Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

ive just recently got off my restricted licence and have from day one
wanted an Ducati. since i cant afford one and being my first big bike i have for about 9 months been looking at TRX's.

i love them,

the look

the sound

the handing

basically its SEX on Wheels.

ive been on about four so far. hopefully tommorrow will be my last test ride, plan on offering a guy $5,300 for a 95 model, Red, Laser Pipes with luggue rack included

any tips to look out for would be helpful

Welcome "Loud pipes....",
I think I am right in saying a '95 model would be Japanese import. Not real sure what the differences are though. Some one here will be able to help. Good to see another TRXer from Adelaide.

Hi there Loud Pipes Save Lives,

Theres some stuff in this thread to look out for, nothing really bad. Just remember there's potential for things to be well worn on a 12 year old bike.

http://trx850.motomaniac.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1242

Hey Loud Pipes.
I am the owner of a 95 model and yes if the one you are looking at is a 95 it will be an import, and it should have the following bits. (unless they have been changed at some time) A black motor, Brembo Front brake calipers, a white faced rev counter, and if I might venture to add probably indicating low Ks. There seems to be a tendency for these imports to be low Ks but in fact they probably will have done a whole lot more. In my case it didnt matter as the bike is in good condition but it is worth remembering. When you check the oil level there are many methods put but you should check it while the motor is running and preferably after a run. (All this is because the bike has a dry sump.)
Acually I think that the price offered is possibly a little high based on what the average seems to be but if it is good condition well then its your choice.
Whatever you do if you do buy it you will have just the best time and you will find that there are a lot of gurus on this site who will always be of assistance if you have a problem.

A couple of things to remember:

1 - search is your friend

2 - calling the TRX a poor man's ducati is not the best way to make new friends!

Anyhow, welcome.

Buy a TRX - it is better than a 900ss in every way

phuk72 wrote:2 - calling the TRX a poor man's ducati is not the best way to make new friends!

Awww don't be so hard on him - I loved the old 900SD I used to ride, but I couldn't afford Duke servicing so when I saw the TRX I jumped at it.

Welcome to the site Loud Pipes - have a good look round the site, there's plenty of information here.

hey.. i live in adelaide !

main things to check:

Front fairing.. make sure its bolted on straight and the metal tabs are not bent, and have no paint flake (like its BEEN bent and straightened). Also check headlight stiffness and dash. The dash is rubber mounted, but should be fairly secure still.

Stand infront of the bike, put the front wheel between your knees and grab the handle bars and try to twist them, it shouldnt move, if it does, you will have BIG handling problems.. many things can cause this.

kneel side on to the front wheel, try to wiggle it side to side, this is to check front axle / bearings.. easy fix, depending on how handy you are. but they SHOULDNT be shot.

check radiator for any obvious signs of leaks thru paint wear or a "gooey" mess on one of the corners. this is bad. also check all hoses.

Check oil, and check how clean it is.. If its REALLY murky, ask when the last time he changed it was.. but ask BEFORE you check the oil.. thick oil can quieten down engine rattles.. It should be a goldy colour with a smokey tint at worst.. it WILL go really black over time cos of the clutch uses this same oil.

check footpegs for wear.. Good indication if bike has been dropped or not.. Only a brave man / fool leans a bike over that far that his pegs rub on the ground.

Check chain, rear brake and the "wiggle" test with rear wheel.

Pop the rear pillion seat off and then take off the main seat.. Make sure the battery doesnt have any white crap on the terminals.. easy to fix really, but just a personal thing for me.. when you put seats back on, they should be firm and not wiggly once in place.. also indication of crash / droppage (depending on how bad).

Check exhausts aint loose, and the pillion foot pegs are very solid and have no cracks in them.. Im actually able to lift my bike from the rear via the 2 exhausts (did this when i made the missus connect up my new dog bones in the suspension).. so thats how secure they should be.

Hope this is some good information.

Clutch needs replacing (my opinion) about 60,000km,, and at that service, do oil / filters all over. but im sure you can sus this out later.

I get my stuff thru Show n Go motorcycles on brighton road.. They usually have a few TRX things laying around that i tend to pick up if needed.. But im sure anyone can get parts if your disparate.

good luck and hope to see you around the traps some time !

I suppose it's always a bit of a gamble buying a second-hand bike and all of the above is true of course, but then if you want perfection .... buy a BMW , but where's the fun in that.
Take a 'rex out for a test ride with a few mates on R1's, 'Blades, etc (you'll probably arrive last, (but who wants to come first anyway?)) and use a vernier caliper to measure the grins. TRX rider's should be biggest. Look forward to seeing your first post as a newbie owner.
'Nuff said.

Rural Rat wrote:Welcome "Loud pipes....",
I think I am right in saying a '95 model would be Japanese import. Not real sure what the differences are though. Some one here will be able to help. Good to see another TRXer from Adelaide.

Welcome Loud Pipes.... And another TRX lister in Adelaide... The TRX was made for them hills.... Still interested in a ride out guys but work has got real busy, gotta make hay.......

Was out on Easter Monday AM and saw a black TRX with a GSXR going the opposite way ( to Lobie) on Basket Hill Ranges Road. Not one of you lot was it?

DFH

Not me DFH,

Spent the Easter weekend working. Will be out there the next few days though.