THE most Powerful Cruiser Bike Ever! | Classic Bike Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- THE most Powerful Cruiser Bike Ever! | Classic Bike Review: For the next instalment in my series riding what I regard as iconic bikes from the last 20 years I climb aboard the fearsome Yamaha VMax - a bike with quite a reputation! Here's how I got on! Huge thanks to Superbike Factory for the supply of this bike - visit them here tinyurl.com/nd...
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G’day ace, love your reviews - thanks very much! Just a correction on the generations: the bike in this review is the first generation which had a smaller v4 engine (1200cc) and the power figures and capacity you quote belong to the second generation. I own the second generation and I can attest to the grunt it pushes out 😊 Not many around and I am not sure which of the two generations is harder to see, they are both quite rare really so it’s great to see a high profile reviewer like you score one. Would be great to see your comparison of both generations one day. Cheers, keep em coming, we're lapping them up!
Yes my apologies - a few have pointed that out....
@@TheMissendenFlyer It's all good, it was enjoyable as always.
@@TheMissendenFlyer "Upside down forks", ahem.
@@dave8204He's well spoken but less well researched.
Loving these classic reviews, I'd love to see you try a 500cc 2 stroke, either Suzuki RG or the Yamaha RD. In my youth these were the bikes we drooled over.
Yes sadly that was probably more than 20 years ago and Superbike Factory tend to stock up to 20 years old.....so hard for me to get hold of them.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Maybe a subscriber would loan an 80s 2 stroke, I was lucky enough to ride the RG500, RD500, NS400, RD350, RZ350, RG250.
Back in the 80’s I blagged in as a marshal for Mitsui Yamaha open day at Chucks in Brentwood….. we were to accompany test rides 🙂
We chose the Brentwood Bypass and it got a little silly…. mate maxing the FZ750 and me ahead on the RD500……. passed a plod in a layby……
They arrived at Chucks on BMW R100RT’s to relieve us of our duties…… 🥳😂🤣😂🤣
I agree, I'd like to see an RD ride, another bike which springs to mind from my youthful drooling would be the GPZ 750 or GPZ1000/1100, TKwaka GPZ range were all really nice, I think it might have been an 1100 not 1000 which was the top of the tree back in the day, can't quite recall
H2 750
Ah yes. The V-Max. That bike has quite a reputation. Some years ago a friend, quite mad, offered me a ride on his. It had been modified a bit and was quite intimidating at first but I soon got comfortable enough to try the horn button. Pressing the horn opened the nitrous oxide injectors. Doing so in a low gear with an open throttle was a mind-altering experience.
Holy cow!!!!
One of the best comments I’ve read in a long time! Mind altering experience 😵💫😂
Bill, your friend sounds like my ex brother in law..he only had one bike speed..top..no gap was ever too small to squeeze through..he spent mire time off the bike than on it..offered me a lift once..I took a cab
For oldies like me (late 50's) these classic reviews are my favourite part of your already quality channel.
Never was a fan of the V-Max, but like many other 'classic' bikes they are so different they haven't aged (think Hayabusa, Suzuki Katana, Honda F6C). Best of all if you are lucky enough to own a decent 'different' classic then you're highly unlikely to lose money on it....only problem becomes that perennial issue of owning a classic vehicle 'how many miles do I put on it'....
Would LOVE to see you on a Z1300......
Stay tuned!
Im 27 and these are still my favourite reviews 😁
I bought one new that might be a classic in future and have done over 9k in the first year, I will probably never buy another bike, no point it sitting in the shed looking clean and shiny.
I bought my ( carbon edition) new in 2002 and have done 12k miles. It's pristine and I get many offers. It's getting a tad heavy for my 62 year old short legs, but no matter what other bikes I've tried, I cannot be persuaded to part with it. Lovely bike, easy to ride when you own one.
