TRX850.

[Stevie B]

I have done a search on this but it has only really answered some general questions, not the more specific ones..

Ok, my situation: I'll probably be looking to sell my CB-1 for the start of summer as i want a quicker, more suitable bike for summer if i go touring ( not sure whether i'll regret getting rid of the CB as it's an ace bike!). What do you think?

I won't have much to spend, probably around a grand max and so have been doing some research into whats available; i orginally was looking at older 600s like the CBR as i used to have an FZR600r which was fast enough but had no character and didn't handle.

Then i came across the TRX850. I'd not really considered it before but they seem very underated and like the idea of the grunt and individuality...

So basically what i am wondering:

Are they reasonably reliable? I've read alot about them being like a Ducati in character, does this include their reliability/ servicing requirements?

How would it compare performance wise to my old FZR6 (95' plate)? I know it will have alot more lowdown grunt but is it pretty useless past say the ton?

Does anyone have any experience on how cheap a mechanically sound one can be picked up for? As i'm not too worried about cosmetics, after all beggars can't be choosers!

If you don't think this would be suitable for me, what do you think would be? I'm not really interested in a GPZ, GPX etc and i don't fancy another FZR as they seemed soulless..

Any other info and opinions would be appreciated

Cheers

P.S. I know some will say my budget is too low but i don't think it is. I'm not in a rush so have time to hunt for bargains, many of which seem to be on Adtrader/ Fridayads at the moment...
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[G]

TRX850 doesn't have a massive amount of midrange. Apparantly the five valve head makes it a bit more revvy. It pulls well from 4k rpm, but redlines at 8k rpm. This is the sort of 'character' I like personally - means you have to work the engine a bit more, though it's still got enough go on motorways.

Doubt the engine is really up to most 600cc in line 4s.

They do drink oil a bit, but otherwise are ok for servicing generally - watch out for camchains though and get them sorted if they do start to go, it seems.

Should be able to get an ok from around £800-£1k if you're very lucky.

[Trixie]

Have a look at the following thread: https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=99631&highlight=trx850

Yeah, I'm biaised, but I think they're great.

https://trx850.motomaniac.net/forum/index.php (think I may have mentioned this in another post???) is the place to go if you want to know about TRXs, or you want to find one for sale.

Reliabaility-wise, the TRX's dont have the same running/reliability problems as the Ducatis, so you're OK. The only thing that's really needed attention on my bike is the front brake calipers (crap as standard, replaced with blue spots) and the speedo drive completely ate itself, so I needed a new drive (£33). Apart from the camchain tensioner (which isn't much of an issue) there are no real reported problems, even on high mileage models.

Performance-wise, the TRX is still wanting to go when I'm sitting at 120mph. Top speed is probably about 130-135 or so.

I'd say about £1500 will pick you up a decent one, but they can be got for cheaper if you look - I have seen them for less than a grand but you need eagle eyes for this!

I couldn't comment on whether the bike would be suitable - only you will know that if you can somehow blag a test ride. However, if you're after character and soul, then the TRX is definitely the bike to go for.
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Dead nobodies in company cars...

[Stevie B]

Great, thanks for the info guys!

Like i said i've mainly been looking at older CBR6s and such like but the character of the TRX appeals to me. I really don't know what to do tbh.. Also insurance will be a decider, because it seems i can get brilliant quotes on larger CC bikes so long as there are not strictly sports i.e. SV1000 for £400 at 19 , but not on older 'sports' type bikes around 600cc and above...

My other worry is whether i'll regret selling the CB-1 as it's a brilliant bike, but i'm pining for a bit more speed again..

It woluld be nice to have something like a VFR750 but i feel thats a bit TOO optimistic!

Any other opinions / advice people?

Thanks again
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[colin1]

one cheap on ebay

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180111124964&rd=1&rd=1
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Stevie B]

Lol thanks Colin, but i am slightly weary of it after you featured it that thread!

MAybe it's not as bad as it sounds though..

SB
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[colin1]

sounds like just cosmetic stuff to me
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[G]

I'd definitely get a test ride on one and see if it's quirks suit you. The riding position and surprisingly the engine did quite suit me, but not for everyone.

[ram_doom]

Thunderace is very cheap to buy and insure. Just a shade under £500 comp for me at 23 yr old
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TL1000s, KDX200

[JonT]

It was considered one of yamahas better ideas when it came out and people in the states moaned since as far as I know it was never released over there.

The dual cans is nice, it looks good from the front but the back light is a little on the ugly side.
The suspension suits most and I think people often replace the rear shock for something better though. A lot of people with them replace the front brakes too.

Personally I don't get along with the engine as its range of good revs is 4-8k which is a little car like to me, on a bike with 6 gears I often try and kick up for 7th on the motorway, I would be murder with only 5!

[G]

Odd, I find something like the SV which has a relatively broader range of torque more like a car (unless you're talking about a revvy Honda Vtec anyway).

Most five gear bikes I find myself wanting for a sixth gear, but it seems to work well on the TRX.

[Trixie]

[Stevie B]

Cool, cheers everyone. Like i say i'm just looking at the moment but thought i'd get a bit of background info on the TRX before i went any further..

To be honest i need to stop looking for a couple of weeks because i keep finding nice bikes then remembering i haven't got the money yet

Quick last slightly o/t question - what are your opinions on the older CBR600s 1995-96'? As there seem to be a fair few of them about at a reasonable price..

