You didn't even open Vboost. At 6000 rpm a solenoid opens a butterfly valve dumping 2 carbs per cylinder. Normal operation is 1 carb per cylinder. The bike is a rocket. I have a 1995 VMAX. Try a freeway onramp with little traffic. Get small, hug the bike hard laying on tank. (False tank cover... Tank is under the seat) Biggest smile you ever had. Also, I get about 3000 miles on my rear tire before its bald. With no burnouts. Engine is a beast and I drive it like I stole it. No other way to drive it.
Slking5.56 as a former HD’s rider I got a 94 vmax, they say god made motor cycles the devil made max. I strongly agree, the first time I twisted up I was incredibly impressed. Then we got my lady 03 magna, also impressive v4 power it makes 90hp, and it flys.🏍💯
I had an 05 number 127 it was the most insane street bike I’ve ever ridden stock ..at 6000 rpm it would launch and pull so hard it was crazy trying to hang on to the throttle.. a little wobble on the front end at over a hundred but getting there was instant,, glad I’m still alive to write this..
Sean, the problem with the 1st Gen Vmax is that most riders ride it like it is a V-twin. Meaning they don't rev it like an inline 4 cylinder. That bike is made to rev and at 6500 rpm is 4th and 5th gear, the Vboost kicks in making it feel like someone gave you a shove from behind. I'd give my left nut for a 2nd Gen Vmax! Heck at over 60 years old, I don't need both nuts!
A Babbit The VMax 1200 first gen like this one opens the "vboost" up at roughly 5500 rpm progressively to 6500 rpm anytime the engine reaches that rpm. How it works- it has 4 carbs one per cylinder obviously. and for each bank of cylinders left and right it has a passage with a butterfly valve in the middle between the two carbs. When the valve opens instead of the one cylinder feeding on one carb it feeds off of two giving you a massive kick in the butt haha. Yamaha dubbed this "vboost".
sstroh08, I wish Yamaha would have kept the Vmax 1200 going longer. I think the moto mags kept saying it was "out dated", thus Yamaha caved in and built the 1700. At a time when wages have not gone up, Yamaha comes out and adds $5000 or more to the cost of a new Vmax = stupid. I think the 1700 is not selling that well because of its high price tag... "Better to make some money then not make any sales." Thanks and take care brother.
A Babbit Yea true. The price of the new vmax is pretty ridiculous. The previous vmax was getting outdated though compared to the competition so I guess I don't blame them. They wanted to be on the top of the pack again and they did it haha
R & D should have just did a over haul of the 1200, I own one. all they needed to do was upgrade the suspension, strengthen the frame, better brakes and turbo it to help with emissions 😉 works for diesels 😂
Riding my '86 V-Max in central Florida was among the finest times of my life. A far more tasteful design than the new one. For those who don't know, the cruising sound was the perfect blend of quiet low tones with a high pitch chirp, like a little bird singing on a branch. But I can tell you: 9 hours in that saddle and your butt will burn with pain. So I got a wheelchair gel pad: Problem solved. :^)
This is my first and only motorcycle. Bought mine new in Aug. 2002. Decided on this because of its looks and its reputation, but also because I didn't want to start out with a smaller bike and become bored with it. I wanted something I could grow with. I still have it and have never become bored with it so it was the right choice for me. The acceleration has always made me happy and after almost 18 years of riding it it still can scare me sometimes so Im very respectful of its power. The only thing I dont like about it is riding on the interstate. It runs about 6k rpm @ 70mph. It really could use a 6th gear for that. But I like to ride around town and on the back country roads and its perfect for that. It does get alot of respect from folks, too! Lots of thumbs up and compliments!
I have a 2015 second gen Vmax. I was looking at the HD live wire and the salesman proudly said it will do 0-60 in 3 seconds (with a smile). I replied, wow, see that Vmax over there? It will do it it 2.5 seconds (with a shit eating grin). He was speechless!!!! A true legend, any year Vmax!!!
I'd love a livewire but too much money, I'd love a vmax but im not very good at holding back when riding so probably lose my licence pretty quickly lol.
Sean, I learned to ride back in the day when I was about 7 years old on a '71 Yamaha GT80. When I got my learners permit at 15 1/2 years old my father bought me a Yamaha Riva 50cc scooter which I rode for a couple years. Later while finishing up High School, I bought my first "big bike" which was a Yamaha Seca 650. That was quite a jump from the little 50cc scooter I had been riding. Anyway, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Yamaha and the venerable V-Max was in it's day a true muscle bike and it remains so today. This bike V-Max was out in the streets creating mayhem making women swoon and children cry long before the Harley V-Rod along. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the ride and found a great home for that bike. Somebody who knows what it is will definitely appreciate it and take good care of it.
The vmax was designed to drag race. Low cg high tech for the time engine that was massively overbuilt to withstand power adders.it was one of the first bikes people started turbocharging. It is an iconic bike .
I bought 1989 max brand new as a younger man and I still have . I've made and instead a few parts, the that really sticks out : V-BOOST ENHANER . Open the boost and leave it open. It sounds like a built CHEV. 350 . plus there's a HIMDEL exhaust. 28 years with it and I still won't trade it for any other bike.
I have a 96 and it's by far my favorite bike I've been on! As far as the handlebar fuel switch there's an explanation; since the vmax has its gas tank underneath the seat it can't use gravity to feed gas through a petcock, so it only uses a strong fuel pump to get it to the carbs. In order to have a functional reserve system Yamaha put a sensor in the gas tank that heats up and is cooled off by the fuel. So when the tank gets low and the sensor isn't cooled it sends a low gas signal and cuts off the fuel pump. To turn the pump back on you need to turn the handlebar switch from on to reserve It can be a pain sometimes because if its really cold out the reserve light might not turn on and if it's really hot out the reserve light will go on early
I bought a new V-Max back in 1987 to replace a 1982 GS1100E. It was a great bike with power that scared the hell out of me at times. Never lost to any two wheeled challenger on the streets and that was fun until you were expected to win.
These things sound amazing with aftermarket exhaust. There was an older guy racing one at the local street drags (legal ones) and he was whooping on everyone. It wasn't stock, but he made 600cc rockets look like scooters and was hanging neck and neck with a busa.
