Yamaha TDM900 - 10K Mile Opinion - Duke Dyson

[@bikesmith]

Excellent video, Mr Dyson. TDMs are probably one of the most underrated bikes of all time. I never got the prejudice on Japanese motorcycles (or the aura in Harley's, Triumphs or Ducatis). I've always been fascinated by the engineering of things. All through my youth, only Japanese manufacturers dared making motorcycles that reved to 15K rpm and had supernatural reliability. I had a FJ1200 that I sold with 284000 Km on the clocks and it was running as new. I know, I'll never seat at the cool table at the café but Japonese bikes are my favourite. There! Anyway, see you on the road, Mr Dyson. Maybe one heading south.

[@DukeDyson]

I agree completely Alex; the TDM is indeed one of the most underrated bikes of all time. They never sold particularly well in the UK; they don't know what they're missing 🙂

[@maggifixx1336]

I just bought my secound TDM900. I bought my first with 18, but crashed it after 3 years and 50000km. Now I bought the same again. There is no better for me. The ergonomics and the handling are perfekt for me. So lovely!!

[@DukeDyson]

They're great aren't they 🙂 must be good if you've bought another one eh

[@lynnegalati7712]

My TDM has just turned 15 years old and currently requires new fork seals. It has never let me down, and has been the most comfortable ride I've ever had. Seriously underrated, especially here in Australia. Nice review.

[@DukeDyson]

They certainly are a great bike eh Lynne 🙂 Thanks for watching 🙂

[@levethane]

My 08 has done 36k, never had an issue, I have a few bike and although I don't get to ride it that much I can't sell it, I like too much. Rare bike in Australia, had mine for 5 years and I've never seen another one...

[@DukeDyson]

@@levethane Seems to be most owners' opinion so it must be true eh 🙂 I love mine too

[@blackbird69xxx]

Yeah same here just ordered some fork seals too ... happy riding from the UK

[@georgikukov5129]

Finally had the chance to understand this content fully, This review is 100% spot on!!! Though in my experience, on a more "off-road" setup the bike becomes top heavy and without ABS the rear just slides when you need to brake.. Not sure if ABS can help at all..

[@DukeDyson]

I've not experienced it in an off road environment but I have seen that people use them for serious long distance travel off the beaten track and I can imagine that the top heavy nature of the TDM becomes more apparent, but no more than a BMW GS I imagine. Cheers for watching :-)

[@georgikukov5129]

@@DukeDyson Thanks for the content! As i said its 100% spot on, its a lot of valuable information packed in to a very short video. But yeah, i had to mention that making this bike more off road is not a wise idea, it will climb hills, it does great at climbing, but getting down those hills on the bike is impossible.

[@MAXLAND7]

Nice review. I have one from 2005. I solved the engine problem under 3000 by disconnecting the gray pipe above the air box (so it is always completely open) and blocking this pipe with a screw. I also installed a KN filter. Problem solved. The operation was easy and is reversible.

[@DukeDyson]

There are a couple of well documented mods, this may well be the one to go for. Cheers for watching 🙂

[@chrisheggie952]

Pretty much spot on assessment Duke. I owned an '02 TDM900 for nineteen years and 165,000km from new and am now on my second, an '08 model (identical in all relevant respects) because a friend was selling and I couldn't not buy it, as it only had 26k on the clock. I bought the first one sight unseen from a dealer 400km away having only test ridden a second hand TDM850 and I have to say my immediate impression was that I'd bought a 'chook chaser' for the first hour or two riding home but now love the riding position. Two things though. I had a friend remove the rear baffle from the pipes which not only makes it sound mellifluous but instantly cured the low speed fueling problem and hence smoothed out the slightly notchy gear change. Win-win. And secondly the rear spring pre-load adjustment is horrendous! I change it whenever I take a pillion or load up the bike with Yamaha's panniers and seat luggage and I have to say it is always a pain to adjust. I have wrapped the adjustment C-spanner handle with self bonding tape which helps but I also have a pair of protective gloves under the seat as well to save the skin on my knuckles... Oh and I also fitted a Yamaha aftermarket centre stand which is in my view essential. Once had a rear tyre puncture on a Sunday and the only car tyre shop open anywhere nearby agreed to put a mushroom plug in it only because we could get the rear off the deck. He wasn't set up to do bike tyres. I since carry my own external plugs and electric mini pump. Oh and lastly, a pair of LED globes has dramatically improved forward night vision.