Unless I’m mistaken that’s the 1200 they introduced the 1700 in 2008/ 2009 which unfortunately didn’t meet the new emissions after 2015 so was discontinued in Europe if you ever get the chance review the 1700 now that’s an incredible bike
👍for the classic reviews. I owned a Vmax for a couple years, when the V boost kicks in all you can do is hang on for dear life
So my friend’s dad picked one of these up when it first came out in 1985 here in the US. The dad took his teenage daughter for a 10 minute ride…when they got back she said “we went so fast it made me skinny!” :)
I've always liked the Kawasaki Eliminator (I think it was the VMax's rival at the time, both built for the American 'Street drag strip' market)... About 20 yrs ago my neighbour had a 750 version in deep red & I thought it looked beautiful and cool!
Forever known here in "The Colonies" as the Mad Max! What fun- and a money-maker for tire manufacturers! 😎🏍
I bought a new '84 Honda V65 Sabre back then. My friend had a Kawasaki Eliminator. The V-Max came out shortly after. It seemed every V-Max owner, and there were not many, wanted to race. Once I was challenged while doing 60mph with my wife-to-be on the back. She still remembers that ride and tells me she was very happy that I didn't engage. I still have the Sabre.
Brilliant!
I have a 1996. Changed to radial tires, R1 front end, 6 pot calipers and of course a Supercharger! Fast and can handle.
Another great video I think I prefer these classic reviews to your modern stuff although they too are very good.
Please get hold of a Laverda Jota (must be in orange as they go faster !!) my all time favourite bike and at the age of 15 the sight of watching the school caretaker ripping one up through the school grounds is what strarted my love of bikes. Happy Days!
Ah, cable clutch Jotas . . . tendonitis is your co-pilot . . . that & galloping groin strain once you're above 5,302 rpm! : )
i love the sound of the old bikes too. My 82 Honda Nighthawk 750 sounded like a formula 1 car at high revs
Cool!
The moment when you stated the silver scoops on the side funnel air made me laugh 😅😂 them silver scoops have the coolant pipes and electric system under them 😅the air box is under the fake tank so the gap between the silver scoops and the fake tank is really where the air gets in 😅 I own an 1998 vmax uk full power one🤟 the vmax designer added the scoops as an aesthetic look - the bike inspired design from USA airforce jets and the us drag car scene 😏🏍
Yeh
THIS THING............ Is a Legend of a bike, V-Max / Hyabusa / Gold Wing etc.
Yes I agree - Which is why I wanted a go on one!
In 1985 we called the gas tank side scoops "bambsul horns". A few of us use to ride together me on a 883 HD Sportster on my buddy on his 1985 VMax. He was on one of the quickest bikes of the day and me on one of slowest. He was a new rider so shenanigans were in order.
During one of our stops I would pull two spark plug wires off his Vmax and later while riding challenge him to a roll on. I would just barely beat him....he thought I was a riding God.
It took him about two years to figure it out ...well one of the other guys told him.
Always enjoy your vids. I had one of thesea 96 version full power. The word Vmax apparently stands for maximum velocity. At 6000rpm butterfly valves between the banks of cars open up giving twice as much fuel to the cylinders. Hell of a rush. And maximum grin factor. 145bhp. Your vid makes me wish I'd hung onto mine. Keep up the good work.
Exactly my thoughts regret it but looking around prices are coming down to the low £3000 mark
Brilliant - and will do!
They don't make them like that anymore,props for sharing these classics with us
Indeed they don't Darren, indeed they don't....
I owned 1998 Vmax for 8 years. I loved the power and sound. When the engine came on the boost at about 6 grand, it made you pay attention. It was like the ultimate passing gear.No problems with the bike during that time. The brakes never seemed to match that motor. is a big girl to take to the dance.
“Is a big girl to take to a dance” absolutely 😂
Absolutely love the Vmax, my dad had one ! Memories of being a pillion and him opening up the throttle 🏍💨💨
Crikey!
