THE TDM is head and shoulders above the ZX-6R and GSX1100 at all the other things you're likely to want from a bike.
In town, its upright riding position lets you see over cars, while the narrow bodywork lets you dodge queues with ease. The steering lock is massive and the bike is so well balanced it's possible to filter through traffic in complete safety on full lock.

But the TDM's lumpy low-down power and its new Throttle Position Sensor which is meant to improve engine response by sensing the position of the throttle and advancing or retarding the ignition accordingly make it snatchy. The transmission backlash also becomes irritating after a while.

But the ZX-6R is literally a pain in the wrist when filtering through traffic as your weight is thrown on to the low handlebars and there's constant cog-swopping to keep the bike moving between first and second gears. The limited steering lock is also a problem when negotiating snarled-up traffic.

The Suzuki's strong low-down stomp means it pulls well in any gear at town speed, but too often its sheer bulk makes it feel too big for gaps in the traffic.

And once you've squeezed your way to the head of the queue, it's the TDM that gets the most attention. The striking paintwork, tinted screen and swoopy bodywork stand out in any crowd. It oozes so much style you sometimes feel you have to dress up to ride it.
The ZX-6R is also stylish, but doesn't catch the eye of non-bikers. Its screaming exhaust and bellowing intake roar can attract some unwanted attention.

And the GSX-1100F is a style-free zone.