When I had my VMAX I put an antigravity ATZ-10 battery in it. The higher CCA of that battery made it fire up immediately when I thumbed the starter. I also had one in my Tuono when it was having intermittent starting issues. Highly recommended AND the battery has a restart function. If you ever leave your lights on or have a parasitic draw, the battery will save enough juice to allow you to restart and never be stranded.
I've had my 2018 Vmax for two and a half years. I still come back with an ear to ear smile on my face after every ride. I picked up a new 2021 Goldwing this summer (been a Goldwing rider for decades). I highly recommend the new Wing. Living in southeast Wisconsin, I also need the mandatory Harley (Street glide) in my garage. Each bike has it's appeal and it's fun walking into the garage each morning and having to decide which motorcycle mood I am in. I only wish I had a bigger garage for an old 1000 Interceptor or CBR1100 XX Blackbird.
Your living the life man. All three bikes are great choices , i have a 2005 VMAX but would love to own a HARLEY as well! I used to have a 2004 CBR 1000 RR. I REGRET GETTING RID OF IT. Safe ridings.
Thanks for a great review. Only confirmed what I always suspected! The perfect bike! Sold my last Keeper to move back to Africa. Broke my heart. GSX1400, bought it for myself as a leaving present when I left the military. Never had the money for a VMax. 13 years later....I'm still waiting out to buy the VMax.....maybe one day when I'm big, until then I pray every day. Ride well brother, thanks again🤝
I’ve had two over the years. Both were First Gen. Would love to had a Gen Two. I got on my second one fairly hard one day. Thought the clutch was slipping since the RPMs were going up really quickly without picking up any speed. I turned around to go back home and noticed a black mark about 100 yards in length where I thought my clutch was slipping. It had broke the tire loose at about 70 mph and I didn’t realize it. I miss that bike. Lol
I have a 2009 and it sounds the same. Seatwise .. like every other bike, works for some, not for others. No issues. Ii have a 21 litre tank and get 275-300 kms; 210kms before red light and about 6-7 litres left.
I don't ride bike not even have a driving license for one but my friend had the first edition long time ago we were young , since that time I like it very much even if don't have DL ,this machine is just so cool
Hello Jeff, just a comment on the seat ,I am 5 foot 10 inches. My vmax was a tad high. I got the seat lowered by about 1.5 inches. Then the standard cover replaced. It looks totally stock but is now flatter. In my opinion, more comfortable ,and my feet are closer to flat on the ground. I had my 1200 vmax,(lots of mods including 60bhp of nitrous), for 20 years, but could not resist a trade up. Nothing else has ever tempted my before! Cheers Peter
I love the V4 engines and have always wondered why motorcycle companies don’t use them more. Put 35,000 miles on my V65 Magna back in the day. The 90 degree valve stem is a good idea.
I own a Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe. It has a de-tuned V max V4 in it. They run like a watch. The only complaint I have is that Yamaha de-tuned it a little more than I like. I know my bike is a 800-plus pound touring cruiser with 100 hp. I wish that when they de-tuned it for a big cruiser they'd have left it at about 130 hp.
I was waiting to see this video from you. I VALUE YOUR OPINION. You don't pull any punches and give honest evaluations for those of us considering these interesting motorcycles. Yours looks great in all black! Wado, or thanks for posting this. It's much appreciated, Jeff. 👍🏻
The stock batteries were not the greatest, after market battery should be considered. I don't think I could ever afford a second gen. Max. I had a 93 but got divorced and ended up having to sell it. Now with crazy house prices, I can get the bike but don't have a house (garage) to park it in. Maybe if I had underground parking here at my apartment I might. I know what I'm missing, at least I can say I did have one and loved it. I'm getting up there to in my later 50's with cancer so I'm running out of time anyways. Ride safe my friend. Thanks for the video, it brings back good memories. (except two rides got scary because of rain) Not recommended on wet roads
I have had my 2020 Vmax for just over a year. I'm not having the reset issue on the trip meter. One right button press takes it from miles since the low fuel warning to total miles ridden since the last reset to zero. A second press resets the trip meter to 0. My only complaint with the bike is that I can't read the speedometer at certain sun angles but then who care how fast you are going anyway. I have had lots of different bikes. I agree with this being a forever bike!
It’s not my trip meter; it’s the System Status that disappears when the fuel light comes on. After fill up I need to go back into the settings menu to get it back.
