YamahaTDM 850 twin

**trand** · #1 25th July 2001

Hi there every-one Would really like some opinions on the above mentioned bike
Thanks ted

[This message has been edited by trand (edited 29 July 2001).]

**toneski** · #2 25th January 2007

i'm intending to use my 91/mk1 for a 9month Uk-India-UK trip starting in a few months.
a nice reliable bike.
for more info see the owners club http://www.carpe-tdm.net

**Flyingdoctor** · #3 25th January 2007

Hi Toneski
I had my '91 mkI for 14 years a wonderful tool. Traded it for a new 900 last year. Big mistake, the engine's really lumpy in comparison. Looking to trade it in march. Hang on to yours it'll do anything you ask of it. They're fine on gravel too. Good luck with your trip.

**parkie** · #4 25th January 2007

Bloody great bikes.

Rode mine from UK - NZ - check out my blog for more info

**Flyingdoctor** · #5 27th January 2007

What's the availability of 110/80/18 fronts when travelling? They're not a very popular size here in UK.

**parkie** · #6 29th January 2007

I run Michelin Anakee 15/70x17 on the rear & a Michelin Sirac 110/80x18 on the front.
The Sirac is actually meant to be a rear but works well as a front - fit it in the reverse direction to the directional arrow. Or not - have had it fitted both ways and not noticed any difference.....
I run both tubeless and have Slime in them to cope with any punctures.

Tyres work OK on dirt, really well on tarmac wet or dry - scrape the pegs all the time, very confidence inspiring.

Also give very high mileage - the perfect tyre, eh?

Here's a link to a thread on off road tyre choices for the TDM: http://www.carpe-tdm.net/ipb/index.php?showtopic=3073

Other changes I would recommend for travelling are going down one tooth on the front sprocket & carrying a spare regulator/rectifier or better yet replacing with one rated at a higher output (seems to be the one weak point on the bikes).

I also got a washable stainless steel oil filter made up by www.dualstar.com & replaced the paper air filter with a washable one so I didn't have to take spares.

**toneski** · #7 16th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by parkie

I run Michelin Anakee 15/70x17 on the rear & a Michelin Sirac 110/80x18 on the front.
The Sirac is actually meant to be a rear but works well as a front - fit it in the reverse direction to the directional arrow. Or not - have had it fitted both ways and not noticed any difference.....
I run both tubeless and have Slime in them to cope with any punctures.

Tyres work OK on dirt, really well on tarmac wet or dry - scrape the pegs all the time, very confidence inspiring.

Also give very high mileage - the perfect tyre, eh?

Here's a link to a thread on off road tyre choices for the TDM: Tyres for off road - unpaved/gravel roads - Carpe TDM

Other changes I would recommend for travelling are going down one tooth on the front sprocket & carrying a spare regulator/rectifier or better yet replacing with one rated at a higher output (seems to be the one weak point on the bikes).

I also got a washable stainless steel oil filter made up by www.dualstar.com & replaced the paper air filter with a washable one so I didn't have to take spares.

hiya,
thanks for the tips on washable filters....sounds like a great idea

the regulator has already been changed for an electrex heavy duty version as this was the first thing to ever go wrong on my bike.

i'm intending to use my standard givi luggage (2xE36 & 1xE45)
currently investigating using saddle bags to carry 2x5litre fuel cans. any suggestions?

trip planning is coming along nicely

keep finding more bits of kit that needs replacing or upgrading

plan at mo is :
Uk-->India 3months via Eastern Europe, Turkey,Iran,Pakistan
3months in India working for my present company
return trip is another 3 months, hopefully via Saudi,North Africa etc and up thru Spain but this depends on funds as still not sure how much my company are going to pay me while i'm out there

**toneski** · #8 16th March 2007

question regarding rear shock
i've already upgraded to an ohlins shock and WP fork springs but i noticed on your trip you had problems with the shock mount breaking
was this something wrong with your bike or is it a failing with the TDM mk1 design? ie is it likely to happen to me too?

**Flyingdoctor** · #9 16th March 2007

Hi Toneski,
Just trying to think of anything I would add to your spares kit. I had a front sprocket nut strip. It's a really fine thread and not an easy bodge for a backstreet garage. No carriage to take one and a lockwasher. They can make a new sprocket but that nut might be a problem. Good luck with the trip.

**toneski** · #10 19th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor

Hi Toneski,
Just trying to think of anything I would add to your spares kit. I had a front sprocket nut strip. It's a really fine thread and not an easy bodge for a backstreet garage. No carriage to take one and a lockwasher. They can make a new sprocket but that nut might be a problem. Good luck with the trip.

thanks, the locking washer is on my spares list as i know a couple of people who have had the same problem
gonna put my kitlist and planning info on my website at some point, i'll post a link up here when i do

**parkie** · #11 19th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by toneski

question regarding rear shock
i've already upgraded to an ohlins shock and WP fork springs but i noticed on your trip you had problems with the shock mount breaking
was this something wrong with your bike or is it a failing with the TDM mk1 design? ie is it likely to happen to me too?

Rear shock munt broke cause bike was loaded like a freight truck & wife spent too much time shopping.....

However welding extra bracing around the top shock mount would be a good idea.

I reckon I could have done without spare fuel cans if I had replaced emulsion tubes before the trip - amazing difference in fuel consumption.

I made my own racks to carry spare gas beside the motor to keep weight forward & low & put soldering mats behind them so motor didn't heat the cans.....