TDM anyone?

[robelst]

After riding 1300 miles this week for work on the AT I have started to get some doubts about my bike; despite the improved seat (gel-pad implant) my arse is still on fire (and not because I am the only gay in the village :lol: ), the bike is pretty wide to manouvre through really tight trafic (esp at road-works where lanes have been narrowed down) , it doesn't feel overly "planted" in rainy and/or windy conditions and gets pretty thirsty as well when doing over 90 mph. I took the Buell one day which addresses all these problems surprisingly well but it puts more strain on the neck-muscles over 85 mph and at 50k on the clock I want to keep it a few more years for fun trips and don't waste it on rather boring bulk-use.

I look for something similar as the AT. I don't need much power; the AT's no sports-bike but imho it's got enough grunt and cruises happily at 90-95 mph, that's all I need. It's got to be cheap, comfy (I am 6"5), practical, winter-proof, a bit of fun and character and more stable, agile and lower on fuel at higher speeds than the AT. Oh and I don't want a triple or a four, too clinical for my taste. And I've lost faith in BMW :roll:

So: today I saw this fresh looking TDM850 sitting at Fowlers in Bristol (R-reg, 18k), seems like a good deal for 2500 quid and just might "tick all the boxes". Does anyone here know the TDM, would it be alright for long-distance commute, could I do maintenance myself, is it not too soft, is it any fun, and how does it compare to the AT?


(btw: I won't sell the AT, I still like it too much and being registered as an ex-theft / ex-write-off it probably won't shift a penny despite the new wheels and loads of other new bits. And it's far too good to break and sell it in parts, that would be like putting a puppy in the waste bin. And besides, the garage is big enough for 3 bikes :lol: )

[Chad]

the TDM is a very very capable bike i think the only thing they suffer with is a notchy gearbox but so do a lot of other bikes . if you find a good one it will be well worth it they are very underated :thumbright:

[Jennababes]

worked with a guy that had new TDM 850 (traded up from a 750 ST) who used it to commute from north yorks to banbury on a two days on- 2 days off basis, bike never missed a beat and loved to bits by the owner... certainly a top 4 bike in my book. :thumbleft:

the 850 engine is bomb proof and has become a fav transplant for any 750ST owners looking for a little more power and more modern design.

[Chad]

worked with a guy that had new TDM 850 (traded up from a 750 ST) who used it to commute from north yorks to banbury on a two days on- 2 days off basis, bike never missed a beat and loved to bits by the owner... certainly a top 4 bike in my book. :thumbleft:

the 850 engine is bomb proof and has become a fav transplant for any 750ST owners looking for a little more power and more modern design.

funny you should say that a lot of the tenere owners are trying to sqeeze the 850 engine in now as well 8) 8) i wonder if any have tried it with the 900 :shock:

hmmm a super ten with either of those engines in would be cool 8)

back on toopic the TDM good bike ive never ridden one but they are supposed to be very comfy as well 8) 8)




:lol: :lol: :lol: just seen the ST in your post sorry jenna :oops: :oops:

[Jennababes]

ooopps! :oops: ... na my fault chad should have been a little more specific on what ST meant.

I have long been a big fan of the XTZ 750 Super Teneré (and especially of Sonauto and Yamaha France) much like the @ the bike typifies what raids like the Dakar is about, another massive plus for the bike is price clean well equipped bikes sell for around £800 which is well below the @.

As for the TDM 850 engine there is a guy somewhere 'up north' that specializes in mods and rebuilds he is also the engine guru on the XTZ 750 Super Teneré UK forum and swears by the lump for reliability and tunability.

[robelst]

Thanks for that. 8)
It seems I will need to make some more space in the garage by the sound of it :D (lawn-mower may have to go but I was never fond of it anyway :roll: )

I have been looking around on eBay and bike-market, these bikes are cheap as chips :shock: . Even saw new pre-registered 900's advertised for 5k (rather have a carbed one though). The TDM looks like undiscovered all-rounders heaven. Can't wait to try one 8)

[Chad]

ooopps! :oops: ... na my fault chad should have been a little more specific on what ST meant.

