tell me about the tdm850

[colin1]

I currently have a triumph tt600 and in the past have used a scooter for commuting going to the shops etc.
I no longer have the scooter and have been considering getting a more upright bike that would be better in town.
I know a couple of people on here have a tt600 and a tdm850, but the comparison I really want is with other bikes I might consider similar.

I guess a cb500 would be lighter and more commutery, but how would a tdm compare with a fazer or a bandit or maybe even an old triumph tiger?

I also quite like the idea of fairly leisurely upright touring, so something like a cbr1100 would be a bit fast for what I would do.
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[chris-red]

Plump up for the 900 if you can, more reliable and doesn't burn oil. Plus has an extra gear.

I own a Speed Four and TDM900, and have ridden the CB500 and owned a GS500.

To me the 500's were too small, gutless and thoroughly uninspiring. The TDM still has enough power to excite me whilst being good on fuel it is much nicer all round than the 500's.

The TDM makes so much more power low down, which makes it much better around town. Also I think the brakes on it are better than on the Speed Four.

Cut a long story short TDM = awesome, my only complaint is the gearbox, it just doesn't feel anywhere near as refined as the S4. It's not terrible but IMO the worst feature of the bike.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[colin1]

I have heard complaints about the gearbox but no specifics. What's wrong with it ?

I'm currently thinking 500s are fine for in town but not ideal at nsl or above.
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Ariel Badger]

My mate is selling an old Hinkley Bonny, it will be cheap but needs a good clean.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Pete.]

One of the funniest biking things I ever saw was a guy riding a TDM850 on the M25. He had NO damping in the rear shock so the rear was constantly bouncing up and down like a pogo stick - talking constantly through 3-4" of travel. I dunno how far he was going but he must have been pretty seasick when he got there.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[chris-red]

Nothing really wrong with it, it just isn't that great quite clunky and agricultural.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[TheSmiler]

Tdm 900 like chris has said is the one I would go for haven't ridden one but it was the first bike I ever went pillion on as and it was amazingly soft and easy on the speeds. Considering one for my future bike riding (way in the future).
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

[neatbik]

[garth]

How about a Versys?
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You ain't a has been if you never was