2002 YAMAHA TDM900

897cc 190kg (dry) 96bhp 825mm seat height

Dealer price £2000-£4500 Private £1300-£3000 This one £2850, dealer sale

This model was a major revamp of the long-running 850cc twin and got an aluminium frame, stainless exhaust and other improvements, including brakes from the R1. The sit-up-and-beg riding position delivers plenty of comfort, it’s got plenty of torque, and the wide bars mean you can really chuck it about. It was ahead of its time, and back in fashion now that adventure-sports bikes are in vogue. Economical and reliable, it’s a poor man’s Multistrada, almost. Post 2005 models got ABS, too.

Buyer beware

The steel suspension linkages rust, fasteners corrode, headlights are crap, and it’s quite a heavy bike (190kg dry). The seat height is also a tad lofty, so the combination makes them prone to toppling if you put a foot wrong. Other than that, a solid used buy.