Yes your warm and cold start sounds the same as my 2011 VMAX 1700. I thought I had a weak battery or starter issue as well but its a normal sound. Yes my 2011 VMAX is forever!
Thanks Jeff! I was riding my 2020 V Max today and took-off from a stop light with just a little more power and Wall-Ahhhh! back tire chirped and bike moved forward quickly. I kidd you Not,,, If I wanted to do a burn-out? It's an easy feat on the V-Max. It was just funny that my slower take-Off was still spinning the rear tire enough for a long chirp! My bike continues to amaze me after 2 years of ownership. :)
I’m not talking about when you push the right button to switch over to see the temperature gauge and the fuel gauge. I know that when you push the right button to see those two gauges, it automatically switches back after five seconds. In the video I’m talking about when the fuel low light comes on system status disappears, and the only way to get it to come back is after you put fuel in the tank you must go into the set up menu and turn system status back on. Its default is system status off and it resorts to that default every time that low fuel light comes on.
Had a first Gen for 15 years. Loved every minute...except gas station stops! But 680+ pounds is the deal breaker for a cruiser. I went w/ the Yamaha(s): FJR1300 sport cruiser, when w/ the wife & traveling and; '22 XSR900 for around town and blasts in the country! Still love the times w/ my "vmax" and the looks of the Gen II. Great video!
Thank you. I like the FJR and would possibly get one to add to the collection if they would update the display. However, I’ve heard it may be discontinued.
@@JeffMarcum I know it is discontinued in Europe because of emissions. Rumor has it Yamaha is designing a new model? We'll see? Sport cruisers are a popular option. And the FJR exceeded all my expectations. Ride safe! Ron
Yes, you have the best of both worlds. One for fast fun, and the other for long distance cruising, especially with a passenger. After my move to Texas next year, a brand new Gold Wing DCT will join the VMAX in my garage.
I own 20 GW DCT Tour and I am looking for a clean Max. I know, the day will come and I will find one. I am very picky guy. Has to be super clean and maintained. I think those 2 are forever bikes in my garage. Good choice.
Vmax 1200 I owned did also clunck at warm start and my xvz1200 venture does the same. I think compression raises on warm engine. Seats on all Vmax are hard. Thanks for video. V4 Max is wonderful!
My 2019's starter sounds the same way. It's not been an issue. They all sound the same as far as I've seen and heard. My seat is terribly hard but I don't ride this bike very long, usually just in short bursts! Thanks for the Video.
On the starts. Remember your turning over a 4 cylinder 1700 cc monster. I honestly don't hear an issue. Any battery will put out less starting amps in cold weather and the opposite the warmer weather. I can't believe for you size you control that beast so well. Good on you and nice riding skills.
On the 90% valve stems you might find that the TPM,s might not work I have the Garmin Zumo 390lm with the TPM all fine but when I had the 90 degree stems fitted they don't work As for the seat I have the Corbin seat front and rear a lot better than stock Ash
I have a 2014 that I bought new. I keep it on a battery tender, I’m on my second battery. It always starts exactly like yours. I think the starter is small for a 1700cc V4. No other issues at all.
I have noticed mine seems to take longer to light off than I would think normal. Yours sounds the same as mine. It may be due to the computer waiting cam/crank sensor signals to line up, not sure.
I agree with the sound of the V4, I don't own a VMAX but its big cruiser cousin, a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe. Which uses the same engine only de-tuned for a touring cruiser. If you add slip-on exhausts as I did to my bike, it sounds mean. I get lots of compliments on the sound of the bike. So much so, I put 2 videos of it on here.
One year in, I love mine, it's a pleasure to ride and I plan on keeping it. Overall, it's a phenomenal design. The fuel capacity and mileage that most people complain about desnt't bother me so much. However, the lack of a 6th gear in my opinion is major oversight by Yamaha. The extra gear would have made this a much better bike on long highway rides and extended the range a bit. If it had the 6th gear I would say it was close to a perfect design.
I think their concern was keeping the 0-60 time to 2.5 sec . You can get there in 1st just at redline. If they added a gear and kept the same gear ratio to maintain that the bike would go 200 mph. I've had mine as fast as it will go and trust me it's hard to hang on.
higher cold cranking amp battery would probably make it start more aggressively. I put in a higher CCA battery in my 2016 BMW R1200GSA that was recommended by my local BMW service dept and by Yuasa, the battery manufacturer in Pennsylvania. I am spoiled when I fill up my GSA and the Nav 6 tells me I have 375 mile range
Did it come black on black? Look’s crazy good. Looking to get one soon. Was think of getting a first gen but there is to many upgrades to pass up on a 2gen.
