Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

So I have had my TRX getting on for two years now and it is just not being ridden. Main issue is that after about 20 minutes I start to lose feeling in my hands because of carpal tunnel problems so every ride just becomes a literal pain. I switched to the TRX from a 955 Daytona as it was comparatively a lot more upright so I thought that would help.

I had thought that basically I should just stick to four wheels, but last week I finally got round to using an "experience day" voucher my wife bought me for Xmas 2009 (!) and had a full days green lane riding on a CRF250. I expected to have trouble from the start what with extra vibration usually bringing on the wrist inflammation quicker. But damned if I didn't ride for nearly 6 hours without any wrist problems whatsoever.

So that has left me thinking I need to go really upright. Question then is streetfighter the TRX or sell it and switch to something like a KTM Duke? I would normally be up for tinkering but aside from having very little time I think it might be sacrilege to start modifying the TRX; I just checked and it now has a grand total of 5,332miles on it. That must make it one of the lowest mileage TRXs left.

So on one side of the argument I have a fantastic example of a good bike that I just can't get on with but might be able to "improve", on the other I'm thinking perhaps I should sell it to someone who can really appreciate it as it is and move on to something that has been designed and built for what I need.

Any thoughts/opinions gratefully received.

mz baghira supermoto

This is not an uncommon problem GR. After various attempts including raising the 'bars with spacers, I cured my wrist problem (numb breaking fingers) by swapping the clip-ons, left for right, so that they are upside-down. It seems a simple change of angle fixed my problem. It takes 10 minutes to change them over, so worth a try. Another fix dreamed up by Kayla

I have a streetfighter (more like rat fighter!) style bike cause I just dont really like the crouched neck straining riding position, I much prefer to be upright, my bike,whilst I really like, it is nothing special at all so streetfightering it was fine.They are still lovley bikes to ride with the upright position (I have 80mm risers and about 70mm rise in the bars and no fairing at all)but defo not as fast as a drop style.
It would seem a shame to start mucking around with a nice low milage example, but you can unbolt parts and put on new ones until your hearts content as long as you keep the orig parts in my book,
Then again there are some lovley supermoto/semi off road bikes around that give comfort and the ability to get up the green lanes.
I guess its your call based on what you would like to do with a bike, off road or on road

You got green lanes that you can ride on a motorbike? think they're all banned around here!, Your more than welcome to try mine with the spacers under the bars and top of the forks, helps me with a back problem. The only time I had armlock problems was riding a supermoto in a race! (Nice little ride north of the county for you).

Dave E

Just a thought, have you tried altering the angles of the levers to a more downward position?

Dave E

After 6 years with the TRX i recently moved to The Aprilia shiver. Its got a little bit more power, its nicer to ride as the throttle reponse is not so sensitive. It handles ok. but most of all it is upright and comfortable. Does 50+ mpg too.
No regrets.
Dave

slow codger wrote: Just a thought, have you tried altering the angles of the levers to a more downward position?

Dave E

I've tried all manner of angles on levers etc. It seems only solution is to keep all the weight off my wrists which stops them swelling and the nerves being squeezed. Given how rough the roads are round here something with good supple suspension is a must too or I will probably have the same issue.

My daily commute is just under 20 miles of which only 4 is straight so that has got me thinking Supermoto. Doesn't matter if it won't go over 80 as there is not really any room to do that other than a short burst on the A14

Now listed in sale section.

What about a TDM ?? . But , in saying there's a load of bikes that'll do the job . Handle bar risers maybe ? Cheaper than a new bike

Got me thinking a lot now, but firstly do you still like the TRX? Would like to see yours to see what the riding position is like compared to mine, as I dont like the face on the front mudguard riding position, it is uncomfortable, and my wrists dont like it either due to an old injury and shortened wrist! my bars are higher, and if you grip the tank with stomp grip (I think thats what its called) on it, it isnt too bad. also larger grips and adjustable levers may help. Are the footrests standard?

Dave E

Just seen where you are, are you at Ely or nearby? I'm at March so could come down at the weekend If you want.

Dave E

slow codger wrote: Just seen where you are, are you at Ely or nearby? I'm at March so could come down at the weekend If you want.

Dave E

Thanks for the offer Dave, but I'm pretty sure the only solution is going to be to put on full streetfighter bars (I went down a similar route with a Daytona I used to have). That would then mean cutting the fairing or taking it off. Don't want to cut a perfectly good fairing and rally don't have time to try and make a naked TRX work, so for now I think I will have a look around and see if I come across something that might better suit as it is.

Incidentally I may have a line on a Husaberg FS650 Supermoto - that would make bumpy Fen roads fun!

I had a Husaberg 600 supermoto! Definateley super fun! Try the road from March to Turves!! ( For others, It crosses the same railway track 4 times in 2 miles, and the fen roads sink into the soil! )

Dave E

Most people i know who have ridden supermoto's on the road tell me the fun is pretty short lived. In my own experience dirt bikes are pants on the road apart from short bursts, & green lanes are getting scarce in East Anglia (i'm in Suffolk) thats one of the reasons i got back into road bikes a couple of years ago.