It makes me smile seeing you reviewing a Vmax and letting go the handlebar..... lololo....if you ever driven a Gen 1 you know what I am talking about. Thanks for such a good review
Thanks so much for the forward pegs info. I purchased a 2020 VMax in August. I searched for at least 2 months before I was able to locate a new one. I Flew into Orlando & 2 days later made my 1,400 mile road trip back to NW. Ar. I Hadn’t owned a bike since 1990. Crazy for sure and closing in on 60...Absolutely love the torque. I haven’t taken it above 4,500 rpms yet and really don’t care if I do anytime soon. I’m working with the Low speed tight turning and the fuel mileage sucks, but I knew what I was getting since it’s been on my list since 85. Take care and please ride safe!
The second Gen Vmax is an outstanding bike for a fun blast. I bought my 14 new in the crate in 2015, right after they dropped the MSRP from $20k down to just under $17k. But since dealers notoriously have a hard time selling them, this one sat in a crate for nearly a whole year and they dropped the price to $14k, so I had to jump on it. I had wanted one since they came out in 09. I was coming off a Ducati Diavel Carbon. I went through all of the pains that every Vmax owner had. Legs cramping after an hour or two because of the mid controls (and the damned things being right where your legs are when at a stop, making you straddle around them), and went the Maxx Relaxxer route for a type of highway peg. It’s all we had available. Not great really, but was decent. Yamaha had already discontinued the OEM saddlebags, so I paid a grand for what used to be $250 worth of tiny zippered bags. Oh, and once you took them off, you realized they were always shifting around and rubbed the fender paint really bad. Agonizingly hard seat, so two hours was about as much as I could take, but that didn’t matter because you got less than 100 miles on a tank of gas. Seriously... every time I pulled the bike out of the garage I had to make time to go get gas before doing anything. Suspension was never comfortable, very sportbike in nature, no matter how you adjusted it... it was still tight and rough. When that extended tank you have was first made, the company was a scam and stole people’s money without delivering the product. I lived local to their so-called address and it turned out to be a deli. Glad someone else finally made the tank, but I’m sure it’s crazy expensive. I had the bike for about 4 years and 15,000 miles (I usually put that many miles on my bikes in less than a year, but not the Vmax) and nothing could beat the sheer impressiveness of riding it. The torque was always there and ready to kick your ass, and you’d always be smiling when you ripped that throttle open. But being so tall and top heavy with very odd front end geometry meant that it did not like doing any low speed maneuvering (my current Street Glide is infinitely easier to u-turn and tight turn at walking speed), it needed a bit of added input to tip-in for high speed cornering (but held the line well) and was just too uncomfortable for anything but an afternoon riding toy. Definitely not a daily and impossible for long range touring. Maybe with the pegs you have and the bigger tank it could be, but add in the cost of a much better custom made seat. I miss it from time to time, traded it for an 18 Fat Bob and enjoyed that 100x more even though the power wasn’t even close. I would have one again, but only as a 3rd bike in the garage, to take out on the occasional short ride. Of all the bikes I’ve owned, it was the only one that made me want to ride like a hooligan 100% of the time. It doesn’t just beg you to rip open the throttle, it goads you into doing it. It’s meant to be run hard, and that’s where the fun lies. The build quality was exceptional, everything you can touch feels and looks high end and is well finished. Zero maintenance aside from oil changes and many, many rear tires.
Interesting experience. I put 26000 km (maybe 16 or 18k mls, did not calculate) on my Gen2 VMax beside like 80000 km on my Gen1 (still ride that one as well). For me that massive power and torque doesn't pull me into riding hooligan, instead it calms me down because I always know that I could...but I enjoy to stay cool. Most of the times lol No issues so far, just oil and tires. Same btw for the Gen1 VMax. Doing all the service works mysel since I know that I can give a shit on guarantee, that bike is bullet prove.