Mr Flyer, you tamed your biker nemesis, we all have one, you feel liberated, a goal achieved, I could sense your joy.
Great vid, great bike.
“Riding a motorcycle is the closest you can come to flying without leaving the ground.”
T E Lawrence aka Lawrence of Arabia.
Great review as always, beautiful bike . I think its a gen 1 which is 1200 cc and a bit less HP but still a great and collectable bike.although im happy to be corrected, , ive been looking for one so might give Superbike factory a call!!
Yes you may well be right GOG - whatever variant, it was a great experience to ride!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes it is , I rode one recently and was impressed like you !!
That paint job was standard believe it or not, i owned four v-maxes over about 10 years, magnificent bike, i love how basic and uncluttered with tech, doesn’t even have a fuel gauge! Just a light to let you know when you’ve hit reserve. I bought the gen 2 1700 which had all the bells and whistles but was nowhere near as fun to ride as the original, despite more power. Also those air scoops on the original are just for looks, they dont actually serve any purpose, look cool though.
My brother had one, he said it’s a beast too and he looks like a Viking! I’ve picked up my cousins old bike, he sadly passed away 3 years ago, but he left his 1984 Yamaha XJ750 for a few of us to share and ride. It’s got under 40k miles on it and is all original, loving it so far.
Cool!
Had a mate who had one he said. It was scary around corners, like navigating a ship at speed.
Yes that sounds about right!
I remember an old Fast Bikes or Performance Bikes magazine maybe, idk i bought back in the day that featured a heavily modified vmax. It had a turbo on it and had been raised up to make it less cruiserish. and better handling. I think the shape change made it more appealing
This bike is a beast. An a shaft drive if I remember correctly. Love it!
It sure is!
You'r right, you'll never lose any money on a legend machine like that. I really like videos with classic (older bikes). Well done TMF and big thanks!!
Glad you like them Tom - more to come!
The side scoops on these early models were “non-Functional”, in this model, they hid where the Horns were.
Really??! That's hilarious! Thanks for that...were they functional on any model??
@@TheMissendenFlyer
I believe 2009 was the total redesign of the bike where it gained an aluminum frame and the scoops became functional with fuel injection.
Oh thanks for that - interesting that they decided to re-engineer the bike so they were!! Love that sort of detail, thanks....
The scoops were designed from a fighter jet and like you said non functional other than covers
The horn is below the radiator.
Love the new series 👌
Why didn't you give it the beans - was half expecting to see a ride-by shot on the back wheel; open face helmet revealing a look of sheer terror!
Mostly legal reasons.....
Andy its fantastic that you are reviewing Classic machines .The V max has been one of my all time favourite machines I have ridden a 1998 model belonging to a friend of mine and was duly impressed. I am an old school rider and own a 1971 Norton Commando and a 1965 BSA Lightning both bikes I could not afford and drooled over as an apprentice in 1972.The most modern machine in my stable is a 2005 Yamaha MT-01 1700cc V Twin air cooled Classic which is now becoming quite a collectors piece. Would love to see you review this fantastic old school machine that has the torque of a Massey Ferguson tractor and the sound (if fitted with stage 2 kit Akrapovics) of a Huey UH-1 Helicopter. Love your channel including your flying videos , as I too am a private pilot in Australia.
Nice one! Thanks for watching.....
Used to drool after a VMax and was on a serious lookout after one almost twenty years ago. Used good ones were impossible to find and the new ones were too expensive so never got one. Now at my age (64) I´ve lost the yearning for powerbikes so now I never will own one of those. But I can still feel a slight yearning when I look at this video. What a bike, in my books that is one of the all time greats. Thanks!
Yes I agree - definately a memorable bike!
Just came across this video nice,I own a vmax 1200 1990 puts a smile on my face every time
Cool!
Hi Andy, see you had the good sense only gun it on the straight, when I owned one I had a few heart stopping moments with the back wheel stepping out, one thing you forgot to mention it being a shaft driven, but you can't remember everything, enjoyed the video, thank you...
