Yamaha TDM 850

So, has anyone ridden one of the 850 TDMs? I'm thinking about one as a commuter/stable mate to a GSXR750 (coming soon hopefully), was thinking of going for a KTM supermoto of some type, but they're expensive here, where as there's loads of older TDMs for sale.

I reckon they're probably more fun than an old Honda Transalp, always liked them when they first came out in the early nineties. So a good bike for doing the mundane?

Any other suggestions for older (read cheap ) sit up style bikes for commuting with some character, probably nineties models? Any off roaders that work ina supermoto style without needing oil changes every other week?

[fastdruid]

Personally I prefer the VFR750, got bored with the TDM pretty quickly.

One day I'll even fix it and get rid of it too!

Druid

[Skip]

A friend of mine had two 850 TDMs and then a 900 one - he is one of the quicker of my group of riding friends and could do things you wouldnt think a TDM could do! I think Amarko on here rode his in a similar fashion!

My mate loved his - he moved onto the first 850 when he got fed up with sportsbikes - he must have liked them as he had two more after that! Torquey engine, good brakes, comfy seat, loads of storage - perfect commuter

[Richie]

Agreed...

They changed the crank from conventional parallel twin phasing to a harley V twin phasing to make the motor feel more characterful at some point, I think it was late 90's.

How far is your commute Tim? What type of roads?
Dominator? Deauville? 2nd gen half faired Bandit? What about a DRZ or XR?

Currently I cycle my commute, 5 km each way through town on my trusty back pedal single speed.

But down in Rotterdam it'll be about4 km town driving and about another 16 on a heavily congested dual carriageway.

Thought about a Dommie, but the engine has been known to have issues (can't remember if head gasket or lower oil seals etc), a blandit is too common (I want something a little different).

There are very few 2nd hand DRs (apart from the DR BIG 800s, could be tempted) and I'm not sure how reliable an old XR600 Honda is, as they were more built for proper off roading, but if they're reliable they may be worth a try.

Why not an XR400? With a short commute on a congested dual, you wont need much more than that anyway. Plus you can head into the Mountains of Holland on a weekend for a thrash

How are they servicing wise, may have a gander for one. Would love an African twin but they seem to hold their value well

I think theyre pretty normal service wise, theyre not highly strung but I think you'll struggle to find a 'leccy start one... For overlanders, theyre great bikes.