I have long been a big fan of the XTZ 750 Super Teneré (and especially of Sonauto and Yamaha France) much like the @ the bike typifies what raids like the Dakar is about, another massive plus for the bike is price clean well equipped bikes sell for around £800 which is well below the @.

As for the TDM 850 engine there is a guy somewhere 'up north' that specializes in mods and rebuilds he is also the engine guru on the XTZ 750 Super Teneré UK forum and swears by the lump for reliability and tunability.

jenna ( now i have to be very carefull how i say this) :lol: i would love to get inside your head you are a font of fantastic information 8) 8) 8) 8)

ive long been a fan of the superten as well its a very capable bike and supposed to be the best of the older big trailies off road 8)

but they are becoming very rare now :(

[xrv_jim]

Rob,

I ran a TDM 850 for a couple of years before I got the AT. They have noticably more power than an AT, lots of mid-range, I've never ridden a bike with better rider ergonomics, comfort - it suited me perfectly. Not too clever off-road though. :wink:

You're looking at a Mk2 TDM with a 270 degree crank - meant to make the power delivery more like a V twin 8) . They're a nice relaxed ride and although there's noticably more power than an AT, you don't have to ride at silly speeds to have fun (just like an AT). It, and you, will cruise comfortably at 90 all day. They're pretty solid bikes overall but check front disc's as they're prone to wear fast and not cheap to replace. Some TDM's burn oil, others don't (mine didn't), fuel consumption should be at least high 40's or low 50's - if it's any less then the emulsion tubes need replacing. I found mine very reliable and low maintenance. There was an owners website www.carpe-tdm.net with forum, etc., it used to be quite lively. Don't know if it's still on the go?

Rob, PM me any specific questions and I'll do my best to answer them :wink:

[Fatjohn]

None of you seem to be mentioning the 900, is it a nail or something?

TDM would be great but for...well, they just don't seem to fit me - maybe I should test ride one to be sure, but when I've sat on them at dealers the reach to the bars feels all wrong.

[Maverick]

Lootch also had the TDM and very capable bike of high speed cruising and loads of grunt. AFAIK he really enjoyed his TDM 8)

[lootch67]

That's right, I did have a TDM. Unfortunately I had one of those which used oil, and since it is an absolute pig to check the oil level (almost impossible without a torch - even in broad daylight), I didn't. So that was the end of the bike. My thoughts:

1.) Very reliable. Did 20k miles on mine and it always started first time, every time come rain or shine. The only problem I had was a mysterious electrical problem which was resolved after a couple of electrical parts were replaced with used parts. It would've been too expensive to test each part individually so we just fitted everything and left it as the problem had gone. BTW, used parts are a bit hard to come by.
2) Good fuel economy. I used to get about 18.3km/l on my daily commute. On the motorway, travelling at 85-90mph it went down to 16.3km/l
3) Brakes are good but you really need to keep them clean as they stick easily. Had 8 out of the 10 pistons seized. Took Maverick and myself 3 weekends to get them out. In the end we took it to the shop. Good news is that the early R1 calipers are supposedly a straight fit.
4) Rear suspension is a bit harsh and forks a bit soft but still much more road orientated than the AT.
5) The seat is nice and broad and quite comfy, but I'd suggest fitting those gel pads just the same.
6) Low speed balance is very good and it is definitely a better bike for filtering.
7) 3rd gear, 5,500rpm, open throttle wide and hang on! Huge fun and the engine is MUCH smoother than the AT's.
8) The gearbox on the post 96 model are really not that bad. Just remember to make a positive shift from 1st to 2nd and for the rest you can do clutchless changes to your hearts content.
9) I'm quite tall and fitted an aftermarket screen which helped a lot but I still had problems because the screen isn't that wide. I found that, especially if you're behind fast moving traffic, the wind would catch my shoulders which would lead to the bars wiggling a bit.

