Yamaha TDM850
{{Infobox Motorcycle
| name = Yamaha TDM 850
| image =File:TDM 850 Bj 91.jpg
| aka = TDM
| manufacturer = Yamaha Motor Company
| production = 1991- 2001
| predecessor = XTZ 750 Super Tenere
| successor = Yamaha TDM 900
| parent_company =
| class = Sport touring
| platform =
| engine ={{unbulleted list
| {{convert|849.3|cc|abbr=on}}
| Mk I: liquid-cooled multi-valve parallel-twin 360-degree cranks
| Mk II: crossplane parallel-twin 270-degree crank}}
| bore_stroke ={{convert|89.5|×|67.5|mm|1|abbr=on}}
|top_speed = {{Convert|130|mph|abbr=on}}
| power={{Convert|77|hp|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| torque = {{Convert|59|lbft|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| transmission = 5-speed manual
| rake =
| trail =
| wheelbase =
| length =
| width =
| seat_height = {{convert|795|mm|abbr=on}}
| dry_weight =
| wet_weight =
| fuel_economy =
| fuel_capacity = {{convert|20|L|abbr=on}}
| related =
}}
The Yamaha TDM is an 849 cc DOHC parallel-twin motorcycle that heralded the modern "Sport touring" category. The TDM was first manufactured by the Yamaha Motor Company of Japan in 1991. The TDM has a pressed-steel frame and a dry sump engine with five valves per cylinder, (three inlet and two exhaust).
History
The TDM was arguably the first road-oriented "Adventure Sports" motorcycle. It was not intended as an off-road machine, but as a comfortable yet manoeuvrable all-rounder, rather like the Ducati Multistrada of later years. A TDM is too bulky and heavy for serious off-road work, but its long-travel suspension can cope with gravel tracks.
The TDM's engine was derived from the Paris Dakar winning Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Tenere. Yamaha intended to create a motorcycle capable of handling European mountain roads and coping with rougher road surfaces. The TDM's upright riding position seemed radical in its day.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
The TDM was imported into the United States for only two years, 1992 and 1993. It was never a big seller in the United Kingdom nor at first in The Netherlands, but sales were strong in other European countries, particularly in France, Germany and Greece.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}.
In 1996, instead of the previous 360 engine Yamaha released the Mk II TDM with updated bodywork and a 270° firing order engine that was shared with the TRX850, they also shared the same transmission.{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/trx850/1996//|title=YAMAHA TRX850 (1996-2000) Review| publisher=Motorcycle News|access-date=November 18, 2017|date=November 24, 2006 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/yamaha-trx-850-17077.html//|last=MacKellar |first=Colin |title=Yamaha TRX 850| publisher=Motorcycle.com|access-date=November 27, 2016|date=April 20, 1996 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917064425/http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/yamaha-trx-850-17077.html///|archive-date=September 17, 2016 }} This new engine was first seen in 1995, when Yamaha introduced its TRX850 in Japan.
Although early models came with no fuel gauge and a reserve fuel tap, beginning in 1999, Yamaha replaced the temperature gauge on the dashboard with a fuel gauge.
Successor
In 2001 the TDM850 was succeeded by the TDM 900, a more powerful bike with a similar concept to the 850. The TDM900 featured new bodywork, a diamond-shaped alloy frame, a 6-speed gearbox, fuel-injection, R1-derived brakes, a reduced dry weight of 190 kg, a larger-capacity 900cc engine, and slightly wider tyres (160 rear, 120 front). It has a 2-position trip meter, a digital clock, and digital fuel meter. ABS was available as an option. The engine has a maximum power output of {{Convert|84.8|hp|abbr=on}} @ 7,500 rpm and torque {{Convert|65.49|lbft|abbr=on}} @ 7,500 rpm (claimed).{{cite web |url=http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/2013-yamaha-tdm900-ar153031.html//|title=2013 Yamaha TDM900 | publisher=Top Speed|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=May 8, 2013 }}
Reception
MCN said of the TDM850 Mk II: "Fairly revolutionary when launched and certainly years ahead of its time, the Yamaha TDM850 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 TDM850 is still decent, good value, different, and largely overlooked".{{cite web |url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/tdm850/1991//|title=YAMAHA TDM850 (1991-2001) Review| publisher=Motorcycle News|access-date=November 5, 2016|date=November 24, 2006}}
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References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Yamaha TDM}}
{{Yamaha motorcycles}}
{{Yamaha motorcycles timeline}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Dual-sport motorcycles