Cheers Stephen!
Hi Andy,
like many others I’m really enjoying this type of content.
Sorry to hear Carole and you had Covid, but at least you are past the worst 👍🏻
Cheers Mark - yep, we’re pretty much better now - thanks for watching!
Great Andy,
we need you well to keep the new content up 😁.
Careful on the older bikes, I had a second hand Kawasaki 1000 RX that tried to have me off more than once 🙄
If you ever get the chance, I'd love to see you review one of the old Yamaha BT1100s the "Bulldog". It's hard to find any non conflicting information on them. I like your more "real world" approach to reviews. Not super expensive these days second hand and I've thought about getting one for my work commute (a 20 minute jaunt down the A1/M at 5am). Not that my little SV650 doesn't do the job, you know, just for something "different" but I do admit I like a FI model and no cold morning warm ups... I've never been sure though.
Great video! Most of my riding is from the 70's and 80's and I'm currently restoring a 1984 Yamaha Virago 1000 - identical to the one I had in 1984. I rode with a bunch of Navy buddies back then and in our group were Viragos, FJ1100s, VMax, RZ500s, Interceptors and Magnas. We had no idea at the time how iconic these bikes were going to become - we were too busy having fun. Those spiral wires over the brake lines are on a lot of vintage Yamaha bikes (mostly in the early 80s to late 90s) and they are stone guards used to protect the brake lines. When you see them on fuel lines, they're used then to reduce any hose kinks when making sharp curves.
Thanks for that Ken, I knew someone would know!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Keep up the great content!! Love your videos.
Thank you!
Great review and always lovely to view the Vmax. I have a Gen 1 and agree with your comment about the clutch. A few things I'd like to point out. The scoops are actually only aesthetic on the Gen 1, they don't suck in air into the airbag and whist your camera went to the tank when describing fuel capacity, that tank is a fake tank. Fuel is under the seat. Quite a surprising bike. And loads of new bikes are copying what the Vmax brought forward. Yes to the Diavel but also many of the recent Harley's are using the fuel tank under the seat system more and more. And selling the BMW would make space in the garage....just sayin'!!!
FYI: The fuel tank custom style paintwork is actually competely standard, just as it left the factory.
Yes a few have mentioned that - amazing!
As a young man, this machine still is one of my favorite motorcycles of all time, it stole my heart to want to ride bikes ever since, I am a loyalist to Yamaha, and love this machine, and again, Andy, wishing you and Carol a great weekend, thank you for such delightful insight into my favorite motorcycles, always a comfortable reviews delivered, thanks again sir, a kind spirit of life ride safe and Ride Free. Amen.
Thank you - glad you enjoyed the video.....just got to get shot of this darned COVID now!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Damnit yes, Covid, I treat it as if it doesn't exist anymore o be honest Andy, really... Enjoy your weekend, and keep feeding us the good program of comfortable reviews delivered. COVID go away lolol 😂😉 wishing you and Carol all the best. Cheers 🥂
Thanks - we're both feeling a little better today!
Love these classic reviews. I loved my 1990 Vmax. Fun cruiser for sure and an absolutely lovely exhaust note.
Cool!
I had the 1985 model Vmax. I put a small faring around the headlight that really looked nice.
Excellent idea, riding and giving your impressions of older bikes. I like this.
Good to hear that Eric!
Thanks for the memories. I remember pulling up to one of these at a light in '89 on my Honda Nighthawk 750. I didn’t even try… thanks again.
Good plan!
One of my late Father's friends from the bike club has one of these and it BEAUTIFUL!!!
