolutely incredible, better than my old tuned up tiger 1050, and that was really good. A little revvier than the TDM twin, but still with loads of bottom end torque.
The suspension is low quality, that's been reported time and time again, it's adequate and comfy, but is easily remedied with a £300 shock. I find the tdm suspension of decent quality for what the bike is. The screen is worse than the TDM for buffeting and noise, it's horrendous!!!
The power modes are very useful, as is the abs, which is a little bit abrupt at times, but that just proves it works. Seat isn't as comfy as the tdm, I've done nearly 500 miles in a day on my standard tdm seat without pain. The tracer wouldn't do that, no way!!!

But that engine is addictive! So addictive that I bought an xsr900 as my toy bike which is possibly the best bike I've ever owned (and there have been a few!!!)

[Riggers]

I wrote up a short test ride on here a while ago, but to repeat for the purpose of this thread my main 'fault' with the Tracer was tingling vibration right where you don't want it at 70mph. Other cons were poor screen (as stated above), impossible to find the side stand when sitting on the bike, tall seat height (I'm 5'11''), and personally I don't like the 'pipes and tubes' everywhere styling.

 

On the pro side I found the motor powerful and fun to play tunes on, comprehensive and clear instrumentation, and plenty of room to sit comfortably. I never really got chance to check out the different modes, but after 47 years of riding I've always found the throttle and brakes all I need.

 

I had two test rides but in the end I bought a new(er) TDM900, and I'm glad I did.

[muddy]

I was on the verge of shelling out for the 700, but as has been mentioned it looks and feels cheap and the clock is nigh on useless. The big Tracer has a decent dash and feels a superior bike, but I preferred the 700 engine and feel of that bike over the biggun. I think both bikes are Suzuki level in terms of corrosion, but the 700 is the worst of the 2. Lots of complaints in regards to this. So out of the 2 I'd like buy the triple for those reasons. Or just wait and see what they do with the T7 when that comes out.

[v8guy]

I went for a Honda CrossRunner as the successor to the TDM, which I still have in a garage somewhere, far, far away... Didn't test ride a Tracer, but I didn't like the looks, the specs or the feel of it.. totally not built for two-up touring (Yamaha do not recommend fitting both top box and panniers, for example), and it felt flimsy and fussy to me. The Honda's a fabulous bike though.. *very* solid, nicely made, super-sweet handling (despite its weight) and a fabulous engine. It's just very different.. I do miss the low-down stomp of a fatter engine, but nonetheless the mid-range is smooth and usable on the v-four. Or you just kick it down a gear... into that awesome top end.. mmm... 'tis a wonderous thing!

Edited by v8guy, 17 April 2017 - 02:00 pm.

[3vd]

 

 

That's a bit different to what people have been swopping to. Think you'll notice the difference in the seat.

Nothing wrong with the seat here's my test ride...

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=DrSwDwGia6o

[muddy]

Nothing wrong with the seat here's my test ride...
 

'I got trapped in your arse..'
'Something popped in my brain'.

Quite.

[dandywarhol]

Slightly off topic but I'd a blast on a friends ex trackday MT09 at the weekend. It's had the suspenders replaced with MTC fork conversion and a Wilbers rear unit. The bike wasn't too well set up for the road but what an engine!! As far as i know it is just mapped for an Arrow exhaust but I couldn't believe how that engine pulled and lifted it's wheel in the first 3 gears without trying!

 

I then had a few miles on his rebuilt TTS TDM 960 putting out 95 bhp at the wheel - loads of grunt but the MT09 blew it into the weeds, just no comparison......

 

[flea]

bloody hell I thought our gov was bad , just looked up ulez out of curiosity , pay a dayly charge if your bikes 2007 or earlier that's incredible . no wonder we have so many poms in aust. sorry don't mean to hijack but just blown away ,(and something called a congestion tax ) how do they enforce it if your commuting from out of area

[celticbiker]

I know what you mean Dandy.

I'm finding the same thing with the Fazer8, I can't believe how much better it is than the TDM, not quite as comfy, ok not even close but good for 3-4 hours.

While the TDM is great for explosive acceleration from a standing start or out of slow corners it's unsustainable, use the gears right on the Faz and it kicks the TDM's butt and advances in handling show the age of the TDM too.

I love TDM's but I think they've had their day, knowing Yamaha though they'll re release it in five years with all new tech.

 

Edited by celticbiker, 24 April 2017 - 06:36 pm.

[Bjørge]

Had a coupla days on a Tracer 700 (Norwegian naming, I think) in Mallorca. It's a really good bike, no doubt. I felt like home within 2 minutes, and there is really nothing negative to it. It feels strong, OK, no explosion as you flat out but qiuicker then my MkI. And nearly as strong on low rpms. I even pulled off in 2nd without noticing untill I saw gear indicator when shifting to 3rd. Really pulled off with no problem ! 

 

the seat felt a litthe hard, but worked OK all day long. I believe I'd upgrade it, but it's OK. Only thing was when sliding backwards against the butt support, my legs didn't fit very well into the tank recess. A minor problem.

 

Going 300 kms, fuel consumption was a little below 4 l/100km. Quite easy driving, that is. I guess you could use more or even less depending on driving style.

 

A really pre compered to my old MkI was side wind - absolutely less sensitive ! 

 

Would I buy one ? Nja, I'm not sure. Long to get home to the old cow and get it on the road again to compare. Maybe the Tracer lacks a little personality, and maybe progress hasn't come that far in 25 years . But it's a cracking good bike, no doubt ! Specially impressed about the low rpm performance - nearly follows the MkI.....6 gears is a bit too much, maybe I'd gear it a bit higher. Pulling off hard from standstill involves more shifting than I enjoy.

Edited by Bjørge, 24 April 2017 - 08:32 pm.

[Bjørge]

...and one year later - rented a MT-09 Tracer for 6 days in Portugal. What I expected ? A riding experience similar to the MT-07 from last year but with a hooligan engine. That is - it didn't start out that way; I drove off on a bike that was really, really shitty. It took me (for the nth time  )  a few days to figure out - front tire had 1.1 bar and rear 2.0 - should have been 2.5 and 2.9. 

Also, the tyres were shot, the rear brake didn't work and something in the clutch/gearbox region was seriously troubled. A helluva noise that attracted far more looks than the bike design (or my body shape, btw).

 

This engine is insane... get it past 2,500 rpms in 6th and you really don't need to care more about it for the rest of that day unless you really want to go for it. Full throttle at ~3,000 and it pulls violently. It vibrates, yes, but it doesn't studder like the niner. Just about when the TDMs would start to show signs of giving up, you get a kick in the back - fun ! ....but - well - this kinda fun is short lived as you get used to it.

 

My conclusion: I don't need 115BHP. ~80 is enough. Also - the extra 30BHP comes at a price: Fuel consumption. I measured some 4.3L/100km when riding really calmly, substantially higher then the 9er. 

 

Suspension is about fair, seat is OK, screen is floppy and fuel gauge is redicolous - showing 'full' for 230kms and needing fuel stop within a further 100 

 

I'll post a separate warning on motorent.pt in another post......

Edited by Bjørge, 06 June 2018 - 10:01 pm.