Yamaha TDM850

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Anyone got a TDM 850?

I'm still looking to get back on a road bike... I wanted an Aprilia Falco, well, still do, but the money situation isn't really looking too good so am considering other bikes. I want something comfy for touring on, does at least 120+ miles to a tank and is relatively fun too.

Looking for something fairly cheap. don't mind if I have to do some work to it if it's cheap enough but I am very fussy with bikes and only really like certain ones! That's what's got me thinking towards the TDM850. Although they seem to be rather expensive from what I've seen so far.

So, are they good for touring and weekend blasts? Good on fuel/reliability?
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KevTM · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Karma :

Can't comment on them first hand but people that own them seem to think they're the best bike .. in the world! So i'm sure they must be pretty good, or have some strong points at least. Thumbs Up

Smooth · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Karma :

I really like my Mk2 (off-set crank model) as it is a great bike that just does everything. It's the ideal bike for me and I'd recommend one.

A good grunty engine that will rev(comparable in a straight line a V-strom 1000) and feels adequate for road riding.

Handling is good, especially if set up properly (if shock is tired, an aftermarket one is a good investment). The long travel front and rear are useful.

Comfortable

50+mpg

Not as tall or heavy as it looks

On ride-outs with other people on different bikes, the TDM certainly isn't out-classed and in 'sub-prime' conditions, copes well and you may end up having to wait for people riding bikes with almost twice the power. Allegedly Wink

"Carpe TDM" Owners' Forum
ps. Since having mine, strangers have been approaching me and asking about it/telling me how great they are. That's something which hadn't happened since I sold my Mk1 Octavia vRS a few years ago.
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TDM850

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

hmm just seen this for sale on there

https://www.carpe-tdm.net/ipb/index.php?showtopic=12451

what you reckon? tempted to make an offer, does it sound fixable?
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

Smooth · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Karma :

It's cheap and looks like mine.

I looked at and rode one with exactly the same problem, but didn't buy it.
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TDM850

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

user · Nova Slayer Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Karma :

Ask the owner if he's changed the emulsion tubes. The origionals wear out pretty quick on the XTZ750 (basically the same engine) and can cause problems like this. Might be worth reading up on it (maybe slightly different carbs on the later models?) but if they're origional I'd be willing to bet that's the problem.

Replace those and it's a bargain Smile

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

I've registered on the forum but it won't bloody let me PM him! grrr
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Smooth · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 21 Apr 2008 Karma :

The one I tried had had it's emulsion tubes changed, but hadn't resolved the problem.

I replaced the emulsion tubes on mine, although there wasn't anywhere near the same problem with mine before changing them -it was just running a little rich at low rpm.

ps. no, not the best bike in the world, but good for what they are Thumbs Up

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TDM850

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Meant to be fairly solid bike apart from burning oil and rear shocks can get knakcered.

There's plenty of people on Carpe that when give good info.
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Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Sorted the problem with the forum.. sent him an offer, will see what he says.. Not sure its worth much more than £800 all things considering, and its a 10 hour round trip for me to collect so we'll have to see how it goes really.

Thanks for advice. Any more info/advice would be greatly appricieated... seems theres been a few on that forum up for the £1400-£1600 mark fully running with extras so either way the TDM is looking more likely than a Falco considering my budget!
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Might be worth considering the TRX too? I found mine pretty comfortable'. Cost me £1k and there were a few others around at the time going for similar.

Despite it having quite a 'revvy' nature, the engine did actually suit the five speed gearbox.

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Philistine.
The TRX is way prettier than both!

Not sure why it'd be 'bad' for touring Confused

. Maybe a bit less room for panniers, but enough space to carry stuff for one person, I'm sure.

pa_broon74 · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Karma :

I have a TDM 850, 96 model silver and yellow.

It was my first big bike and I'll never sell it. Its a love hate relationship. I paid £1k for it and promptly had to spend the same again to get it through its MOT.

I didn't mind though, the learning curve was a good one. Only big bike I can compare it to is a vara 1k. My crappy TDM kicked its arse up and down Scotland while touring, (my touring partner may argue the opposite but he'd be talking rubbish.) 1200 miles over 5 days and not a whimper from either buttock. (Mine on the TDM, not the person I toured with... Ummm... Moving on...)

Currently its sitting in a garage waiting for what is essentially an engine rebuild. That said, I've left it twice for weeks and come back to turn it over. It splutters and the battery goes a wee bit flat, but I leave it for a moment and try again and it always bursts into life, it was just teasing me. Razz

Its high riding position is very comfortable and it has great road presence. Most of all, those folks who (dare I say it) get a bit prescious about their sports bikes hate them, that is because they feel threatened by its power and capability. Wink

Only down side for me is the seat, it is possible to give oneself a nasty wedgey if one performs an emergency stop. You really do need to brace yourself... Shocked

I can't recommend the bike enough. Its different and people do keep them forever and swear by them for a reason. (Might not be a good one, but they do...)

Thumbs Up

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