Yes they turbo and super charge them. Important to mention geen 2 is way down tuned from factory a reflaah alone yields 240 hoarse and 130 foot pounds.
Yammie, this bike has been around for 35 years, Vmax owners have implemented simple mods to make it stop, and handle much better. I know this guy loves his original bike, but it's actually a dis-service not to modify it to make it more solid and less weird. Not to mention less dangerous.
It’s to bad Yamaha never sold the mt01 in the USA. You would have fun on it. 1700 v twin air cooled with r1 suspension. 530 pounds of fun. I just mentioned it because you thought the v max was an odd combination.
Best bike ever for me, owning both the 1200 and the 1700 but I bought them new and I would never buy a used one. To many idiots out there who can't control themselves when they get in touch with the VMax. Plus, most of these bikes are individualized heavily and I dont want to ride around on a bike that someone has individualized for himself.
Years of being loyal to this channel, and it pays off. This is the video I've been waiting for.. THANKS YAMM!!! And thanks John for providing those beauties
V-Boost does open up at ~5700-6000 rpm but it does not increase the fuel supply. Butterfly valves in plenums connecting carbs 1&2 and 3&4 open up and increases the amount of air flow into the combustion chamber, bringing the horsepower from ~90hp to ~150hp. It hits like a turbo and pulls like a bastard. The V-Max was designed to emulate American muscle cars and at the time of it's release, 1985, it was the fastest production vehicle on the market. Since it was designed for making 1/4 mile passes as fast as possible, the frame was made as light as possible. The resulting frame design was very thin and does not lend itself well to cornering. The frame flexes, the front forks were too small, the rims are too thin, and the brakes are underpowered for the weight of the bike. All of this combines to make a white knuckle straight line monster. As for Yammie's comments on the sound, an aftermarket exhaust is 100% necessary to unleash the insanely sexy symphony of sound. Another few things that are very much necessary for "modernizing" the bike are; frame braces, solid engine mounts, converting the front suspension to an USD configuration, having the rims widened to accommodate modern sport touring radials instead of the original equipment bias ply dunlops, and a yamaha venture brake swap. It is also possible to supercharge the original Vmax with an old school roots blower, which looks fucking badass. And you can upgrade the carbs, COPS ignition, short stroke throttle, etc... Surprisingly, even though it's design was based on American drag racing, it was not nearly as popular in the U.S. as it was in Great Britain, Germany, and France which are all home to many examples of highly customized and fully built examples.
All 100% true! In UK a well-cared for original V-Max in roadworthy condition (i.e. it has a current M.O.T.) need not cost as much as you think it might. If you know where to look, you can walk into a dealership and ride one away for less than £5000. Why are they so cheap? Because younger riders can never afford the insurance premiums and older riders (generally) have more sense. P.S. The engine for the V-Max was developed from the engine used in the Venture Royale, Yamaha's super-tourer and their answer to Honda's Gold Wing.
If it increases airflow then it has to increase fuel supply, as well, or you get a lean situation and have to pull timing to keep from getting predetonation.
Cheers for this cracking write up, learned more from this than Yammie's video TBH, thinking about buying one of these (i'm over in Scotland) bike i have my eye on is a 95, Kaplan America has a vid of one with Supertrap exhaust (uncorked though) it sounds like hell unleashed.
I had a Gen 1, 2005 Vmax. It was the most impractical, gas guzzling thing on 2 wheels. And I loved EVERY minute of it! Of the 17 motorcycles I’ve owned, this is one of the only motorcycles that I would buy again.
Me too, I had a 1991 with a Morley Muscle jet kit and a kerker 4-1 system. Best sounding engine ever and only bike I had that would spin the rear while the front is up.
@@localguy8 we do know bruh, but, there are times ya JUST Gotta BE A MAN. I put up with it in my younger years grief given every time I rode it and even my daughter started being a parrot, so sold em off for a few years til she finished college. Only took me 4 years to accumulate 8 bikes, all running but 2. 3 are for sale and 2 are in rebuild states
I'm at 15 bikes at 75 years young and totally agree. I bought a new '85, but had to sell it to buy Wife a car. Am actually thinking of picking up another 1200 Max next Spring. One last power bike before I call it quits....
I remember in 85 when the Vmax came out. There was a guy we rode with that bought one, put a Kerker Exhaust on it and K&N made a Vboost kit so the Vboost was always on. Vmax was startling the first ride. SOOO much torque. The 80’s were exciting times for the Motorcycle Industry, bikes started getting stupid quick.
Never had a Vmax (though I may get one sooner than later) but I had and still have a Seca Turbo 650. Not fast now a days but a Turbo on a bike was such a crazy thing for me.
@@Kingofthepnwdorks I always liked the turbo bikes of the 80’s. CX650Turbo, The Seca 650, The Suzuki XN85 and the all mighty GPZ 750Turbo. All were interesting, fun bikes. I had friends with the Yamaha, Suzuki and Kaw. I never got to ride the Honda. The Seca I got to ride only 1 time, but I liked it. The Suzuki handled pretty good with the industries first production bike on a 16” front wheel. I spent a fair amount of time a GPZ750 Turbo…. Super cool you had and have a Seca turbo. I have had more Yamaha’s than any other bike. I’ve wanted a V-Max for some time.
That was the time they’d started figuring out how to make big power, but hadn’t really sorted the chassis, braking, and handling. Made for some very exciting rides. With modern stuff you can get bikes with similar, or more, straight line performance. But, the chassis is much improved and they sometimes don’t feel as fast because they’re so composed.
My dad always tells this story of a Yamaha bike meet in Tennessee back in the 80’s. He rode a 1979 XS1100, apparently one of the fastest bikes of the day. He said he went out for cigarettes one night, on the way back to the hotel he came to a stop light, then another bike showed up, and another, and another, the last one on his rear wheel. When the light turned green he was out in front as usual, then the bike on his rear wheel came around on one wheel and passed him. He got a quick glimpse of the bike but had no idea what it was and was legitimately shocked because he had never lost a street race before, especially in that fashion. The next day at the meet, they were doing free tunings and at the front of this particular tent was that same bike from the drag race. Turns out it was the brand new Vmax, specially tuned and being ridden by a Yamaha factory rider.
Sounds like there was no air in the front forks and the rear shocks weren't adjusted. I ran my 1986 VMax with the Dynojet Stage 7 Kit that bypassed the V-boost system, K&N intakes and Kerker K2S slip-ons. Once jetting was sorted out, it Dyno'd at 145. Finally reluctantly sold it in 2013; ran flawlessly all that time. Nothing but fond memories. I get regular great comments back from the new owner. He's as happy as I was.
I took an old Vmax, put syntered brake pads, progressive springs/new rear shocks, frame brace to stiffen up that frame and now it goes, stops and handles beautifully.
Amen to that wanna go crazy change to 620 RK chain drive expensive but insane direct drive with super charger and might as well throw gray bars on back ? Take fine gf she will love big thick billet bal rest and it’s monster 👹. Took mine Daytona bike week and Myrtle beach bike week . No helmets and my girl and me won poker ♣️ run !
The Vmax 1200 is really something else. I was a 3 month newbie rider, strapped some bags on it, shipped myself and the beast to Norway and went for a 3 week adventure through some of the best motoring ways on the planet. A lot of rain, hairpin corners, even snow at Jotunheimen and 1 case of an undercooled shrimp because of riding for hours in the wet snow. I still can't believe how everything worked out, i didn't die and how much of a leap in rider skill it has given me. Since then i have been taking it to the mountains here in Europe every summer. It is a strange love, riding something that tries to kill me most of the time, but it has given me experiences i will cherish for the rest of my life. You CAN push the old one through corners, but it's gonna take some serious balls an faith in the machine to do so. What a great video Yammie, i got a sense you now understand why the Vmax is so addictive. PS, get a proper set of pipes on that old V4 and she will sing, but hell yeah down low it sounds more like a 2 cilinder for sure!
I turned 16 in 1985. You wouldn't believe what we used to do on those old bikes. my 2nd bike was a cb900 super sport. Back when riding was riding. we all wrecked at least once. No fatalities thank god. Some broken bones, many concussions. Probably why I ride a KLR these days. Great vid!
The earliest gen1's (1985-92) had sketchy frontends. Single caliper brakes and 40mm forks. They wobbled all over the place so you really needed an aftermarket fork brace and possibly a steering damper. I had an '86 model in college and rode that thing all over New England. The later gen1's (1993-2007) had dual caliper brakes, 43mm forks and larger diameter rotors. They handled much better. My current one's a 2001 and I will never part with it.
