Hi there all..I have almost put together my package for a RTW starting next year.. I did think on using a XJ 900 but have opted for a Yam..DTM 850 twin..is there anyone who can give me any opinions on this bike (good or bad ) Happy biking to you all ....THANKS

Hi,

Can't help too much on this one, but the general opinion is only fair, reliability is not great, especially crankshaft.

Power is excellent, handling good, but servicing is pricey. If you maintain it yourself with care you'll probably be ok.

Good on-road, very poor off-road.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I've got one. Great bike on the road, but very heavy when going off-road. One mistake and it's gone. Difficult to pick-up on your own on sandy ground. No problems with reliability (yet) when running daily (30000+ kms/year).

But i'll leave my TDM at home, and use my XT600Z...

Oh yes, do something about the seat. Having bum-problems after 1-2 hours on bike. (and windscreen, and...)

For more info start at: http://www.carpe-tdm.net including some reports of people using this bike off-road.

TDM off road -why not?

This chap has even found an ednuro tyre tht will fit the front..
http://www.interlog.com/~lcl/tdm/dualsp1.html

very good bike on road. just done 3000 miles in 2 weeks round europe from scratching to 2 up HEAVILY loaded. 46 mpg dead on, never missed a beat or overheated, and not uncomfortable at all, it gained the nickname "the magic carpet". Easy on tyres and chains if you are kind as well. As the people say, wouldn't be in a hurry to take it off-road though. If you want to see what we did, look at the spain report on www.bath.ac.uk/~su6cycle

Can I just say that 'Carpe-TDM' is possibly the worst pun I have ever heard. Worse than 'I Can't Believe It's Not Rutter'. Worse than 'No More Mr Nagai'.
I'm calling the police. No, really.

Have already clocked up 80000 miles on my TDM - dead reliable. Definately not a dirt bike but long suspension helps on the rough stuff. Sheepskin on the seat sorts out problems on long trips

Took my TDM to Marocco some time ago, dont expect too much on the dirt but otherwise its an excellent bike... It al depends on what you are planning to do in Marco, touring, offroad etc etc

have a look on gozell.net its got some pics of my (ex) TDM and Maroc