For a very brief time in the early 1990s, Yamaha sold a parallel twin 850cc machine here in the United States — which has sold consistently in Europe as the TDM 850.
The TDM 850 was launched in 1992 by Yamaha and now, for 2002, Yamaha introduces the third generation TDM 900. The TDM has a growing, obsessed group of fans/owners, who extol its virtues. These include smooth, torquey power, light handling, and comfortable riding position. Even that intangible is often mentioned . . . character.
Designed primarily as a European product, the TDM 900 was conceived as the ideal bike for riding in mountain passes, such as the Alps or Pyrenees.
The TDM 900, unlike the 1996 revision of the TDM 850, is new virtually from the ground up. The larger displacement engine is now fuel injected, and features much stronger power across the rev range. The gearbox is entirely new and features six, well-spaced gears.
A variable air intake volume system boosts power at low rpms and, in conjunction with the displacement increase, allows the TDM to pull with authority even below 4000 rpm. The fuel injection system, meanwhile, makes the bike “carburet” perfectly even at high altitudes.
The engineers did everything possible to reduce weight, yet increase chassis stiffness for improved handling. The steel frame, for instance, was replaced by an aluminum frame that is 13 pounds lighter, but increases torsional stiffness by 40 percent. Lightweight wheels borrowed from Yamaha’s R6 sportbike transmit this chassis stiffness into greater steering precision. The claimed dry weight of the TDM 900 is 418 pounds.
Making the engine sit more upright in the frame allowed the TDM engineers to achieve a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution front to rear. The longer rear swingarm and R1-style suspension add to the handling package.
Overall, though, designers and engineers sought to maintain the TDM’s distinct character: “TDM is simply TDM; an entity in itself. We knew an important point would be to carry on that TDM identity. So during the development we attempted to create a design that introduced new creative forms within the basic context.” This quote is from Takeshi Umemoto, the chief body work designer for the TDM 900.
Unfortunately, Yamaha is unlikely to import this bike to the United States any time soon.
Technical Specifications
TDM 900
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