That makes more sense then. I have a 95 and I was confused as to why he thought it's so bad haha. The brakes aren't sport bike but pretty good I think and suspension is twitchy and sometimes unsettling, but never bottoms out or feels as scary as was letting on. Must just be the early ones like you said.
I have a 95, as well and was scratching my head as well about most of his impression....revving slow, sounding like a twin, wallowing and glazed brakes. The upgraded suspension and brakes must have helped a lot. I had an 85 in the early and mid nineties and I recall having to be aware of slight front wobble tendencies under certain conditions and weak 2nd gear. I sold it in 1996 or so and bought my 95 in 2021 so there were some years between them but my 95 is strong, stable and frankly, after tuning, is much stronger, quicker revving and more powerful than my 85 was.....and it was a monster.
I have a 2009 (Gen 2) which I bought new. I love it. Its the best bike I've ever owned and I'm 70 years old. Everyone calls it a cruiser but its not. Its actually a traditional naked bike with standard control placement and seating position like just about every bike was before around 1985. It does have unique styling which you either love or hate. I love it.
I am totally with you on this being a traditional naked bike and seating position..and that was exactly I was thinking about Vmax. I have liked Vmax since 1999, saw one up close in dealership in 1999..but never owned one. But who knows maybe in future. I love it too.
High Five! Been waiting on this video. I have a 2018 Max, I aquired in 2019, it had 2371 miles on it when I got it. Today, it has a little over 44k miles. Miles of smiles! So much fun!
I owned both generation VMAX at the same time and they are both insane in their unique way. I ultimately kept the Gen 2 (actually sold the first then both another because I missed it so much). The Gen 1 was hilarious. Like a sponge with horsepower. So sketchy but it made me feel alive. Also with the right pipes it sounded like a cammed small block V8. Miss it dearly.
As a high school kid in the '80's, I fell in love with the V-max when it debuted. I finally bought a mint-condition 2005 (20th Anniversary version) around 2009. Like you found out riding in the twisties, it's really unnerving on its bias-ply tires, wooden brakes, and a suspension that feels like there's a hidden hinge in the middle of the frame. I loved looking at my V-max in the garage, but soon traded it for a better bike to ride on my favorite weekend twisty roads.
And the gas tank is under the seat on the old one. That's just a cover next to the clocks. And the reason they feel so wollowy is the obvious rear tyre profile, and the frame is actually bolted together. A left and right, two half a frames bolted together😮 I put an r1 front end on mine and it absolutely transformed the bike into a drift machine.
I own a 94 I bought brand new, still have it, still ride it and OMG I still love it! I think you just have to get used to its characteristics, Learn how to ride the Mighty Max and you can ride these things very fast in the twisties. My buddies on sport bikes are amazed how I can keep up. I'll lay that thing over and drag hard parts.
The handling on the '89 is how it used to be. You just had to learn to work with all the wallowing, weird twitches, wobbles and bouncing and not let it slow you down. They weren't like these modern bikes that powder your behind and sing you a lullaby. 🤣🤣🤣
yep all this new tech sure its safer but to what point and you start to depend on it there has to be a better way to beef up the brakes on that old V max like maybe put some r1 blue or gold dots on it or something like that and maybe beefer springs in the front forks to help bring it up to date. I like the older stuff I have a 90 fzr 1000 and a 97 yzf 750
Even with traction control, wheelie control, and engine braking control off, and power all the way on the 1 setting, my 2021 cbr1000rr has 50 more hp, weighs at least 100# less, and will dog walk the vmax around a track. It was just made for something different, and that’s ok. It isn’t supposed to handle well. It’s supposed to be fun in a straight line, and it does that well. Although, my cbr probably does that better, too. I haven’t looked up 0-60 and 1/4 mile times yet, so idk.
I sold my Ninja 250 and bought a 1989 Yamaha V-Max. It's big, stupid, and completely one-track minded in its desire to kill whoever is riding it. It's the best motorcycle I've ever owned.
Just recently picked up the new vmax and wow I love it. It is brutally powerful this is coming from someone who has been into the superbike scene since it all started with the 98 yamaha r1. I will always own a R1 and that has been the case for many years but I also know now I will always own this vmax. It’s just flat out awesome!!!
Incredible in depth review bro! I Really felt like i was riding right there with you! love the comparison between the 2 bikes..I havent ridden since I was in my late teens, I'm 63 now... Ive had street and motocross bikes but no longer ride.. the street is pretty terrifying around where i live, even in a car! However, i think once you have been bitten by motorcycles, the Interest at least, always remains..that why I enjoy reviews like this!
Keep in mind you are on a Texas Highway. Most other highways, it has a MUCH better feel to it. Because 150mph is no issue. JUST don't turn or make room to stop or you can SEE the forks flex backwards. Lol
I can definitely tell your used to the ultra precise handling of today's bikes. :) The old Max is really not that bad for its age, other than you REALLY gotta squeeze the brakes cause she weighs so much. However, with the correct tires, tire pressure, suspension settings (air, oil, and preload) and brake pads, I can ride my 89 max briskly with no worries. I can take her to 135 with zero head shake and occasionally scrape a peg in turns. Riders who aren't smooth on the clutch/throttle and not used to it's tremendous engine breaking will not feel confident in the twistys. Oh, and the engine sound... put a pipe on it and anyone who rides with you will say you sound like a hopped up V8, not a couple of twins. I love my modern bikes but still keep the Max in the stable cause it just delivers a special look and FEEL that stills brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for the video. I have an 1985 and a 2010. Both are great bikes. You have to understand that the gen 2 would never exist if there was no gen 1. They are both a joy to ride.
Back in 1987 I got a brand new Harley 883 sportster, and a friend I worked with had a brand new Yamaha V-Max. So we went riding one day and he asked me if I wanted to ride the V-Max, so we switched bikes. We went on to the interstate, and I hit the throttle in 3rd gear, when I looked down I was doing 110, and I was still on the entrance ramp, lol. It was a beast, and I loved it, I did not want to get off of it and go back to the slow 883 Harley. I almost bought a V-Max after riding it, but I never did, I figured I would get killed on it, so I stayed with the slow 883 Harley. I rode it for a year and sold it, and that was my last street bike, as of today.
I bought a 1991 Yamaha Vmax in 2016 and owned it for a couple years when I bought a 2009 Yamaha vmax. They are such insane bikes, so much fun and I have not felt a bike accelerate that hard. I put pipes and a nash flash on my 2009 and that made a noticeable difference in power, which is incredible for a bike that already made 200 hp stock. I worked at a motorcycle shop for a couple years and no other bike came close to feeling as fast as that second gen. I ended up selling it to pay for college and I now ride a 1980 Honda goldwing. The one thing I do not miss is how often I’d find myself going past 100. It was too easy on the vmax and I find myself having more fun pushing slower bikes to their limit.
Same thing with my ZRX1200R, which I've only ridden 7000 miles over 20 years. The constant urge to twist the throttle and greatly exceed posted speed limits was fun but I'm 61 now and I don't need the risks that come with that. I'm planning to sell it in the spring and get a cruiser (Vulcan S, 900 or M50) or maybe a mid size naked bike.
I have the same problem with my cbr. I can go back to the future in first gear, and that’s over ten miles an hour over the highest posted speed limit in Arkansas. Redline in second gear is the fastest I’ve ever taken it on the street, and that’s way too fast, as it is. 😂
@@Brewmaster721 Back in '87 I purchased an '83 V45 w/1900 miles on it. In the winter the original owner kept it in his heated basement. That was my first bike and I loved it. 30 + years later and no more bikes between, I walked into a Harley dealer to kill some time and ended up putting my John Hancock down on a new '17 Breakout. Always liked the VMax. Whenever I see a video on one I'm half tempted to trade. Nothing else looks like a VMax and compared to my Harley, it's a canyon carver. Hey, my Breakout is a damn nice bike too though. Hmmm. PEACE from Philadelphia
I had one new in the UK in the 80's, with a claimed 150bhp it was lethal; the brakes and the frame could not handle the power. As for a UK tiny roundabout, touch the throttle and it wanted to straighten up and throw you off into the bushes. Great on a straight road as long as you did not have to corner or brake!
I had a 1989 VMax and was out of motorcycling for 25 years while I had a family and 3 kids, colleges houses etc. Then when I heard they were stopping VMAX production in 2020 I HAD to buy another! So I bough the last one in my area! I was lucky to get it! They were very high demand at the end. I love my VMAX 1700 2020. It reminds me of the 1980s! So much power, its a motor and a half! and now the chasis is refined for high speed and very stable. I am very happy with this awesome one of a kind bike!