Loved this review, ace! I had a '99 one for a while about 5 years ago. The bike is bipolar. Chill cruiser up to ~6000 rpm, then absolutely mental kick-in-the-back acceleration above it. When I rode it as I thought it was meant to be riden, I got about 10km/l, or around 28 UK mpg so with the 12 liter (2.6 UK gallon) tank on it I was gas station-hopping most of the time. Bloody good fun, but eventually just too impractical and unrefined. Loved the experience of having one, and I'd recommend any doubting mind to just try this bike out so you have the experience on it... But I'm currently much happier with a 2014 XJR 1300!
Cool!
2012? Wow! I can’t believe you’ve only be riding that short period of time! 🤩 I started riding in 1985…😳😂
hi, drove a Vmax around Europe in the late 80s even with its tiny tank (100 miles-ish) great fun especially Switzerland 😀.. moto guzzi griso my ride at the present..worth a video on its own..cheers 🍻
Have owned two of these and regret selling mine a few years back. Best bike I have ever owned and I have owned many. First time I drove one I punched it in third gear an thought the clutch was slipping until I saw a long black streak from the back tire breaking lose.
Cool!!
I used to have the tourer Venture Royale with the same engine only slightly detuned, was still a quick bike, loved it….thanks for the review.
My pleasure! Thanks for watching...
I would say the V Max has a tuned Venture Royal engine, as it came first, the same engine is the basis for the Royal Star Venture and is a very reliable engine, with some bike achieving over 300k miles without a engine stripdown
Great to see you bombing around on a classic,wonderful insight on those older bikes.
I'm sure that that is the 1200 cc V Max dude it's the same model as mine 140 hp and V Boost comes in at 6000 rpm on very cool and very very ironic bike I've had mine for 2 weeks and I'm loving it ....Ps love your vids dude keep it up 👍
Glad your reply wasn’t earlier! Exactly what I recall about this bike. The V Boost was missing from the watered down UK version. Guess we couldn’t be trusted with that much power or maybe the fact we have twisty roads might have been an issue.
Love seeing this. I own a 1985 with less than 1k miles on it (Purple). I had an 85 back in my younger days. I also own a 2019 raven black gen 2. The 85 is unreal, such an icon but provides a scare factor in many way. Handling sucks but it's also fun in a way. It has such an old school feel but sounds amazing and just provides a fun factor that modern bikes do not. The Gen 2 could be the most refined machine I have ever owned even over my GS (40th ann). I have never owned a bike that is so well made and a work of art. Yamaha knocked it out of the park with the Gen 2. I had my gen 2 Gurue'd as well but with a few tweaks it went from feeling heavy in the steering to one of my best handling bikes. Anyone who owns a gen 2 try softening the rear suspension and stiffening the front. It changes the handling in incredible ways. I will never get rid of my Max(s). Also, make sure tire pressures are 42 lbs (Gen 2). If you were impressed with the machine in the vid I can't wait to see what you think of a gen 2. I am sure you have a 1,000 comments correcting you on this vid but who cares....both bikes are legendary!
Thanks Chris - enjoyed reading that!
@@TheMissendenFlyer anytime! Love your vids!
Thank you - glad to hear that!
Regardless of which version this VMax is, it’s an iconic beast of a dragster bike that can’t be mistaken for anything else. You nailed it, old school (our era) no plastic, no bullshit machine that was ridden at the time by mainly rich knobs compensating for something if I remember right! Haha. Wouldn’t mind owning one now though as a classic that it has become!
Right on!
Having been riding for just over 30 years myself it is funny how focussed and more risk adverse recent riders immediately become when you have absolutely no rider aids on a bike (no ABS, no traction control, no modes with bog standard suspension and tyres etc). Hooning around becomes much less enjoyable all of a sudden. Many of the TH-cam generation lot would end up in the first hedge. Probably. Enjoying this spin off BTW.
Great review I'm loving these classic bike reviews. This has got to be one of the most iconic and instantly recognised bikes the mighty v max. A mate of mine had one and said it was amazing in a straight line and frightening in a corner. Speaking of v4's you have got to review the Honda vfr1200f.
Yes I rode one in Slovenia - there's a review here somewhere...
