Unique, aggressive looking, and muscular, with tons of Japanese horsepower. That's the Yamaha V-Max, a powerful V4 engine bike that has been in production for over thirty-five years, with only two generations between them. Very few vehicles have been manufactured for that long and still managed to keep their original DNA intact. Maybe that is a testament never to change something that works; else, you risk spoiling it.
The Yamaha V-Max's entry into the market proved a gamechanger in the hotrod class of the 1980s. Many rivals rose and fell while the V-Max has remained steady to date. Let's find out why the V-Max earned such a popular global following and made it a long-seller.
10 Rich History
The first Yamaha V-Max produced specifically for the US market rolled off the factory lines in 1985 as a statement of excessive power, aggressive looks, and neck-breaking performance in motorcycling. Since then, it has remained at the pinnacle of the bad-boy muscle bikes to date.
According to Araki, leader of the V-Max project design team in1984, the bike was designed as an American Hotrod with a stunning appearance that was different from typical American bikes.
9 Impressive Performance Of The V-4 Engine
The Yamaha V-Max got its popularity due to the power it packed. It debuted with a V4 1197cc liquid-cooled engine that produced 113.5 hp and 83.1 lb-ft of torque. With this power, it was able to reach a top speed of 150 miles per hour. The latest generation of VMAX is powered by a 1679cc motor that is claimed to make nearly 200 horsepower at just 9000rpm. That is the same as a GP replica Ducati Desmosedici RR but at 4000rpm less.
Thanks to the V4 motor, the VMAX features superbike specs on a cruiser, and the latest iteration borrows heavily from modern sportbike technology.
8 Smooth Power Delivery
The VMAX employs performance-enhancing technology to ensure smooth transitions and power delivery, specifically the fly-by-wire system or the Chip Controlled Throttle, instead of a mechanical throttle cable. This system treats the throttle grip as a guideline rather than a rule.
Also, Yamaha uses a Chip Controlled Intake system, similar to what's found on the MV Agusta, to shorten intake length at high rpm. This feature helps the rider access the powerband a little sooner with more excitement.
7 Massive Brakes
The VMAX comes equipped with dual Brembo 320mm wave-type discs in the front that come mounted with six-pot opposed piston calipers and a Brembo radial-pump master cylinder. There is a 298mm wave-type disc at the back, with a single-piston caliper and Brembo master cylinder. The combined twelve caliper pistons at the front result in incredible stopping power.
Additionally, Yamaha's linear-controlled three-piston ABS helps for improved control while braking in wet conditions. The rider benefits from the wave-style brake design at higher speeds, as it offers a better brake-lever feel.
6 Low-Speed Maneuverability
The VMAX steers lightly and is easy to handle at crawling speeds, thanks to the all-aluminum chassis. The positioning of the fuel tank below the seat helps keep the center of gravity low and contributes to the feeling of easy controllability at low speeds.
The swingarm and the rear frame are also made of aluminum, and together with the chassis, they help give the bike lively handling in tight situations.
5 Slipper Clutch
The Yamaha VMAX has a high capacity, and the high-performance engine comes with a strong engine brake effect. Yamaha engineers designed a ramp-type slipper clutch to mitigate this effect. A slipper clutch slips under a strong back-torque, the torque coming from the wheel to the engine.
A slipper clutch helps prevent rear-wheel locking or jumping when a rider shifts down. Also, it closes the throttle at high rpm and is a technology found on the Yamaha R6 and the flagship R1.
4 Styling
The VMAX has odd but unique styling cues, and one can argue it has an identity crisis. It has elements of a cruiser, a sportbike, and a naked bike. While the bike successfully blended all these, it tends to lean more on its sportbike heritage. Also, the functionality of the design stands out. A pair of functional air scoops on the side of the tank makes for a shoulder-like look that gives the bike a distinct crouched-bulldog feel.
The Cruiser DNA in the bike is evident in the relaxed rider triangle that inspires an upright riding posture.
3 Good Handling And Ride Comfort
The VMAX is built on a light and compact cast aluminum chassis that places the engine low and forward, resulting in a centralized mass frame. The chassis helps improve the bike's overall speed and handling capabilities and increases its balance and stability at high speeds.
Adjustable front and rear suspensions enable the rider to change suspension settings when needed. The system features rebound and compression damping that works in unison with spring preload and length adjustment, resulting in better handling.
2 Reliability
The VMAX had remained essentially unchanged from its inception in 1985 until 2009, when the second generation entered the market. The only major upgrade was done in 1993 when the bike got a larger diameter fork to correct a wobbling problem at high speed. It is an indication that the bike was solidly designed and engineered. Thus, Yamaha saw no need to add or take anything away from the machine. The bike carries the bullet=proof quality and reliability that has become synonymous with Japanese motorcycles.
Also, the VMAX motor can take almost any mod you throw at it, whether you want to turbocharge the motor or add nitrous.
1 Worthy Power Cruiser Alternative
The Yamaha VMAX is like no other bike on the market. Jump on it, and it is going to be a new and unique experience. The bike's closest peer comes in the form of the Ducati Diavel. While the Ducati has greater refinement, the VMAX V4 engine has more torque than the Testastretta L-twin on the former. Also, in terms of pricing. The VMAX leaves you with some money on the table when compared to the Ducati.
The VMAX stands tall in a world dominated by 200hp+ superbikes and enormous adventure bikes. Its direct rival, the Ducati XDiavel, offers a complete package that prides itself on better electronics, superior handling, and modern looks. However, despite remaining largely unchanged, the VMAX still impresses in terms of straight-line acceleration.