The V-Max was Yamaha's answer to Honda's V-65 Magna, available a couple years earlier and was the quickest bike during that time period. I had one and can tell you, it too, was a beast that didn't handle for shit. I used to say it had way too much motor for the chassis. Fun at a whole nother level. Maybe a good idea for a yammienoob vid would be to get one of each and compare them.
I never really noticed any handling issues with my '95 VMax, possibly because all of my previous bikes were even older. As a kid, my first motorcycle was a '71 Honda that the previous owner had modified to race as a sleeper bike. Too young for a license, no insurance, helmet, or riding gear, I'd blast up and down the gravel roads and dirt paths of rural Kansas at over 100 mph, most often just wearing only a pair of cut off jeans and maybe a pair of sneakers. Maybe. By comparison, my Max was a dream to ride. It felt like an extension of me, bristled with power, and to some extent -- perhaps what you experienced -- gave me a more vivid feel of the road. An Army buddy of mine bought an '85 model when these first came out. There was nothing else like them on the road that I knew of. Back then, the term I heard tossed around was not "widow maker" so much, but "rider swatter". Many first-timers would try to take off the way they did on other bikes and the VMax had so much torque that the bike would rotate on the rear wheel, kind of like a mouse trap going off. Never been on a 2nd gen VMax, they look like an amazing machine. As for supercharging one, unless you're drag racing them on a track, why bother? It already has more speed for highways than a guy could ever need. Happy for you to have experienced these, hat tip to the owner for his enthusiasm and generosity.
I had a old 86 VMAX pull up next to me at a light when I was on my Yamaha Raider 1900cc and I barely stayed ahead of him and the really sad part was I don't think his bike was running right but having a bike with a 700cc smaller eng that's 23yrs older having that kinda power was fun to see
I own both. My Raider has Freedoms sharp curves, Ivan's Flash, and a K&N. No way it's keeping up with my 97' Vmax (aftermarket exhaust and carbs dialed in). The Raiders are really fast for a cruiser, but the Vmax is a whole different ballgame.
Always wanted, but never bought a Gen1 VMAX...in 2017 the stars aligned and I bought a brand new '17 Gen2. The VMAX is addictive, every single ride! I ran mine at the Street Fights in Bristol, TN at the end of last season, first time in my life dealing with an actual tree, my best run of the night was 10.726 @120.17mph...not too bad for an old man that had never done that before, had a blast! I've been riding on the street for over 48 years, the VMAX brings back what was always exciting about bikes! I've done the Nash flash, DD clutch mod, cat eliminated, Delkevic 4into2 exhaust, & the airbox mod w/K&N
I had a V45 also it is fast but no way as fast as a VMax fast. I love the V45 n wished I had the V60 Magna instead. Wish the made bikes like that again where you can sit n it’s like a chopper it has the same engine as a Honda Hurricane ❤
In February 2021 I wanted to buy a new Vmax 1700, the dealer here in NJ didn't have one though. I new it was being discontinued but didn't know when. Yamaha had none left in the U.S. but accepted the order. It took 3 months from Japan but finally came! The build date says 12/20 so I'm guessing I got one of the last ones. I absolutely love it! The all black look it intimidating and most people think it's just another V twin cruiser. Wrong. I also have a 2008 Suzuki Bking and both bikes are keepers.
Great vid Papa! I have a 2004 Vmax and used to ride in a Vmax club with a guy that did indeed have belt driven supercharger on his. He also had a rear tire sent to him every two weeks automatically, because he had a tendency to roast the tire. A lot. That bike is a legend for a reason. Cheers!
I have a 2019 M109r. Picked it up when my old man bought a 2004 Vmax. We swapped bikes for one day and I am convinced that the Vmax, Mr. Max that is, was trying to kill me. My m109r is no slouch, 11.4 1/4 mile…but holy hell that Vmax demands respect and attention at all times. Love that bike!
My 1979 GS1000 feels the same. I did a bunch of twisties and got reminded just how far things have come. The brakes only work when the fastest thing around was a souped up VW Bug.
A supercharged gen 2 would be insane. My 09 with no cats and a power commander 5 will melt the rear tire on demand in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. It's absolutely addictive.
I had a ‘00 V-Max and your “plan your braking” comment made me laugh out loud. That is an absolutely true statement. Accelerating and braking were both exhilarating.
I still ride my 1990 most weekends... It's not the fastest bike on the road anymore. But the power delivery it still more satisfying than a sports bike.. old school brute horsepower and there's nothing gentle about it! It's a challenge on some roads as a vmax will shake and buck you off at high speeds. Ya gotta ride it at your own risk. Basically the motor it too big and powerful for the undersized frame they put it in.. Although that kinda adds to the fun really. As for the v4 sound .first thing to do is change those standard pipes to one's that growl! Then the beast comes out to play! Lol. They sound great!
There's a guy near me who races a Vmax at the local street drags (legally done) He wins every time. He's got that thing setup good, and he knows it well. It sounds absolutely amazing too.
Idk if you've ridden a Gen 2 VMAX but they aren't really cruisers. It kinda looks like a naked and a cruiser had a child and they fed it steroids and crack. My 2020 is piped and programmed and triple threat air box, stock it made 200, so it probably makes around 220 now and it weighs 650 wet not the stock 697.
I've had an 1988 just like the one in this video and a 2005 Anniversary Edition. Awesome bikes. I never parked and walked away from either one without looking back at it...
When talking about the outdated handling of the '87, I remember the promotional photo of Kenny Roberts getting one sideways in the dirt. I wish I could find a poster of that.
You should take a ride on a 1985 kawasaki 900 Eliminator! I think you would be a sure believer that bikes truely did use to be dangerous. My local dealer had 6 of them and the 5 other than mine didn't make it a mile from the dealersip before they wraped themselves in to a knot! Impressive machine especially when you become accustomed to it!
Two original models and a few more newer ones roaming Guyana, South America. The owners decimated many sport bikes and still do during stop light and official drag races. Most of the younger bikers don't have a clue how fast these machines get down a quarter mile. Thanks for posting. You should try to test older bikes. There are many survivors that are in good condition which can be showcased. Great post.
Great review, I had an late 80's VMax my wife purchased for me for my 50th birthday. After the first ride with me - my fault balls-to-the-walls in Santa Monica, CA she never would ride on it again. A year later settled for a BMW R1100RS. The good news, I'm still alive and still happily married. After many more bikes over the years, my newest ride is an 2021 First Edition BMW R18, a beautiful bike, black with white hand painted pin strips, but a little quirky with those HUGH 900 cc engines sticking out in the wind when you need to make a tight or U turn at my advanced age. I've had a love for motorcycles since I was 16 on my Honda 305 Super Hawk in high school. I will continue to ride as long as I still feel safe to do so, then I'll default to cage transportation. Enjoy life to the fullest, and keep the rubber side down!
The modern VMAX is like the hellcat of bikes where as your bike is like putting a big turbo on a new zo6 Corvette both are manly & respectable & I honestly thought you disliked vmax's & I couldn't understand why but I guess I was wrong seems like your having a blast...
Had my Gen 2 ECU Reflashed it dyno'd at the wheel 201 H/P I was turning 9.7 in 1/4 With the front strapped and a 240 rear tire kit. For daily riding I never really liked the way it turned. Just always felt like it wanted to stand up in the corner. My Diavel was much better for commuting. 60 years old now and 36 years as a Tinknocker has blown out both shoulders. The bikes just sit for the most part nowadays. Great revue of 2 Iconic Motorcycles.
I had an '88 VMax that I bought new in late '87. The Yamaha dealer stored it for me for the winter until spring hit. It was an awesome bike. I don't know where you heard that these were called the widowmaker. I worked at a bike shop in the late '80's and I never picked up a VMax from an accident scene or wrecked from a dealer, but picked up many of the sport bikes of the time like GSXR's, Katanas, Ninjas, and CBR's.
Way back when I had a little money I owned a brand new 1986 Vmax. If I had never owned any other big muscle bikes before this one, I most likely would have loved this bike. But while a great quarter mile bike, they were a lot of work to try to hustle through the corners and at that time I owned 3 other bikes in my garage that were close in horsepower but 150 to 200 pounda lighter than the Vmax, that were way easier to control through the corners. At 600 pounds my Vmax didn't want to make quick transitions from turning left and right quickly like my 450 to 500 pound bikes would. I don't think I even owned it 6 months. Sold it because I seen it as such a death trap in the corners
USD duke forks r1 brakes a frame brace and a set of ohlins shocks. And you got an absolute beast. The head shakes make you giggle once you’re used to it.
I've got a Gen 1 Vmax. I think you got it dead on in your conclusions about everything about the Gen 1. But I did notice something. You were laughing a lot and having a good time. That's why a Vmax has sort of a cult behind it. It's not easy but it is addictive.