I have been riding for 53 years. I bought my 2009 VMAX new in 2009. Its all stock. This is about the 20th bike that I've owned and the best. It will probably be my last bike since I'm 67. This was my first shaft-drive bike. I really don't feel that jacking effect that some people refer to. It handles great for a bike of its size and as well as any chain drive bike that I've ridden. While there are a few bikes that are a little faster in the quarter mile, I don't think any bike will beat it from stop light to stop light. I've had a few encounters with liter sport bikes and all I can say is that they were surprised. As much as the high-end power will take your breath away, its the low-end power that is the most amazing. Just normal acceleration with partial throttle feels like a lot of other bikes at full throttle. The other thing about the engine that took some getting used to was the engine braking. You almost don't need to use the brakes. I really love the tachometer/speedometer look and the simplicity of it. I like analog display instruments because they are the easiest to read quickly. You also need to understand that I believe that Yamaha was trying to imitate the look of the instruments on a 1950s Vincent Black Shadow with its huge centrally-located speedometer which was the fastest motorcycle of its time. I love the siamesed dual mufflers so much so that I don't want to lose that look by adding an after-market exhaust system even though it might add a little more power. 200 crank HP in stock form is perfectly adequate for me although I don't think that there is any such thing as too much power. My only real complaints are the small fuel tank and the wobbly front turn signals. A 6th gear would be nice to improve fuel economy on the highway. 50 pounds less weight would also be nice. Since my inseam is only 30 inches and the seat is so wide, I have to get off of the bike to back it up because I can't flat-foot it. Because I can only get the tips of my toes on the ground at a stop, I also had to adopt a technique for when I stopped at traffic lights. When stopped I have to shift my body slightly off of the saddle so that I can get the ball of one foot firmly on the ground. The other foot remains on the peg. I'm now used to this so it doesn't bother me. People with long legs won't have this problem. On the other hand, when in motion the riding position is perfect for my height (5'9"). I love the styling and look of the bike. It is very polarizing though. People either love it or hate it. I think that's a good thing. The engine is the bike. It dominates its look. Its a no-compromise bike. All in all its still the best bike that I ever owned and as long as I'm physically able to handle it I will keep it. I love power.
I just purchased the 2020 VMAX in May and never thought I'd own something the made me smile like Christmas morning every time I open my garage door and looked at her. Great video Mate.
I agree with the taking care of yourself man. I only have the Gen1 Vmax but i ride it to the Alps and other mountain ranges here in Europe. And by riding i mean going balls to the wall on the most epic rounds you can find here. I'm 33, 6'1 or 184cm and last trip was 5 days of riding in the Alps, i started at 83kg (183 pounds ) and ended at 78kg (170 pounds) . That's over 2 pounds a day! So even though i'm slim, was drinking beers in the evening, it was the best excercise i've done in a while. The Vmax is heavy, and needs to be worked. But the experience is like no other! Nice video, cool you ride it daily.
This was a legitimately great review! Thanks for making this! You should put a video up on the forward controls installation. As someone with not much mechanical skill, visual tutorials are a god send.
I put around 12000km on my Max between June and August, now for job reason season is over, I am abroad already, far from my bike :-( When "at home" commuting 200km (120mls) a day. The windshield is NOT a good idea to me. You lose the feeling of velocity - driving license is heavily in danger. On German highway I maxed it several times - it is a wonderful bike for those who have themselves under control. Remember that there is no child stuff like drive mode selection or traction control. This is pure and raw. Your right hand needs to be sensitive. You always get what you want and the VMax always, in any circumstance has more power than you need. Thanks for the video and stay safe.
I just bought a 2020 max I'm 76 years old , been riding 60 years I have 12 bikes now and the max is the king. Put a Yamaha windshield, and Austrian made pegs. It's perfect.
The Vmax has been my "Weapon of choice.." Since 2003. The 2nd Gen is almost perfect with a 6gallon tank, and an aftermarket exhaust. My only complaint is I'm still looking for that 6th gear! I am ruined by the v65 magna I owned before the vmax.
I just snatched one up yesterday a 2011 VMAX! Tried to explain to my wife why I had to have it but I am on her Sh$t list. I now have four bikes I promised her this is the last one!
I have so many thumbs up for this vid. First of all the Nine Line shirt!! A real review, the good and the little bad. The drive train had to be durable for the 200 horses and weight, it is a drag bike after all. No 6 speed because as you said, easily 200 mph and Yamaha doesn't want that. The engine, Yamaha makes the Best of everything they touch and that comes from a Toyota Master Diagnostic Tech. Our 1.8 VVTL-I engine head is built by Yamaha among other vehicles like the 1st Gen Taurus SHO, anyway.....The Max is simply amazing, AMAZING!!
Yamaha VMAX i love the bike great review. Was looking for one a couple of years ago wanted new but the price didnt cut it for me here in canada its worth 24 k . So i bought a Kawasaki Concours, and just love it made a lot of mod on it like raiserbars, custom seat, best bike i ever own and i been riding for 40 years, great video man keep on riding and stay safe.
