Kodokuna raida is Japanese for "lonely Raider".Follow me while I ride around Japan on my 1986 Yamaha Vmax.
日本の孤独なライダー. 1986年のヤマハVmaxで日本中を走りながらフォローしてください。 I'm not just a motorcycle channel but also about enjoying travel and life in Japan 私はバイクのチャンネルだけでなく、日本での旅行や生活を楽しむことも好きです
Jeff hi Yes many people put shorter rear shocks on I think the standard length is 340mm I bought a Vmax once that had 320mm rear shocks fitted and it was a lot lower. You can also contact Sean Morley of Morley muscle as he make a lower seat that just bolts on and is even more comfortable The only problem my Vmax had with the shorter shock was that I couldn’t put it onto the center stand, as I couldn’t get the stand down lower enough to get it over the center of gravity I hope that helps KR
Hello from France I just discovered your vid, and just congrats, your explain are very tight and clear ! I'm asking myself some question, and perhaps could you help me to answer it I'm keen on V-Max, but I'm not taller ( 5"6), and I wonder If I could move it on slow speed maneuvers easily and if my riding position will be confortable. Could you precise me, how tall are you ?! By the way, I think the specific handling and the danger of it in some situation, make debates and create also the Legend of the V_max .... but But I'm 50 years old,- and a calm boy!-, and I want to ride again after 10 Years stopping riding, For this, and to find the tips and tricks of riding,I' took riding lessons last months Do you think, it could be doable in good conditions for me ,riding a V-Max right now ?! I thanks you a lot, Regards, ride safe ✌ John-christophe
Hi and thanks for supporting my channel. I am 6”1’ and find Vmax’s can be a little small for me when I’m sitting down so don’t worry about your height. If you feel a little I comfortable you can get a custom seat that lowers your weight and gravity making the bike easier to handle. Vmax’s are a heavy bike which I like riding in the mountains or slowly riding. After a big absence from riding I always recommend taking some riding classes and getting a later model gen1 Vmax which has beater suspension and brakes making it even better for riding and safety You will be fine but stay safe and ride carefully Ask any questions and I’ll always try and help KR
@@kodokunaraida1044 Hello , always from France !, I thank you really a lot for answering . You give me some ideas, that I 'll aply . But with everything that has already been said about V-Max handling and effect of the weight, and the tyre size..., all this intimidates me, and I'm afraid I won't be able to do it, and to fall down often (The power doesn't scare me, perhaps because I'm used to driving powerful old 911 Porsches (well, another legend!!) It's cornering, and slow maneuvering that scare me, since the suspensions don't seem effective enough, and the weight could disrupts the balance of the bike ( according to some...) According to your great experience, Do you feel, it's true ?! Riding a V-max requires special driving technique ?! Regards, and have a nice evening, John-christopher
Hello John I don’t think it is a scary bike as long as you respect it! Respect it’s power and it’s honesty I ride Vmax’s because there is something special about them It doesn’t have all the latest gadgets but it’s so beautiful to ride The raw power and acceleration and great cruising down the highway It’s true they are big and heavy but I love big heavy bikes and pushing them through the mountains All I would recommend is getting the later gen 1 model I think it came out after 1994 which has better suspension and braking There is also many modifications you can do to suit you and your riding style Don’t let it scare you KR
@@kodokunaraida1044 Hy Sir, I think , you're ...right !! All the reasons you describe, that bring you closer with the v max, are exactly the same that the one's who push me to ride a V-Max. So , I am reassured, since this means that you can understand my problems... Yes, perhaps, maybe I worry too much about not mastering the V Max bike ?! as you advice me, I am going to buy a V max model 1996, to have better braking and a more efficient fork, and I will drive as best as possible. ( It's a shame that you are in Japan, otherwise you could have given me lessons!! lol ...) I'm joking, you're right ,living in Japan, it seems to be a Wonderfull land . I often watch vid on Japan ( bike vlog or other topic...) and it's such marvelous アドバイスをありがとうございました Read you soon, Ride safe, ✌ John-christopher
Spray painting is not durable at all. After a month, it peels off. Normally, you should heat the spray-painted pieces to 200 degrees. You probably already found this out.:)))
Sorry you are wrong in this case. The paints you are talking about require baking for the hardener to react properly but on can spraying the paint doesn’t need baking. The chemical reaction enough is adequate. I am a panel beater/ spray painter by trade. I have never had problems with my painting and had the bikes for 10 years without any problems to the paint. KR
Hi, Sorry you are having trouble. Was it raving past 4,000rpm before cleaning or just after? My ideas. You haven’t adjusted the cables correctly allowing them to open completely. The fuel filter is dirty. The Vboost is not working correctly Let me know if any of these suggestions help. KR
No, it would only run on choke before I stripped the carbs and cleaned them. I found the problem, it seems the airbox has to be fitted so that it runs properly, so all sorted now thanks and runs like a dream, only done 4k miles, it will be a gem when finished.