[@DukeDyson]

Funny you should mention the centre stand; I'm just looking at one now 🙂 There are a couple of compromises for sure but generally a fab bike. I don't need to tell you eh 🙂 Thanks for watching

[@albertday6952]

I have had my TDM 900 for some years now .. I jumped on it for a whizz around the leafy lanes of North Cheshire last Sunday .. it was very easy to ride and one of the most comfortable motorcycles I have ever rode I have no issues with the 3000 rpm engine levels and it runs very smooth on E10 or E5 petrol or a mixture of .. thanx

[@DukeDyson]

They're great aren't they 🙂 Cheers for watching

[@springy-2112]

It does what it does perfectly. Every thing about the tdm is exactly why you'd buy a tdm. I was listening to all your points and thinking it's exactly the same in so many regards as my little gs. yes they're quite different but they're also very similar. They do the same thing ,albeit mine at a slower pace . But they are get the job done bikes. Not pretending to be any thing other than comfortable practical fun. Peace love and hugs brother! ✌️ ❤️ 🤗

[@DukeDyson]

Brilliant way of putting it buddy; "everything about the TDM is exactly why you'd buy a TDM." Wish I'd written that 🙂 Hope you and the GS are seizing the road whenever you're able brother✌🤗

[@skankhunt_-42]

The tdm was my first "big boy bike" after passing my test. Ive had others alongside it as weekend bikes and toys but the tdm is still my go to every day as a workhorse. I just cant seem to kill the thing.

[@DukeDyson]

They're great aren't they 🙂

[@tinks43]

A fair review & suits you’re needs perfectly 👍🏻 it’s all about the tank range for me too.

[@DukeDyson]

Cheers buddy, such a great all-rounder eh 🙂

[@Harry-Powney]

Bloody marvellous machines. I resolved the 3000 rpm glitch on mine quite easily, it just takes a little time and costs nothing. I can now ride in any gear at almost any speed without a single problem.

[@DukeDyson]

Great machines indeed Harry. Did you disconnect the cable in the plug to solve the 3000rpm glitch or by another method?

[@Harry-Powney]

@@DukeDyson Hello, and thanks for replying. When I bought the TDM I wasn't able to test ride it and was totally disappointed in my first ride after it arrived. Twice I nearly fell off on 2 different roundabouts and couldn't ride close when following traffic as it would surge forward when trying to maintain a constant speed below 30. I know a bit about bikes, this one particularly as I owned one previously. And rather than keep falling out with the seller, I decided to sort it out myself. I spent a weekend trying different things without success only then to find it had been fitted with a Power Commander, after removing that I test rode it again, and it was a little better but still not good so I spent a couple of hours on the Internet, and from what I found it is all down to a week mixture and poor breathing below 3000 revs. I did the Black and Brown wire pin 8 and again did a test ride, it had improved to the point where I thought I'd go for my first long ride with my tool bag in the top box. Anyway, it wasn't perfect but at least now I had the confidence to ride it in traffic. The next day I decided to take the fairings seat and tank off. I gave it a good clean everywhere and once dry I dismantled the air box and removed all the wiring and vacuum pipes and plugged up the holes. I removed the flap to leave a clear air passage. Next the injectors which I stripped and cleaned under pressure. Finally I repositioned the Air Temperature Sensor from the air box to the front of the bike, just under the headlights after extending the 2 wires. Finally refitted everything and took it for a ride. O.M.G. what a difference, smoother faster acceleration, no sign of any surging anywhere in the rev range and considering it has 46,000 miles on the clock it rides like a new bike. LOVE IT... Sorry this was so long but telling you about my experience, may, I hope help another TDM 900 owner.

[@paulsee2]

Brilliant review, I’ve owned one but had to sell it. Now looking again and your bud has inspired me to go back for another

[@DukeDyson]

Cheers Paul, good luck with your quest; you already know how good they are eh 🙂 Thanks for watching

[@namoshenoa]

Again a nice review of this great bike. I still own my 2013 black TDM 900 with much pleasure, low costs and easy maintenance. It now has 71000 km . In my comment on your Introduction post of the 900 I described some adaptations that I made and are still very accurate. It is almost impossible but you still can uplift your driving pleasure. A Power Commander 3 that I also installed and gives some more horsepower is not needed BUT I recommend strongly easy to execute adaptations of 1) the air filter box (JBX, heliohost) 2) Denso IX24B or other iridium sparkplugs 3) rear wheel sprocket 43 teeth. It makes a great bike even greater. Thanks again for your beautiful video, hope to see more posts from you. Have fun 😀✨👌🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@DukeDyson]

Thank you kindly. Yes there are several mods which can make an already excellent bike even better, as you say. The airbox mod seems to be the most common and probably most beneficial, with a plug swap and an alternative sprocket, when its replacement is due good and easy improvements 🙂 Thank you again for watching and taking the time to comment and share your experience, it is much appreciated 🙂

[@namoshenoa]

With the 43 teeth sprocket you reduce the gap(in my opinion a bit to big) between 5th and 6th gear. It accelerates better and doesn't reduce the top speed.

