TDM 900 Notes

Well 14000K in 2 months and here's what I think of the TDM900 so far.

TDM 900 Strengths

Torquey motor - great in the twisty stuff and low to medium speed corners
Great seating position, neutral, heaps of room on seat, good pegs and heel rests
Handles well, sure footed even if the fame/steering feel a little "flex" or less rigid than sports bike (you get used to this)
Great instruments, but trip computer should count more than 999K before wrapping - this is Australia!!!
Economical motor - anywhere from 18-22km per litre
Good range from the 20l tank. 360-380K taking it easy, 330-360K plus when pushing hard
Great commuter, good visibility a pleasure to ride anywhere, anytime for an hour or 12!!!
Still goes fast enough for licence losing speeds in Oz.

TDM 900 Weaknesses

18" front tyre, limited tyre choices
Limited accessories in Oz as not a popular model
Could do with a little more power and torque (say 10-15%) more like the V-strom
Single low/high beam and lack of adjustment is annoying - Now fixed thanks to factory manual (shame I can't read italian though)
Fuel injection a little too snatchy between 2-3K5 from 2nd to 4th, specially on non-smooth roads, i.e. undulations transfer jerky to throttle control. This was fixed by increasing throttle cable play to 3-5mm (initially there was little or no play as shipped from factory).
Still goes fast enough for licence losing speeds in Oz.

After 33000K and one slide (don't ask) in 8 months, I'm still happy with the bike. Have also finally found the headlight adjustment :-)
I don't like the Dunlop 205s at all, am trying a Michelin Pilot Road on the rear and a Bridgestone 020 on the front. Would be good to get a Pilot or 012 for the front.

Now with @ 16000K in 4 months and I am still impressed with the bike and the weaknesses are still the same.

Last updated: 24/01/2004, (C) R.Cook 2003/2004