Full good and not so good review of my TDM 900. Owned for 2 and half years and 18000. First ever video so not as polished as Id like but hopefully useful.
I've had an '02 model since new and have 160,000km on it. Loved it so much I've just bought my second an '08 with only 26k on the clock, so clearly I love the bike. Only problems have been a fried stator assembly at 120,000km and a dead instrument cluster at 160,000km... bike still runs very strongly. Highly recommended!
Have you had any problems finding parts for it? I was looking at a '05 900 but a few people told me they are not very reliable compared to other bikes, like the v-strom
Thanks for posting these TDM 900 videos. After watching I bought one and really love the bike. I can't explain why it's more fun than my sports bike, but it is!
@@digibyke5898 Regarding comfort, I have been test riding lots of bikes recently and the TDM is still probably the best for me. Yamaha just seemed to get the whole package right.
Yep great bike- mine is the same colour, same screen, same grips- I had to go look in the garage to check it was still there! Just a great comfortable reliable bike!!
Ive had 60 bikes in my time. I've just bought a TDM900 2003 model. 38k for £1700 to join my Kawasakigpz1100e. I sold my Gpz500S as it was getting a bit tired. Found the TDM while searching for a 600cc middle weight. The TDM900 is in good condition really. 3 owners. Lots of history.
Was shown one of these today, not what I was looking for but this review has convinced me to give it a try... Doesn't look like a 20 yr old bike... Test ride booked for the morning 😀
Great review, I’ve got a TDM in the same colour, mine’s a 2004 54 plate, it’s a great long distance bike, like you mentioned it can be lumpy at slow speed riding so I tend to slip the clutch. The engine pulls like a train, very torquey. The only issues I’ve had with mine is the cold start plunger, it sticks out so keeps the choke on slightly which makes the bike idle higher and splutter when warmed up and my rear brake caliper has seized up twice, these two jobs I will be getting to over winter. As for the battery issue you mentioned, so far in the 3 years I’ve owned mine I’ve had no battery issues whatsoever despite the bike being parked outside under a canvas cover. All in all a great all rounder.
Thanks William. Be aware that the cold start plunger is fully out when warm. It goes back in when cold. Check the pipes from the radiator to the cold start mechanism are fitted correctly. When I got my bike they were on the wrong way which made the bike run poorly when warm. Otherwise you could synchronise the throttle bodies. Hope this helps.
@@johnspitfire3421 Thanks, when I first got it second hand 3 years ago from a Yamaha dealer it ran like a Swiss watch for about a year, then it suddenly started to run rough one day, coughing and spluttering and kangarooing one the engine was warm, so I did all the usual service items, new plugs, new air filter but it barely improved. I found that the choke or cold start plunger was stuck partially in/out, so to compensate I’ve temporarily adjusted the cold start mechanism as it was running too rich it seemed. So I’ll get the throttle bodies out and service the cold start mechanism, and hopefully this will cure the running issue. Thanks for the info by the way, much appreciated👍
Hello from an old Irish git 😜 great review I'm running around on an old 600 diversion but I'm 6ft1 so a bit cramped for travelling I'll save up for a TDM I think price good now because tracer is popular 👍
Great review and my sentiments exactly , especially motorway cruising is great. I added crash bungs to mine, renthal bars , bar risers and a 2 into one exhaust to save weight and it sounds much better. Cannot fault my 2006 Tdm 900.. enough power all over from low to high revs for real world riding. good for commuting. Country lanes even the motorway because its long legged and high top speed. Reliable good mpg . light flickable. Great brakes, suspenion is ok especially for bad Uk roads. one of the best all round bikes ever in my humble opinion !!!! Ive had a blackbird x11 1100 cb1300 cagiva navigator 1000 etc and the TDM is by far the best all round bike
Great review! I've had mine for five years. I have to admit I started off like I drive my car, high gear, low revs, keep the fuel consumption down. After a year or so I remarked to a more experienced rider that my TDM wasn't very exciting. He told me it was operator error. Based on his advice I now ride everywhere at between 3500 and 4500 rpm and select the correct gear to stay at the prevailing speed limit. As you said, at 70mph that's 6th gear. It was like he'd taken away my old adequate bike and given me a brilliant new responsive and exciting bike. Okay, my fuel consumption has probably gone up a bit but as this is my hobby and not my daily commute I can live with that. What do you think John?
Thanks for the comments Sir Castic. I have had some powerful bikes over the years, the TDM isn't one of them. But the power it does have is very usable on the road. The main surge of power and torque come between 6000 and 8000 rpm. I presume you go here for real excitement?
