Ross Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 At the end of the year im thinking of selling/part ex my 1998 Yamaha TDM 850 with all the luggage (back box, side panniers, racks all fitted) it also has a tall screen for touring, upgaded brake cables, heated grips and 12v charger for satnav etc... And getting a Yamaha XT660X. I want to kit it up for touring get it racked up for boxes etc. Its a more fun bike to ride etc... What do you guys think? Have i finally lost it? Quote
Justarn Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 Just going of the mcn reviews your tdm seems a better bike.The 660 will likely feel slow with just 48hp compared to the 77bhp you have now.Why not look at the tdm900? Quote
Ross Posted February 25, 2019 Author Posted February 25, 2019 Just going of the mcn reviews your tdm seems a better bike.The 660 will likely feel slow with just 48hp compared to the 77bhp you have now.Why not look at the tdm900? To be fair im not a big speed freak. I like my up right good view comfortable riding. The TDM i find rather hard to handle. The XT is more nimble and fun on twisty mountain toads and round town. And can still be loaded up for a distence trip Quote
Justarn Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 have a good test ride, not really a tourer is it. Quote
skyrider Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 there is a picture of a guy in murrays museum in the iom and he used to tour all over the world on his honda c90 Quote
Ross Posted February 25, 2019 Author Posted February 25, 2019 Ill be doing more trips within the uk like rides to the coast and up to the lakes etc... then touring in europe once a year maybe twice Quote
Snod Blatter Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 The TDM i find rather hard to handle.I've always heard the TDM is supposed to be a surprisingly nice handling machine, have you tried it without all the boxes on..? Quote
Justarn Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 Also they are old now, maybe a suspension recon Quote
Ross Posted February 25, 2019 Author Posted February 25, 2019 The ride itself is okay, i just find it pretty hairy on the bends. Maybe because all ive ever ridden is dirt bikes duel sport bikes. But i do fancu one Quote
fastbob Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 (edited) You can tour on any thing. You certainly can ! This my ER5 in Durness near Cape Wrath, 1630 miles in a week. I'm off to the Outer Hebrides this year . Edited February 25, 2019 by fastbob Quote
fastbob Posted February 25, 2019 Posted February 25, 2019 At the end of the year im thinking of selling/part ex my 1998 Yamaha TDM 850 with all the luggage (back box, side panniers, racks all fitted) it also has a tall screen for touring, upgaded brake cables, heated grips and 12v charger for satnav etc... And getting a Yamaha XT660X. I want to kit it up for touring get it racked up for boxes etc. Its a more fun bike to ride etc... What do you guys think? Have i finally lost it? Get your XT660 by all means but keep the TDM , after all you won't get much for it . Quote
Ross Posted February 25, 2019 Author Posted February 25, 2019 Get your XT660 by all means but keep the TDM , after all you won't get much for it .Unfortuntally im still in the position of living under my parents roof and im not sure if they would be too happy with me having two bikes in their garage . Also would probs have to sell the tdm to help fund the xtx. Hmmmmmm.... Quote
Copycat73 Posted February 26, 2019 Posted February 26, 2019 been there done that .. kitted a DR600 with three boxes .. too slow .. got it upto 75mph .. it burnt the paint off the exhaust .. you will kill it.. Quote
learningtofly Posted February 26, 2019 Posted February 26, 2019 Always a good idea, surely? I have a feeling that I'll be switching this time next year... I really fancy an R9T! Quote
Gin Posted February 26, 2019 Posted February 26, 2019 Sorry if I've missed you already saying, but have you taken a test ride on the 660? Quote
Ross Posted February 26, 2019 Author Posted February 26, 2019 Sorry if I've missed you already saying, but have you taken a test ride on the 660? I havnt test rode it yet. Its a super moto , whats not good about it Quote
Mississippi Bullfrog Posted February 26, 2019 Posted February 26, 2019 Sorry if I've missed you already saying, but have you taken a test ride on the 660? I havnt test rode it yet. Its a super moto , whats not good about it I was convinced about the last bike I was going to buy, until I sat on it. Then having gone to do exactly that I sat on everything else and fell in love with a bike I thought I'd never go for. Until your bum has snuggled into the seat no bike is a foregone conclusion. Quote
MikeHorton Posted February 26, 2019 Posted February 26, 2019 Don't be put off by the size difference totally different bike but very capable single loads of torque. Wife and I love my 25bhp himalayan no issues, sure not quick but speed isn't the aim. I'd defo say like other test ride it first Quote
skyrider Posted February 26, 2019 Posted February 26, 2019 yes and I have to say im not bothered about ballistic speed myself these days Quote
Ross Posted February 27, 2019 Author Posted February 27, 2019 yes and I have to say im not bothered about ballistic speed myself these days Don't be put off by the size difference totally different bike but very capable single loads of torque. Wife and I love my 25bhp himalayan no issues, sure not quick but speed isn't the aim. I'd defo say like other test ride it first I dont ride bikes for speed, i like to ride them for comfort and taking in the scenery and fresh air. Im 25 and have never been one for balistic speeds i love the look and sound of superbikes but would never have one myselfLovley Endield you have there i bet you have had some right adventures on that! If i was to go for the XTX i would get the sprockets changed soniys got more top end speed for cruising Quote
Gin Posted February 27, 2019 Posted February 27, 2019 Sorry if I've missed you already saying, but have you taken a test ride on the 660?I havnt test rode it yet. Its a super moto , whats not good about it I was convinced about the last bike I was going to buy, until I sat on it. Then having gone to do exactly that I sat on everything else and fell in love with a bike I thought I'd never go for. Until your bum has snuggled into the seat no bike is a foregone conclusion. Thanks MB, you pretty much summed up what I was going to say. Always at least sit on a bike before you buy and if possible I HEAVILY recommend at least going round the block on it. I would never have bought my Sprint before I took one for a test ride and now I'm so grateful because I love her to pieces 4 years later (... Jesus that times gone fast! ) Quote
Ross Posted February 27, 2019 Author Posted February 27, 2019 Ill jave a look around local dealers see if there are some about to test ride Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.