My new Yamaha VMax

[Guest]

I picked this up last weekend. Getting used to something newer than 36 years old is fun. That and the V4 sound. I've always been an inline 4 guy, but I've loved the VMax as well. This one is a 1997.

The Suzuki really seems like it was set up well, and as such, is still my favorite of the 3...so far.

[srsupertrap]

Congratulations on your new 97 VMax, that's a sweet trio of bikes to choose from.

[wymple]

I have always loved the looks of the 1st generation V-Max, one of my favorites all time. The newer ones are beasts, but they look more brutish, and I think the early ones are far more "handsome". I think the same of the older GS bikes.

[GS1150Pilot]

They are fun bikes. I enjoyed mine. Spent too much on making it handle, but it was still a pig in lipstick. Probably the most fun motor I've ridden, though (barring the insane GPz 750 Turbo I had built, but that thing was a suicide machine). Terrible range was the biggest drawback overall, though. 100 miles and you start getting panicky ...

[GS1150Pilot]

Side note: Is that a UFO exhaust system? I hope so. They are the best.

[Guest]

Not sure about the exhaust. I asked the guy I bought it from and he said it was on it when he got it. I was out cleaning it up last night, I should have dug around for a brand on it. Yes, about the mileage. Don't think I'll be heading too far from home on this one.

[Guest]

They are kick ass machines, in every sense of the word. I've got both a 2004 and 2015 model in my stable at the moment.

[Guest]

vmax 1.jpgI had one years ago too. Was a fun bike.

[Guest]

[GS1150Pilot]

The second generation is just so damned ugly-like a Terminator pig.

[Rob S.]

V Max - the only shaftie I've ever lusted after. The phony air intakes are completely forgivable.

In the early '80's I bought a brand new Z28. Claimed HP? 145. Then Mr. Max comes along and makes the same claim. Unbelievable.

[Jedz123]

Gen 2 is on my radar... I cleared all my debts and am saving hard and fast!
It won't be a the touring bike but I'll definitely commute on it and take it to events or occasional far away weekend rides. I rode one and absolutely fell in love with it!
I have to see here my heart is with the Indian FTR1200, I need to get some saddle time in to see which bike is going to win out. The new Rocket 3 is just way too expensive... I also only can justify owning 1 Triumph.
FZ-10 is also on my short list BUT... I can't get over the look.

[rphillips]

Must be something good about the V-Max, been around for ny-on 40 yrs. & most motorcycle folks have liked & bragged on them. I've never been impressed, nor disliked them. I never knew what they were. They almost kind'f look like an "L" model, cruiser style, with the low rear end & high front end, look nothing like a sport bike, the FJ models, were Yama's sport bike, the shaft dr. kind'f means, non sport & more touring but the V-Max sure wasn't touring. It's always seemed the V-Max was in a class by itself. The old GS, KZ, XS, & CB's were all purpose bikes, class. The "L", LTD Kawa's, Special Yama., & Custom Honda's were the cruiser class, Katana, Ninja, Interceptor, & FJ's were sport bikes, I just never figured exactly what the V-Max is or would be compared to.

[ddaniels]

I first saw a first Gen 1 V Max sitting on a sidewalk in Tokyo years ago when my wife and I went over there for vacation. Instantly fell in love with the looks. Didn't find out until years later that the gas nozzle is under the seat. Weird.

[Rob S.]

...never figured exactly what the V-Max is or would be compared to.

Power cruiser...muscle bike.

Compare to the Kawasaki Eliminator and others of the day that I can't recall (and haven't survived).