Hi John great review, great to see the bike I now own on a review (as mentioned before). However as you said in the review something fantastic would have to come along to make you switch. Can you tell us what that was?
They are bark busters. I am selling these if you are interested. They need a couple of new spacers for the handle bar mounts. £20 plus postage if you fancy them.
Hi iniakpmarc. Thanks for the comment. I have ridden the MT07 and 900 Tracer. The 700 twin is a nice engine but I find the tracers uncomfortable compared to the TDM. The 900 Tracer is another great engine in a poor package. The build quality on the Tracers isn't a patch on the TDM. Hope it helps but I always suggest giving bikes a go as you may love the Tracers?
I also own a TDM 900 brought it about 6 months ago , I live in Australia, it does get hot when sitting at idle , and does run abit lumpie until it warms up . Only 28,000 kms , the cold start thing you were talking about ( can you show on bike or explain please ) I have also do mod on ECU - brown wire and heat tape on coils - as mine did have a problem in heavy rain prior to me doing that .
I'll try and get some video of the cold start mechanism soon. Its not a common issue but can happen if you ride all year round through British winters.
Darren. I have done another video on this. It sits under the airbox and is screwed onto the throttle body. What are the symptoms of your cold start problem?
I'm sure you will enjoy it. The bars were on when I bought it so not sure exactly. I'll check tomorrow to see it there is a model number. Couple of good groups on Facebook for TDM owners if you fancy checking them out. I'm always happy to help if you have any questions.
Hi mate i have always like the look of the tdm since it launch years ago. To me it has enough performance. With its characterful engine d3cent mpg and comfort thinking of selling my vfr750 and cb500s and getting one what do you thi k cheers Neil.
Neil, I really rate them as a do it all bike. Find a good one with service history and you should have a reliable friend. Only issue is that they are starting to hold their price well. Any advice you need let me know.
Neil, I have had no other issues other than what I mentioned in the vid. Full service history if possible and of course test ride. Mileage not really an issue if looked after. 100,000 miles have been racked up by some. Carpe TDM is a decent forum if you want more info. Good luck, there are plenty of good ones out there.
I just bought one yesterday. I had one year of breake (medical problem). I gut butterflys on my ass 😃😃 I wanna ride it. Can't wait next year when I get well to start ride it. This "lady" can kick-start. I found out that I don't like the black windscreen. Can you explain about ECU cable and what to do about low 2000rpms.
What year did it change from carburettors to fuel injection? I hear you say yours is a carb model and was wondering is the fuel injection model just as good?
I've had an '02 model since new and have 160,000km on it. Loved it so much I've just bought my second an '08 with only 26k on the clock, so clearly I love the bike. Only problems have been a fried stator assembly at 120,000km and a dead instrument cluster at 160,000km... bike still runs very strongly. Highly recommended!
Have you had any problems finding parts for it? I was looking at a '05 900 but a few people told me they are not very reliable compared to other bikes, like the v-strom
Cold start mechanism and occasional battery otherwise seem very reliable. They are better made than modern bikes like Tracer 900.
A great all rounder. I road my mate's 06 TDM 900 for about 200 miles on mixed roads with twisties tooand I really enjoyed it.
From a prospective owner what a useful and comprehensive review John, do keep the videos coming please. Subbed...
Thanks for posting these TDM 900 videos. After watching I bought one and really love the bike. I can't explain why it's more fun than my sports bike, but it is!
Thanks for watching the videos.
@@digibyke5898 Regarding comfort, I have been test riding lots of bikes recently and the TDM is still probably the best for me. Yamaha just seemed to get the whole package right.
Yep great bike- mine is the same colour, same screen, same grips- I had to go look in the garage to check it was still there! Just a great comfortable reliable bike!!
Ich habe das selbe Motorrad (TDM 900-2004) keine Probleme.Gutes Video 👍 .Gruß aus Essen Deutschland.
Ive had 60 bikes in my time.
I've just bought a TDM900 2003 model. 38k for £1700 to join my Kawasakigpz1100e.
I sold my Gpz500S as it was getting a bit tired.
Found the TDM while searching for a 600cc middle weight.
The TDM900 is in good condition really. 3 owners. Lots of history.
Was shown one of these today, not what I was looking for but this review has convinced me to give it a try... Doesn't look like a 20 yr old bike... Test ride booked for the morning 😀
How did your test ride go?
Come on. Do tell??
Interesting video John. I should have bought one years ago. Got a bit addicted to my yam fz1s 2nd gen fazer. 😊
I'm doubting between the f6z 2nd fazer and this tdm 900.