These things are nuts! My Dad bought and sold a bunch of them, and we have a huge picture of him with his 86', his favorite year, on the family area wall. I remember watching my older brothers and my Dad drag race his V65 Magna vs the V-Max, it walked it, easy actually. After that, he kept an 86' in his inventory at all times, and every time he got a fast bike, he have one of us race him on the V-Max :D he always won lol. One of the closest races was with the 1st gen CBR1000 Hurricane(I don't remember the year, but it was only a couple years old at the time). Man, I wish so bad we had cam phones back then, so many good memories. Growing up in a bike family has to be one of the best ways :)
I just recently sold my 2000 vmax with only 3000 original miles it was jetted and had a full Jardine exhaust .the bike just did not get used . After seeing this I wish i did not get rid of it .
managed to get my hands on a vmax in the 1987 when i was just a teen. guy i worked for co-signed a loan for me. i had a lot of riding experience but the biggest thing i had ridden was an rz350. the rush of the vmax 1197cc motor with v-boost was unbelievable for a kid. there was nothing like that bike back then. i rode the heck out of it, hanging on for dear life everywhere i went. got the tickets to prove it too
Bought a 1st gen new left over for 3800. I loved it and it was violent scary fast. I currently ride an FJR1300. Yamaha builds scary fast great big bore bikes.
TIP: You don't need to be on reserve...UNTIL the fuel light comes on...(located on the dash) PS. 36K miles in nothing for these motors...We have a 1999 here at the shop (25-30 VMAXs in stock) with 119,000 miles...& you can't tell it from a bike with 19,000...!!!...STILL RUNS STRONG!!!...WELCOME to the world of VMAX, guys! PPS. LOVED your 1st experience with VBOOST (over 6K under load)...Reminded me, all over, of MY 1st ride on a VMAX, way back in January of 1990...I have owned over 1000 motorcycles, (currently have ~110...YES, I'm an ADDICT...LOL) & ridden many more...NOTHING gets your attention (naturally aspirated anyway) like a VMAX...!!!...Again,...WELCOME TO THE PARTY!!! John-RMSportMax 610-509-VMAX(8629)
I'd call it a muscle bike. The actual polar opposite of a cruiser. Probably don't enter the intersection and stop there. That's where you're deadest. Wait for a break behind that big, fat white line and go through in one motion. Safety first.
This era of the VMAX has 113 HP stock.What makes it pull hard all the way up is the boost valves that open at 8,000 rpm. The 09 and up VMAX puts 174 HP stock. I've always loved these bikes. Glad you finally got to ride one, looks like you had fun on it, even though your legs were pretzels on it. Congrats on the new shop man, nice to see your doing very well.
Paul, my 2000 Vmax opened the Vboost at 6500 rpm. They pull hard for a cruiser. I have never ridden a 2nd Gen Vmax, since I am over 60 and don't need both, I would give my left nut for a 2nd Gen Vmax!!! Peace brother.
Paul Crocker There were several myths as to which VMax made how much power, but the fact is they all are supposed to make 135-145 at the crank and at least 100 hp to the rear wheel. Most more. The only exception to this was English bikes in a period in which their government ruled these are too powerful stock to be allowed on public roads.
Shawn, you should hear these V-Maxes with loud pipes, they sound absolutely awesome & I'm not a fan of loud bikes at all but I make an exception for the V-Max! Outstanding bikes! Look on RUclips for the loud pipe V-Max videos, you'll be impressed.
Srkcycles I have saw a Yamaha v max1200 walk off on a Yamaha r1 a 2009 Kawasaki zx14r a Suzuki gsxr1000 a Suzuki gsxr1300 I have saw the Yamaha v max haul ass this is the next bike I want I have a Suzuki gsx600f and a 1972 Harley Davidson 900 sportster chopper 7 foot springer front end I started on my dad's 1982 Harley Davidson 1200 sportster 25th anniversary I have rode a 94 Yamaha v max12 and I have wanted to get one every since so I have a sports cruiser that will keep up with a my cousins Kawasaki zx14r and a friends Suzuki gsxr1000
Srkcycles man love your videos how you do a tour of your personal point of view on every single bike that you ride. I’m getting a 2006 Yamaha VMAX for $2300 with 38 k miles
@@GaryntaraBurbank my son had 2003 R1 and I had a 1990 vmax with boost servo delete, stage 7 rejetting, kerker 4 into 1 pipes and K&N intake) I could take the R1 off the line and up to about 80 mph but, the R1 was 160hp and 200lbs lighter would dust me beyond that......However,..I was having more fun on the vmax + mine sounded way more cooler
You barely let the V-max sing. I've had my 2003 for 12 years now and the logical part of my brain tells me why do you still have this thing when there are so many more versatile bikes out there. Then I start it and open the throttle and I'm reminded why. I've never ridden anything else like this. You do have to respect it of course, the suspension, brakes, and throttle are primitive. Don't be worried about letting the clutch slip a bit around low speed corners because if you don't it will hurt you, and if the oil light isn't flashing and you're not at least a bit terrified every ride then you're not riding this thing the way it is meant to be ridden. They are a legend for a reason
I had a ‘86….put Dyna Jet kits in all the carbs, 4-1 Kerker header, Pingel electric shifter and a wheelie bar…..ran 9’s in the quarter….what a bike. Getting ready to pull the trigger on an ‘05….couldn’t stay away. 😂
I have always been a huge fan of these. I have one myself. I went over a mild and short hill doing at least 110 in third gear at full tilt boogie and the front end come up at least a foot in the air and I rode it that way for about another 300 ft until I run out of revs. Its the most fun I've ever had on a bike, other than maybe cutting through the dragon tail with it. They handle good but it is deceptive. If you are really cranking on a corner and have all that torque rolling the frame can flex some and make it kind of barely wobble around in position and freak you out a bit. This is by far my favorite bike there is though haha. Thanks for this review I loved your reaction when you opened it up. I have yet to see anyone that hasn't flipped out when those secondaries open up around 5000 rpm or so. The best description I've ever heard of the acceleration is "Wow this thing is pretty fas.....HOLY S&*T!!!!" hah. Those who've run one of these will get what I mean lol
I had a 1986 with supertrapp dual exhaust, tuned carbs, always ran 100+ octane. I special ordered dunlop race tires good for maybe 2000 miles... I was 5'9" 140lbs... back then.... no body every beat me in a race... except for the full on race setups. My local yamaha shop new the bike.... every thanksgiving I would drop it off ,,,, pick it up in april... at 5000 rpms she made everyone smile... I look forward to a test drive of the new Vmax. My girl had 42000 brutal miles on her when I put her out to pasture. I sold her to the Mechanic who worked on her for me for 600$.
