Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
YamahaTDM 850 twin YamahaTDM 850 twin
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: London England
Posts: 50
YamahaTDM 850 twin
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).]
__________________
Ride safe
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jan 2007
toneski's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Southend, UK
Posts: 26
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
__________________
XTZ750 91 - overland touring toy
TDM850 91 - main bike & commuter
TRX850 97 - sunnyday twisty toy
"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Jan 2007
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Talking Good choice !!!
Bloody great bikes.

Rode mine from UK - NZ - check out my blog for more info
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
What's the availability of 110/80/18 fronts when travelling? They're not a very popular size here in UK.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Jan 2007
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Dirty TDM tyres
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.
Last edited by parkie; 31 Jan 2007 at 21:47.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Mar 2007
toneski's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Southend, UK
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by parkie View Post
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
__________________
XTZ750 91 - overland touring toy
TDM850 91 - main bike & commuter
TRX850 97 - sunnyday twisty toy
"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Mar 2007
toneski's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Southend, UK
Posts: 26
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?
__________________
XTZ750 91 - overland touring toy
TDM850 91 - main bike & commuter
TRX850 97 - sunnyday twisty toy
"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Thumbs up
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.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Mar 2007
toneski's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Southend, UK
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor View Post
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
__________________
XTZ750 91 - overland touring toy
TDM850 91 - main bike & commuter
TRX850 97 - sunnyday twisty toy
"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Mar 2007
parkie's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 203
Cool TDM850 freighthauler
Quote:
Originally Posted by toneski View Post
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.....
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top