Real world rides, real world riders

No no no, I know the perfect bike for me

Steve knows what he wants and I'd had the same thoughts: never owned a Guzzi but always liked the breed and wanted something similar – physically large enough for my 6ft, long legs and 14 stone seven frame, comfortable enough for touring and much more economical than today's 35-45mpg sports tourers or large capacity nakeds. I also wanted something that could commute, tour and still be quick enough and handle sharply enough not to be boring when the sun shone and a good outing was called for.

Didn't take me too long to work out that what I needed was a Yamaha TDM 900. Ticked all the boxes for me: 200kg dry/223kg fully fuelled and lubed; 21 litre tank which routinely gives me 180-190 miles or 50-55mpg to reserve with 4 litres left (even more when treated gently); 85bhp from a long(ish) stroke parallel twin with plentiful torque from low revs for easy riding and clean, swift overtakes when required.

Handles like a big supermoto when asked and keeps up with much more powerful tackle at all but silly speeds when ridden well. As to comfort, my touring buddies on a round trip to the western highlands of Scotland (Fireblade; VTR; Sprint ST) referred to it as the sofa and, while that's clearly jealousy at work, relatively soft suspension and a well-padded seat do make full tank rides comfortable as well as just possible. The longest day was Aviemore to Norwich or 587 miles and I could still walk afterwards – I call that capable.

Some say TDM equals tedium but they've probably not lived with one – try it, it could be just what you need. And it's cheap too.

Nigel Beesley
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