V max with the “V boost” set up, effectively gave each cylinder the intake from 2 carbs at higher revs…… it was bar bendingly mad…… far faster than the brakes or geometry were happy with.
Last I rode was a full power “black max”……. 1200cc with lashings of sinister “black” chrome…. 🙂
Many of us back in the States classify the V-Max as a standard bike not a cruiser. Its ergos support that classification for us. Besides, the real torque monster in the cruiser class, in stock condition, is Honda's VTX1800. Your mileage may vary on this score, of course.
One of my favourites- LOVE these!
It’s a beast isn’t it Freddie - have you ever had a go on one?
For the past 20 years i have owned two V max⭐...still love this bike today.
Cool!
Just bought a full power ‘86 Gen1 Vmax, such a cool bike Andy :) your video may have just rekindled the fire 🔥 the bike that made me want to ride as a teenager 😎
Love your take on classic bikes. The kind of bikes that still had soul like that beast. Hope one day you try out an old preferrably pre 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster. Technology from the 50´s and a character to go with it :)
Yes I'd love a go on one!
It funny to me that 20 years ago we were saying the new bikes have no soul ;o)
Nothing changes does it!
I remember they were huge in the US where street drag races are popular, as it's basically designed to go fast in a straight line. Less popular in Europe where we have corners. Still a beautiful looking and instantly recognisable bike.
Yes definately a classic as far as I'm concerned!
Owned a 1987 model. She was mild-mannered until you hit that 5500-6k rpm. Fully spun up, It felt like you were going to be ripped of the bike by tidal forces of a black hole.
The carb tunes were expensive where I lived - about 675 pounds equivalent to dollars. I miss her still = )
I agree. That is a very nice bike. That pain looks smashing. And the way the engine sits looks fantastic.
Oh memories! This is my era, although I never owned or road one.
If memory serves me, the old 'Used Bike Guide' described the handling as fine in a straight line but like a puppy on a lead in the corners!
The engine was also used in the XVZ 1200 Tourer Yamaha's answer to the Goldwing.
I think that description is quite apt!
lovely example of the VMAX, completely agree that it's a legendary machine. it's a pity the conditions didn't allow a demonstration of its acceleration from a standing start, in my mind anyway, that is what it's known for. I picked up from your comments that you have some aviation in your history. I really enjoy these classic bike reviews, something a bit different from the norm, great idea, keep them coming
Thanks Duncan - glad you like this classic bike series - more to come! And yes, I am a pilot hence "The Missenden Flyer".....
If you like the Vmax so much Andy then see if Superbike Factory have a Honda X4 which was honda's answer to the Vmax. They only made it for a couple of years and didn't export it officially outside of japan but they are a few grey imports around. I had one and it rode beautifully, 1300cc inline four taken from the CB1300 but tuned for acceleration, fast bike!
X4..
Looked cool..
Never get near the max
If you really enjoyed the Vmax you should get your hands on a Gen 3 Honda Magna 750. (1994-2003) Mine almost have 30,000 miles (50,000km) and runs like a top.
Good morning Andy I’m really enjoying your reviews on the classic bikes hope there’s more to come 😃
Oh yes - lots more planned as I’m really enjoying getting to know these older machines…any requests???
Great review. What an old beast & the Vmax is impressive too. I remember when these came out & they were savage. A proper muscle bike in every sense of the world. It was most definitely the Rocket 3 of it's day & more of a bruiser too.
Agreed! The Rocket 3 is far less scary!
Aside from the Ducati’s , I feel like this engine in the Vmax is the best sounding V4. I had the pleasure of test riding one of these in 2015, I have to say, I found it to be the most exciting instrument of death I have ever ridden! Excellent review! Cheers
Cheers!
Hi Andy.
Great review....personally I am one of those who don't get HD or cruisers but each to their own.
2 wheels are 2 wheels at the end of the day and we are all the motorcycle family.