Hi, a lot of Gen 1 has a charging and starter problem. A lot of the time to problem can result from bad earths and bad converse to corrosion in the plugs that just need cleaning. I buy a lot of broken Vmax’s with problems so I usually just fit a new stator. Regulator and starter and then the new owners will never have a problem again. KR
@kodokunaraida1044 Thank You for the info. I'm learning more every day. In the least I seem to have one with a good cooling system- it stays right around the middle of the gauge.
Great videos as always watched and subscribed since day 1,have you put any thoughts into a fuel gauge, ive been looking and the only way i can see around it is drilling the tank with a fuel level sensor
Hello Thank you very much for subscribing and supporting my channel. Getting close to 1,000 subscribers. I know it’s a small channel but I’m so excited to reach that. There have been people fit fuel gauges but I’m not sure of their success. I will look into it and see what I can find out or fit to a build. I’ve just sold both the bikes. The all black 1985 is going to Tokyo and the 1997 is going to Israel . I’m looking for a new rebuild or two! KR
Before I can unlock the handle by pushing accelerator and moving the steering Now I can't be able to unlock my handle . Only i can able is by using putting another key into ignition can we have any suggestions about it
This is a common fault The problem is the lock barrel inside your steering is becoming worn and dry Because it’s a little worn it needs some lubrication to make it slide better You can get a spray like WD40 or silicon spray and spray it into your lock where you put your key If the spray bottle has a long tiny tube to spray. Put it into the key hole and spray it around They push your key in and out a few times and you should be okay again KR
The 1985 Vmax has been sold. The 1997 Vmax has not been sold as yet. If you are interested in the 1997 Vmax you can send me an email on kodokunaraida@gmail.com
Hi, Been watching Your videos for about three weeks on the V Max great stuff very enjoyable, I have a Question on your video dislikes on the V Max you mention various things brakes etc. I really want to get one of these bikes I have seen one and been in touch with the garage its a 1992 model would this year have the faults which you do not like or has this been upgraded, Thank you from Barry
Hi Barry. Good luck with finding and riding these beautiful bikes but please stay safe and ride carefully I have had too many friends killed on Vmax’s. But once you get use to them they are the most exciting bike I’ve ever ridden. I get many emails angry about my negative feelings on the Vmax but I want people to understand that Gen1 Vmax’s are getting old and things like brakes and suspension were not as good as bikes of today On the Gen 1 there were minor differences cosmetically but big changes in brakes and suspension Apart from a minor freshening to the bike's specifications in 1993, the bike gained a larger-diameter fork to minimize high-speed wobbling and drift, four-piston brake calipers, and other handling and safety related upgrades. If I had a choice because of the upgraded brakes and suspension, I would always chose from a 1993 up. They are just a better and safer bike Saying that. I have a 1985 and 1997 Vmax and love the rawness of the 1985 but the 1997 is definitely safer and smoother I hope this helps Stay safe KR
@@kodokunaraida1044 Hello again, and Thank you very much for your reply, I do not want one to do high speeds just a ride out on a Sunday, the one I have seen has 61000 Kms showing on the speedo and looks in very good condition, now wondering whether to go ahead with it or not, obviously do not want to die just yet although I am old, will keep watching your videos you make what ever maintenance you do look easy and you enjoy doing it. All for now Barry in Spain
Great video, to me this would be a major job but you made it look so easy, i dont even need to remove my wheel but you make it so interesting to watch, thankyou.
