Tm 80e
TM 80E
ROUNDUP
Quick Ride
A fair disadvantage
IN LAST YEAR'S "ULTIMATE Enduro Shootout," we christened TM's 300E, "The Monster." We applauded the bike's light feel and works components, but its wicked burst of midrange power was simply too much. So how did the Italian manufacturer respond to our criticisms? By sending us its least-powerful model, the TM 80E.
This is no ordinary 80, however. The enduro-issue 80E is powered by a liquid-cooled, two-stroke Single housed in-get this-a full-size 125cc-style chassis. This merger is due to the fact that in Europe (particularly in Italy and Spain), 80s make popular racebikes. Stateside, however, such machines are usually cause for wisecracks. In fact, upon its arrival, the TM 80E was referred to as, "the slowest 125 of the decade." Well, the joke's on us. Like its bigger brother, the 80E's cornponents are its most impressive feature. To wit, an aluminum gas tank, hydraulic clutch, billet upper triple-clamp and brake pedal, machined hubs and welded-from-individual-cones expansion chamber are standard equipment. The sand-cast engine cases are equally trick, as is the easily removable clutch cover. A conventional Paioli fork and reservoir-equipped Ohlins shock handle suspension duties. So, what's it like to ride a fullsized 80? With a few exceptions, it's very similar to riding a late model 125cc motocrosser. Fore most is the power-or lack thereof. If this engine were in a smaller chassis, it would rip kids' arms off. In a full-size frame, though, it feels about as powerful as a 125 with the pow ervalve stuck shut. Considering the engine's diminutive displace ment, there's still sufficient torque on tap to keep the engine from stalling if you've entered a corner a gear or two too high. For best results, multiple down shifts are necessary. Fortunately, the clutch and six-speed trans mission are up to the task.
Thanks to the trick hardware, the TM is very lightweight. Plunking along at slow speeds, the bike feels like a 125 that's been on a diet. Ride faster, and it feels positively bicycle-like. Using body english alone, you can easily elevate the front wheel to position the bike on the trail. In fact, on a relatively smooth course, you'd swear you were on a more powerful machine. The suspension is sprung softly, but in what appears to be a European trend, resists bottoming. Of course, the bike is intended for riders who weigh less than our 180-pound tester, but the setup still worked well enough to top the 0-200cc class at a local off-road Grand Prix.
So, the big question: Should you spend $5900 on an 80? If you like being the underdog, then the TM is the bike of choice. And if there ever were an excellent training bike with which to sharpen your cornering and late-braking skills, this is it. Who says real men ride 500s?
Jimmy Lewis