[@volgnit]

Love my Yamaha as much for its function as its form. Great bikes all round I reckon.

[@DukeDyson]

I reckon you're right Marty 🙂

[@BatterseaBill]

My friend had the 850 and he says to this day it was his favorite motorcycle. Now he owns a GS which goes hand in hand with his state pension 😅. But he's considering changing it for a Vstrom. Good to see you again and you're looking in good nick yourself.

[@DukeDyson]

Thank you kindly 🙂 Your friend is a wise man for sure, the 850 was a fantastic bike. I've never owned a GS so I can't comment but the VStrom is a good capable choice 🙂

[@davidhead9689]

A nice review. I've just bought a 900 as a general purpose and winter bike. Like you I also had an 850 back in 1991.

[@DukeDyson]

Cheers David, they're a great allrounder eh 🙂

[@turdbomitch9007]

I'm thinking about buying one in NZ , 55,000kms on it and well looked after. Quite rare down here so this video had some great insight! Cheers.

[@DukeDyson]

I'm loving mine and I'm sure you will too 🙂

[@maggifixx1336]

I bought a TDM900 with 50000km now it has 98000km. Runs perfect!

[@zubinel9540]

Curious... My 2004 TDM900 Has two helmet lock hooks under the saddle, a centre stand and I don't get any buffeting from the standard screen. I'm not particluarly tall but I find everyone has different experiences with screens. Owned the bike 17 years and I still absolutely love it! With a decent set of end cans it sounds amazing. I have renthal bars on which pitch me forward a touch and I find it super comfy. Super economical, ULEZ compliant (After doing the application) Super comfy and great fun. I've bought 4 different bikes to replace it but none have managed to push it out of the garage. And no bike has better mirrors! Every modern bike I have tried recently the mirrors shake to a blur about 50mph!

[@DukeDyson]

My late model definitely has no helmet lock, hey ho! The centre stand was an option which the original owner obviously didn't specify when he bought it, but all the fittings are there and they are available to retrofit which I may yet do 🙂 Mine has an aftermarket screen so I can't really comment on it but my TDM850 did have and that was excellent at all speeds as I think I mentioned in the vid. As you say; fun, comfy, economical and effective mirrors. I love it 🙂 Cheers for watching

[@michaeltaylor3276]

I've rode both, i found the 900's more refined, the 850's a lot more raw, nothing wrong with the 900, but i just love my old mk1 850.

[@DukeDyson]

I rather agree Michael; the 900 is an excellent machine but my 4TX 850 had something that the 900 doesn't 🙂

[@themassofmen]

I had the 850 and upgraded to the 900. I sold it in 2008 as I wasn't doing the mileage I bought it for, but it is the best bike I've owned, so am looking to find another one and will be trading in my Kawasaki W800, a lovely bike, but the chrome takes a lot of looking after.

[@DukeDyson]

Oooh a W800, now there's a lovely bike 🙂

[@garfield2279]

Good review, im thinking of getting one of these, currently have a fazer600, although a great bike my knees are not what they used to be and are objecting to the angle to the footpegs. Whats the riding position like on the tdm? I know the answer is to try one, but would like an idea, thanks

[@DukeDyson]

I find there's plenty of leg room, but I have a very modest inside leg. As you say; it's best to try one. They're a fantastic all rounder, I've just completed 1000 miles on mine in five days on a trip to the Isle of Man. It happily sat at motorway speeds on the way to the ferry, ragged around the Mountain Course, kept the worst of the weather off, carried all my luggage and still returned good fuel economy, and I have no aches and pains at all 🙂

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

Not having ridden one before, this past Sunday I rode a TDM900 for about 150 miles along some quite twisty A and B roads in Mid Wales and I enjoyed riding it a lot. IMO, it looks nice, is comfortable for long rides, handles well and is surprisingly economical for 900cc. If I was to nit pick, I would say that the gear box needs to be worked a bit and I was not in top gear much at all. I think that it prefers E5 petrol. Thanks for the video on an overall fine bike.

