First project - TDM 850

[sam.ashburner]

I've bought tatty bikes before, but this is the first one I've had the motivation, time and money to do properly.

The bike's a 1991 Yamaha TDM 850 parallel twin that I managed to pick up off a Triumph dealer (Jack Lilley, Ashford) who were having a clear out of their part-exchanges.

It all feels mechanically sound, and has a great Micron full system on it. I took it for a quick test ride when I bought it and I have to say the power (compared to my ZZR400) absolutely blew me away. Also, it was missing a couple of panels which I've now sourced of eBay.

The worst bit - it's got YELLOW wheels!! Lol, they've got to be sorted out. My new colour scheme I've got planned is black wheels, with a kind of deep metallic red/crimson (blood red?) finish on all bodywork. Will probably get the wheels powdercoated.

I'd be interested in any other thoughts on colour schemes

[carlnicholson...]

My mate has the newer shape 850. All in all, it's a cracking little bike.

That was a wise buy that one mate. I wouldn't go too extreme with the paint job though IMO. The looks of the TDM are 'questionable' at best as it is!

Something subtle and understated 'ld say.

Enjoy.


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"THOSE WHO RISK NOTHING, DO NOTHING, ACHIEVE NOTHING, BECOME NOTHING."

[quacker_boy]

Guess you're a fan of microns then

Looks like a fun bike to fart about it, check out my project and i'll be happy to give you some hints and tips on painting, i even did the wheels myself

Chris
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wizzzard wrote: Imagine God just stopping by, tidying your front room up and then quietly letting himself out again. Statisticly more likely to happen than Korn being on here.

[sam.ashburner]

Thanks for the offer quacker, I may well take you up on it.

The fleet of micron cans was purely coincidental (honest) lol. The one on the ZZR is fuckin loud though, whereas the TDM's just gives a pleasant sound.

I've gone for 'Audi Garnet Red' which is deep pearlescent and fairly understated whilst still eye-catching.

The most annoying part is I can't afford to insure it until October (when I get 1 yr NCB and turn 19). I may sell it on, but I really don't want to. Haven't made my mind up yet.

[sam.ashburner]

Hi everyone, long time no see!

I've been working hard though (even if there hasn't been that much visible progress). The wheels are now painted with tyres re-fitted, and back on the bike. If I do say so myself it's looking great at this stage, the pics don't do the satin black justice. I've just popped the tank back on for the picks, it won't be staying bare metal lol.

Latest pic

All bodywork is now prepared ready for painting this coming long-weekend. I'm excited with anticipation, it will pretty much done then. Here's the link for all the other pics of the project both past and present:

The Project

[400bandit]

Man that bike would look sweet if the seat was raised (the angle not height) I'm not talking silly northwards streetfighter style though
Joe
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Current Bikes 650 Honda Bros, VTR1000 Firestorm // Past Bikes: Sachs Madass 50/110cc - Bandit 400 - FZR750
(+ a XS650 in lots of pieces in my garage and other places...)

[sam.ashburner]

[palmer]

I like them bikes.

Seen a few going round a track, you can ride them like supermotos

And personally, i think they look pretty good.