Agreed!
I was told by a biker I worked with that the original VMAX frame would bend under full acceleration. That must've been fun!
Whaat?!!
There are many rumors about the Vmax 1200, I own both, the 12 but also the 1700 and I max both of them easily on German Autobahn without any issues. My 1200 is a 95 model, so slightly better brakes and forks and yes, the VMaxes come with special behavior and no, they were never meant as racing bikes.
The guys complaining about the handling of a Vmax obviously forget the state of bikes of the early 1980's. Compared to bikes the same time, maxes were not that bad, the super serious German magazine Motorrad tested the Max on Racetrack versus the also legendary RG500.
The RG500 (a proper streetlegal racebike) won but it was very close.
This in mind, the handling of the VMax was not that bad.
Can only access my phone at the moment and can't view it just now.
Looking at the thumbnail, is it the new Royal Enfield Meteor ?
Until I can watch the video the suspense will be killing me...😁
Loving the classic bike series. Great idea to see used bikes. We can't all afford the new ones. 👍 Really enjoy your channel keep up the good work 🙂
Glad you like them Adam - thank you for watching and for the kind words!
I've been looking for one for ages here in Europe. They're great machines.
An incredible beast with a lot of power.
Hi, I rode a Mk1 1985, full power, VMax for 12 years and loved every minute. As with the earlier comments some of your facts are a bit muddled up with the later version. It's a pity the Mk2 which gained so much extra power also gained a fair bit of weight, if only it could have lost some of the flab along the way.
The early version had a reputation for being a bad handler, admittedly it's not in the sports or even road bike class, but did me OK around the twisties in The Dolomites!
I've run a 2019 Speed Twin for almost 3 years now which has a similar rumble & engine vibe feel as the VMax, and interestingly they are very similar in torque, but very, very different in HP.
Would love to have another one if I had garage space.
Me too!
Love these reviews of classic bikes I remember when the v-max came out I always wanted to ride one. Keep them coming TMF 👍
Thanks, will do!
Another lovely looking machine, and as you said, looks like it was just shaped from a single piece of metal. Loving these 'classic bike' videos. Thank you superbike factory.
Glad you like them Gary! Thanks for watching....more to come!
I love your great attitude, and your great breakdown of motorcycling.
Thank you Leo!
Hi Tmf, great channel but to correct you (as you're obvs a newcomer to vmax's) you're referring stats to wrong bike as said below , ive had 9 of the 1200s , even a restricted one , still have 2 customised full power ones, theres a big club/owner scene of good folk with great info out there, - we had over 900 at our 30th anniversay bash in france ! - also the air scoops do Not ram air anywhere...theyre just well designed covers for flasher units etc....
all the best..
...in boost we trust
I had a ‘98 model in black when I was living in Dubai back in the day. The ideal place to ride one really as the roads were pretty straight. Phenomenal straight line performance especially once the Vboost kicked in. I fitted the Yamaha fly screen to it which I thought tidied up the front end. Brakes weren’t great despite fitting braided steel hoses but a fantastic machine.
i'm in Dubai and looking at a 96 model for sale 35,000 km for £3k
Thanks for posting. Rode a Vmax maybe 27 years ago. Your review is pretty much in line with what I remember. The one exception, you were very generous with your description of the brakes. In my case, I really had to press hard on the brake lever to get the bike to consider slowing down. :) Maybe your model, being more recent, has better brakes.
They seemed fine!
I've been riding since age 18 (1993!), and these classic videos are my favourite. I'm not so much up on the new bikes.
Good to hear that!
Love these classic ride videos. I remember seeing the Vmax around town 15 years ago but my area is dominated by Harley-Davidson.
Enjoyed the review, completely nuts bike especially with the V-boost typical
off the wall design by Yamaha,what a great machine. Cheers Andy 👍🏍
Hi Andy, great video with one of my favourite motorbikes. That looks like a Gen 1 1200cc V Max. They have the legendary V Boost, basically the carbs have a butterfly valve that open at 6000rpm so 2 carbs feed 1 cylinder!