Definitely a bike on the wish list. My first cruiser was the inspiration for the VMax, a 1986 Magna V65. Put over 150,000km on it, sold it as a strong running machine. Lousy brakes, poor handling, 180km and you needed a gas station. Fun as hell.
I too bought an '88 in '89. I pinned the speedo on it a few times . it says 155 but it's probably more 140... rode it long distance a couple times, the fuel range was a PIA. I don't recall the wallowing etc, probably because that was the way things were at the time. I do recall the rear tire jacking with the shaft drive when you really got into the throttle... great memories . BTW I thought it was 140 HP, but could be wrong
I had the 85 ... I installed a Kerker 4-2-1 header and the Dyna V Boost elimination kit ... the thing sounded like a small SB Chevy ... It would raise the front wheel about 18" in 1st, 2nd & 3rd but never try to go over ... I thought the clutch was bad until a buddy told me that the wheel just simply comes loose. Yes, you had to force it around corners 'cause it only liked going straight ... but you could do it once you got used to it and it didn't argue too much. I rode a Z1-R (still have it) and I rode with Z's alot ... I could simply "throttle play" with them no matter what they tried. You could have a passenger on the back and let the clutch out with NO throttle ... and it would pull away. This was the funnest bike I EVER owned !!! ... I miss it ...
I have a '19, VMax stepped up from a Magna 750. It was a big step. -I can't believe that Yammie doesn't know -that's not the gas tank you're looking at!!!
8:57, that is not the gas tank, but many people think it is 😉 That is the air box cover, right above the carbs, the gas tank is actually hidden underneath your lumbar backrest
I ran a used late 80s V-Max I picked up cheap as a legal messenger/process server in the early '90s in S California. I bought it with less than 10K miles and later traded it in on a new ride with over 97K miles on it. A reliable and memorable bike in many ways.
Yammie, you need to remember that bike is designed to go fast in a straight line. If you lower suspension 2 inches it handles much better but you feel every single pebble in the road.
Back in the day I has a GS1000 which I had bored out to 1100 with wise co pistons, capped off with a Harris exhaust. The only mate I had that could keep up with me had the old style V-Max. Insane machine!!!!!
Hi! As for the charged vmax 1700, these motorcycles have many factory power restrictions - a mechanical restriction on air intake, a mechanical restriction on exhaust and software power limits in the ECU at 1,2,3 and 5 gears. After you remove these restrictions and config motorcycle ECU on dynamo stand, the motorcycle will become even more evil :) After that, if this is still not enough, you can install either a compressor or nitrous oxide on this engine :)
OK Yammie, I'm glad you did this video, and I almost bought a VMax recently, so they're still a temptation. BUT I had an 84 and two 85 Honda V-65 Sabres and I still have one. The V-65 made more power sooner so that at 125 lbs (back then) on my V-65 I could walk away from a 180lbs guy on a Gen 1 VMax. So you may want to check one of thems out! The VMax apparently feels faster because of the V-Boost. But the V-65 got on it from the jump. I know there's a long line of bikes that outrun and outhandle these two now, but they were top tier muscle bikes for a couple of decades. Let's not forget the Suzuki GS1100 and GS1150 twins which could take a lot of aftermarket horsepower gains. And the modern midrange arm socket puller: the Triumph Rockets twins.
Had a V65 Sabre loved that thing. Have a TL1000 VStrom and an ST1300 and neither give you the rush the V65 does. Also had a Kawi Z1 900 but that thing was a slug compared to the VF1000 Sabre.
I had a 98 VMax and you are spot on. The pull during acceleration just kept going and going. The brakes were “adequate “. It handled like dancing with a fat lady. With the baffles drilled out it sounded like a small block Chevy.
The video I’ve been waiting for. So the sound changes with pipes, my supertrapps sound completely different and actually shocked me. As for the braking and handling on the gen 1, the word you’re looking for is drunken pig. But that vboost is beyond intoxicating. I had never told my girl about the “widow maker” nickname and now she’s shooting daggers at me since she said that i never have to sell It
I’ve had 2 Gen 1 V-Maxs, a 1985 and a 2005. The later one had beefier front forks and better brakes, and wasn’t half as scary. When you get one, you need to fit better rear shocks, and uprated, progressive springs to the front forks. Then you have to ride it for a while (3 months in my case) until you learn that it isn’t really trying to kill you - it’s just teasing. Yes, it weaves in bends, but you learn to ignore it and, after a while don’t notice. i once had a comment that “I thought Vmaxs didn’t handle - that one does”. I also fitted a T-boost, which fools the V-Boost into thinking the engine is spinning twice as fast. This has the effect of opening the gate at 3,000 revs instead of 6,000. This makes the bike feel much more pleasant to ride, and massively torquey. Funnily enough it seemed to be moe fuel efficient too. I’ve had a lot of bikes, many of them better bikes than the ‘Max’. But i can honestly say that the Max was my all time favourite, and massive fun.
A common and inexpensive upgrade for bikes of that era was to install progressive fork springs (and if needed spacers) and fork oil of preference for increased preload and damping. Bigger money was needed for rear shocks, but also commonly needed. Nothing much can be done for the frame though.
The Vmax is just one of those bikes. I want one just to have one. It's in the running for any biker's dream bike collection. I clearly remember the first time I saw one back in 85. Not just fast. No bike before or since has ever looked so flipping menacing. It made the VF1000, YZF, and GSXR all look pedestrian. It even sounded menacing. Just an understated purr.
Big thanks to Manscaped.com/yammie for the support! 20% off automatically through that link
Yes they turbo and super charge them. Important to mention geen 2 is way down tuned from factory a reflaah alone yields 240 hoarse and 130 foot pounds.
I have been saying for years this is your best chance at falling in love with a cruiser
Yammie, this bike has been around for 35 years, Vmax owners have implemented simple mods to make it stop, and handle much better. I know this guy loves his original bike, but it's actually a dis-service not to modify it to make it more solid and less weird. Not to mention less dangerous.
I have a 2000 vmax. Nice review 😊
It’s to bad Yamaha never sold the mt01 in the USA. You would have fun on it. 1700 v twin air cooled with r1 suspension. 530 pounds of fun. I just mentioned it because you thought the v max was an odd combination.
Bro I'm just thrilled you finally understand why everyone who ever rode one can't stop geeking out about it
Tries to sell one this summer for $3500 ready to ride 18k miles but not immaculate, no one wants it.
yup
Best bike ever for me, owning both the 1200 and the 1700 but I bought them new and I would never buy a used one.
To many idiots out there who can't control themselves when they get in touch with the VMax.
Plus, most of these bikes are individualized heavily and I dont want to ride around on a bike that someone has individualized for himself.
@@RwP223 what year and what state? I might have a buyer for you
@@RwP223I'm guessing it's exceedingly "not immaculate" and I'm probably being too fair.
Years of being loyal to this channel, and it pays off. This is the video I've been waiting for.. THANKS YAMM!!! And thanks John for providing those beauties
Does anybody know why the other guy on this channel doesn’t appear in any videos anymore
What happened to him?
V-Boost does open up at ~5700-6000 rpm but it does not increase the fuel supply. Butterfly valves in plenums connecting carbs 1&2 and 3&4 open up and increases the amount of air flow into the combustion chamber, bringing the horsepower from ~90hp to ~150hp. It hits like a turbo and pulls like a bastard.
The V-Max was designed to emulate American muscle cars and at the time of it's release, 1985, it was the fastest production vehicle on the market. Since it was designed for making 1/4 mile passes as fast as possible, the frame was made as light as possible. The resulting frame design was very thin and does not lend itself well to cornering. The frame flexes, the front forks were too small, the rims are too thin, and the brakes are underpowered for the weight of the bike. All of this combines to make a white knuckle straight line monster.
As for Yammie's comments on the sound, an aftermarket exhaust is 100% necessary to unleash the insanely sexy symphony of sound. Another few things that are very much necessary for "modernizing" the bike are; frame braces, solid engine mounts, converting the front suspension to an USD configuration, having the rims widened to accommodate modern sport touring radials instead of the original equipment bias ply dunlops, and a yamaha venture brake swap.
It is also possible to supercharge the original Vmax with an old school roots blower, which looks fucking badass. And you can upgrade the carbs, COPS ignition, short stroke throttle, etc...
Surprisingly, even though it's design was based on American drag racing, it was not nearly as popular in the U.S. as it was in Great Britain, Germany, and France which are all home to many examples of highly customized and fully built examples.
All 100% true!
In UK a well-cared for original V-Max in roadworthy condition (i.e. it has a current M.O.T.) need not cost as much as you think it might. If you know where to look, you can walk into a dealership and ride one away for less than £5000.