What would you buy right now?
Great review,
I’ve got a TDM in the same colour, mine’s a 2004 54 plate, it’s a great long distance bike, like you mentioned it can be lumpy at slow speed riding so I tend to slip the clutch.
The engine pulls like a train, very torquey.
The only issues I’ve had with mine is the cold start plunger, it sticks out so keeps the choke on slightly which makes the bike idle higher and splutter when warmed up and my rear brake caliper has seized up twice, these two jobs I will be getting to over winter.
As for the battery issue you mentioned, so far in the 3 years I’ve owned mine I’ve had no battery issues whatsoever despite the bike being parked outside under a canvas cover.
All in all a great all rounder.
Thanks William. Be aware that the cold start plunger is fully out when warm. It goes back in when cold. Check the pipes from the radiator to the cold start mechanism are fitted correctly. When I got my bike they were on the wrong way which made the bike run poorly when warm. Otherwise you could synchronise the throttle bodies. Hope this helps.
@@johnspitfire3421 Thanks, when I first got it second hand 3 years ago from a Yamaha dealer it ran like a Swiss watch for about a year, then it suddenly started to run rough one day, coughing and spluttering and kangarooing one the engine was warm, so I did all the usual service items, new plugs, new air filter but it barely improved.
I found that the choke or cold start plunger was stuck partially in/out, so to compensate I’ve temporarily adjusted the cold start mechanism as it was running too rich it seemed.
So I’ll get the throttle bodies out and service the cold start mechanism, and hopefully this will cure the running issue.
Thanks for the info by the way, much appreciated👍
Good review. Thanks
I have got also a TDM 900 thanks for the film
Thanks! Your review helped confirm this is the bike for me :)
Brill review, many thanks. Love the tdm, might buy one this year. Cheers
Hello from an old Irish git 😜 great review I'm running around on an old 600 diversion but I'm 6ft1 so a bit cramped for travelling I'll save up for a TDM I think price good now because tracer is popular 👍
Lovely motorcycle I have one and I am loving it.
Great review and my sentiments exactly , especially motorway cruising is great. I added crash bungs to mine, renthal bars , bar risers and a 2 into one exhaust to save weight and it sounds much better. Cannot fault my 2006 Tdm 900.. enough power all over from low to high revs for real world riding. good for commuting. Country lanes even the motorway because its long legged and high top speed. Reliable good mpg . light flickable. Great brakes, suspenion is ok especially for bad Uk roads. one of the best all round bikes ever in my humble opinion !!!! Ive had a blackbird x11 1100 cb1300 cagiva navigator 1000 etc and the TDM is by far the best all round bike
Enjoyed that im going to look at one today cant wait
Nice video thanks for taking the time to do it lovely bike thinking of changing from my fz6 to one
Great review! I've had mine for five years. I have to admit I started off like I drive my car, high gear, low revs, keep the fuel consumption down. After a year or so I remarked to a more experienced rider that my TDM wasn't very exciting. He told me it was operator error. Based on his advice I now ride everywhere at between 3500 and 4500 rpm and select the correct gear to stay at the prevailing speed limit. As you said, at 70mph that's 6th gear. It was like he'd taken away my old adequate bike and given me a brilliant new responsive and exciting bike. Okay, my fuel consumption has probably gone up a bit but as this is my hobby and not my daily commute I can live with that. What do you think John?
Thanks for the comments Sir Castic. I have had some powerful bikes over the years, the TDM isn't one of them. But the power it does have is very usable on the road. The main surge of power and torque come between 6000 and 8000 rpm. I presume you go here for real excitement?
Great review, I am getting one after putting off the inevitable! Sports bikes kill my wrist and neck nowadays.
👍❤👍 thanks for awesome reveiw mate........👌
Great review! Thanks 👍
Hi John great review, great to see the bike I now own on a review (as mentioned before). However as you said in the review something fantastic would have to come along to make you switch. Can you tell us what that was?
It's ok answered my own question I can see your transition video.
No fuel guage why is that
@@stephengrainger7586 There is a fuel gauge on the dash .
Nice Bike. I just boyed a TDM und woudl Like to get those handguards. Can you please tell me wich one are those?
Greetings from Austria.
They are bark busters. I am selling these if you are interested. They need a couple of new spacers for the handle bar mounts. £20 plus postage if you fancy them.
I just boyed one on eBay. Thxs
Great review John Spitfire. I owned one many years ago, and after many bikes I am thinking of returning to the TDM. Have you ridden the Tracer 700?