I think the original concept was more a drag bike then cruiser!
Yes I think you may be right - cornering wasn’t it’s forte that’s for sure!!
back in 1985 there was no "cruiser" section yet. There were "big bikes" and Vmax never stood for max velocity. It never was the top speed bike, it always was about acceleration. It never had any kind of wind protection.
it is like a Cobra on two wheels.
had the pleasure of test riding one when they first came out but ended up going the FJ1100 way but i always wondered what life would have been like with Max. really enjoying your series on these old girls, great work TMF
Thankyou - stay tuned, more to come!
I was really surprised to click on and see you reviewing this bike. I own a 2004 and, currently, it is the most powerful bike in my small collection. There are a couple of things to mention. First, you're actually riding a VMAX 1200. You said it was a 2008. Unless it is a held over and titled that way in England, it is NOT the new generation that debuted in 2008 with the 1679 cc engine. It is, I'm sure, a 2007.The newer iteration was a completely new design (produced from 2008-2020) and was even more of a monster. I rode both generations when they first came out. The one you're riding is rated at about 120 HP. Still a rocket. Here in the States we never had the detuned version that was sold across the pond. Suspension and brakes were beefed up sometime around '95 but, otherwise, the bike remained the same until the remake in 2008. Also, the bike was designed after consulting American drag racers and was, basically, a 1/4 mile performer. Top speed is somewhere north of 140mph. The bars are narrow, I believe, so that the drag racer/rider did not have his arms splayed out very far and could tuck in. Same reason for the nice bump behind the rider's butt. All for a reason. That paint on your demo was a factory job. Yamaha made a gorgeous bike for over twenty years. I love mine. It is stock and has just over 10,000 miles . I just put brand new Dunlop Qualifiers (raised white letters) on last month and it's ready for summer. When you come visit me in the Black Hills, I'll let you take it for a real ride on some great roads. When the VBOOST kicks in, it'll make your eyes bleed. Four downdraft Mikunis came on these, also, but the side scoops on this first gen are NOT functional. By the way, the gasoline tank is under the seat. You probably found that out when you went to top it off.
Thanks for the info - much appreciated!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Always glad to help.
A few corrections. The 1st generation VMax ran from ’85-’07. You say you’re riding a 2008 model and also say they stopped production in 2015. The second generation 1700cc VMax began production in 2008. The air scoop are non-functional and are for styling and hide the coolant fill and some fuzes etc. The flame paint job IS factory and not custom. My first motorcycle was a ’93 Vmax and I still own a ’06 model today. :)
Thanks for that!
The Mad Max what a Beast!
How about Trying a
Kawasaki Z1300 six. ?
Another Classic Big Beast!
It's on the list Jeff!
I think they called it the V Max because of the Max size V4 motor, they used the same engine configuration in the touring bike they built to compete with the gold wing, I think it was called the Venture?
You may well be right!
One of Yamaha's amazing left field specials.
The original Vmax was about 1985 I think, with an engine from the Venture cruiser that I don't think came to the UK.
About 10G on the road if I remember correctly. Lit of money in '85.
Loved them in '85, although never rode one had a mate with one and the sound following him was amazing. Bit quicker than my xj650 of the time..
That brought back some memories. Thanks for sharing. Happy travels 👍
Thanks for watching as ever Tenere Traveller - always good to have you along!
That tank paint is factory - my brothers has it, its a “final edition”. That’s the one to collect, alongside the first edition.
I's a cool paint job for a production bike isn't it.....
If you can find one, the suzuki gv1200 madura will show most v maxs up...only made for 1 year 1985/6 and for th3 Canadian Market.
great review love the old school bikes i used to have a Yamaha MT01 1700CC V twin have you ever ridden one of those great bike i loved mind and still fetching good money today and you don't see many .