Why are they so cheap? Because younger riders can never afford the insurance premiums and older riders (generally) have more sense.
P.S. The engine for the V-Max was developed from the engine used in the Venture Royale, Yamaha's super-tourer and their answer to Honda's Gold Wing.
If it increases airflow then it has to increase fuel supply, as well, or you get a lean situation and have to pull timing to keep from getting predetonation.
Cheers for this cracking write up, learned more from this than Yammie's video TBH, thinking about buying one of these (i'm over in Scotland) bike i have my eye on is a 95, Kaplan America has a vid of one with Supertrap exhaust (uncorked though) it sounds like hell unleashed.
@@Markycarandbikestuff what you learned from him is partly wrong, though. You can’t increase airflow without increasing fuel supply.
@@thagingerninjer5391 Yes, 90 to 150hp without increased fuel supply is not quite right, lol.
I had a Gen 1, 2005 Vmax. It was the most impractical, gas guzzling thing on 2 wheels. And I loved EVERY minute of it! Of the 17 motorcycles I’ve owned, this is one of the only motorcycles that I would buy again.
Me too, I had a 1991 with a Morley Muscle jet kit and a kerker 4-1 system. Best sounding engine ever and only bike I had that would spin the rear while the front is up.
I got one I could sell ya lol
Really Nev337. I have a 1986 sitting in my garage , it was run thru a couple of years ago but was not ridden since cos my wife well you know!!!
@@localguy8 we do know bruh, but, there are times ya JUST Gotta BE A MAN. I put up with it in my younger years grief given every time I rode it and even my daughter started being a parrot, so sold em off for a few years til she finished college. Only took me 4 years to accumulate 8 bikes, all running but 2. 3 are for sale and 2 are in rebuild states
I'm at 15 bikes at 75 years young and totally agree. I bought a new '85, but had to sell it to buy Wife a car. Am actually thinking of picking up another 1200 Max next Spring. One last power bike before I call it quits....
I remember in 85 when the Vmax came out. There was a guy we rode with that bought one, put a Kerker Exhaust on it and K&N made a Vboost kit so the Vboost was always on. Vmax was startling the first ride. SOOO much torque. The 80’s were exciting times for the Motorcycle Industry, bikes started getting stupid quick.
I remember the vmax's running a Kirker , sounded like a V8 hot rod car motor!!
Never had a Vmax (though I may get one sooner than later) but I had and still have a Seca Turbo 650. Not fast now a days but a Turbo on a bike was such a crazy thing for me.
@@Kingofthepnwdorks I always liked the turbo bikes of the 80’s. CX650Turbo, The Seca 650, The Suzuki XN85 and the all mighty GPZ 750Turbo. All were interesting, fun bikes. I had friends with the Yamaha, Suzuki and Kaw. I never got to ride the Honda. The Seca I got to ride only 1 time, but I liked it. The Suzuki handled pretty good with the industries first production bike on a 16” front wheel. I spent a fair amount of time a GPZ750 Turbo….
Super cool you had and have a Seca turbo. I have had more Yamaha’s than any other bike. I’ve wanted a V-Max for some time.
That was the time they’d started figuring out how to make big power, but hadn’t really sorted the chassis, braking, and handling. Made for some very exciting rides.
With modern stuff you can get bikes with similar, or more, straight line performance. But, the chassis is much improved and they sometimes don’t feel as fast because they’re so composed.
Honda brought out the V65 Magna, and Yamaha said, 'hold my beer'. The GS1150 was still the maximum beast though, at least on the strip.
My dad always tells this story of a Yamaha bike meet in Tennessee back in the 80’s. He rode a 1979 XS1100, apparently one of the fastest bikes of the day. He said he went out for cigarettes one night, on the way back to the hotel he came to a stop light, then another bike showed up, and another, and another, the last one on his rear wheel. When the light turned green he was out in front as usual, then the bike on his rear wheel came around on one wheel and passed him. He got a quick glimpse of the bike but had no idea what it was and was legitimately shocked because he had never lost a street race before, especially in that fashion. The next day at the meet, they were doing free tunings and at the front of this particular tent was that same bike from the drag race. Turns out it was the brand new Vmax, specially tuned and being ridden by a Yamaha factory rider.
Great story
The Yamaha XS1100 was the first stock production bike to break into the 11's in the 1/4 mile. (Ridden by PeeWee, of course)
@@randallfender96 I did not know that. Very cool and insanely fast for the time period, still is fast depending on the context.
@@randallfender96 In it's day, it was the baddest bike you could buy. I had a 78 XS750Special. LOVED that damn thing.
We referred to your Dad's bike as the 'Excess' 1100. 😁
Sounds like there was no air in the front forks and the rear shocks weren't adjusted. I ran my 1986 VMax with the Dynojet Stage 7 Kit that bypassed the V-boost system, K&N intakes and Kerker K2S slip-ons. Once jetting was sorted out, it Dyno'd at 145. Finally reluctantly sold it in 2013; ran flawlessly all that time. Nothing but fond memories. I get regular great comments back from the new owner. He's as happy as I was.
I took an old Vmax, put syntered brake pads, progressive springs/new rear shocks, frame brace to stiffen up that frame and now it goes, stops and handles beautifully.
Amen to that wanna go crazy change to 620 RK chain drive expensive but insane direct drive with super charger and might as well throw gray bars on back ? Take fine gf she will love big thick billet bal rest and it’s monster 👹. Took mine Daytona bike week and Myrtle beach bike week . No helmets and my girl and me won poker ♣️ run !
Was gonna say. The owner might've kept it all original and that's why it feels this way
you lie
The Vmax 1200 is really something else. I was a 3 month newbie rider, strapped some bags on it, shipped myself and the beast to Norway and went for a 3 week adventure through some of the best motoring ways on the planet. A lot of rain, hairpin corners, even snow at Jotunheimen and 1 case of an undercooled shrimp because of riding for hours in the wet snow. I still can't believe how everything worked out, i didn't die and how much of a leap in rider skill it has given me. Since then i have been taking it to the mountains here in Europe every summer. It is a strange love, riding something that tries to kill me most of the time, but it has given me experiences i will cherish for the rest of my life. You CAN push the old one through corners, but it's gonna take some serious balls an faith in the machine to do so. What a great video Yammie, i got a sense you now understand why the Vmax is so addictive. PS, get a proper set of pipes on that old V4 and she will sing, but hell yeah down low it sounds more like a 2 cilinder for sure!
He bought it in 1989 and still rides it to this day? Awesome!
I turned 16 in 1985. You wouldn't believe what we used to do on those old bikes. my 2nd bike was a cb900 super sport. Back when riding was riding. we all wrecked at least once. No fatalities thank god. Some broken bones, many concussions. Probably why I ride a KLR these days. Great vid!
The earliest gen1's (1985-92) had sketchy frontends. Single caliper brakes and 40mm forks. They wobbled all over the place so you really needed an aftermarket fork brace and possibly a steering damper. I had an '86 model in college and rode that thing all over New England.
The later gen1's (1993-2007) had dual caliper brakes, 43mm forks and larger diameter rotors. They handled much better. My current one's a 2001 and I will never part with it.
That makes more sense then. I have a 95 and I was confused as to why he thought it's so bad haha. The brakes aren't sport bike but pretty good I think and suspension is twitchy and sometimes unsettling, but never bottoms out or feels as scary as was letting on. Must just be the early ones like you said.
I have a 95, as well and was scratching my head as well about most of his impression....revving slow, sounding like a twin, wallowing and glazed brakes.
The upgraded suspension and brakes must have helped a lot.
I had an 85 in the early and mid nineties and I recall having to be aware of slight front wobble tendencies under certain conditions and weak 2nd gear. I sold it in 1996 or so and bought my 95 in 2021 so there were some years between them but my 95 is strong, stable and frankly, after tuning, is much stronger, quicker revving and more powerful than my 85 was.....and it was a monster.
I have a 2009 (Gen 2) which I bought new. I love it. Its the best bike I've ever owned and I'm 70 years old. Everyone calls it a cruiser but its not. Its actually a traditional naked bike with standard control placement and seating position like just about every bike was before around 1985. It does have unique styling which you either love or hate. I love it.
I am totally with you on this being a traditional naked bike and seating position..and that was exactly I was thinking about Vmax.
I have liked Vmax since 1999, saw one up close in dealership in 1999..but never owned one. But who knows maybe in future.
I love it too.
High Five! Been waiting on this video. I have a 2018 Max, I aquired in 2019, it had 2371 miles on it when I got it. Today, it has a little over 44k miles. Miles of smiles! So much fun!