Every time I see a TDM like mine I really miss it. Somehow the bike really got under my skin. The only thing I really didn't like about it, and it's hardly the bike's fault, is that it can't go off-road.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[raymo]

mate at work has just got a 2003 tedum 900.. still got a big grin on his face and loves it.. time will tell.. looks a nice bike :twisted:

[Northy]

I look for something similar as the AT. I don't need much power; the AT's no sports-bike but imho it's got enough grunt and cruises happily at 90-95 mph, that's all I need. It's got to be cheap, comfy (I am 6"5), practical, winter-proof, a bit of fun and character and more stable, agile and lower on fuel at higher speeds than the AT. Oh and I don't want a triple or a four, too clinical for my taste. And I've lost faith in BMW :roll:


Now about one of these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/APRILIA-ETV-1000-CAPONORD-SILVER-trail-touring-bike_W0QQitemZ300040226052QQihZ020QQcategoryZ9913Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
....not mine but it will tick all the boxes etc may be not the fuel one but its got tad more grunt than the poor old @.

Yes I know, I only pop in here to talk about Capo's .... :roll: :lol: :wink: just waiting for Honda to make a new 750 light weight dual sport bike ...one can dream. :lol:

[raymo]

The CAPO is a good option, I have been seriously thinking of one. they are powered by the rotax v twin used in the RSV millie and its bullet proof its a Trans alp on steroids:-) :twisted:

[lootch67]

I almost bought a Caponord. But then found out two days before I was due to collect the bike that I don't fit! Problem is that my legs are too long so I can't get them to fit under the tank cutouts. I was absolutely gutted as I think it's a very good looking bike and with that engine...

[piguglyshandydrinker]

TDM 850 would be a good choice, test ridden many, I dunno why they never grab me and scream "buy me" like the Alp's do!

Comfy, good looking, reliable, efficient with plenty of grunt and not silly money.

The motor's a peach, not as linear power delivery as the Honda Vtwin, but give's a good kick up the arse at 3500 - 5500 rpm and still satisfies after years of ownership and gives good mpg, TRX used to average 58...

Had a problem on the Rex, inlet valve clearances closed up completely TWICE in less than 12,000 miles (poor cold starting), I've never come across anyone whose had the same prob tho, so maybe a one off. Not dificult to do.
Some motors can pick up in the cam bearings.

As Jim say's high fuel consumption is normally worn emulsion tubes/needles. These are NOT replacable on the post 2000 (?) models with digi odo.

The common oil "consumption" issue on this motor is easily and cheaply rectified by replacing the output shaft oil seal.

Phil

[Chad]

I almost bought a Caponord. But then found out two days before I was due to collect the bike that I don't fit! Problem is that my legs are too long so I can't get them to fit under the tank cutouts. I was absolutely gutted as I think it's a very good looking bike and with that engine...

i always like the capo but as with lootch the pins are tooo dam long. no such probs with the TDM ver comfy i wouldnt mind trying one for a day just to see how good they are the europeans have certainly lapped them up over the years :D

[raymo]

El Capo must be built for us 'norms'.. 5' 6" 30" inside leg.. fits a treat :twisted: :twisted:

Ray 8)

[Recycler]

A TDM is the only other bike I've considered.
I tried a '94 and enjoyed it but they were too much money then. Also tried the first of the 900s - the injection was pretty good at stop/start pace and the motor is just right for me. Again this was before they dropped in value so I missed out again and wasted a year with a Bandit 12 which rotted before my eyes.

If only they kept the looks of the original black 'bug-eyed' model.
You never know, Honda might give the Tranny another 30BHP, a 6th gear and drop 20 kilos :) (- but you know they'll f*ck it up with more weight, injection, complexity and mag wheels. :evil: )

BTW I had a SuperTen for a year and had no probs.

[Xander]

I have ridden (never owned) quite a few TDMs and always had dreams of putting a tdm850 powerplant in to my XTZ.. anyway.. i like em. they are a good all a round ride and some of the years look great.. the only thing i hate :x about them is the name TDM.. :evil: . if you say it TE DE EM (i.e tedium)... no bike no matter how old or slow can be called tedious....
Go for it mate... but give it a better name

[cbcommuter]

had a tdm900 a great bike,for all things tdm try this
http://www.carpe-tdm.net/ipb/
cheers darren

[Xander]

Hey one more thing. The issue of Bike mag has a review on USED TDMs..
I have not read it but though you might want to know
Cheers
Xander

[robelst]

