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YamahaTDM 850 twin YamahaTDM 850 twin
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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 Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2001
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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).]
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  #2  
Old 25 Jan 2007
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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
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  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2007
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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.
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  #4  
Old 26 Jan 2007
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Talking Good choice !!!
Bloody great bikes.

Rode mine from UK - NZ - check out my blog for more info
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  #5  
Old 27 Jan 2007
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What's the availability of 110/80/18 fronts when travelling? They're not a very popular size here in UK.
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  #6  
Old 29 Jan 2007
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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.
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  #7  
Old 16 Mar 2007
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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
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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"
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  #8  
Old 16 Mar 2007
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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?
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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"
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  #9  
Old 16 Mar 2007
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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.
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  #10  
Old 19 Mar 2007
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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
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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"
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  #11  
Old 19 Mar 2007
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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.....
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