YAMAHA TDM850 (1991 - 2001) Review

Highlights

  • Great all-rounder at a low cost
  • Likeable parallel twin motor
  • Serious street trailie

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £300
Power: 77 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm)
Weight: Medium (443 lbs / 201 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £1,800

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Fairly revolutionary when launched and certainly years ahead of its time, the Yamaha TDM 850 was a sort of Multistrada 12 years before Ducati thought of it. As a serious street trailie allrounder it’s pretty effective, too.

The later 900 is better, but the Yamaha TDM 850 is still decent, good value, different, and largely overlooked.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The ride is far better than you might expect. Semi-decent suspension and brakes (for the early 90s at least) makes the Yamaha TDM 850 a genuine sports roadster (albeit a tall one) instead of being simply a bouncy trailie on street tyres. The Multistrada may better it, but it’s not by much  softness. The Yamaha TDM 850's ride is fairly good too, let down only slightly by a slightly narrow, hard seat…

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yamaha TDM 850 has a very likeable engine

What’s this? A modern parallel twin? Yup. The Yamaha TDM 850 hosts a big bore derivation of Super Tenere parallel twin (that had 750ccs) which is a little clattery but on the whole brisk, flexible and trouble free. Later bikes with 270-degree crank version is the pick of the bunch.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yamahas are rarely the best of the big four, often criticised for poor corrosion resistance and generally thin pain and metal finishes. But the Yamaha TDM 850 is truly better than most. Reliability issues are few and high mileages are common but the later example Yamaha TDM 850 you go for the better.

Our Yamaha TDM 850 owners' reviews show mainly happy buyers, although there are a few notes about a clunky gearbox. One reader explains that a blip of throttle on a downshift helps the cogs mesh together better. 

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Despite its longevity, the Yamaha TDM 850 has never really caught on in the UK, which means it's fairly commonplace and cheap, too. If you’re fairly tall and want an upright all-rounder, you won’t do much better than the Yamaha TDM 850 for the price.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The clocks of the Yamaha TDM 850

Better than the average bear. The Yamaha TDM 850 has comprehensive, sporty instrumentation, decent switchgear and mirrors, an effective, good looking fairing and ample pillion provision, too. Lots of Yamaha extras (heated grips, luggage etc) are available as well.

Specs

Engine size 849cc
Engine type 8v paralle twin, 5 gears
Frame type Steel twin spar
Fuel capacity 20 litres
Seat height 795mm
Bike weight 201kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound
Rear suspension Preload, rebound
Front brake 2 x 298mm discs
Rear brake 245mm disc
Front tyre size 110/80 x 18
Rear tyre size 150/70 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 38 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £300
New price -
Used price £1,800
Insurance group 12 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 77 bhp
Max torque 59 ft-lb
Top speed 130 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 12.5 secs
Tank range 155 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1991: Yamaha TDM850 launched.
1993: Yamaha TDM850 gets new chrome silencers, silver frame, polished footrest brackets.
1994: Minor gearbox and clutch modifications for Yamaha TDM850.
1996: Bigger 43mm forks, shorter frame, close ratio gearbox, 270-degree crank engine, redesigned exhaust and silencers, twin bulb headlamps, new styling, larger 20 litre fuel tank.
1997: Yamaha TDM850 gets modified wiring loom to allow alarm fitment.
2001: Yamaha TDM850 replaced by TDM900.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA TDM850 (1991 - 2001)

11 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA TDM850 (1991 - 2001) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA TDM850 (1991 - 2001)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Engine: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Equipment: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Annual servicing cost: £300
4 out of 5
07 April 2021 by Stephen Barrett

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £200

Nice bike to ride i am 5.9 and an get the feet to the floor my bike is a mk2 it gets 50 mpg and has 70,000 miles on the clock.the bad points they can drink oil and the oil sight is a pain in the ass to check also the battery box is positioned behind the rear shock its a pain in the ass to remove other then that a cracking all rounder

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

brembo rear brake cylinder and you an put r6 or fazer pots up front

Engine 4 out of 5

nice torque does not like to be under 4k revs in 5th gear

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

service it keep an eye on the oil and the thing will run and run

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

has a fuel guage

4 out of 5 Is there a more capable all rounder in the motorcycle worl
08 July 2020 by Gus

Year: 1997

For small money, is there a more capable motorcycle ? I paid €1300.00 for my well loved gen 2 with daytime running lights, MRA screen with flip up, alarm, heated grips, stainless steel exhaust, including headers, givi box and frame , and manual fan switch,with good running gear except brake pads. Headcases are asking €3000 for Honda 50's on done deal and eBay !!!. You pays your money , you takes your choice

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 TDM850 Adventure Tourer and Wheelie Hack.
19 December 2015 by GodzillaMonster

Version: 3VD

Year: 1992

Annual servicing cost: £400

400,000+ kms, ridden across the world 2-up, owned 20 years yet still my reliable daily transport/fang/wheelie fix. Thanks Yamaha! www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/richardandlisa

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Can ride all day 2 up - no problem. Sheepskin on seat & white power shock. Doesn't work too good in sand or mud but great fun off-road on hardpack dirt or gravel.