I have a 2005 Warrior Midnight edition & a 2007 Honda VTX1800. The Warrior is also a 1700cc but with only 2 cylinders. Your "sluggish" cold start is more like my warm. The Honda, with ~100 more cc, starts quick and easy. So IMO, Yamaha could do better with using a larger starter. As far as Japanese quality, I've got 88,000+ miles on the Warrior. So yeah, Yamaha motors are near bulletproof. I've got no complaints with the VTX either. I'd absolutely love to have your black Vmax sitting next to my Warrior in the garage. That way I could retire the Warrior for pleasure and move the VMax to my drag racing. But VMaxes are way out of what I can afford (especially since I've just retired) so I'll just have to be envious as yet again I'm looking at a VMax taillight at the end of the quarter.
I had an '04 V-max with the same weak starter/battery issues. Constantly had to recharge the tiny battery to get it to start on cool (Los Angeles) mornings. Reliability was a problem.
About that sluggish starter motor...I have a Yamaha Raider (V-twin 1900 cc) And when I hit the starter, it barely turns over...much slower then your demonstration. At first I though that the battery was dying...but no! That is just the way that it is.
I just sold my 2018 vmax. Awesome bike but I don’t care for the riding position. Felt most of the weight in my wrist while riding. Next bike will a bike vrod muscle. Much more comfortable riding position imo.
I got 2018 whit 30 k long term review ??? No problems at all about cllt start same here no problem looking for biger fuel tank only problem to many stops for gas two mod right now delkavith slip on cat delete and dna air filter no ecu flush now can make aroud 130 milage from single tank
From the looks of cost and a few other things. I should have gotten a vmax vs my harley ultra limited. The vmax has the power I would prefer, does not have the storage I use and love. But is not even 1/2 the cost of my bike.
C'est une Moto Unique ! la première génération est toujours une Légende et celle-ci va également le devenir ! J'ai les 2 modèles car c'est la seul moto qui m'a fait rêver toute ma vie jusqu'au point de la posséder un jour. J'ai meme crée une Chaine TH-cam ou j'en parle dés que je peux. J'ai eu la chance d'avoir en 2016 une des séries limités 60Th aux couleurs de Kenny Roberts et pour les 60 ans de Yamaha. C'est un véritable bijoux dont je suis fou amoureux et dont les gens se retournent à chacune de mes sorties. Je les aime malgré leurs defaults. Merci pour cette vidéo et à très bientot
What I find funny about these super powerful bikes like the Vmax and Triumph Rocket 3 is that they sound like sewing machines. Also, it's a big motor, it will start like that. Similar to the Yamaha Raider. It takes a lot to start that motor. A good upgrade is a higher CCA battery. Will start much quicker. I've been looking at this bike, along with the Rocket 3, as an upgrade to my Raider.
I love my 99 vmax1200 unfortunately it has a fork leak presently last ride got a biy squirrelly so as my lowrider still has bad iac i only had my triumph america sizeable at moment
I was never a fan of the stock seat either; body weight definitely is not a variable here. I switched to a Corbin and for me, it was a night and day difference.
Hi Jeff. My 2010 starts and sounds just like yours. Never been an issue until the battery failed of old age. At just shy of 300# I am not comfortable in my seat. So it doesn’t appear its weight that makes the seat uncomfortable. Yamaha could have put a better seat on the bike. After about 60-90 minutes it is time for butt rest on most journeys.
Hey Jeff, hae a question... I have a 2018 Vmax and just installed a front and rear dash cam. I noticed that my rear turns dont light up unless I flip the switch. I dont know if they are also supposed to be running lights or I botched something. When you start your bike, do the rear turns go on?
@@JeffMarcum Jeff, thank you VERY much for confirming. I just wanted to make sure I didn't do something wrong. I always think of you and your channel because I have put a lot of my own work into my bike and a lot of thought on how to tastefully do everything. I installed a Denali SoundBomb compact horn, SAE direct to battery with 5 connectors, LED's around the bike, Valentine 1 Radar Detector with HARD unit (hard wired) and now the Ventrue F1 camera system. I do everything tastefully and meticulous!!! I hate people who install stuff on their bike and drill, scratch and mount stuff anywhere. Let me know if your interested in any of the stuff and I can send pics and/or explain what I did. Just trying to spread the Vmax love! :)
Hello Sir, do you still have the bike? I try to collect enough money for one but I'm not sure if I can handle such a beast of a bike... :) Are you still happy with it? Thanks & regards, Tom
I borrowed a friend’s road star warrior for a weekend trip and it sounded just like that on cold starts so I think it’s normal. The starter I think is just a little underpowered for the big displacement engines and when the oil and everything else is cold it just struggled a little bit. They must use the same starter on a lot of their bikes.