I had a buddy who bought one as his first bike! lol scared the absolute crap outa him but he always has a smile on his face lol
I owned both generation VMAX at the same time and they are both insane in their unique way. I ultimately kept the Gen 2 (actually sold the first then both another because I missed it so much). The Gen 1 was hilarious. Like a sponge with horsepower. So sketchy but it made me feel alive. Also with the right pipes it sounded like a cammed small block V8. Miss it dearly.
As a high school kid in the '80's, I fell in love with the V-max when it debuted. I finally bought a mint-condition 2005 (20th Anniversary version) around 2009. Like you found out riding in the twisties, it's really unnerving on its bias-ply tires, wooden brakes, and a suspension that feels like there's a hidden hinge in the middle of the frame. I loved looking at my V-max in the garage, but soon traded it for a better bike to ride on my favorite weekend twisty roads.
And the gas tank is under the seat on the old one. That's just a cover next to the clocks. And the reason they feel so wollowy is the obvious rear tyre profile, and the frame is actually bolted together. A left and right, two half a frames bolted together😮 I put an r1 front end on mine and it absolutely transformed the bike into a drift machine.
I own a 94 I bought brand new, still have it, still ride it and OMG I still love it! I think you just have to get used to its characteristics, Learn how to ride the Mighty Max and you can ride these things very fast in the twisties. My buddies on sport bikes are amazed how I can keep up. I'll lay that thing over and drag hard parts.
The first model, 1985/86, was the rudest of the lot. Fu@king awesome thing.
The handling on the '89 is how it used to be. You just had to learn to work with all the wallowing, weird twitches, wobbles and bouncing and not let it slow you down. They weren't like these modern bikes that powder your behind and sing you a lullaby. 🤣🤣🤣
yep all this new tech sure its safer but to what point and you start to depend on it there has to be a better way to beef up the brakes on that old V max like maybe put some r1 blue or gold dots on it or something like that and maybe beefer springs in the front forks to help bring it up to date. I like the older stuff I have a 90 fzr 1000 and a 97 yzf 750
Even with traction control, wheelie control, and engine braking control off, and power all the way on the 1 setting, my 2021 cbr1000rr has 50 more hp, weighs at least 100# less, and will dog walk the vmax around a track. It was just made for something different, and that’s ok. It isn’t supposed to handle well. It’s supposed to be fun in a straight line, and it does that well. Although, my cbr probably does that better, too. I haven’t looked up 0-60 and 1/4 mile times yet, so idk.
Totally agree with you. But its hard for newer generation to understand this imo, since they have not lived through those years.
@@umakantgajjewar8898 agree
I sold my Ninja 250 and bought a 1989 Yamaha V-Max. It's big, stupid, and completely one-track minded in its desire to kill whoever is riding it. It's the best motorcycle I've ever owned.
Well yeah... You went from a ninja 250 to a VMAX. Of course it's the best bike you've ever owned.
Just recently picked up the new vmax and wow I love it. It is brutally powerful this is coming from someone who has been into the superbike scene since it all started with the 98 yamaha r1. I will always own a R1 and that has been the case for many years but I also know now I will always own this vmax. It’s just flat out awesome!!!
I remember reading my first article on it and the journalist stated, "Nothing turns straight pavement into a party quite like the V-max."
Dream bike right there! So glad you finally got to ride one and the legend John for bringing two
Ho and buy one brother. Life is short.... but the bloody bike!!
Incredible in depth review bro! I Really felt like i was riding right there with you! love the comparison between the 2 bikes..I havent ridden since I was in my late teens, I'm 63 now... Ive had street and motocross bikes but no longer ride.. the street is pretty terrifying around where i live, even in a car! However, i think once you have been bitten by motorcycles, the Interest at least, always remains..that why I enjoy reviews like this!
With the Kerker header and exhaust it sounds like a beast. This is the first motorcycle I learned to ride on.
man I am so glad the yam finaly got on a vmax. It might not be a track bike but its my favorite muscle bike
Keep in mind you are on a Texas Highway. Most other highways, it has a MUCH better feel to it. Because 150mph is no issue. JUST don't turn or make room to stop or you can SEE the forks flex backwards. Lol
I can definitely tell your used to the ultra precise handling of today's bikes. :) The old Max is really not that bad for its age, other than you REALLY gotta squeeze the brakes cause she weighs so much. However, with the correct tires, tire pressure, suspension settings (air, oil, and preload) and brake pads, I can ride my 89 max briskly with no worries. I can take her to 135 with zero head shake and occasionally scrape a peg in turns. Riders who aren't smooth on the clutch/throttle and not used to it's tremendous engine breaking will not feel confident in the twistys. Oh, and the engine sound... put a pipe on it and anyone who rides with you will say you sound like a hopped up V8, not a couple of twins. I love my modern bikes but still keep the Max in the stable cause it just delivers a special look and FEEL that stills brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for the video. I have an 1985 and a 2010. Both are great bikes. You have to understand that the gen 2 would never exist if there was no gen 1. They are both a joy to ride.
Gen 2 had an oil pump recall
@@themalaailaanaa1347 only on the 2009
Back in 1987 I got a brand new Harley 883 sportster, and a friend I worked with had a brand new Yamaha V-Max. So we went riding one day and he asked me if I wanted to ride the V-Max, so we switched bikes. We went on to the interstate, and I hit the throttle in 3rd gear, when I looked down I was doing 110, and I was still on the entrance ramp, lol.
It was a beast, and I loved it, I did not want to get off of it and go back to the slow 883 Harley. I almost bought a V-Max after riding it, but I never did, I figured I would get killed on it, so I stayed with the slow 883 Harley. I rode it for a year and sold it, and that was my last street bike, as of today.
I bought a 1991 Yamaha Vmax in 2016 and owned it for a couple years when I bought a 2009 Yamaha vmax. They are such insane bikes, so much fun and I have not felt a bike accelerate that hard. I put pipes and a nash flash on my 2009 and that made a noticeable difference in power, which is incredible for a bike that already made 200 hp stock. I worked at a motorcycle shop for a couple years and no other bike came close to feeling as fast as that second gen. I ended up selling it to pay for college and I now ride a 1980 Honda goldwing. The one thing I do not miss is how often I’d find myself going past 100. It was too easy on the vmax and I find myself having more fun pushing slower bikes to their limit.
Same thing with my ZRX1200R, which I've only ridden 7000 miles over 20 years. The constant urge to twist the throttle and greatly exceed posted speed limits was fun but I'm 61 now and I don't need the risks that come with that. I'm planning to sell it in the spring and get a cruiser (Vulcan S, 900 or M50) or maybe a mid size naked bike.
I have the same problem with my cbr. I can go back to the future in first gear, and that’s over ten miles an hour over the highest posted speed limit in Arkansas. Redline in second gear is the fastest I’ve ever taken it on the street, and that’s way too fast, as it is. 😂
There ya go, now ya know. Keep trying these older bikes when you can. Hope you can find a V45 or V65 to test out.
MAGNA MAGNA MAGNA,
3rd gen bobber sitting in the garage and a vf750c powered 400ex in the works right now!
Just got me an 82 v45 magna 750. Got it running great. Quick little bike
@@Brewmaster721 Back in '87 I purchased an '83 V45 w/1900 miles on it. In the winter the original owner kept it in his heated basement. That was my first bike and I loved it.
30 + years later and no more bikes between, I walked into a Harley dealer to kill some time and ended up putting my John Hancock down on a new '17 Breakout.
Always liked the VMax. Whenever I see a video on one I'm half tempted to trade.
Nothing else looks like a VMax and compared to my Harley, it's a canyon carver.
Hey, my Breakout is a damn nice bike too though. Hmmm.
PEACE from Philadelphia
I'm so happy you finally got to ride one I absolutely love my '97 VMAX
I had one new in the UK in the 80's, with a claimed 150bhp it was lethal; the brakes and the frame could not handle the power. As for a UK tiny roundabout, touch the throttle and it wanted to straighten up and throw you off into the bushes. Great on a straight road as long as you did not have to corner or brake!
Finally. I'm currently working on upgrading the exhaust, ignition, and intake of my '99 Vmax. Fucking love that bike.
I had a 1989 VMax and was out of motorcycling for 25 years while I had a family and 3 kids, colleges houses etc. Then when I heard they were stopping VMAX production in 2020 I HAD to buy another! So I bough the last one in my area! I was lucky to get it! They were very high demand at the end. I love my VMAX 1700 2020. It reminds me of the 1980s! So much power, its a motor and a half! and now the chasis is refined for high speed and very stable. I am very happy with this awesome one of a kind bike!
I have a 2020 Vmax and it is one of the best feeling to be on and ride.
It's nice to see new people getting it as to why we love the V max
It's about time! I've been waiting for you to cover the VMAX, looks like Christmas came early for me!