I Bought One of the First 100 Production of 1985... They Were Rockets! Breaking the Wheel Loose at 60mph... These Were The Fastest Year Up to 2008... I Loved It 💥💥💥💥💥
Brandon Hodges I have the same setup on mine. I used a choke cable and mounted it to my left side control switch. Then ran the cable to the actuator for the vboost. You just move the choke lever then you are in vboost all the time. It's awesome.
Brandon Hodges it's actually called a t boost kit plug-and-play it'll kick on at 3500 or you can turn it completely off or leave it stock which is 6000 3 switch system costs about $26
Vboost starts to kick in at 5750 RPM. Mine is a 1997 stripped down to Streetfighter style. All plastic body panels, fenders and faux tank removed. Flipped bars, Shovelhead straight drag mufflers, bar mirrors, COPS ignition, dropped front end. Run it to redline between shifts for an interesting experience.... I still ride a Harley, but the Vmax is my fun bike.
Bought one that the previous owner had modified for the vboost to kick in at 3000rpm instead of 6000rpm.. Had to have it put back.... Fuckin scared me shitless.... What a bike...
Wrong .. Cycle Magazine tested the 1984 Honda V65 Sabre and the bike ripped off several 10 sec passes .. It was the first production bike to ever go sub 11's.
Love your videos bro. I'm not in the market for a bike. Just bought a 2005 FatBoy back in November. However, I'm a subscriber because I love bikes and love your reviews. I pray you much success. Proverbs 3:5
Nice! I took a friend's vmax out for a short ride, and a guy in a Toyota Supra moved up to me. Sorry to hurt your feelings, dude. Blew him away like he wasn't even on the gas.
I had an 85 V Max with the V boost kit and it would eat Ninjas CBRs and GSXRs for breakfast lunch and dinner. Mine aslo had a NOS kit and it had about 100 hp to the wheel without the NOS. Never dynoed with the NOS so who knows what it had with the NOS. All I know is that it took a bit to get used to the shaft drive. The whole bike lifts when you got on the throttle. Badass Bikes for sure.
Mine does that occasionally too. Usually means its just a touch low on oil. It has a sensor in the oil pan that says if it is low on oil, and if it is not completely full on the top level mark on the oil window, it will light up that light when you do a pull on it because it pulls so frigging hard it pulls enough oil to the back of the crank case to just barely light up that low level light.
Jamie Stewart They all do that. It's a design flaw. The sensor is at the front of the sump. When you accelerate hard, the oil moves back. Not an issue though cos the oil pickup is in the middle. Scary at first but not a problem when you know what it is.
I had a 91 when I was 19, that was insane. Bought a 09 right when they came out, put 20k on it and decided I wanted a ZX14R, 2012. Just bought my 3rd Vmax last year, 2018. I want to keep this one forever.
Anyone ever read Eddie Lawson's piece on his V-Max, when he took a cop for a ride? He said he opened up and when they came around, the poor guy had bitten his lip and bled onto his shirt! When I was 18, and buying my first bike, a 1980 Yamaha XJ 650, the guy I bought it from had a Venture (whose engine is the format for the V-Max), he took me for a quick ride (in Mesa, AZ), and he pulled her hard. I was stifling a scream, the acceleration was so intense. That's on a full-dresser with two people.
I've owned two over the years. Not the most uncomfortable ride for long distances (crappy seat and leg position) but ALL other bikes get compared to the V-Max for the shear violent raw power. I always described the experience at v-boost to a feeling that you just lit a rocket booster, are about to swallow your tongue and you might dirty your under ware at the same time! Nothing I've ever owned compares. I still prefer my Road King for trips but I have considered getting another Max...just for the shear fun. PS.. my wife said if I ever get another one she WILL NOT ride on it with me! (wonder why!)
Had 2 of these over the years. Drivers literally get out of your way!. My first had the boost kicking in at 3000rpm, had to revert it back the stock 6000!. I wouldn't be here to write this otherwise!!. Now have K2 gsx 1400, rapid!, love it!, but nothing compares to the beast of bikes!!!!.
Those things are a total muscle bike. They use to run that exact same engine in the Yamaha Venture which my friend had one, except they were tuned down from the vmax. And that venture hauled butt!!
I'd love to work for Srk cycles!!..even just detailing bikes or charging batteries,,be awesome seeing an getting wisdom from a really good dude like u an help with some test rides!! Lol..love what u do bro!!..
I know what you're thinking...Did he downshift 4 times or only 3? To tell you the truth, in all the excitement, I lost count myself. But seeing as this is a Yamaha V-Max, world's most powerful motorcycle, and can blow your doors clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question...Do I feel lucky???
I bought one brand new in 2004. My son liked it so much that I gave it to him. It intimidated him so much that he would really be careful with it. After a few months he was smoking the rear tire off. Now a rear tire lasts for one summer and has to be replaced. It is literally twice as fast as my Fatboy and that is not an exaggeration. Twice. But the Fatboy looks gorgeous. The V-Max just looks,,,,,,,,, mean.
MY FAVORITE BIKE! Mine was dinoed at 130 at the rear wheel too. But the first one in 85 had 155 HP. Now I will be getting the second generation V max... I have to have one. Right now I'm on a MINT BUELL with everything you can do to them done to it. It's in MINT condition too.
The 85s never dynoed 155 to the wheel, the only power advantage the 85 had over the other years were the stock cans that werent up to regulation, and that gave the bike maybe 3 extra hp at most.
I bought mine brand new in 2005. Yamaha sold 2000 total but actually only 1600 we’re sold in the US, the rest went overseas. I also have a magazine that most people don’t know says that in 2005 they increased the Vboost by 2 mm on the anniversary special. I think that’s probably right because when I was in the Vmax club, stock-for-stock mind would walk away from others and they would tell me that they thought mine was faster. The advertisement from Yamaha would state that only certain amount of dealers would be able to get this bike and you would be the lucky ones if you could get it. My friend and I ordered ours and they came from Northern California down to us in Southern California. One was in a crate and the other one was on on the showroom floor up there. I still have mine and I ride it whenever I can.
Ive got No 869/2000 and i love it for the sound, the power and the looks, it handles better than expected but the only downside is the wobble that happens at 130 mph,
Fun vid. I enjoyed the commentary. "I got my mustache in my mouth". Classic comment. The gen 1 Max is a fickle mistress. One of my favorite toys of all time.
I watched a guy on RUclips the other day dyno tune one. He unlocked the computer and pulled the stock maps. The computer was limiting the throttle body down to something like 28% in the top end of the. He re tuned it and had something like 160hp.
The v max is a great bike. A real power cruiser... not like the wussy stuff they call powercruisers now, but like the Magna's, you better like it the way it is, because there's no aftermarket for those bikes like the harley's. No messing with gear ratios, no exhaust, seats, cams, carbs or intakes. I have the hardest time finding any mods for my magna.
My 1987 Honda 700 Super Magna red lines at 10,000 and still pulls hard above that point as well. It really doesn't get real quick until it hits 7,000 and then look out, she hits hard from there on. Even the Yamaha 1300 V4 is the same way, and you continually shift them at to low and RPM before they start pulling really good: Like they're supposed to be ridden. I would buy all the V Max's you have all day long for 3500.00, if I had the room to store them.
The problem the first generation had was that the gears were straight cut instead of cut at an angle and they would strip in the bike would jerk and you have to have transmission work done to it. They fix that in later models
On the fence. Do I try and find one of these and replace my vstar 1100 or stick with what I've got. Don't need a vmax but really want one. Guess it's a live and learn situation. The v star has been great but I always want more power....
I had a 91 model, I put a 4 into 1 Hindle compition pipe on her, plus a dynojet kit and a high flow air filter, the dyno reading gave me 137 bhp, just love her, she would blast fireblades and gsxr 1100s from the lights, shweeet.....
Im buying a new 2018 Vmax and sold my M109R last year. I got bored of the Suzuki because it simply didnt have enough power. Plus, I didnt like the forward controls. Any opinions?
"Hopefully we can ride this V-max without running out of gas!" Famous last words!......loved my old 25th Ani V-max, but its gas mileage was about on par with my old ZX-12......that is to say, bad!
What is the price? I had a tricked out custom 95 V65 Honda Sabre, it would go 65mph in 1st gear, then slam it into 2nd for a wheelie getting on the freeway! It was like a V-Max, because it had an 1100 V4, with a drive shaft. I had a 4 into 1 Hindle, clip-ons, custom paint, and tweaks to make it faster. It went 150 mph
You didn't even open Vboost. At 6000 rpm a solenoid opens a butterfly valve dumping 2 carbs per cylinder. Normal operation is 1 carb per cylinder. The bike is a rocket. I have a 1995 VMAX. Try a freeway onramp with little traffic. Get small, hug the bike hard laying on tank. (False tank cover... Tank is under the seat) Biggest smile you ever had.
Also, I get about 3000 miles on my rear tire before its bald. With no burnouts. Engine is a beast and I drive it like I stole it. No other way to drive it.
VMax, it's not about top end speed, it's about the violence it takes to get there.
Precisely why I want one. You don't buy a Vmax for refined speed. You buy them because they are mental.
Slking5.56 as a former HD’s rider I got a 94 vmax, they say god made motor cycles the devil made max. I strongly agree, the first time I twisted up I was incredibly impressed. Then we got my lady 03 magna, also impressive v4 power it makes 90hp, and it flys.🏍💯
I need one in my life like i need 1million in cash or 100 naked sluts.
I had an 05 number 127 it was the most insane street bike I’ve ever ridden stock ..at 6000 rpm it would launch and pull so hard it was crazy trying to hang on to the throttle.. a little wobble on the front end at over a hundred but getting there was instant,, glad I’m still alive to write this..
@@13soulz
I put the progressive front fork springs in mine and it helped the high speed wobble.
Sean, the problem with the 1st Gen Vmax is that most riders ride it like it is a V-twin. Meaning they don't rev it like an inline 4 cylinder. That bike is made to rev and at 6500 rpm is 4th and 5th gear, the Vboost kicks in making it feel like someone gave you a shove from behind. I'd give my left nut for a 2nd Gen Vmax! Heck at over 60 years old, I don't need both nuts!
i ll have to do another video and jump on the highway with that thing
A Babbit The VMax 1200 first gen like this one opens the "vboost" up at roughly 5500 rpm progressively to 6500 rpm anytime the engine reaches that rpm. How it works- it has 4 carbs one per cylinder obviously. and for each bank of cylinders left and right it has a passage with a butterfly valve in the middle between the two carbs. When the valve opens instead of the one cylinder feeding on one carb it feeds off of two giving you a massive kick in the butt haha. Yamaha dubbed this "vboost".
sstroh08, I wish Yamaha would have kept the Vmax 1200 going longer. I think the moto mags kept saying it was "out dated", thus Yamaha caved in and built the 1700. At a time when wages have not gone up, Yamaha comes out and adds $5000 or more to the cost of a new Vmax = stupid. I think the 1700 is not selling that well because of its high price tag... "Better to make some money then not make any sales." Thanks and take care brother.
A Babbit Yea true. The price of the new vmax is pretty ridiculous. The previous vmax was getting outdated though compared to the competition so I guess I don't blame them. They wanted to be on the top of the pack again and they did it haha
R & D should have just did a over haul of the 1200, I own one. all they needed to do was upgrade the suspension, strengthen the frame, better brakes and turbo it to help with emissions 😉 works for diesels 😂
Many people who seen or ridden this bike over the years NEVER forgets it. Nothing like the pull of that V4Power.
Riding my '86 V-Max in central Florida was among the finest times of my life. A far more tasteful design than the new one. For those who don't know, the cruising sound was the perfect blend of quiet low tones with a high pitch chirp, like a little bird singing on a branch. But I can tell you: 9 hours in that saddle and your butt will burn with pain. So I got a wheelchair gel pad: Problem solved. :^)
The V-Max is definitely one of the LEGENDARY and ICONIC bikes.
This is my first and only motorcycle. Bought mine new in Aug. 2002. Decided on this because of its looks and its reputation, but also because I didn't want to start out with a smaller bike and become bored with it. I wanted something I could grow with. I still have it and have never become bored with it so it was the right choice for me. The acceleration has always made me happy and after almost 18 years of riding it it still can scare me sometimes so Im very respectful of its power. The only thing I dont like about it is riding on the interstate. It runs about 6k rpm @ 70mph. It really could use a 6th gear for that. But I like to ride around town and on the back country roads and its perfect for that. It does get alot of respect from folks, too! Lots of thumbs up and compliments!
I have a 2015 second gen Vmax. I was looking at the HD live wire and the salesman proudly said it will do 0-60 in 3 seconds (with a smile). I replied, wow, see that Vmax over there? It will do it it 2.5 seconds (with a shit eating grin). He was speechless!!!! A true legend, any year Vmax!!!
I'd love a livewire but too much money, I'd love a vmax but im not very good at holding back when riding so probably lose my licence pretty quickly lol.
your life probably before your license cuz this thing is hella dangerous
Sean, I learned to ride back in the day when I was about 7 years old on a '71 Yamaha GT80. When I got my learners permit at 15 1/2 years old my father bought me a Yamaha Riva 50cc scooter which I rode for a couple years. Later while finishing up High School, I bought my first "big bike" which was a Yamaha Seca 650. That was quite a jump from the little 50cc scooter I had been riding. Anyway, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Yamaha and the venerable V-Max was in it's day a true muscle bike and it remains so today. This bike V-Max was out in the streets creating mayhem making women swoon and children cry long before the Harley V-Rod along. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the ride and found a great home for that bike. Somebody who knows what it is will definitely appreciate it and take good care of it.
The vmax was designed to drag race. Low cg high tech for the time engine that was massively overbuilt to withstand power adders.it was one of the first bikes people started turbocharging. It is an iconic bike .
I bought 1989 max brand new as a younger man and I still have . I've made and instead a few parts, the that really sticks out : V-BOOST ENHANER . Open the boost and leave it open. It sounds like a built CHEV. 350 . plus there's a HIMDEL exhaust. 28 years with it and I still won't trade it for any other bike.
I have a 96 and it's by far my favorite bike I've been on!
As far as the handlebar fuel switch there's an explanation; since the vmax has its gas tank underneath the seat it can't use gravity to feed gas through a petcock, so it only uses a strong fuel pump to get it to the carbs. In order to have a functional reserve system Yamaha put a sensor in the gas tank that heats up and is cooled off by the fuel.
So when the tank gets low and the sensor isn't cooled it sends a low gas signal and cuts off the fuel pump. To turn the pump back on you need to turn the handlebar switch from on to reserve
It can be a pain sometimes because if its really cold out the reserve light might not turn on and if it's really hot out the reserve light will go on early
Vmax is trash
Gabe Gillman really? Why?
The VMax was Yamaha's answer to Honda's V65 Magna. Which I think Yamaha did a much better job of it.
V65 is a awesome bike also👍
@@commiesarehorrible7622 both awesome
AWESOME BIKES. love the 80s V4 engines from Honda V65 and V45, V700, Yamaha Vmax.
I had a 1994 yellow V max bought new in 1995 loved that bike, It was my 1st bike.
My buddy has 73,000 miles in his. Still runs great. 👍👍
I bought a new V-Max back in 1987 to replace a 1982 GS1100E. It was a great bike with power that scared the hell out of me at times. Never lost to any two wheeled challenger on the streets and that was fun until you were expected to win.
These bikes are insanely stupid quick!!! I rode one when I was 16 working at my fathers Yamaha dealership. I think some poo came out lol
Did it happen to be in Houma Louisiana by chance, just asking thinks.
@@alycem1 no upstate NY
Thats when i first rode one as well. Actually 17 though. Worked at a Yamaha dealer in Tulsa Ok.
you mean like Winnie ?
4th dimension,TULSA!1ST time I went 130mph was on a Action Cycles Z1. First one to hit town.I was 16.😳😀🎶
These things sound amazing with aftermarket exhaust.
There was an older guy racing one at the local street drags (legal ones) and he was whooping on everyone. It wasn't stock, but he made 600cc rockets look like scooters and was hanging neck and neck with a busa.
Stretched my arms and put a grin on my face every single time the V-Boost kicked in. Not for those riders with a small pair.
These things are nuts! My Dad bought and sold a bunch of them, and we have a huge picture of him with his 86', his favorite year, on the family area wall. I remember watching my older brothers and my Dad drag race his V65 Magna vs the V-Max, it walked it, easy actually. After that, he kept an 86' in his inventory at all times, and every time he got a fast bike, he have one of us race him on the V-Max :D he always won lol. One of the closest races was with the 1st gen CBR1000 Hurricane(I don't remember the year, but it was only a couple years old at the time). Man, I wish so bad we had cam phones back then, so many good memories. Growing up in a bike family has to be one of the best ways :)
I just recently sold my 2000 vmax with only 3000 original miles it was jetted and had a full Jardine exhaust .the bike just did not get used . After seeing this I wish i did not get rid of it .
managed to get my hands on a vmax in the 1987 when i was just a teen. guy i worked for co-signed a loan for me. i had a lot of riding experience but the biggest thing i had ridden was an rz350. the rush of the vmax 1197cc motor with v-boost was unbelievable for a kid. there was nothing like that bike back then. i rode the heck out of it, hanging on for dear life everywhere i went. got the tickets to prove it too
I had 1981 Yamaha 650 Special 2 cylinder not the four! Great bike loved it!
You didn't even get it up to 6500 for the v booster kick in!! These bikes don't start pulling until 7000 rpm
I owned a 90', hit 165 in it. Most stable bike I ever owned.
he would probably run out of gas thou .. : D
Bought a 1st gen new left over for 3800. I loved it and it was violent scary fast. I currently ride an FJR1300. Yamaha builds scary fast great big bore bikes.
Had a boost control switch on mine, kicked in at 3000rpm🙈holy shit it moved👍🏻
Yes they say after 6 but mine is after 7
TIP: You don't need to be on reserve...UNTIL the fuel light comes on...(located on the dash) PS. 36K miles in nothing for these motors...We have a 1999 here at the shop (25-30 VMAXs in stock) with 119,000 miles...& you can't tell it from a bike with 19,000...!!!...STILL RUNS STRONG!!!...WELCOME to the world of VMAX, guys! PPS. LOVED your 1st experience with VBOOST (over 6K under load)...Reminded me, all over, of MY 1st ride on a VMAX, way back in January of 1990...I have owned over 1000 motorcycles, (currently have ~110...YES, I'm an ADDICT...LOL) & ridden many more...NOTHING gets your attention (naturally aspirated anyway) like a VMAX...!!!...Again,...WELCOME TO THE PARTY!!! John-RMSportMax 610-509-VMAX(8629)
I always was a fan of the V max fan. Man that is a sweet bike!
I'd call it a muscle bike. The actual polar opposite of a cruiser.
Probably don't enter the intersection and stop there. That's where you're deadest. Wait for a break behind that big, fat white line and go through in one motion. Safety first.
My dad had an 86 VMax ,it was the fastest most powerful bike at that time. The sickest burnouts. Meanest power cruiser ever!
Got a 92 vmax about 16 yrs ago. Time to get her back on the road.
This era of the VMAX has 113 HP stock.What makes it pull hard all the way up is the boost valves that open at 8,000 rpm. The 09 and up VMAX puts 174 HP stock. I've always loved these bikes. Glad you finally got to ride one, looks like you had fun on it, even though your legs were pretzels on it. Congrats on the new shop man, nice to see your doing very well.
Paul, my 2000 Vmax opened the Vboost at 6500 rpm. They pull hard for a cruiser. I have never ridden a 2nd Gen Vmax, since I am over 60 and don't need both, I would give my left nut for a 2nd Gen Vmax!!! Peace brother.
A Babbit I fitted a kit to mine to open the valves at 3000rpm or standard at the flick of a switch. Instant power and felt like a supercharger.
Paul Crocker There were several myths as to which VMax made how much power, but the fact is they all are supposed to make 135-145 at the crank and at least 100 hp to the rear wheel. Most more. The only exception to this was English bikes in a period in which their government ruled these are too powerful stock to be allowed on public roads.
6500 is when the v boost opens
@@CountryHouseGent was that a stage 3 kit ?
Shawn, you should hear these V-Maxes with loud pipes, they sound absolutely awesome & I'm not a fan of loud bikes at all but I make an exception for the V-Max! Outstanding bikes! Look on RUclips for the loud pipe V-Max videos, you'll be impressed.
Im convinced, i will be buying a vmax this spring. My dad told me it was one of the fastest bikes to own and i see good deals on them.
I ll reply to all these comments tomorrow. I think I ll make another video tomorrow and hop on the highway
Srkcycles I have saw a Yamaha v max1200 walk off on a Yamaha r1 a 2009 Kawasaki zx14r a Suzuki gsxr1000 a Suzuki gsxr1300 I have saw the Yamaha v max haul ass this is the next bike I want I have a Suzuki gsx600f and a 1972 Harley Davidson 900 sportster chopper 7 foot springer front end I started on my dad's 1982 Harley Davidson 1200 sportster 25th anniversary I have rode a 94 Yamaha v max12 and I have wanted to get one every since so I have a sports cruiser that will keep up with a my cousins Kawasaki zx14r and a friends Suzuki gsxr1000
Srkcycle where is bible verse ?
Srkcycles man love your videos how you do a tour of your personal point of view on every single bike that you ride. I’m getting a 2006 Yamaha VMAX for $2300 with 38 k miles
@@GaryntaraBurbank my son had 2003 R1 and I had a 1990 vmax with boost servo delete, stage 7 rejetting, kerker 4 into 1 pipes and K&N intake) I could take the R1 off the line and up to about 80 mph but, the R1 was 160hp and 200lbs lighter would dust me beyond that......However,..I was having more fun on the vmax + mine sounded way more cooler
Vmax...the most iconic bike of all time...luv my MAX!
You barely let the V-max sing. I've had my 2003 for 12 years now and the logical part of my brain tells me why do you still have this thing when there are so many more versatile bikes out there. Then I start it and open the throttle and I'm reminded why. I've never ridden anything else like this.
You do have to respect it of course, the suspension, brakes, and throttle are primitive. Don't be worried about letting the clutch slip a bit around low speed corners because if you don't it will hurt you, and if the oil light isn't flashing and you're not at least a bit terrified every ride then you're not riding this thing the way it is meant to be ridden. They are a legend for a reason
'Even a Harley cant pull like this' haha , welcome to the 'real world' !
Are Harleys made for that? No...
@@axtra92
Good thing!!
@@axtra92 low end power? 100%. But they can't compare to a Vmax
@@axtra92 yes they aremade 4 thats sorry i have lots of all brands
The only thing Hardley Ableson does good is turn gas into sound without the byproduct of horsepower.
I had a ‘86….put Dyna Jet kits in all the carbs, 4-1 Kerker header, Pingel electric shifter and a wheelie bar…..ran 9’s in the quarter….what a bike.
Getting ready to pull the trigger on an ‘05….couldn’t stay away. 😂
Some bikes achieve legendary status. Very few of those that do are cruisers but the v max is one for sure, no doubt about that.
I have always been a huge fan of these. I have one myself. I went over a mild and short hill doing at least 110 in third gear at full tilt boogie and the front end come up at least a foot in the air and I rode it that way for about another 300 ft until I run out of revs. Its the most fun I've ever had on a bike, other than maybe cutting through the dragon tail with it. They handle good but it is deceptive. If you are really cranking on a corner and have all that torque rolling the frame can flex some and make it kind of barely wobble around in position and freak you out a bit. This is by far my favorite bike there is though haha. Thanks for this review I loved your reaction when you opened it up. I have yet to see anyone that hasn't flipped out when those secondaries open up around 5000 rpm or so. The best description I've ever heard of the acceleration is "Wow this thing is pretty fas.....HOLY S&*T!!!!" hah. Those who've run one of these will get what I mean lol
+sstroh08 yeah I need to make another video of riding this and get some highway action
Srkcycles Haha that would be awesome Sean! Thanks!
I had a 1986 with supertrapp dual exhaust, tuned carbs, always ran 100+ octane. I special ordered dunlop race tires good for maybe 2000 miles... I was 5'9" 140lbs... back then.... no body every beat me in a race... except for the full on race setups. My local yamaha shop new the bike.... every thanksgiving I would drop it off ,,,, pick it up in april... at 5000 rpms she made everyone smile... I look forward to a test drive of the new Vmax. My girl had 42000 brutal miles on her when I put her out to pasture. I sold her to the Mechanic who worked on her for me for 600$.