I am 5' 6" and have a 30-inch inseam. The inseam is more important than height. The seat height of this bike is 30.5 inches. I can get both feet on the ground, but not flat footed. I may do a video on it at some point to demonstrate.
I did a video on that topic two months ago that should help you: th-cam.com/video/7sMiVGIxpkM/w-d-xo.html I would also add that the 1st Gen seat height is about 1/2 inch lower than the 2nd Gen. I hope that helps.
Once you join the club, it's for life. The VMax brotherhood knows what I mean.
I have a 2014 VMax from new, today looks and sounds great, I have 4 bike but VMax is my baby.
When I had my VMAX I put an antigravity ATZ-10 battery in it. The higher CCA of that battery made it fire up immediately when I thumbed the starter. I also had one in my Tuono when it was having intermittent starting issues. Highly recommended AND the battery has a restart function. If you ever leave your lights on or have a parasitic draw, the battery will save enough juice to allow you to restart and never be stranded.
I’ve loved the V Max since I was a kid. Such an aggressive looking machine. Pretty rare to see one out in the streets too.
I just bought one yesterday!
Congrats! Which year?
@@JeffMarcum only 2009, 57 of 150 brought into Australia of the first run. Only 10,000 KMs! This isn't a bike, this is an experience.
@@somebodyhelpusall7555 Only 10,000 KMs for a 2009 is very low. Enjoy the experience. 😎
Check if the oil pump recall was done.
I highly recommend an ECU flash by Moore Mafia , it will make you love that V-MAX even more. Best upgrade possible
Funny, the next recommend video I have is of them tuning this bike.
Too bad it will void your warranty.
Would it decrease engine reliability?
Do you know how much for the Flash?
What a beautiful ugly bike
I've had my 2018 Vmax for two and a half years. I still come back with an ear to ear smile on my face after every ride. I picked up a new 2021 Goldwing this summer (been a Goldwing
rider for decades). I highly recommend the new Wing. Living in southeast Wisconsin, I also need the mandatory Harley (Street glide) in my garage. Each bike has it's appeal and it's
fun walking into the garage each morning and having to decide which motorcycle mood I am in. I only wish I had a bigger garage for an old 1000 Interceptor or CBR1100 XX Blackbird.
Your living the life man. All three bikes are great choices , i have a 2005 VMAX but would love to own a HARLEY as well! I used to have a 2004 CBR 1000 RR. I REGRET GETTING RID OF IT. Safe ridings.
Battery
No vendes la vimax ???
No abs...not cool.
I have a 2005 Road King and a 2018 R1200GSA…. Need to get me a muscle bike and a small naked bike..: that will complete the fleet..😄
Thanks for a great review. Only confirmed what I always suspected! The perfect bike!
Sold my last Keeper to move back to Africa. Broke my heart. GSX1400, bought it for myself as a leaving present when I left the military.
Never had the money for a VMax. 13 years later....I'm still waiting out to buy the VMax.....maybe one day when I'm big, until then I pray every day.
Ride well brother, thanks again🤝
I’ve had two over the years. Both were First Gen. Would love to had a Gen Two.
I got on my second one fairly hard one day. Thought the clutch was slipping since the RPMs were going up really quickly without picking up any speed. I turned around to go back home and noticed a black mark about 100 yards in length where I thought my clutch was slipping. It had broke the tire loose at about 70 mph and I didn’t realize it.
I miss that bike. Lol
Yeah right
I have a 2009 and it sounds the same. Seatwise .. like every other bike, works for some, not for others. No issues. Ii have a 21 litre tank and get 275-300 kms; 210kms before red light and about 6-7 litres left.
Mr Greg , could you tell me where can I find that 21lts fuel tank? I'm at Florida but nobody knows Vmax
Which tank ?