Thanks for all that, found my way to Carpe-TDM forum etc.
Probably will go for a 900 early next year, unless I find a well-priced 850 (900 seem better built, but not sure about the injection and quite like the more outspoken looks of the 850s). Prices for both seem unlikely low, they keep their value almost just as bad as my Buell :lol:

BTW Caponord: I was tempted as well, esp since some are selling them for just over 5k (new / pre-reg) :shock: Off-putting for me was the really low seat; it seems strange that while people are getting taller and taller, bike manufacturers only seem to worry about adapting all their models to suit shorter people while there's hardly any bike left that is roomy enough to comfortably seat the over-6-footers :? Let's revolt and storm the barricades :twisted:

BTW-2: The DIY integrated gel-pad seems to work: despite doing loads of miles the "hindquarters" are steadily losing that near-permanent burning feeling. Either that or the nerves are dying off, but it's the net result that counts :lol:

[Pussyhorse]

Just looked at a 94 TDM. Looked in pretty good nick. Cheap, but it billowed out black soot on startup. More than a little rich. If it's been ran like that for a while it won't have done the motor any good.

Probably pass on it.

:/

[mladen]

I had a TDM 850 year 99 before the AT and did 45.000 km two up. I can say that the TDM is a very good bike. The suspension is adjustable. Front forks have damping and spring regulation, so the rear mono. But two up with lagguage, I had to replace the front springs with progressive ones and then it was pure haven. I had 3 x Givi maxia 50l fitted and a Givi tankbag, plus a bag on the topcase and 2 up it was going very good. No lack of power, no waving in the curves. Not to mention that it was only 96cm wide with two 50l cases. The AT is 118cm with same cases. One time we did 1550km in one day from Sicily to Slovenia.
If you are still considering a 850 model, you should buy at least a 99 year, because that year they made the last changes and believe me, they are worth buying a 99 year model or later.
The things that bother me were bad wind protection. I tried a lot of aftermarket screens, but get no good results. They stopped the wind, but made a lot of nasty turbulences, and it was even worse for the passenger. This is a shame, because the engine and the frame could easily do 160km/h on the higway, withought any stress, but the wind protection don't. Another thing was oil consumption. Mine eat an additional liter on a regular change and checking the oil level is a "mission impossible"
But there was only one problem, that made me sell it, it can't go off road. When we went in for a trip to Tunisia, I was watching all the off road bikes on the ferry, and then I was watching the dessert from the edge and couldn't go in. I tried one easy off-road just 18km long and I needed for hour to return. When I returned home I sell it and bought an AT. Despite the off-road, another good thing now is that I'm 20km/h slower on the road than with the TDM. That is good for my health.

[barftone]

Always fancied a TDM. Great all round spec but no off road capability. Is there a bashplate out there for one?? Had a good demo on a Caponord and was impressed as a road bike. Great poke and handling but it was pretty big. More Varadero than AT. I know a guy who has recently bought a Raid version of the Capo and is impressed.

[robelst]

Well then, I've had my Tedium a couple of weeks now and it's been rather pleasant. Compared to the AT the bike is more comfy, lower on fuel (50 rather than 45 mpg despite driving 90 mph rather than 80), it's quicker, the brakes are better (although could be more aggresive and firm), it's more stable in heavy wind and the engine is very flexible, almost like a multi but with the punch and sound of a V-twin.
The fairing is lower but works really well for me (6"5): It takes much of the pressure off without losing all feel of speed and no buffeting so no need for earplugs. I do miss the hand protectors though, will probably fit a pair.

Not great is the noisy cam-chain: I've used the last click of the tensioner so probably need to replace the whole lot rather sooner than later. In good Japanese tradition I will need to take almost the whole thing apart (tank, carbs, hoses, cooler, engine covers, oil-pumps etc) in order to get to it. Otherwise it is in very good condition, no oil consumption (which is rare for this type of bike, apparently), plugs look good etc.

Been using the AT again today. I can only say I still like it a lot. It is less perfect than the TDM, but in bike-terms "perfect" is of little value. Well, to me anyway :wink: Still not sure which bike will leave the nest next Spring (the XT, the TDM, the AT or the Buell) :?