Last Saturday, I got in touch with the guy selling this bike on Ebay and went over and took a ride.
1992 Yamaha TDM 850
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6718&item=2476367685&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
I hadn't ever seen one in person until a few weeks ago. It certainly reminded me of the V-Stroms. I guess I was thinking that at the right price, it might be a nice bike to have for longer rides. Certainly a strange looking beast. I understand that the dealers could hardly sell them and they were only available in the US for 2 years. 92, 93. They are still sold in Europe and Asia.
In this case, the bike seemed to run OK but I was disappointed with the shifting and clutch feel. Every shift was clunk, clunk - let's make that CLUNK, CLUNK. I later read that they pretty much were like that new.
It also felt like it would fall into a turn at slower speeds. It has brand new tires. I'm not sure if that sensation is native to the bike or if it might have been the tires.
I guess the biggest complaint is that the cosmetics were poor. The paint was faded, cases stained, a small rip in the seat. Nothing too horrible but you can tell it's been used.
Has anyone else had experience with these?
OK, I'll shut up now.
OS
I can only comment on the tires. When tires are new the center tread hasn't had the "edge" worn down, yet.
I do remember when these bikes came out and it immediately reminded me of a Vision. I would expect average examples to be weathered.
Quote from: scratchit immediately reminded me of a Vision.
Actually, when I saw the first one a while back, I thought it was a V-Twin. Actually, it's a parallel twin like the good old GS.
Just as the GS motor is basically 2 cyl. out of the old GS1000 motor (so I've heard), the TDM looked like 2 cyl. out of a Genesis? motor. Water cooled, 5 valves per cyl.
OS
Same design, 45 degree forward tilted cylinders, downdraft carbs. But, and entirely new engine. Two cyls with boring will still only get you about 630cc's from an FZR1000 or YZF1000. Maybe 670cc.
Good to hear the transmission still sounds like new.
I wish they would bring the new TDM 900s over here. Its like a V-Strom only... better looking.
(http://www.motociclisti.com/foto/moto/tdm900.jpg)
I would give up my 'Cat for one...
Was hoping the Vtwin craze (Super hack, TL/s-r etc) will make Yamaha bring the TRX to US... guessed wrong and the twins itself are not relegated to the rehject pile and they are back to being 4 cyl companies... with a twin or 2 to mix it up.
Cool.
Srinath.
I remember the press wasn't pleased with the TDM's shifting when they were new and evidently never improved over the miles. There's a local dealer with a TDM for sale recently, which belonged to the parts manager. It has the same general appearance as the one you're considering. Did Yamaha use colored plastics instead of painting the panels?
Let your conscience be your guide if you're seriously considering purchasing it. The bike is still very popular-- IN FRANCE!! ;) :cheers: