Long question needing a short answer

[Norfolkguy]

Next year I'm doing a 3-month european tour with a guy from HU (others still welcome http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...starting-48701) and need a bike.

We are still 'negotiating' on a route but its going to be a road-based tour rather than off-road, and I want to carry camping gear etc, especially as I'd like to also attend some overseas HU meetings as well.

Now that I have sold my fireblade the cash is burning a hole in my pocket. I've considered sports tourers but don't really want the head down aching-wrist scenario again, and besides which I want to see the places we travel through this time instead of breaking my neck trying to look up so I want to sit more upright. I don't need a proper trailie for tarmac and besides they are a bit gutless on the faster roads if I want to 'make some progress'.

I considered a BMW GS etc (doesn't everyone?), but why pay all that money for a big expensive thirsty bike that I don't need back in the UK to go to work on and attend race meetings etc. I also don't want huge servicing bills as I want to do it myself.

So, minded to get something a bit out of the ordinary, does anyone have any experience of the Yamaha TDM850? Looks to have the right sit-up style, decent size engine, good carrying capabilities, easy to service, and probably reasonably frugal on fuel. But why are they so cheap and unloved? I never see any ride tales on here with folks using them. Don't want to make a bad decision and regret it so figured you good folks would have an opinion as to whether it would make a decent road/camping tourer...?