I don't ride bike not even have a driving license for one but my friend had the first edition long time ago we were young , since that time I like it very much even if don't have DL ,this machine is just so cool
Hello Jeff, just a comment on the seat ,I am 5 foot 10 inches. My vmax was a tad high. I got the seat lowered by about 1.5 inches. Then the standard cover replaced. It looks totally stock but is now flatter. In my opinion, more comfortable ,and my feet are closer to flat on the ground. I had my 1200 vmax,(lots of mods including 60bhp of nitrous), for 20 years, but could not resist a trade up. Nothing else has ever tempted my before! Cheers Peter
Thanks for sharing. I may experiment with lowering my seat at some point.
I love the V4 engines and have always wondered why motorcycle companies don’t use them more. Put 35,000 miles on my V65 Magna back in the day. The 90 degree valve stem is a good idea.
Love the V4s!
I own a Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe. It has a de-tuned V max V4 in it. They run like a watch. The only complaint I have is that Yamaha de-tuned it a little more than I like. I know my bike is a 800-plus pound touring cruiser with 100 hp. I wish that when they de-tuned it for a big cruiser they'd have left it at about 130 hp.
@@kman-mi7su Look up Moore Mafia dyno tuning. I know they do the vmax motor maybe they can do your bike.
I was waiting to see this video from you.
I VALUE YOUR OPINION.
You don't pull any punches and give honest evaluations for those of us considering these interesting motorcycles.
Yours looks great in all black!
Wado, or thanks for posting this. It's much appreciated, Jeff. 👍🏻
The stock batteries were not the greatest, after market battery should be considered. I don't think I could ever afford a second gen. Max. I had a 93 but got divorced and ended up having to sell it. Now with crazy house prices, I can get the bike but don't have a house (garage) to park it in. Maybe if I had underground parking here at my apartment I might. I know what I'm missing, at least I can say I did have one and loved it. I'm getting up there to in my later 50's with cancer so I'm running out of time anyways. Ride safe my friend. Thanks for the video, it brings back good memories. (except two rides got scary because of rain) Not recommended on wet roads
I have had my 2020 Vmax for just over a year. I'm not having the reset issue on the trip meter. One right button press takes it from miles since the low fuel warning to total miles ridden since the last reset to zero. A second press resets the trip meter to 0. My only complaint with the bike is that I can't read the speedometer at certain sun angles but then who care how fast you are going anyway. I have had lots of different bikes. I agree with this being a forever bike!
It’s not my trip meter; it’s the System Status that disappears when the fuel light comes on. After fill up I need to go back into the settings menu to get it back.
Absolutely agree Vmax 2nd gen my favorite bike for ever not matter where I'll go the bike will come with me.
Yes your warm and cold start sounds the same as my 2011 VMAX 1700. I thought I had a weak battery or starter issue as well but its a normal sound. Yes my 2011 VMAX is forever!
Thanks Jeff! I was riding my 2020 V Max today and took-off from a stop light with just a little more power and Wall-Ahhhh! back tire chirped and bike moved forward quickly. I kidd you Not,,, If I wanted to do a burn-out? It's an easy feat on the V-Max. It was just funny that my slower take-Off was still spinning the rear tire enough for a long chirp! My bike continues to amaze me after 2 years of ownership. :)
I’m not talking about when you push the right button to switch over to see the temperature gauge and the fuel gauge. I know that when you push the right button to see those two gauges, it automatically switches back after five seconds. In the video I’m talking about when the fuel low light comes on system status disappears, and the only way to get it to come back is after you put fuel in the tank you must go into the set up menu and turn system status back on. Its default is system status off and it resorts to that default every time that low fuel light comes on.
Had a first Gen for 15 years. Loved every minute...except gas station stops! But 680+ pounds is the deal breaker for a cruiser. I went w/ the Yamaha(s): FJR1300 sport cruiser, when w/ the wife & traveling and; '22 XSR900 for around town and blasts in the country! Still love the times w/ my "vmax" and the looks of the Gen II. Great video!
Thank you. I like the FJR and would possibly get one to add to the collection if they would update the display. However, I’ve heard it may be discontinued.
@@JeffMarcum I know it is discontinued in Europe because of emissions. Rumor has it Yamaha is designing a new model? We'll see? Sport cruisers are a popular option. And the FJR exceeded all my expectations. Ride safe! Ron
5:20 sound of a jet plane! I think I've found my next bike 🏍
From the front it looks like a jet also.
@@JeffMarcum agree 👍
Rode a 2000 year once.