Hi iniakpmarc. Thanks for the comment. I have ridden the MT07 and 900 Tracer. The 700 twin is a nice engine but I find the tracers uncomfortable compared to the TDM. The 900 Tracer is another great engine in a poor package. The build quality on the Tracers isn't a patch on the TDM. Hope it helps but I always suggest giving bikes a go as you may love the Tracers?
@@johnspitfire3421 Many thanks, John, for prompt reply and advice. Ride safe.
I bought a fuel booster for the low speed problem its sorted now
Batteries today do not contain lead! Also coming out of China they are poor quality compared to past Japanese batteries so two years use if your luck?
I also own a TDM 900 brought it about 6 months ago , I live in Australia, it does get hot when sitting at idle , and does run abit lumpie until it warms up . Only 28,000 kms , the cold start thing you were talking about ( can you show on bike or explain please ) I have also do mod on ECU - brown wire and heat tape on coils - as mine did have a problem in heavy rain prior to me doing that .
I'll try and get some video of the cold start mechanism soon. Its not a common issue but can happen if you ride all year round through British winters.
John Spitfire we’re is the Cold 🥶 start video ?
@@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 I've been a bit slack. I'll do it soon.
Hi great video
Nice bike can u please tell me exactly where the plunger is as i have cold start prob
Darren. I have done another video on this. It sits under the airbox and is screwed onto the throttle body. What are the symptoms of your cold start problem?
Amazing bike. I have 2007 model. Where can i buy those handguards you have on your bike, they look like good quality.
I think they are called Bark busters. Not sure where you would get them, they came with the bike.
What can I say. It’s a Yamaha!
👍
just bought one
just bought a 06 tdm900 based on your review cant wait get it what are the renthals you have fitted?
I'm sure you will enjoy it. The bars were on when I bought it so not sure exactly. I'll check tomorrow to see it there is a model number. Couple of good groups on Facebook for TDM owners if you fancy checking them out. I'm always happy to help if you have any questions.
@@johnspitfire3421 thanks John would appreciate that, yeah joined a few of them and carpe-tdm
Hi. The Renthal bars have 755 marked on them. That seems to be the only info.
@@johnspitfire3421 gentleman thank you
Have you got your bike yet?
Did you ever do the airbox mod and what cable did you take out of the ecu ? Thanks.
Sorry for late reply. There is a good video on TH-cam that shows which cable to remove. Mine was done when I got the bike.
Hi mate i have always like the look of the tdm since it launch years ago. To me it has enough performance. With its characterful engine d3cent mpg and comfort thinking of selling my vfr750 and cb500s and getting one what do you thi k cheers Neil.
Neil, I really rate them as a do it all bike. Find a good one with service history and you should have a reliable friend. Only issue is that they are starting to hold their price well. Any advice you need let me know.
@@johnspitfire3421 hi john .anything i should. Look out for when looking at one thanks mate.
Neil, I have had no other issues other than what I mentioned in the vid. Full service history if possible and of course test ride. Mileage not really an issue if looked after. 100,000 miles have been racked up by some. Carpe TDM is a decent forum if you want more info. Good luck, there are plenty of good ones out there.
What's the legroom like for tall riders?
Apparently very good. I ride a Super Tenere 1200 as well and it is as good as that.
I just bought one yesterday. I had one year of breake (medical problem). I gut butterflys on my ass 😃😃 I wanna ride it. Can't wait next year when I get well to start ride it. This "lady" can kick-start. I found out that I don't like the black windscreen. Can you explain about ECU cable and what to do about low 2000rpms.
Hi Dean. There is a video on TH-cam that explains it. Easier to watch them.
How tall are You? I wonder if this RMA will work with 195cm tall rider?
I'm about 178 cms.
@@johnspitfire3421 thx. So I think I'll need bigger windscreen...
This bike uses the same fuel as my 150 cc scooter....
Batteries - are you using an Optimate/similar?
No. No power in my garage.
@@johnspitfire3421 That's a shame; makes a big difference, esp. in Winter months
How much km on a full tank?
Max 320km on a tank of fuel.
what year is this bike?
2003
What year did it change from carburettors to fuel injection? I hear you say yours is a carb model and was wondering is the fuel injection model just as good?
Sorry listairgin, slip of the tongue. Meant to say throttle bodies. Mine is fuel injection and they are great.
John Spitfire Thanks for letting me know. I was confused lol. 👍
REALLY REALLY a thousand times REALLY
nothing better to do than criticsm without beng constructive and adding value to the community?