Do you own a vmax?
@@aweba25 I do not but I do want one one day
That feeling when even the viewer smiles and feels good watching someone else ride the bike :)
Some of my first days on a road bike was the 88 v max a friend owned. Thing was a beast... loved every second I got to ride it. 🔥
The V-Max was Yamaha's answer to Honda's V-65 Magna, available a couple years earlier and was the quickest bike during that time period. I had one and can tell you, it too, was a beast that didn't handle for shit. I used to say it had way too much motor for the chassis. Fun at a whole nother level. Maybe a good idea for a yammienoob vid would be to get one of each and compare them.
I never really noticed any handling issues with my '95 VMax, possibly because all of my previous bikes were even older. As a kid, my first motorcycle was a '71 Honda that the previous owner had modified to race as a sleeper bike. Too young for a license, no insurance, helmet, or riding gear, I'd blast up and down the gravel roads and dirt paths of rural Kansas at over 100 mph, most often just wearing only a pair of cut off jeans and maybe a pair of sneakers. Maybe. By comparison, my Max was a dream to ride. It felt like an extension of me, bristled with power, and to some extent -- perhaps what you experienced -- gave me a more vivid feel of the road. An Army buddy of mine bought an '85 model when these first came out. There was nothing else like them on the road that I knew of. Back then, the term I heard tossed around was not "widow maker" so much, but "rider swatter". Many first-timers would try to take off the way they did on other bikes and the VMax had so much torque that the bike would rotate on the rear wheel, kind of like a mouse trap going off. Never been on a 2nd gen VMax, they look like an amazing machine. As for supercharging one, unless you're drag racing them on a track, why bother? It already has more speed for highways than a guy could ever need. Happy for you to have experienced these, hat tip to the owner for his enthusiasm and generosity.
I had a old 86 VMAX pull up next to me at a light when I was on my Yamaha Raider 1900cc and I barely stayed ahead of him and the really sad part was I don't think his bike was running right but having a bike with a 700cc smaller eng that's 23yrs older having that kinda power was fun to see
I have a 92 Vmax, and a 2013 Raider. Yea, if the Vmax is running right, good bye Raider.
I own both. My Raider has Freedoms sharp curves, Ivan's Flash, and a K&N. No way it's keeping up with my 97' Vmax (aftermarket exhaust and carbs dialed in).
The Raiders are really fast for a cruiser, but the Vmax is a whole different ballgame.
Always wanted, but never bought a Gen1 VMAX...in 2017 the stars aligned and I bought a brand new '17 Gen2. The VMAX is addictive, every single ride! I ran mine at the Street Fights in Bristol, TN at the end of last season, first time in my life dealing with an actual tree, my best run of the night was 10.726 @120.17mph...not too bad for an old man that had never done that before, had a blast! I've been riding on the street for over 48 years, the VMAX brings back what was always exciting about bikes!
I've done the Nash flash, DD clutch mod, cat eliminated, Delkevic 4into2 exhaust, & the airbox mod w/K&N
I had a 1980 Honda magna with the v45 in it and I’d assume it feels very similar to the vmax, the magna was wicked fast too!
I had a V45 also it is fast but no way as fast as a VMax fast. I love the V45 n wished I had the V60 Magna instead. Wish the made bikes like that again where you can sit n it’s like a chopper it has the same engine as a Honda Hurricane ❤
Cool story bro! It must have been a really special bike. Since they didn't come out until 1982.
In February 2021 I wanted to buy a new Vmax 1700, the dealer here in NJ didn't have one though. I new it was being discontinued but didn't know when. Yamaha had none left in the U.S. but accepted the order. It took 3 months from Japan but finally came! The build date says 12/20 so I'm guessing I got one of the last ones. I absolutely love it! The all black look it intimidating and most people think it's just another V twin cruiser. Wrong. I also have a 2008 Suzuki Bking and both bikes are keepers.
How do you like The B King? If I didn't have an 09 2nd gen vmax, I definitely would have sought out a B King
Great vid Papa! I have a 2004 Vmax and used to ride in a Vmax club with a guy that did indeed have belt driven supercharger on his. He also had a rear tire sent to him every two weeks automatically, because he had a tendency to roast the tire. A lot. That bike is a legend for a reason.
Cheers!
I have a 2019 M109r. Picked it up when my old man bought a 2004 Vmax. We swapped bikes for one day and I am convinced that the Vmax, Mr. Max that is, was trying to kill me. My m109r is no slouch, 11.4 1/4 mile…but holy hell that Vmax demands respect and attention at all times. Love that bike!
My 1979 GS1000 feels the same. I did a bunch of twisties and got reminded just how far things have come. The brakes only work when the fastest thing around was a souped up VW Bug.
I've been hoping they'll release a new vmax for the 40th anniversary
A supercharged gen 2 would be insane. My 09 with no cats and a power commander 5 will melt the rear tire on demand in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. It's absolutely addictive.
I had a ‘00 V-Max and your “plan your braking” comment made me laugh out loud. That is an absolutely true statement. Accelerating and braking were both exhilarating.
I still ride my 1990 most weekends...
It's not the fastest bike on the road anymore. But the power delivery it still more satisfying than a sports bike.. old school brute horsepower and there's nothing gentle about it!
It's a challenge on some roads as a vmax will shake and buck you off at high speeds. Ya gotta ride it at your own risk.
Basically the motor it too big and powerful for the undersized frame they put it in..
Although that kinda adds to the fun really.
As for the v4 sound .first thing to do is change those standard pipes to one's that growl! Then the beast comes out to play! Lol. They sound great!
I had a 92. A beast. It was my first MC. I sold it a couple yrs later when the kids started coming.
There's a guy near me who races a Vmax at the local street drags (legally done) He wins every time. He's got that thing setup good, and he knows it well. It sounds absolutely amazing too.
Cruisers doing things to Yammie is definitely a moment to behold.
Idk if you've ridden a Gen 2 VMAX but they aren't really cruisers. It kinda looks like a naked and a cruiser had a child and they fed it steroids and crack. My 2020 is piped and programmed and triple threat air box, stock it made 200, so it probably makes around 220 now and it weighs 650 wet not the stock 697.
I've had an 1988 just like the one in this video and a 2005 Anniversary Edition. Awesome bikes. I never parked and walked away from either one without looking back at it...
Love the VMax, but I'm glad you mentioned the sound of Honda VFR V4, my 2003 with Staintune pipes was absolutely amazing!
When talking about the outdated handling of the '87, I remember the promotional photo of Kenny Roberts getting one sideways in the dirt. I wish I could find a poster of that.
I remember that too.😄
I'd give $100 for that poster.@@esv5182
You should take a ride on a 1985 kawasaki 900 Eliminator! I think you would be a sure believer that bikes truely did use to be dangerous. My local dealer had 6 of them and the 5 other than mine didn't make it a mile from the dealersip before they wraped themselves in to a knot! Impressive machine especially when you become accustomed to it!
Two original models and a few more newer ones roaming Guyana, South America. The owners decimated many sport bikes and still do during stop light and official drag races. Most of the younger bikers don't have a clue how fast these machines get down a quarter mile. Thanks for posting. You should try to test older bikes. There are many survivors that are in good condition which can be showcased. Great post.
Dude 1700 VMAX are absolutely legit! When I rode I almost shit myself. The weight makes that engine feel even more ferocious.
Does he perhaps have the oversized rear tire on the 2010?? That definitely kills the corners. You want the stock size tire and it turns very well.
The 80s VMax has the same suspension as the 2nd gen XV1100 Virago. The only difference is, the VMax has a disc brake on the back weel.
Great review, I had an late 80's VMax my wife purchased for me for my 50th birthday. After the first ride with me - my fault balls-to-the-walls in Santa Monica, CA she never would ride on it again. A year later settled for a BMW R1100RS. The good news, I'm still alive and still happily married. After many more bikes over the years, my newest ride is an 2021 First Edition BMW R18, a beautiful bike, black with white hand painted pin strips, but a little quirky with those HUGH 900 cc engines sticking out in the wind when you need to make a tight or U turn at my advanced age. I've had a love for motorcycles since I was 16 on my Honda 305 Super Hawk in high school. I will continue to ride as long as I still feel safe to do so, then I'll default to cage transportation. Enjoy life to the fullest, and keep the rubber side down!
The modern VMAX is like the hellcat of bikes where as your bike is like putting a big turbo on a new zo6 Corvette both are manly & respectable & I honestly thought you disliked vmax's & I couldn't understand why but I guess I was wrong seems like your having a blast...
16:00 I think the word you're looking for is fear-inducing.