I've put 11,000 on my 17' so far this year! Just got back from a 1000mile trip. I went with the Puig windscreen just because I like the look over the bonneville screen. +1 on the highway pegs. If you can get ahold of Mike Kemp's halos I would HIGHLY suggest getting them installed. I can attest that they have saved my ass numerous times. People notice you when you have the Halos and that makes them stop.
Thanks so much for the input on the Halos! I do have to say the lighting is a bit limited due to the single headlight. Might need to see if I can source some. Thanks!
THESE BIKES ARE VERY VERY HARD TO FIND USED IN CALIFORNIA. I HAD TO DRIVE 5 hrs to buy mine stripped it down changing the look 3 years later still not completed. Rode the bike and loved it this bike was designed for a different type of man.
I agree I got one yesterday in Orange County lucky I was the first to reply to listing there were 5 other ppl coming that day! I let one slip away months ago because I bought a 2020 Rocket 3r but I wasn't letting this one go! Me and the Wife are not on good terms with this purchase but I am hoping time will heal our relationship.
WOW. Just WOW!😎 The other Torque Moster on the market is of course the new Rocket III. Would love to see you ride a Rocket III just so you can do a comparison. Surely you local Triumph dealer would lend you one for a test ride. By the Way, Iv'e owned my Yamaha XS650 for 43 years and my Yamaha XV920R for 39 years and I have to agree that Yamaha has for two generations engineered the best and most reliable bikes to ever hit the road.🤓
I'll see if I can't get on a Rocket 3 for side by side comparison. II love the new Rocket 3 however after my last run with Triumph it's time I return to a brand I can depend on... Yamaha ! Cheers!
7:22... yup it is horrible!! I'm thinking about switching to my 2016 VMAX as my commute bike, but 1st, I'm thinking about getting another job to pay the fuel for that thing. And I can't even reach to 65 due to traffic. Geeez! Nice video man, I am going to try changing the tank, after I get another job. :D
True it's not nearly as bad as some of the early 80's shafty bikes but it's still noticeable compared to a Concours 14 I ran for +40K miles. It is noticeable especially if your coming off a chain drive bike. Cheers and enjoy your ride! Best,
Vmax 1700 the best bike I've ever ridden. Since 1990 I have ridden about 1.6 million motorcycle km with over 50 motorcycles. Of these, 125000 km with the Vmax 1700 no oil consumption engine runs as on the first day 188 hp din measurement on the rear wheel. DRIVE THEM WITH DOUBLE SPRING. best bike for ever. Best oil for the motorcycle module 5100 15W-50 every 8000-10000 km change with oil filter. 8-10 km warm up and do not turn over 2000 RPM. Engine runs and lasts for eternity GREETING Reinhold von West Berlin
Where are you riding? That reminds me of areas in the NC/Tenn mountains where I love to ride. I been going there for the past 12 years. I purchased my 2010 Vmax with 35k miles 2 years ago. It now has 45k miles and I love it. Hopefully I can get to ride tomorrow.
I learned to ride on a 400 cc kawasaki many years ago I dropped it walked away. I bought a 85 vmax I loved it. I saw the 2015 6 years ago I bought it and never looked back. Warning ⚠️ what this guy is saying is accurate that bike is to be respected be safe see you out there 👍
Great Review Jedz Moto! I ride a second Gen VMAX as well! It was my first and the bike that I learned on and I don't think I will ever get rid of my VMAX. I don't ride that much, but I try to get some in everyday! #vmaxforlife
Love my Max, now I have a 2020, it’s insane buuuut, I found myself putting in 3600 in mods. Did not need it, but I wanted it. 209 hp to the tire, with the tune I get a consistent 26mpg. I need the aftermarket tank! Oh and new tires
I had a 2006 Max which I loved but it was the most uncomfortable bike I ever had for long trips. Seems I would be sitting on the inside of my thighs. I heard the remake in 2009 was much more comfortable. I’m interested in your thoughts?
good review, yeah its a beast, but once you got em, its hard to give it up, I have 3 Vmax 1200, very smooth clutch but rode it from ABQ to Los Angeles non stop 12 hours 12 fill ups..fast as hell, but fun!!!!..lol
Where are you located in Uganda? I will settle there soon, have visited your beautiful country many times. Maybe you come for a visit to Europe to have a test ride.
Ive owned three an 95, 01 and now a 2012. I never had issue w any of them besides carbs on the gen 1s, when i sold the 01 it had 60k miles and was key turn. Im hoping the new gen is just as predictable 6k so far and just asks for trouble. Lol
@@kactuszakk4203 Thanks, almost bought a gen 1 VMAX as a first bike (!) but was turned off by the fake speed parts. I actually have some plans for a super on a gen 2, so those big air intakes are gonna live up to the promise one way or another.