Engine 5 out of 5

Magic. If only it had another 20HP...

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Regulators only real weak point - underrated. replaced with a 35W unit from a VFR800

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap and easy to maintain myself.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Should have clock. Also should come with Michelin Sirac on front & Anakee on rear - magic combination. High mileage, great grip wet or dry & they work off-road on hardpack dirt or gravel.

Buying experience: Private. Price long forgotten but have had more than my moneys worth.

4 out of 5
04 September 2015 by wilf

Year: 2001

Not had this bike long but I love it, more so since I've fitted aftermarket renthal handles bars which gives it a less sit up and beg feel. Also feels more controlled.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Brakes are fine. I find the gear box abit clunky and have difficulty know which gear I'm in.

Engine 5 out of 5

Pulls like a train.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Mine has done 48,0000 and it's still what you'd call mint, in fact a friend of mine thought it was brand new when I first showed it him.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Everything I need.

5 out of 5 MILESANDSMILES
19 February 2010 by MILESANDSMILES

I bought mine new in 98 and I agree with all the positive stuff written in the reviews but I can't understand why everybody seems to bellyache about the gearbox unless they just repeat what's written in mags.I use mine pretty hard and I've leathered it at times uphill,downhill,through multiple hairpins and in and out of traffic all over europe and I can't recall ever hitting a false neutral or missing a gear.If it helps anybody I have always habitually blipped the throttle on downshifts to mesh the cogs.Mine has 72,000 up at present and I've just replaced my first parts except for oil,chain and plugs which was carb diaphragms.I have other bikes but if I'm going long distance it's the TDM every time.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 allround ace
29 November 2009 by trenchfoot

I got mine earlier this year a 1991 model after a series of sports bikes. The ridng position is excellent, covers journeys of 150 miles+ comfortably and fairly economically, only bad comment - the gear box it's dreadful- from a Fordson Tractor!! slow, ponderous & full of false nuetrals but you do get used it (sort of).

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 A Great Everyday Bike
17 May 2008 by isimmins

I got mine in Jan 2008 as an MOT failure. Pair of tyres and an indicator relay and it was fixed. I've covered 3000 miles on it and love it. Nice upright riding position, easy slow speed handling and a very punchy motor. Lots of low down grunt. Great around town and on the twisties.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 A good all-rounder
21 September 2007 by bigstevew

Ive had my 2000 model for a fairly short time but its doing all thats required. Its comfy but powerful and makes me smile! Im 6ft 6 so its good for taller riders. The engine pulls well in most gears but its sometimes hard to find the right gear for slower speeds. The ride is comfy but its a bit soft and wallowy if you push it. The gearbox is clunky and disjointed but doesn't detract from the overall ride. They are pretty cheap too. If you want a good bike thats a bit of a Jack, buy one!

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 TDM850
30 August 2007 by itsmeinleek

I use mine for commuting in/out of London everyday including a lengthy M25 stretch. Weekend, put on race face and you’ll surprise a lot of sports bike riders, it corners and stops well too. Good seat height giving great visibility, versatile engine, comfy for 100 mile stretches and great fuel economy. It makes a tiresome commute bearable. Only downside is the gearbox, its gash. False neutral between 1st-2nd and every gear engages with a bad clunk. Mines a 99 model and the finish is still really good (is it really a Yamaha?). A surprisingly good alternative to the brilliant VFR.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 suprisingly capable
27 July 2007 by k2col

I went for a TDM850 after being on the lookout for a bike that would suit my height (6ft 6) and the TDM fits the bill nicely. It took a while to get used to the high front end but this was mostly psychological and I'm now loving the handling, its really easy to chuck around. Bright yellow and silver paint job looks the business and it really doesn't look like a 12 year old bike. Engine is good, acceleration is strong but steady - no power bands here. Exhaust gives a pleasant but not overbearing growl when pushed hard. Only niggle is that she runs a bit rough when cold and I had problems with wet weather running which were fixed by replacing the rubber spark plug holders.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 its a goodun
15 May 2007 by bud

Does everything you'll ever need it to do,surely one of the best commuter bikes around, no problems with the engine at 24k, build quality is suprisingly good (1998 model). The only weakness is the gearbox, notchy, noisy and doesn't seem to have any connection with the clutch. You'll get used to it though!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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