I Bought One of the First 100 Production of 1985... They Were Rockets! Breaking the Wheel Loose at 60mph... These Were The Fastest Year Up to 2008... I Loved It 💥💥💥💥💥
The stock V boost kicks in a little late, so I have modified it with a manual override switch to turn the boost on all the time.
Aaron Brown how do you modify to keep open. just got a 93 with 8000 miles on it...
Brandon Hodges I have the same setup on mine. I used a choke cable and mounted it to my left side control switch. Then ran the cable to the actuator for the vboost. You just move the choke lever then you are in vboost all the time. It's awesome.
unplug it when it's open during the cycle when you turn the key. No switch needed.
Brandon Hodges it's actually called a t boost kit plug-and-play it'll kick on at 3500 or you can turn it completely off or leave it stock which is 6000 3 switch system costs about $26
mine had tboost a switch that kicked in vboost at 3,000 revs
Vboost starts to kick in at 5750 RPM. Mine is a 1997 stripped down to Streetfighter style. All plastic body panels, fenders and faux tank removed. Flipped bars, Shovelhead straight drag mufflers, bar mirrors, COPS ignition, dropped front end. Run it to redline between shifts for an interesting experience.... I still ride a Harley, but the Vmax is my fun bike.
Wov. That must be crazy fast. All stripped. Cheers from Denmark. 1992 Vmax owner.
I had a V65 magna loved it. but my brothers Vmax would walk away from it.
Magna was a better highway bike tho.
Bought one that the previous owner had modified for the vboost to kick in at 3000rpm instead of 6000rpm..
Had to have it put back....
Fuckin scared me shitless....
What a bike...
You can't even begin to feel all the power of a V-Max unless you open it up on the highway!!
Another keeper..it don't like turns!! It's got a natural gyro effect that will stand you up in the turns.
It damn sure will. Had a couple close calls on mine that I'll probably never forget.
Back in the day, the first production bike into the 10's wasn't a GPz or a GS. It was a V Max.
Wrong .. Cycle Magazine tested the 1984 Honda V65 Sabre and the bike ripped off several 10 sec passes .. It was the first production bike to ever go sub 11's.
That bike is Ghost Rider’s bike
Love your videos bro. I'm not in the market for a bike. Just bought a 2005 FatBoy back in November. However, I'm a subscriber because I love bikes and love your reviews. I pray you much success. Proverbs 3:5
Nice bike What Is. The preize of bike
Nice! I took a friend's vmax out for a short ride, and a guy in a Toyota Supra moved up to me. Sorry to hurt your feelings, dude. Blew him away like he wasn't even on the gas.
6:15 and you never will because this is Vmax , so much power from factory.
That bike is no joke or beginner bike.
Is the 145 like 120 on the wheels?
I had an 85 V Max with the V boost kit and it would eat Ninjas CBRs and GSXRs for breakfast lunch and dinner. Mine aslo had a NOS kit and it had about 100 hp to the wheel without the NOS. Never dynoed with the NOS so who knows what it had with the NOS. All I know is that it took a bit to get used to the shaft drive. The whole bike lifts when you got on the throttle. Badass Bikes for sure.
I love the VMax. I did notice the oil light flicker during your pull at around 5:42 might be something to look into before it's sold.
Mine does that occasionally too. Usually means its just a touch low on oil. It has a sensor in the oil pan that says if it is low on oil, and if it is not completely full on the top level mark on the oil window, it will light up that light when you do a pull on it because it pulls so frigging hard it pulls enough oil to the back of the crank case to just barely light up that low level light.
Jamie Stewart They all do that. It's a design flaw. The sensor is at the front of the sump. When you accelerate hard, the oil moves back. Not an issue though cos the oil pickup is in the middle. Scary at first but not a problem when you know what it is.
+CountryHouseGent great info thanks
+sstroh08 thanks for the info
Figured it was something silly like that. Just wanted to make sure Sean was aware of it. Sounds like a non issue.
I had a 91 when I was 19, that was insane. Bought a 09 right when they came out, put 20k on it and decided I wanted a ZX14R, 2012. Just bought my 3rd Vmax last year, 2018. I want to keep this one forever.
Anyone ever read Eddie Lawson's piece on his V-Max, when he took a cop for a ride? He said he opened up and when they came around, the poor guy had bitten his lip and bled onto his shirt! When I was 18, and buying my first bike, a 1980 Yamaha XJ 650, the guy I bought it from had a Venture (whose engine is the format for the V-Max), he took me for a quick ride (in Mesa, AZ), and he pulled her hard. I was stifling a scream, the acceleration was so intense. That's on a full-dresser with two people.
Bought max a couple months ago, love it, repaired starter clutch, the plate cracked, just time out.
These thinks are way underrated.
Had that same bike !!! Loved it !!
I've owned two over the years. Not the most uncomfortable ride for long distances (crappy seat and leg position) but ALL other bikes get compared to the V-Max for the shear violent raw power. I always described the experience at v-boost to a feeling that you just lit a rocket booster, are about to swallow your tongue and you might dirty your under ware at the same time! Nothing I've ever owned compares. I still prefer my Road King for trips but I have considered getting another Max...just for the shear fun. PS.. my wife said if I ever get another one she WILL NOT ride on it with me! (wonder why!)
This V-Max motor was in my Yamaha Venture Royale, it had a lot more off the line power than GW! Great motor!
Had 2 of these over the years.
Drivers literally get out of your way!.
My first had the boost kicking in at 3000rpm, had to revert it back the stock 6000!.
I wouldn't be here to write this otherwise!!.
Now have K2 gsx 1400, rapid!, love it!, but nothing compares to the beast of bikes!!!!.
Those things are a total muscle bike. They use to run that exact same engine in the Yamaha Venture which my friend had one, except they were tuned down from the vmax. And that venture hauled butt!!
I'd love to work for Srk cycles!!..even just detailing bikes or charging batteries,,be awesome seeing an getting wisdom from a really good dude like u an help with some test rides!! Lol..love what u do bro!!..
I know what you're thinking...Did he downshift 4 times or only 3? To tell you the truth, in all the excitement, I lost count myself. But seeing as this is a Yamaha V-Max, world's most powerful motorcycle, and can blow your doors clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question...Do I feel lucky???
