Tdm 850/900
 

The Yam TDM has been around for ever it seems, but it has not been a big seller, here in the UK anyway.

I would appreciate any feedback on how this bike performs for long distance riding ..... the usual stuff, running costs, reliability, comfort, 1 up/2 up etc etc.

I see the current engine design is dry sump - is there any information about the pros and cons of this?

The current specification is shown here:-
Motorcycle Comparison Details

I had a mk1 850 for 14 years and the only problems were with the voltage regulators blowing. A very underrated bike and comfortable over long distances. Tank range on my carb 850 was about 160-170 miles. I replaced it with a new 900 in March 2006. I had zero problems with this bike and being EFI it was doing 200+ miles to tank. I traded it for my new tiger however as I couldn't get on with the "new" 270deg crank engine causing vibes and little torque below 3k. I did 12,000 miles on it and it never missed a beat. It didn't suit me but it's a good bike. Both the old 850 and the new 900's will handle some gentle off road too. I would have no worries taking one anywhere other dual sport bikes would go. They both use 18" front wheels which limits your choise of tyres especially if you want some off-road patterns. Some have used rears fitted in reverse successfully. As for the dry sump I never had any problems but the oil filter is inside the sump so you have to remove a plate to get to it. My 850 had a useful dipstick under the seat but the 900 must have the most stupid filling arrangement I've come across. You need a funnel and a bit of tubing to get any oil into the filler as the opening is almost horizontal. These are little gripes on a good bike. Try one.

Try the CarpeTDM site for good info.

Sounds good
 

Thanks for that flyingdoc.

You must have liked the 850 bike to own it for 14 years! I tend to want to move on pretty quickly on the basis that there are lots of bikes that I fancy owning/riding. Similarly, you have certainly put in the miles on the 900 in the time that you had it: an endorsement for riding far and often!!?

I knew about the crank/firing order thing from the TRX850, but I did not realise that Yam are doing it on the TDM at all (I was told for the TRX that it was to copy the Ducati sound - the V twin thing) -- did that change between the 850 and the 900 engine so far as the TDM is concerned?

The link you suggested is very good for lots of info about the bike, but, as for so many other cases, it does not address the many facets of long distance riding - maybe there are none; no issues, call it what you will!

Here's a further question or two.

Comfort; do/did you use the standard saddle?
Mileage: I guess the tank range you are getting is about 50 mpg, as per the other forum?
Servicing: easy to do and did you do it yourself?
2 up: any thoughts on that?

Thanks for the feedback; any more from anyone??

I've always managed with the standard saddle. I must have a standard butt. As for 2 up, I've taken pilions but usually just for a joy ride. I've never had someone on the back for a big trip so I have no idea. I did all of my own maintenance. I put a K&N filter in and used the same plugs for 40k ! I had to fit fork seals and replace brake pads and stuff but nothing major. I just changed the oil every 6-8k and rode it. One real plus of those 5 valve engines is the clearances only need checking every 24k. If you don't rev the nuts off it you could get away with checking them every 34k, easy. The early 850's like mine had a 360 crank and were so smooth and torquey it was a pleasure to use. It would pull from 1500rpm. When they changed it to 270 deg for the TRX they used the same engine in the TDM. So that would be from about 94 onwards I think. The press said the old engine was bland and called them Tedium's so I guess Yamaha reacted. Try a 270 it may suit you. I had 14 years on my old one so it was difficult to move to another bike. good luck finding one, They are about.

Tdm 900
 

Hi All, I have a 900 05 plate, with just under7k on the clock, plain and simply i love it! the engine is a peach, the gear box is miles better than it was on the 850's the whole package is very good and as was said earlier very under estimated, i've towed mine on a trailer behind my m/home all over and tour round on it with the otherhalf very cumfy:funmeteryes: try one and be prepared to like it:eek3:
TDMalcolm

Super Tenere from the TDM engine?
 

This thread has tended to disappear into a welter of XTs.
No matter, but the bike is still selling in small numbers it seems in the UK, while in Oz it has a re-newed image "makeover":-

Yamaha takes TDM 900 motorcycle off-road Down Under - Motorcycle News - MCN

It is getting dual purpose tyres (no sizes mentioned here) - anyone in Oz getting one?

Maybe, this is an indicator of what Yamaha could do about producing a Super Tenere!?