Had my Gen 2 ECU Reflashed it dyno'd at the wheel 201 H/P I was turning 9.7 in 1/4 With the front strapped and a 240 rear tire kit. For daily riding I never really liked the way it turned. Just always felt like it wanted to stand up in the corner. My Diavel was much better for commuting. 60 years old now and 36 years as a Tinknocker has blown out both shoulders. The bikes just sit for the most part nowadays. Great revue of 2 Iconic Motorcycles.
Finally, after 4 years of dreaming to own one, I have officially purchased a 2014 VMAX. Cant wait to ride it!
It didn't earn the nickname "Widowmaker" back in the mid 80's. Wrong bike! The "Widowmaker" was the 1972-75 Kawasaki H2 750 Triple 2 Stroke.
I had an '88 VMax that I bought new in late '87. The Yamaha dealer stored it for me for the winter until spring hit. It was an awesome bike. I don't know where you heard that these were called the widowmaker. I worked at a bike shop in the late '80's and I never picked up a VMax from an accident scene or wrecked from a dealer, but picked up many of the sport bikes of the time like GSXR's, Katanas, Ninjas, and CBR's.
Way back when I had a little money I owned a brand new 1986 Vmax. If I had never owned any other big muscle bikes before this one, I most likely would have loved this bike. But while a great quarter mile bike, they were a lot of work to try to hustle through the corners and at that time I owned 3 other bikes in my garage that were close in horsepower but 150 to 200 pounda lighter than the Vmax, that were way easier to control through the corners. At 600 pounds my Vmax didn't want to make quick transitions from turning left and right quickly like my 450 to 500 pound bikes would. I don't think I even owned it 6 months. Sold it because I seen it as such a death trap in the corners
USD duke forks r1 brakes a frame brace and a set of ohlins shocks. And you got an absolute beast. The head shakes make you giggle once you’re used to it.
I've got a Gen 1 Vmax. I think you got it dead on in your conclusions about everything about the Gen 1. But I did notice something. You were laughing a lot and having a good time. That's why a Vmax has sort of a cult behind it. It's not easy but it is addictive.
Definitely a bike on the wish list. My first cruiser was the inspiration for the VMax, a 1986 Magna V65. Put over 150,000km on it, sold it as a strong running machine. Lousy brakes, poor handling, 180km and you needed a gas station. Fun as hell.
“This boy feels the need for speed” The famous last words of a Vmax rider who fell asleep at the bars
I too bought an '88 in '89. I pinned the speedo on it a few times . it says 155 but it's probably more 140... rode it long distance a couple times, the fuel range was a PIA. I don't recall the wallowing etc, probably because that was the way things were at the time. I do recall the rear tire jacking with the shaft drive when you really got into the throttle... great memories . BTW I thought it was 140 HP, but could be wrong
I had the 85 ... I installed a Kerker 4-2-1 header and the Dyna V Boost elimination kit ... the thing sounded like a small SB Chevy ... It would raise the front wheel about 18" in 1st, 2nd & 3rd but never try to go over ... I thought the clutch was bad until a buddy told me that the wheel just simply comes loose. Yes, you had to force it around corners 'cause it only liked going straight ... but you could do it once you got used to it and it didn't argue too much. I rode a Z1-R (still have it) and I rode with Z's alot ... I could simply "throttle play" with them no matter what they tried. You could have a passenger on the back and let the clutch out with NO throttle ... and it would pull away. This was the funnest bike I EVER owned !!! ... I miss it ...
To pop a bubble, the VMAX is a new beast and much better after simple mods - the bike unlocked is almost a necessity
Yup, I owned a new 1988 Max, and it ran very well. It topped out at a rev-limited 150mph...
I have a '19, VMax stepped up from a Magna 750. It was a big step. -I can't believe that Yammie doesn't know -that's not the gas tank you're looking at!!!
Lol. Right. He's sitting on it. I have a 2016 I bought new. Wait until you have to change the battery. That gets interesting.
I think was in 1987, Jay Gleason got a standing quarter in under 10 secs at Baylands race track
8:57, that is not the gas tank, but many people think it is 😉
That is the air box cover, right above the carbs, the gas tank is actually hidden underneath your lumbar backrest
I ran a used late 80s V-Max I picked up cheap as a legal messenger/process server in the early '90s in S California. I bought it with less than 10K miles and later traded it in on a new ride with over 97K miles on it. A reliable and memorable bike in many ways.
Yammie, you need to remember that bike is designed to go fast in a straight line. If you lower suspension 2 inches it handles much better but you feel every single pebble in the road.
Back in the day I has a GS1000 which I had bored out to 1100 with wise co pistons, capped off with a Harris exhaust. The only mate I had that could keep up with me had the old style V-Max. Insane machine!!!!!
@ali_adnan-endurance_athlete
I had the 'e' model too :-) happy days
Hi! As for the charged vmax 1700, these motorcycles have many factory power restrictions - a mechanical restriction on air intake, a mechanical restriction on exhaust and software power limits in the ECU at 1,2,3 and 5 gears. After you remove these restrictions and config motorcycle ECU on dynamo stand, the motorcycle will become even more evil :) After that, if this is still not enough, you can install either a compressor or nitrous oxide on this engine :)
My 2018 has just over 57k miles today. So much freaking fun! I am on my 13th set of tires, very few burn outs!
I bought one new in 2014. Still runs like new and looks mint.
OK Yammie, I'm glad you did this video, and I almost bought a VMax recently, so they're still a temptation. BUT I had an 84 and two 85 Honda V-65 Sabres and I still have one. The V-65 made more power sooner so that at 125 lbs (back then) on my V-65 I could walk away from a 180lbs guy on a Gen 1 VMax. So you may want to check one of thems out! The VMax apparently feels faster because of the V-Boost. But the V-65 got on it from the jump. I know there's a long line of bikes that outrun and outhandle these two now, but they were top tier muscle bikes for a couple of decades. Let's not forget the Suzuki GS1100 and GS1150 twins which could take a lot of aftermarket horsepower gains. And the modern midrange arm socket puller: the Triumph Rockets twins.
V-max would demolish a v-65 every day for breakfast man. get a grip
Smoked v65s all day long on my 85 vmax when I bought it new in 85 still have it along with my 09 generation 2
Always preferred the V65 Sabre over the VMAX just because it handles so much better, especially after some mods, and a wild redline.
Had a V65 Sabre loved that thing. Have a TL1000 VStrom and an ST1300 and neither give you the rush the V65 does. Also had a Kawi Z1 900 but that thing was a slug compared to the VF1000 Sabre.
I had a 98 VMax and you are spot on. The pull during acceleration just kept going and going. The brakes were “adequate “. It handled like dancing with a fat lady. With the baffles drilled out it sounded like a small block Chevy.
The video I’ve been waiting for. So the sound changes with pipes, my supertrapps sound completely different and actually shocked me. As for the braking and handling on the gen 1, the word you’re looking for is drunken pig. But that vboost is beyond intoxicating. I had never told my girl about the “widow maker” nickname and now she’s shooting daggers at me since she said that i never have to sell It
I’ve had 2 Gen 1 V-Maxs, a 1985 and a 2005. The later one had beefier front forks and better brakes, and wasn’t half as scary. When you get one, you need to fit better rear shocks, and uprated, progressive springs to the front forks. Then you have to ride it for a while (3 months in my case) until you learn that it isn’t really trying to kill you - it’s just teasing. Yes, it weaves in bends, but you learn to ignore it and, after a while don’t notice. i once had a comment that “I thought Vmaxs didn’t handle - that one does”. I also fitted a T-boost, which fools the V-Boost into thinking the engine is spinning twice as fast. This has the effect of opening the gate at 3,000 revs instead of 6,000. This makes the bike feel much more pleasant to ride, and massively torquey. Funnily enough it seemed to be moe fuel efficient too. I’ve had a lot of bikes, many of them better bikes than the ‘Max’. But i can honestly say that the Max was my all time favourite, and massive fun.
A common and inexpensive upgrade for bikes of that era was to install progressive fork springs (and if needed spacers) and fork oil of preference for increased preload and damping. Bigger money was needed for rear shocks, but also commonly needed.
Nothing much can be done for the frame though.
alot of it is the driveshaft. but like you said nothing you can do about it
All suspension springs are progressive.Its how it does work
The Vmax is just one of those bikes. I want one just to have one. It's in the running for any biker's dream bike collection. I clearly remember the first time I saw one back in 85. Not just fast. No bike before or since has ever looked so flipping menacing. It made the VF1000, YZF, and GSXR all look pedestrian. It even sounded menacing. Just an understated purr.
Brakes and front forks were beefed up in, I believe, '96. I have a 2004 and it is solid at speeds over 100. (Tires are very important)