[@DukeDyson]

Indeed they are an overall fine bike, if a little clunky. I get much joy from mine :-)

[@functioningnarcotic2098]

Good review. Thank you.

[@DukeDyson]

Thank you for watching, it's much appreciated :-)

[@barryhackett4227]

I like the look of it too

[@DukeDyson]

Me too Barry, I think they look great :-)

[@adolfocano8690]

Thank you for the review, I just would like to point out that it has helmet lock under the seat via some straps. I am not sure if its in every model but your having the watches on withe I think its same year as mine (09).

[@DukeDyson]

Hi Adolfo, thanks for the insight but my bike has no such straps and I can't find any reference to a helmet lock on this model (certainly in the UK at least) at all. It's a shame that they didn't replicate the TDM850 set up as that worked really well. Thanks for watching :-)

[@drawwithdan5821]

Ive very recently passed my MOD 2 and now looking for my first big bike. Ive got a 125 but am ready to make the move now. Would people say the TDM is a good first bike? They generally get good reviews. Theyre a bit of a Goldilocks bike for me as i like the looks, the size, the ratings and they are just about in budget. However, the only 'big' bikes ive ridden so far are a 1999 Fazer 600 and a 2009 CBF600. I think i preferred the old Yam to be honest, the Honda left me a bit cold (within reason as im very inexperienced!)

[@DukeDyson]

Congratulation on passing your Mod 2 Dan 🙂 The TDM does indeed generally get good reviews but you'll find it a different riding experience to the parallel fours of the Fazer and the CBF. The best advice is to somehow road test as many different bikes as possible and you may find you are particularly suited to an engine configuration. Personally I love twins but they don't have the same thrashability of an inline four. Pays your money, takes your choice eh 🙂

[@quentinrobert6753]

Thanks for this review ! I just can't decide between this TDM and the Suzuki Vstrom 650... I know there're not in the same range but i don't know, that's my 2 favorite good for all bikes on the market right now.. Did you have the chance to try a Strom and if so what do you think about it ?

[@DukeDyson]

I've not tried the VStrom 650 but I did own the DL1000 variant which is a superb bike. Very capable and a lot quicker than it should be. It's a tough choice for sure

[@quentinrobert6753]

@@DukeDyson thanks a lot ! Maybe i’m gonna be reasonable and start with the Dl650 and then, in a couple of years, the tdm ! I guess you cant go wrong with any of them ! V !

[@bikeserv]

​@@quentinrobert6753worked and ridden both bikes,of many year variants.if you have any questions I might be able to help

[@quentinrobert6753]

@@bikeserv I finally bought the Vstrom and love it ! Thank you

[@bikeserv]

@@quentinrobert6753 what year?

[@Syzyty1]

Damn, I now have 850 4TX MK2 and I'm looking reviews for 900 in order to upgrade the old machine. Now I am not sure if I should maintain and keep the 850 or just sell it and buy a newer 900. 😔😔

[@DukeDyson]

I absolutely loved my 4TX, I only moved on because it had done over 60K miles and it was time for something younger 🙂

[@Callsign_Bulldog]

Hi, can you add some details regarding the handguards and wind screen you got installed?

[@DukeDyson]

Hi, The screen on my TDM is an MRA aftermarket one which incorporates the adjustable spoiler at the top. It was fitted when I bought it so I can't do a direct comparison to the original but I can say that it is inferior to the screen on a TDM850! The handguards are Barkbusters "Storm", a good sized and quality product.

[@loddude5706]

Trying to relieve myself . . . from this weighty burden of ignorance, I gurgled the equivalent of 'tedium' in Japanese - it's 'taikutsu - which in itself, seems a pretty boring thing to do. Beats visiting Japan dressed as The Village People & singing 'Why TDM?' at Yamaha's CEO : )

[@chrislarkin7430]

I have my 2007 bike since 2009. Have to agree it's a great all rounder for real world biking and then maybe the odd track day with intermediate group riders if you are confident. Rumours of a TDM1000 in 2025. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHiahqxomNd9n68feature=shared

[@DukeDyson]

It is a great all round bike for sure as you say Chris. I had heard about the TDM1000 but thought it was just an internet styling exercise as Yamaha have it covered with the Tracer, but you never know eh 🙂