Thanks again,

SB
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[G]

For the record, the TRX tops out at a fairly real 140mph I believe. However the way the engine feels seems about right for this.

The mid 90s CBRs aren't too bad; personally I'd go for a ZX6R of the same year, but in good nick either should make a decent bike if you don't pay too much.

[Stevie B]

Right, sorry to kinda dig this bad boy up but the time has come to actually start looking at TRXs to buy within the next week / 2 weeks etc. (although i've been browsing whats been and gone for months now )

So a few more questions:

Most of the examples i've seen have been imports, is this something to be wary of or only if they've aren't official UK imports?

A guy i know at a dealers has said they normally need a 30k valve service, any experience/opinion with this?

If it doesn't already have a-market cans on then i will get some, but i've been told that sometimes they can make the bottom end and shutoff quite snatchy - is this true? Is Dynojetting it a must with cans?

When i come to actualy view one, what are the things i can actively look for on the cosmetic side of things that TRXs might be reknowned for? And if i manage to get a test ride is there anything specific i should be listening out for apart from checking the gearbox feels ok and that it pulls fine?

I keep seeing almost perfect ones on egay but every one has had a single thing that has worried me or put me off. For example one of the ones on then at the moment seems perfect but doesn't have any service history I know that wouldn't be a worry for some but to me it justs seems slightly disconcerting..

Thanks in advance guys!

SB
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[Trixie]

[Stevie B]

Thats great, thanks very much for all the info Trixie!

To be honest it seems like most of the examples i've seen so far have been imports which, like you said, shouldn't really be a worry then.

I'll try and look for atleast some of what you mentioned when viewing a TRX, but i guess some of it i won't know unless i took the engine apart..

I'll let ya know how i get on, hopefully my next post will be a "My new bike" one!

Cheers
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[hmmmnz]

they are fairly bullet proof engines and dont really need dealer services, a simple oil and filter change on them is generly enough.
when you look at the bike look at the normal things you would do with any other bikes,
good luck with your purchase
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the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[veeeffarr]

If they've been down the indicator apparently punches a hole in the fairing

[Trixie]

[yzf750r]

just looking on the Bay and seen this one near me - looks pretty neat!

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/yamaha-849cc-trx-sport_W0QQitemZ180136231590QQihZ008QQcategoryZ424QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


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04 zx10r with mods - 187.4bhp at the wheel! :o

[Trixie]

Yeah, that looks OK, actually.

It's a UK spec bike (therefore not restricted), and even though it was registered in 1997, I'd put money on it being a 1996 model; one of the very early UK imports (the kph speedo is a giveaway). Check the frame number to confirm this - it should start something like 4UN1.

Either that, or the speedo has been swapped out, of course...

From what I can see, the bike does look tidy. The seller says he's going to upgrade the brakes - I guess that probably means he's either going to fit braided stainless or fit blue spots (or both).

Yup, a good looking bike.
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Dead nobodies in company cars...

[Stevie B]

Right, i have a major update which involves mainly good news but a bit of bad

I bought a stunning TRX on Monday from a guy in London, the details and pictures of which i'll post in the Pictures section. It's a UK 96' plate, full service history from birth, serviced at correct intervals, cam chainer tensioner & camchain replaced, valves serviced, the lot. It also came with some sweet carbon cans which i am going to fit tomorrow!

So thats the good news.. The bad news is that although it had been serviced religiously and really cared for, the guy had stopped using it once the MOT and tax had run out last year, so it has pretty much been standing for a year, with it's only running in the form of getting started up every other week for 5minutes.

So i get it back to Swindon monday, get the MOT done today, which required the rear caliper rebuilding plus new pads, and picked it up about 4pm this afternoon. This was going to be my first proper chance to ride it and get a feel for it - and man did it feel rough!
It was really lumpy at low revs, and i know TRXs aren't the smoothest down low but this was savage, twas properly shaking the bike if i didn't slip the clutch enough below 3k.

So i ask you - does this sound to you like the usual symptons of an engine that been sat for a long period of time and just needs a basic service to get the carbs cleaned out and balanced?

Or does it sound more than that? How lumpy do your TRXs feel at low revs?

Last question - how far should i expect from a tank?

Cheers
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850

[LeeWat]

I once rode my Sisters boyfreinds TRX (long time ago) and i thought it was lumpy at the time, it may be normal. I ride a Yam Bulldog at the mo, and that is very vibey on tickover with the baffles out, no so much with em in. Have you fitted the aftermarket cans ?
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Simson S51 Enduro, Kawasaki AR80, Yamaha RD125LC, Yamaha XV535, Yamaha XJ600N, Suzuki GS1100G, Kawasaki KLR250, Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog (4/4/08 Deceased). Suzuki XF650 Breakwind.

[Stevie B]

No i have't fitted the aftermarket cans yet, planned to over the weekend though.

I was fully aware it was going to be vibey compared to my CB1 but i'm pretty sure it's alot more than usual. It literally shakes if you open the throttle a decent amount below 3k, then smooths out after the 3-3.5k mark. I've nearly stalled it several time because it's so juddery without a decent handful of throttle on take off

Opinions

Thanks
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Past: Katana 50, NSR125RR, FZR600r, CB-1 Present: TRX850