TDM 900 Update and ride

[@pavelzee69]

Liked the video. I have a TDM 850 which i need to treat a bit more gently. It’s an absolute monster for me and i probably need to do the iAM course. The thing just wants to be opened up on fast roads. It is a great bike. Cheers.

[@johnspitfire3421]

Never ridden the 850 but heard they are great bikes.

[@kevingullick1596]

Great video, I've had a tdm 900 for only a week , she's an old girl, a yellow "I know not the best colour" 2002 with 32000 on the clock, and so far I'm absolutely loving it. It is taking me a bit of time getting used to a big twin to be honest, all my other bikes over the years have been 4 cylinder the last being a bandit 1200, but the tdm so far seems much more fun to ride. At at my age 62 I really appreciate how comfortable the tdm's are, fantastic riding position. If I have one complaint its the engine paint, my 2002 is in fantastic condition for such an old bike,these tdm's really are well put together, all except the engine paint☹️. But that aside as you say, what an underrated bike, absolutely brilliant

[@vmrksa]

Great rewiew and all things that You said are on point!! Great overall bike, I have tdm 900 2012, and I am loving it! My modifications are, changed gearing from 16/42 to 15/43, k&n air filter, air box mode, mivv exhaust and raised co settings form c1 15, c2 15 to c1 35 and c2 35 and bike is running great!!

[@johnspitfire3421]

Hi. Thanks for the comments. What difference has the gearing change made to the bike?

[@vmrksa]

@@johnspitfire3421 Hi! Bike is running better, pulling from first gear, more smoothly!

[@vmrksa]

I dont need to use often clutch like before! On some hills were I was going in first gear, now bike is pulling in second gear without jerkeness!

[@nathanmaurice4103]

i noticed that higher gear masks the jerk, but 2nd gear around a roundabout at 2600 rpm is awkward and that gear combo is used alot..

[@johnspitfire3421]

If the air box mod has been done then try a K&N air filter. Otherwise make sure the bars are set so you can relax your arms when you ride. After doing these I didn’t have many problems with the natchy throttle.

[@davidcorlett2082]

Hi. Where did you get the screen wind deflector from please? I struggle with the amount of wind off the screen as I'm 6ft 4 and want to improve that after coming from a RT1150 which had the powered huge screen. Many Thanks, David

[@johnspitfire3421]

Hi. Got it off ebay. Adjustable clip on motorcycle windshield.

[@harrypowney6517]

Hi John, I have recently purchased a 2007 TDM900 with 45000 on the clock and like you I love it. It's my second one. I have just one question for you... ...your gear change is very smooth and apart from 1st gear there appears to be no clunks. Mine has a new clutch, I have recently fitted new DID Chain and sprockets yet it clunks in all but 1st to 2nd. I wander if it is the oil. What oil do you use when servicing your bike..? by the way I'm just down the road from you.

[@johnspitfire3421]

Hi Harry. I always use Yamalube from Arnolds in Loughborough. It’s designed especially for the Yamaha engines. I also make sure the gear shift lever is set for me so that I can select the gear as the clutch comes in and I alway blip the throttle when shifting down gears. Make sure your chain has the correct freeplay. It’s around 50-60mm from memory. Being too tight can make things clunky. Hope this helps.

[@Harry-Powney]

@@johnspitfire3421 Thanks for replying John, my bike was serviced before I bought it and heaven knows what oil was put in it.. I will get the required Yamalube as a starting point, the chain I measure 10mm from the underside of the swingarm which gives around 50 to 60 free play but I'll check again.. I'll play with gear selector position and see what comes of it. Many thanks.

[@Harry-Powney]

Hi John, I've sorted most of my problems out and am really pleased with it. I've given it a full service... I used Motul 5100 semi and new filters. Was told the clutch plates had been replaced but on inspection I found the friction plates were worn and out of spec, so I replaced all plates. Bikes running great and gear change is far better..

[@francisdirnhofer4423]

What is the modle of renthal handle bar your using? Not sure weather to get the low or medium bar

[@johnspitfire3421]

Sorry for delay in replying. My TDM has gone to a new home but I think they were 755 bars.

[@nathanmaurice4103]

i find it is a snatchy, jerky bike between 2500 and 3000rpm. A bumpy road doesnt help. it feels like the throttle can only be on or off. Electronic jet kits tend to add fuel to the injector when throttling off. From the factory the injectors feel like they shut off fuel when using steady throttle. the wire no. 8 in the ecu was already removed whn i got the bike so god knows what it was like before. I suspect if an owner rides it from factory then does the airbox mod it feels acceptable. I have found Yamaha injection maps not very smooth on a number of bikes. Youd think they rode the bikes before selling them!! good review though thanks.

[@johnspitfire3421]

Yes. It did take some getting used to. Tension in the hand and wrist doesn’t help, so having the bars set correctly do you can relax your arms helps. I used to find gripping the tank with my knees when on bumpy roads also helped keep the arms relaxed. Being a twin means it is a little eager to go at the slightest throttle.

[@neilwiddison6529]

I am looking at a mint tdm 04 with 20000 what do you think cheers Neil

[@TheAskme32]

best bike... at least does not shake in high speed like the tracers

[@johnspitfire3421]

I used to get a little weave at 115mph until I took the hand guards off, then it was fine. TDM was not designed to have hand guards.

[@ei2gfb]

i find mine really bouncy on country roads ive tried all combination of settings on front forks, as bike is new to me im going to get the forks rebuild and new oil hoping thats my issue

[@johnspitfire3421]

Have you checked out the KZbin videos on setting the suspension properly for your weight etc. Dave Moss tuning has some good advice. If the fork oil is old, it will not damp the front end properly. The other way is upgrade the front springs and rear shock.

[@Harry-Powney]

Did you manage to sort your suspension out..?

[@georgeschannel439]

Where did you get the hand guards from

[@johnspitfire3421]

Came on the bike. Think they are barkbusters.

[@neilwiddison6529]

For £2600

[@johnspitfire3421]

Looking at the current prices it looks good. Try and ensure a good service history. Valve clearances come at 24000 miles which can cost a bit if they need new shims but other than that it's cheap to service. Happy to answer any questions.