Your comment made me laugh. Thank you. Don't let anything scare you on your bike. Just get in and have a go. But I'm glad you wrote and my videos help others. KR
Thank you. I bought them on line. The seller stated that they were stock but when they arrived it was obvious they weren't. but the sound is great and I really like them. I am not sure what brand they are but except for the bigger exhaust bells they look stock. KR
Hahaha when I was ridding it I wasn’t paying attention to the sound but when I played the recording back I was also surprised at how good it sounded. KR
I was in my office with a little bit of down time so I came across your video, I could not wait for 5:00pm to get here so I could go home to check if my Vmax Vboost was actually functioning, sure enough I got nothing when I turn the ignition on. I could not thank you enough for your videos since they help me so much that in this particular case I knew exactly what to do, I did end up doing a module hack but at least it is now working and I cant wait to taste it. I've had my 97 Vmax for a year now and she is so powerful that I never realized that the Vboost wasn't even working 😆, I will be visiting Japan again this summer.
Hello. I was so happy to read your mail and know that my video has helped. In another video I show you how to repair a broken module or at least a hack to get them to work. But I am so happy you can now ride your bike and fully experience the power of these wonderful machines. Don't feel bad that it's taken a long time to realise. Many clients bring me their Vmax's and want a tune up when it's been the module all along. Great to hear you are coming to Japan. what will you be doing or where will you be? KR
Very beautiful images and nice filming techniques. You understand the delicate beauty of Japan better than Japanese people. That sensibility is also shared by your love for Vmax.
Thank you for your kind gentle words. It's a wonderful time of the year. I never use to understand why people were so excited to see the sakura. Now after living in 20 for many years I look forward to the new life and start of another wonderful year with my family and Vmaxs!! KR 優しいお言葉をありがとうございます。一年の中でも素晴らしい時期です。なぜ人々が桜を見てあんなに興奮するのか、私には全く理解できませんでした。 20年に何年も住んでいた今、新しい生活と家族とVmaxsと一緒に素晴らしい一年が始まることを楽しみにしています!! KR
I had a starting issue after riding for about an hour so I have done some readings and is my stator at fault, battery 12.45v Engine start 10.25v Engine running 12.90v to 13.05v Stator reading 0 on earth test Stator Continuity 2, 2, 2, Stator AC current 16,17v. Can i ask on your thoughts thanks in advance 🙏
Hello. I sad to read you are having trouble but it’s not uncommon. But dont be too worried as it’s an easy and cheap repair. You only need to remove your two left side covers and the stator is right there .. while you are buying the stator I also recommend you fitting a new regulator. You should be able to do the whole thing for under $100 . I have a video about fitting the new stator so I hope you can find it. If not send me an email and I’ll attach a link. KR
Bonjour. J'adore vos vidéos et je vous remercies beaucoup pour ce magnifique partage. Je suis un grand fan du 1200 vmax ( j'en ai une de 1997 ) et grâce à vous je la restaure petit à petit. Merci ✌👍
3:28 I've seen some motorcycles catch fire while filling the tank, so since very young I adopted a rule of getting off the bike to fill it. So, for me, this is not a negative side.
Hi and thanks for your message. It’s a good experienced rider’s knowledge that I appreciate to help old and new riders, I am very grateful for safety comments like yours. KR
The washers are soft to squash a little and seal the gap. If they are not scratched or damaged they can be reused. All mechanical and repair manuals will instruct you to fit new washers and I tend to agree that it is best and a great habit to get into but it’s not necessary. Thanks KR
Highly informative video as usual. Not gonna lie, it took me over 2 hours to bleed the cluch and brake fluid in my Vmax last winter after replacing the old, crusty hoses with new stainless steel line. Just couldn't get all the air bubbles out. Finally had to use the reverse bleed method with a veterinary 100cc hypodermic. Used up over a liter of brake fluid. You make it look easy! Next time, I'm using that tool.
Hi. I have seen a lot of people struggling when they have to bleed a brake. On some Vmax forums people have become so frustrated that they can’t get their brakes to bleed no matter what they do. Sometimes an air bubble gets trapped in a joint and no matter what happens they can’t get it out. That’s why this simple system works so well and fast. I’ve used it on bikes and cars and have had great success. I found a link on AliExpress for the exact same one I bought. Thank you for your support and comment.KR a.aliexpress.com/_oC84hKe
привет России. да o завершил все с помощью баллончика, включая крышку бака. Я хочу показать людям, что не нужно тратить много денег, чтобы иметь хороший vmax.KR