On a fjr now and love it
Enjoy your beast and thanks
Ride for Ever Jeff💪🏼
30 years old and I have my forever bikes. 18 Vmax & 19 Goldwing Tour DCT, both bikes extreme in two very different ways!
Yes, you have the best of both worlds. One for fast fun, and the other for long distance cruising, especially with a passenger. After my move to Texas next year, a brand new Gold Wing DCT will join the VMAX in my garage.
@@JeffMarcum you won’t regret it! I can’t think of any two better motorcycles. Both complement each other very well.
I own 20 GW DCT Tour and I am looking for a clean Max. I know, the day will come and I will find one. I am very picky guy. Has to be super clean and maintained. I think those 2 are forever bikes in my garage. Good choice.
I'm also V-4 fan and my forever bike is the 84-85 V65 naked Sabre with few modifications.
A flash does TOBS for making these ride SOO much smoother and have more power that's smoother too
VMAX Forever, Baby!😎💪🏽
Vmax 1200 I owned did also clunck at warm start and my xvz1200 venture does the same. I think compression raises on warm engine. Seats on all Vmax are hard. Thanks for video. V4 Max is wonderful!
My 2019's starter sounds the same way. It's not been an issue. They all sound the same as far as I've seen and heard.
My seat is terribly hard but I don't ride this bike very long, usually just in short bursts! Thanks for the Video.
On the starts. Remember your turning over a 4 cylinder 1700 cc monster. I honestly don't hear an issue. Any battery will put out less starting amps in cold weather and the opposite the warmer weather.
I can't believe for you size you control that beast so well. Good on you and nice riding skills.
I think you get some kind of credit for a comment lol . Love the channel
Thank you.
On the 90% valve stems you might find that the TPM,s might not work I have the Garmin Zumo 390lm with the TPM all fine but when I had the 90 degree stems fitted they don't work
As for the seat I have the Corbin seat front and rear a lot better than stock
Ash
I’ll keep the TPMS in mind when I swap the stems so I won’t be surprised if they don’t work. Thank you.
V4 engines are lovely, I had a VFR and now a Tuono, which is fabulous. I like many things about the VMax, except the weight.
…And the tiny fuel tank 😑
my 2005 has slow start but never an issue works great
If I could still ride, this is what it would be. It's a beautiful thing to be sure !
I have a 2014 that I bought new. I keep it on a battery tender, I’m on my second battery. It always starts exactly like yours. I think the starter is small for a 1700cc V4. No other issues at all.
Thats just how they start. The first cold start has more pressure to turn off the first hit is why it sounds like its dragging but It really isn't
One of those will complete my collection
Thanks Jeff, great review!!
Thank you.
Uuffff 💯
I have noticed mine seems to take longer to light off than I would think normal. Yours sounds the same as mine. It may be due to the computer waiting cam/crank sensor signals to line up, not sure.
I agree with the sound of the V4, I don't own a VMAX but its big cruiser cousin, a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe. Which uses the same engine only de-tuned for a touring cruiser. If you add slip-on exhausts as I did to my bike, it sounds mean. I get lots of compliments on the sound of the bike. So much so, I put 2 videos of it on here.
Unfortunately, Yamaha replaced the V4 with a V-twin on its larger touring bike.
@@JeffMarcum Yeah and that didn't fare well. Dumb decision.
Jeff when will you start making more Vmax videos?
One year in, I love mine, it's a pleasure to ride and I plan on keeping it. Overall, it's a phenomenal design. The fuel capacity and mileage that most people complain about desnt't bother me so much. However, the lack of a 6th gear in my opinion is major oversight by Yamaha. The extra gear would have made this a much better bike on long highway rides and extended the range a bit. If it had the 6th gear I would say it was close to a perfect design.
Agreed that the Max could use a 6th gear for highway cruising.
I think their concern was keeping the 0-60 time to 2.5 sec . You can get there in 1st just at redline. If they added a gear and kept the same gear ratio to maintain that the bike would go 200 mph. I've had mine as fast as it will go and trust me it's hard to hang on.
@@Jason-sz5zv A 200 mph top speed would further the legend and demonstrate the "Vmax" truly lives up to its name !
higher cold cranking amp battery would probably make it start more aggressively. I put in a higher CCA battery in my 2016 BMW R1200GSA that was recommended by my local BMW service dept and by Yuasa, the battery manufacturer in Pennsylvania. I am spoiled when I fill up my GSA and the Nav 6 tells me I have 375 mile range
Cold Hot start for my 2018 is the same. I have just over 40k miles. No problems. Ever.
