1991 Yamaha TDM 850 (3VD) with fully refurbished spare engine! (Cosworth)

This is a unique opportunity to bid for a very early model (frame number 3VD0018--) of the mother of all adventure bikes. complete with a fully refurbished spare engine and carburetors. The current engine runs just fine. but like all Yamahas of that generation the gearbox is starting to show signs of age. The refurbished engine has a new gearbox and clutch. and also a set of (overbore) Cosworth pistons. The 1st generation TDMs are the lightest and most powerful of the series and the Cosworth engine. together with the already installed K&N air filter and Devil exhaust. is certainly going to add a few more horses. The bike is a good. honest runner. It's reliable and has never let me down in my 3 years of ownership. This bike is however 24 years old and it ain't pretending. but for the age it's definitively in good shape. CONS: Age related cosmetic damage:  Some cracks in fairingsome dents in exhaustpaint chips on left fork legscratch on clutch coverlower right fairing resprayedclutch lever and brake fluid reservoir repaintedPROS: Has all the good upgrades for old TDMs:Upgraded brakes (off a ThunderAce 1000)Upgraded brake lines (braided steel)Upgraded exhaust and air filter (K&N)Devil exhaust (with baffle. Dark exhaust note. but not too loud)Presumed to have bee re-jetted for the increased air flow as it starts. idles and runs smoothly. There's plenty of thread left on both tires (both replaced 1607 miles ago). The chain and sprocket kit is in good order (less than 3000 miles done)Wheel bearings and steering head bearings are good (no play)Last serviced by me 700 miles ago:New batteryNew oil and oil filterAir filter cleaned and oiledReplaced some missing fairing screwsThe bikes consumes a bit of oil. as is the norm with old TDM/TRX/XTZ engines; you'll probably have to top it up once every 1-2 months if you ride it often. Here's some more details about the engine:The bike is mechanically sound and can be driven "as is" for many more miles. A common problem with these engines is a notchy gearbox; first noticeable on the transition from 2nd to 3rd gear. The current engine starts to show signs of this: If you're sloppy with your left foot you can miss the shift from 2nd to 3rd. If you keep the the shit lever pressed during declutch (as one should) the shift is clean. With this in mind. and knowing that replacement gearboxes are very hard to find these days. I purchased a fully refurbished engine two years ago from a bloke who realised that it wouldn't fit into his later model TDM (different crankshaft offset and firing order). He originally got the engine from a friend of his who prepared it for a racing project that never happened. It's got a new gearbox. clutch and larger bore Cosworth pistons. I've never opened the engine up so I can't vouch for the modifications. but I've got no reason to doubt him. If you were to win this auction and find out that you were misinformed then I will buy the engine back of you for ??200. I thought I'd keep the TDM forever and would eventually switch the new engine over. but I've waited too long and now reality has caught up with me and I fancy trying out a new bike. Next MOT due June 2015 (7 months left). Taxed until end of November. but as far as I understand this is irrelevant now since the new tax scheme starting 1st October. Comes with spare key and owner's manual. Unfortunately the service booklet was lost when I bought it from a dealer. It's confirmed to have a service history dating back 4-5 years from 2012. but you have to assume that it's not a complete service history!Here's a review of the bike by MCN:http://www. motorcyclenews. com/mcn/bikereviews/searchresults/bike-reviews/yamaha/yamaha-tdm850-1991-01/You're welcome to come and see the bike in the OX14 area; just send me message. Obviously happy to answer questions as well. No test rides unless you leave a ??1000 cash deposit and prove of insurance; I'm however happy to take you for a spin as a pillion. No buy it now option. Happy bidding!Dan

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