Yamaha TDM 850 review

Europe's second best-selling 750cc to 1000cc bike from 1991-2001. Says it all really.
Whatever version you have, a sorted, well looked after TDM is a solid, versatile machine.
Supremely capable bike.
One of the dullest bikes ever madeā€¦

Always a massive seller in Europe but an underrated under-achiever in the UK. Nevertheless, the TDM in all its forms is a secret waiting to be discovered by the second-hand buyer.

YAMAHA'S TDM850 FIRST raised its bug-eyed head in 1991. The mix of goggle-eyed looks, Delatbox frame, tall, town friendly stance and punchy parallel twin motor seemed perfect for the city and Britain's back roads.

The TDM850 was Europe's second-biggest selling 750-1000cc bike from 1991 to 2001, but it wasn't such a hit in the UK. On release the press praised it as a sports bike beater, then calmed down, tagging it 'Tedium'.

These two extremes hide one unalterable fact: the TDM is an underrated machine. The original 850 inherited a motor based heavily on the Super Tenere, which gave it plenty of punch and a 75bhp/130mph top end. Things changed in 1996 with smart new looks and a 270-degree crank which made the motor more V-twin-like. The importance of the TDM on the Continent led to an improved 900cc version in 2002. Whatever version you have, a sorted, well looked after TDM is a solid, versatile machine.

Read the full Yamaha TDM850 review here.

Always a massive seller in Europe but an underrated under-achiever in the UK. Nevertheless, the TDM in all its forms is a secret waiting to be discovered by the second-hand buyer.

YAMAHA'S TDM850 FIRST raised its bug-eyed head in 1991. The mix of goggle-eyed looks, Delatbox frame, tall, town friendly stance and punchy parallel twin motor seemed perfect for the city and Britain's back roads.

The TDM850 was Europe's second-biggest selling 750-1000cc bike from 1991 to 2001, but it wasn't such a hit in the UK. On release the press praised it as a sports bike beater, then calmed down, tagging it 'Tedium'.

These two extremes hide one unalterable fact: the TDM is an underrated machine. The original 850 inherited a motor based heavily on the Super Tenere, which gave it plenty of punch and a 75bhp/130mph top end. Things changed in 1996 with smart new looks and a 270-degree crank which made the motor more V-twin-like. The importance of the TDM on the Continent led to an improved 900cc version in 2002. Whatever version you have, a sorted, well looked after TDM is a solid, versatile machine.

Read the full Yamaha TDM850 review here.

Always a massive seller in Europe but an underrated under-achiever in the UK. Nevertheless, the TDM in all its forms is a secret waiting to be discovered by the second-hand buyer.

YAMAHA'S TDM850 FIRST raised its bug-eyed head in 1991. The mix of goggle-eyed looks, Deltabox frame, tall, town friendly stance and punchy parallel twin motor seemed perfect for the city and Britain's back roads.

The TDM850 was Europe's second-biggest selling 750-1000cc bike from 1991 to 2001, but it wasn't such a hit in the UK. On release the press praised it as a sports bike beater, then calmed down, tagging it 'Tedium'.

These two extremes hide one unalterable fact: the TDM is an underrated machine. The original 850 inherited a motor based heavily on the Super Tenere, which gave it plenty of punch and a 75bhp/130mph top end. Things changed in 1996 with smart new looks and a 270-degree crank which made the motor more V-twin-like. The importance of the TDM on the Continent led to an improved 900cc version in 2002. Whatever version you have, a sorted, well looked after TDM is a solid, versatile machine.

Read the full Yamaha TDM850 review here.