Did it come black on black? Look’s crazy good. Looking to get one soon. Was think of getting a first gen but there is to many upgrades to pass up on a 2gen.
Single cylinders take about the same to start to almost no start especially if you have a big air filter that doesn’t provide vacuum
Yup definitely like my Yamaha starting up
It sounds like my Saab 95 starting. Slow starters seem to last longer.
Great review! 👍
Thank you.
Glad for you, safe riding.
I have a 2005 Warrior Midnight edition & a 2007 Honda VTX1800. The Warrior is also a 1700cc but with only 2 cylinders. Your "sluggish" cold start is more like my warm. The Honda, with ~100 more cc, starts quick and easy. So IMO, Yamaha could do better with using a larger starter.
As far as Japanese quality, I've got 88,000+ miles on the Warrior. So yeah, Yamaha motors are near bulletproof. I've got no complaints with the VTX either.
I'd absolutely love to have your black Vmax sitting next to my Warrior in the garage. That way I could retire the Warrior for pleasure and move the VMax to my drag racing. But VMaxes are way out of what I can afford (especially since I've just retired) so I'll just have to be envious as yet again I'm looking at a VMax taillight at the end of the quarter.
I had an '04 V-max with the same weak starter/battery issues. Constantly had to recharge the tiny battery to get it to start on cool (Los Angeles) mornings. Reliability was a problem.
How is the comfort on cruising some distance?
About that sluggish starter motor...I have a Yamaha Raider (V-twin 1900 cc) And when I hit the starter, it barely turns over...much slower then your demonstration. At first I though that the battery was dying...but no! That is just the way that it is.
I hate Yamaha for discontinuing this bike. Anybody venture a guess as to why?
I just sold my 2018 vmax. Awesome bike but I don’t care for the riding position. Felt most of the weight in my wrist while riding. Next bike will a bike vrod muscle. Much more comfortable riding position imo.
My 1st bike was a 1995 Vmax that I bought brand-new I was pretty nervous when I rode it home from the dealership.
Greetings,
As always another fantastic detailed video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸
How many miles so far?
Keep producing more videos
The computer closed the throttle Bodies well before Redline in the higher gears
Mileage after 18 months?
Any issues with the clutch slipping? (12K-16K miles)
Same starting sound here in the Netherlands with my 2012 V-Max. Even a second longer maybe.
Me interesa comprar una alguna recomendacion ???
I think they all sound different cold and HOT any motor [ but I like the sound VMAX SIR ENJOY SIR
Yup starter same even mirror same but I had to check all dealer assembled parts cause haven’t found a dealer worth a hoot
I got 2018 whit 30 k long term review ??? No problems at all about cllt start same here no problem looking for biger fuel tank only problem to many stops for gas two mod right now delkavith slip on cat delete and dna air filter no ecu flush now can make aroud 130 milage from single tank
Hi Jeff my Yamaha XV 1700 have same Start Sounds and my Friends Vmax 1700 absolut same. Think its normal on that Yamaha Big Motor. Cheers Alex
From the looks of cost and a few other things. I should have gotten a vmax vs my harley ultra limited. The vmax has the power I would prefer, does not have the storage I use and love. But is not even 1/2 the cost of my bike.
Great video, thank you
C'est une Moto Unique ! la première génération est toujours une Légende et celle-ci va également le devenir ! J'ai les 2 modèles car c'est la seul moto qui m'a fait rêver toute ma vie jusqu'au point de la posséder un jour. J'ai meme crée une Chaine TH-cam ou j'en parle dés que je peux. J'ai eu la chance d'avoir en 2016 une des séries limités 60Th aux couleurs de Kenny Roberts et pour les 60 ans de Yamaha. C'est un véritable bijoux dont je suis fou amoureux et dont les gens se retournent à chacune de mes sorties. Je les aime malgré leurs defaults. Merci pour cette vidéo et à très bientot
What I find funny about these super powerful bikes like the Vmax and Triumph Rocket 3 is that they sound like sewing machines. Also, it's a big motor, it will start like that. Similar to the Yamaha Raider. It takes a lot to start that motor. A good upgrade is a higher CCA battery. Will start much quicker. I've been looking at this bike, along with the Rocket 3, as an upgrade to my Raider.
When the time comes, I will get a stronger battery. Thanks for watching and sharing.
