Yamaha TRX850 Review

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Yamaha TRX850
★★★★★
4.9
100.0% of users recommend this
  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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pinball wizard's review of Yamaha TRX850

“I am an individual, why should my bike be the same as...”

★★★★★

written by pinball wizard on 06/07/2007

Good Points
Handling.
Reliability.
Looks.

Bad Points
Stock exhaust is very restrictive.
Headlight is a bit weak.
Stock brakes and suspension are a bit 'budget'.

General Comments
I am an individual, why should my bike be the same as everyone elses?

I've always been one to steer clear of mass produced bikes and have, in the past, owned a Buell M2 Cyclone and a Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport - not exactly your top sellers! The TRX was no exception, something a little different but without the reliability issues of the Buell or parts availability of the Guzzi. I've also been a long-time admirer of the TRX visually and was lucky enough to pick up a nice one for £2000. I ride year-round in all weather and the Yammy hasn't skipped a beat.



These bikes do like to drink oil, so keep an eye on the level (a litre every 1000 miles is not uncommon). The original suspension is a bit vague but by replacing the oil in the forks with a higher volume of 7.5W (standard is 10W) you will make it firmer without losing feel.

I'd also recommend replacing the OE calipers for some R1/R6 ones. The difference is astounding.

With stock pipes and cans the bike can feel a bit laboured higher in the rev range but any number of aftermarket systems are available to free up the gas flow a bit.



With the negatives put to bed, let's talk about the positives - this is a GREAT bike!

The handling is superb, crisp and confidence inspiring. I've just fitted a set of Pilot Road 2 tyres and they are very well suited. The engine seems to be bullet-proof and delivers the power in a very linear way (small rough spot around 4000 RPM). It's good for about 140 MPH which is adequate for most riders but it's in the corners this bike excels. Pick your line and it will hold it. If you've miscalculated, don't panic, small inputs at the bars will see you out the other side, hard on the gas and grinning like an idiot.

I love the look of this bike too, the trellis frame, minimal bodywork. It all seems to work so well. The sound from the exhaust is superb too. Although it's a parallel twin, the 270 degree crank ensures it fires and sounds like a V twin - you could swear it was a Ducati on the over-run (well, it WAS designed to go head to head with the 900SS!). My bike had 17000 Miles on the clock when I bought it, it now has over 30000 Miles. My license is clean and my adrenal gland is running on low - can't do that on a GSXR-1000!



It may not be the fastest bike, but it's certainly a good one. Go on, treat yourself.

  • 1996

    Year Manufactured

  • 18 Months

    Length of ownership

  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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Ivantt's Response to pinball wizard's Review

Written on: 16/07/2007

Yes! I have gone through owning many bikes over the past 25 or so years, from old Triumphs to old Harleys to new Harleys, GSX-R`s, even the odd Ducati. But my current ride is a 1999 TRX850.
<br/>Fantastic bike, great handling and sounds as tough as a line up of canons firing off. Love it and I can`t see myself getting rid of it any time soon, Just waiting for the warmer days to arrive and it's back to the hills to race the cowboys!

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