Awesome comment... lol
Lol that was good
No, "SEEK GOD FIRST" that's the most AWESOME COMMENT!
Well, do you punk?
I gots to know...
I bought one brand new in 2004. My son liked it so much that I gave it to him. It intimidated him so much that he would really be careful with it. After a few months he was smoking the rear tire off. Now a rear tire lasts for one summer and has to be replaced. It is literally twice as fast as my Fatboy and that is not an exaggeration. Twice. But the Fatboy looks gorgeous. The V-Max just looks,,,,,,,,, mean.
Three words. Triumph. Rocket. Three.
I bought a 1987 model brand new from Kenny Roberts Yamaha in modesto calif. it never let me down..
Fun fact.. unless i was lied to.... they didnt make any in 87.... they were re stamped 86s... becasue they didnt sell their inventory..
MY FAVORITE BIKE! Mine was dinoed at 130 at the rear wheel too. But the first one in 85 had 155 HP. Now I will be getting the second generation V max... I have to have one. Right now I'm on a MINT BUELL with everything you can do to them done to it. It's in MINT condition too.
The 85s never dynoed 155 to the wheel, the only power advantage the 85 had over the other years were the stock cans that werent up to regulation, and that gave the bike maybe 3 extra hp at most.
I bought mine brand new in 2005. Yamaha sold 2000 total but actually only 1600 we’re sold in the US, the rest went overseas. I also have a magazine that most people don’t know says that in 2005 they increased the Vboost by 2 mm on the anniversary special. I think that’s probably right because when I was in the Vmax club, stock-for-stock mind would walk away from others and they would tell me that they thought mine was faster. The advertisement from Yamaha would state that only certain amount of dealers would be able to get this bike and you would be the lucky ones if you could get it. My friend and I ordered ours and they came from Northern California down to us in Southern California. One was in a crate and the other one was on on the showroom floor up there. I still have mine and I ride it whenever I can.
Ive got No 869/2000 and i love it for the sound, the power and the looks, it handles better than expected but the only downside is the wobble that happens at 130 mph,
Fun vid. I enjoyed the commentary. "I got my mustache in my mouth". Classic comment.
The gen 1 Max is a fickle mistress. One of my favorite toys of all time.
How reliable are these compared to goldwing
I watched a guy on RUclips the other day dyno tune one. He unlocked the computer and pulled the stock maps. The computer was limiting the throttle body down to something like 28% in the top end of the. He re tuned it and had something like 160hp.
The v max is a great bike. A real power cruiser... not like the wussy stuff they call powercruisers now, but like the Magna's, you better like it the way it is, because there's no aftermarket for those bikes like the harley's. No messing with gear ratios, no exhaust, seats, cams, carbs or intakes. I have the hardest time finding any mods for my magna.
i have a 1985 v max I can do 550 feet burn outs up to 3gear
One of my all time favorite bikes. Good video bro!
+Jared Decker yo my man J deck!!!! This is amazing
haha you got my first ever youtube comment. you should be greatly honored
My 1987 Honda 700 Super Magna red lines at 10,000 and still pulls hard above that point as well. It really doesn't get real quick until it hits 7,000 and then look out, she hits hard from there on. Even the Yamaha 1300 V4 is the same way, and you continually shift them at to low and RPM before they start pulling really good: Like they're supposed to be ridden. I would buy all the V Max's you have all day long for 3500.00, if I had the room to store them.
The problem the first generation had was that the gears were straight cut instead of cut at an angle and they would strip in the bike would jerk and you have to have transmission work done to it. They fix that in later models
One bike you definitely learned to do the shaft drive shuffle :)
Bought a 2005 model brand new still thrilling everytime I ride it
I will have one sooner or later I swear.
ringhunter 100 me too
@@loseyourlife4042 you should..it's a mf Rock&Roll baby
that was my attitude and I made that happen today.
@@dominicmacisaac709 Congrats bro! How do you like it?
still waiting on registration, but she's a beauty and a beast.
I had an '89 Max. I installed a pair of the Supertrapp slip-ons...that thing sounded like a top fueler when I got on it hard...
I owned a 1988 Vmax in Red. Beautiful motorcycle.
On the fence. Do I try and find one of these and replace my vstar 1100 or stick with what I've got. Don't need a vmax but really want one. Guess it's a live and learn situation. The v star has been great but I always want more power....
Just take a spin, its like no other ride, really fast and alot of power!!! Put a smile on your face too!!!
I had a 91 model, I put a 4 into 1 Hindle compition pipe on her, plus a dynojet kit and a high flow air filter, the dyno reading gave me 137 bhp, just love her, she would blast fireblades and gsxr 1100s from the lights, shweeet.....
I have heard a V-Max can pass anything on the road but a gas station. Sub 100 mile range.
On my old one when you really opened it up the oil light would come on from pushing all the oil back in the case. It pulls hard.
KZ 1000 rider, test rode a first series VMax and knew it was to fast, deadly fast .
Im buying a new 2018 Vmax and sold my M109R last year. I got bored of the Suzuki because it simply didnt have enough power. Plus, I didnt like the forward controls. Any opinions?
"Hopefully we can ride this V-max without running out of gas!"
Famous last words!......loved my old 25th Ani V-max, but its gas mileage was about on par with my old ZX-12......that is to say, bad!
+Steve po yeah great bikes
From gas pump to gas pump that's how they roll!! + the tank is under the seat.
Why is the "peacock" on the handebar's? In case you want to ride on the freeway.
70 miles , gotta start looking for a gas station on mine.
What kind of gloves are you wearing?! I want those, they look sick!
Wonder why they discontinued this?
I have ridden many bikes in my life. The most Bike I owned was VMAX in Dubai. I had 1989 Yellow, 1993 Blue, 1998 Red, 2006 Black Matt with 165HP.
How can it be a cruiser when it has standard foot positioning and no V-twin engine?
What is the price? I had a tricked out custom 95 V65 Honda Sabre, it would go 65mph in 1st gear, then slam it into 2nd for a wheelie getting on the freeway! It was like a V-Max, because it had an 1100 V4, with a drive shaft. I had a 4 into 1 Hindle, clip-ons, custom paint, and tweaks to make it faster. It went 150 mph