Why is everybody claiming 200HP. When all other bikes are measured on the rear wheel, why is this bike tested on the crank. This is BS because all bikes would look a lot better ( by appr. 10% - 20%) if they specified the crank power. This bike has less than 180HP on the rear wheel and that's what matters. Still enough power and a great bike but I don't agree with Yamahas marketing strategies. Gives you the feeling the bike is going to be discontinue any moment. Put it in the shops if you want to sell it and don't hide it.
Bro, you're being a bit dramatic regarding the physical fitness requirements to ride a Vmax. I have owned my '12' for 4 years and it's not that demanding. It's not like you are pushing twisties non-stop. For the most part great video.
Johnny Graham Cincinnati Ohio. The only problem I have what's heavy motorcycles big V Twins and V fours in your case is 5 mile an hour or less that's where you have problems with these heavy big ass bike these long wheelbase motorcycles anybody agree
To me , motorcycle as a daily rider is expensive than cars. because if you buy a brand new bike which nowadays costs more than cars can only go up to lets say 100k miles and is done but a car can way pass that mileage .
I'm at 76K miles on my Bonneville at this present moment and it's still running well, seen quite a few bikes go past the 100K mile mark, just routine maintenance is what's going to make a bike last. It's the bike with 15K miles that are over 10 years old that scare me to ride. Cheers.
You do know how silly it sounds saying it's gotta be throwing some hydrocarbons in the air? Only if it's running lean and just generally in need of some fixing! Most modern engines burn quite efficiently which is why your getting all those ponies! But I understand the excitement, it is a nice bike! They will quit selling it because soy boys don't want combustion engines, they think it is knuckle dragger tech!
Just wish Yamaha would have repurposed this powerplant in other models, to spread the fun. I bet it just goes away with the environment Nazis and their never ending emissions regs.
@@oldplace2844 People wanted that, but the Venture is sourced from the now gone Star Raider. I've ridden the Raider and the Venture. The entire top end of the Venture is a proprietary build by Yamaha and is nowhere near the storm and roar of the Raider, unfortunately.
The Venture engine was the base for the engine of the Gen1 VMax. It was pushed from some 100 to 140+ hp at the Gen1 VMax. This is Gen2 VMax, totally different level.
So what? Also YOU can't handle 150+ hp on public road And the other 200hp hyperbikes cut their hp from anti wheelie and anti slip controllers in real life.
On public road (and that is whefe I am using my bike) even 50hp would be enough. Even on a 300 kg bike. In daily use, torque at low revs is much more important than having 250hp at 14000 rpm. And yes, some are driving faster than me and every week I pass more flower buquets and pictures on the side of the road. Hope it will never be "yours".
Lifted_Above I got 200hp doing 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. Bud, you can keep your 12%...and your constant ritual of checking, tightening, aligning, cleaning, washing, lubing, changing...and the deal hunting and gouging for products, tools, chains and sprockets that never ends. Not to mention the dangers of a failed chain. The time, cost and work of servicing my shaft drive is less than sipping on a damn beer, and that's once every 2 years or 25000 kms. On this machine there's none of the so called shaft drive jacking or any reliability issues whatsoever. Now if you're street racing for pink slips, drag racing or GP racing, sure, I get it. If not, then your just another sucker entertaining the cost savings from manufacturers and keeping the parts industry well fed with your wallet like like I did for decades putting up with 18th century tech. I've wasted too many sunny days doing this shit on my bikes, then my wife's bike! I've finally seen the light. There's no going back. Can you imagine if an automobile manufacturer tried to sell you a daily driver with this bullshit, promoting 12% more power? That's what I thought.
300zxrider: all these light weighted 200 hp bikes can't bring the power to the street. They wheelie and wheely control cuts off most of these 200 hp. Those bikes are faster in speed ranges that are absolutely not of interest on public streets. In the range of 0 - 100 mph it is hard to find a bike that "beats" the mighty VMax. Plus.. the VMax makes you feel relaxed when you sit on it. Most other bikes make you feel agressive. Not my style.
You ever ridden one? I had a 2005 Hayabusa then later had a couple Gen 1 vmaxs. The violence of the acceleration is the difference, aka torque. Hayabusa goes 100mph in first gear, smoothly too, doesn't feel as exciting (but is faster)
Factor the obese 700lb weight,no aerodynamics,only a V4 engine,it drops to 120 hp real quick.my gen 1 Hayabusa has 211 HP.it can embarrasse this heavy sled in a fartbeat