I love my 99 vmax1200 unfortunately it has a fork leak presently last ride got a biy squirrelly so as my lowrider still has bad iac i only had my triumph america sizeable at moment
Great video, Jeff. I've had a dozen motorcycles and the VMax is my favorite. It's so impractical but it has a fun factor that others can't match.
You nailed it on the head: there is nothing practical about a VMAX. 🤣 But not everything needs to be practical. 😎
I was never a fan of the stock seat either; body weight definitely is not a variable here. I switched to a Corbin and for me, it was a night and day difference.
Hi Jeff. My 2010 starts and sounds just like yours. Never been an issue until the battery failed of old age. At just shy of 300# I am not comfortable in my seat. So it doesn’t appear its weight that makes the seat uncomfortable. Yamaha could have put a better seat on the bike. After about 60-90 minutes it is time for butt rest on most journeys.
Looking forward to its return in 2025👍
Hey Jeff, hae a question... I have a 2018 Vmax and just installed a front and rear dash cam. I noticed that my rear turns dont light up unless I flip the switch. I dont know if they are also supposed to be running lights or I botched something. When you start your bike, do the rear turns go on?
No, my rear signals are not on when the bike is running. The front signals are on like running lights though. What your bike is doing is normal.
@@JeffMarcum Jeff, thank you VERY much for confirming. I just wanted to make sure I didn't do something wrong. I always think of you and your channel because I have put a lot of my own work into my bike and a lot of thought on how to tastefully do everything. I installed a Denali SoundBomb compact horn, SAE direct to battery with 5 connectors, LED's around the bike, Valentine 1 Radar Detector with HARD unit (hard wired) and now the Ventrue F1 camera system. I do everything tastefully and meticulous!!! I hate people who install stuff on their bike and drill, scratch and mount stuff anywhere. Let me know if your interested in any of the stuff and I can send pics and/or explain what I did. Just trying to spread the Vmax love! :)
Hello Sir, do you still have the bike? I try to collect enough money for one but I'm not sure if I can handle such a beast of a bike... :)
Are you still happy with it?
Thanks & regards, Tom
Imagine how much better the Vmax would sound with full exhaust.
Love ❤️ V Max - have you tried a Triumph Rocket III? They are 2,500 cc’s - I’ve had 2 of the 2,300 cc versions…people always ask about them.
I have been trying to find one in Mexico, I'm working here,the worst mistake i ever made was not having a family and selling my 99 VMax
I had a 2004 Vmax. I wanted the new 1700cc but "go green" adgenda ruined it for me as I hear they aren't made anymore.
I borrowed a friend’s road star warrior for a weekend trip and it sounded just like that on cold starts so I think it’s normal. The starter I think is just a little underpowered for the big displacement engines and when the oil and everything else is cold it just struggled a little bit. They must use the same starter on a lot of their bikes.
God bless you. V-max are the best. I have a 1985. I love it to d death. Love to ride gen 2 . Some day.
Thank you. I wish I was still living in 1985. 😂😂🤣🤣
It is bad ass!! Can pass everything except a gas station.
I know you said it loves gas stations what is the actul mpg?
About 25 MPG.
That V Max looks like it sit low in the saddle. Would a person 5' 4" tall legs touch the ground at a stop light?
I am 5' 6" and have a 30-inch inseam. The inseam is more important than height. The seat height of this bike is 30.5 inches. I can get both feet on the ground, but not flat footed. I may do a video on it at some point to demonstrate.
@@JeffMarcum Thank you for the information.
My Raider starter is same.
It's a beautiful bike
Windshield and hard bags should be next
I feel the same way about the seat. Not just the firmness, but also the shape… almost feels like sitting on a square block of wood.
I really want one:( there’s literally no gen 2 Vmax within a 300 mile radius and I can’t really afford a new dealership bike
I love your bike! I had a 1100 Honda V4, 85 V-65 Sabre. I loved my bike also, except that it used so much gas (maybe because I went so fast?)
How tall are you if you don't mind me asking, I've been thinking on buying ab1st gen but I'm 5'5"
I did a video on that topic two months ago that should help you: th-cam.com/video/7sMiVGIxpkM/w-d-xo.html
I would also add that the 1st Gen seat height is about 1/2 inch lower than the 2nd Gen. I hope that helps.
@@JeffMarcum yes i just watched it thanks so much
Get a shorai battery.
That is a beautiful bike.
I would like to buy a 1700 vmax I have had 5 1200 vmax's but the most attention. I have gotten is with a boss hoss