In the Gen 1, the air intakes on the sides were cool. Too bad they're not really air intakes, but rather the left "intake" housed electronics, and the right "intake" housed the coolant intake neck and thermostat. The Gen 2 however redesigned the intakes to actually take in air. Despite that, this is the best bike I have ever rode. I own a 2001 model with chrome cobra pipes, custom alternator and clutch plates, with a black gloss finish on the engine. It is simply gorgeous. A Beautiful bike with a beautiful legacy.
I owned the 1st generation 1986 the most fun for a street bike I ever had it's a motorcycle on steroids very gorgeous bike the only way to get to know how much of a beast it is ,is to take it for a ride
The Max is hands down the baddest motorcycle ever built. I had lusted after them since they came out in 84 and I was 14 years old. Finally bought one in 2014.
Greetings from Scotland. Got a 95 V Max a few months ago, absolutely love it so far, it's a low mileage Japanese import so really nice condition, completely stock except for the drill mod to the stock exhaust cans. Sadly the V Boost was not functioning when i got the bike but have a new (used) controller and servo motor to fit so hopefully that will fix it.
Love this bike, and I'd have one in a heartbeat. However the crap at the start talking about airplane intakes....those "intakes" on the original V-Max were affectations which were blanked off and fed zero air to the carbs. The kick was given by the second choke butterfly opening at a certain rpm allowing a much larger charge to enter the engine.
What does he mean by "the muscle car was coming into the market"? In the design days of vmav (early 80's), the muscle car had come into the market and left the market, years earlier. ;) I'm just sayin is all. And yes I own and love a vmax.
He was probably referring to the first 5.0 fox bodies and 5.0 Camaro's that were slowly but surely bringing the muscle car back to the American public. I sure didn't dream in those days that today I'd be driving around in a car like my ScatPack Challenger 🤠
In 1985 this was a badass!! Bike at that time wasn't a bike like it. Wasn't a lay on the gas tank crotch rocket, nor was it really a Harley Sporter style bike either. But even some of the Harley guys that knew what it was would talk about how badazz it was. They put the motor closer to the front wheel to put some weight on it for the fast launch, And still seen one stand straight up with a 350 guy leaning over the handle bars. A 1985 Vmax was a beast of it's time and even a 1985 in the 90s got respect. Insurance said in 2 out of 3 people that own this bike died or were seriously injured. It's probably why you don't see to many. Vmax definitely started it's on revolution in them day. Just to clear up some specs 1985 top end at 147mph. Cop approved radar.
In 1983 i bought a Honda V65, The fastest bike made at the time. In 1985 I wanted a V max very bad but never owned one . One of the things i liked about my V65 that the V max did not have was a sixth gear overdrive, i really liked the overdrive when cruising 70 mph on the hwy. If the V max had overdrive i am sure i would have bought one.
I am sure you are right, one of the articles i read in cycle world magazine in 1985 was that at 5000 rpm when the V boost kickin it was like getting hit in the ass by a semi hehehehe,... i know over the years the HP did vary, not sure what years had the most power. Righr now a local shop by me has a nice V Max for sale i believe a 2005 for $3900.00
Just to be precise: at 6000 the boost always starts. Below that, you have ~100 hp. There were mainly 2 versions: with and w/o boost. With boost you have 136-145 hp depending on country where it was built for. (different exhaust)
I have owned both the v65 and now a VMAX. there is no comparison. The VMAX sounds better, looks better and rides better. The v65 still impressed though, total sleeper bike no one expects it.
Back in the 80's, the Vmax and the Honda V65 Magna were the two big dogs that left sport bikes crying because they got beat by "cruisers". The V4 engines were BEASTS, that no inline could handle. I had a V65 and wanted to add a Vmax, but life, marriage and kids came along, but I will always have the memories of the pure pleasure it was to ride these two great motorcycles.
I had an 85 V65 Sabre and an 88 Vmax. The Vmax was hands down a much better bike. Really no comparison. I soon sold the Sabre and never looked back. I had to sell the Vmax in 92 to start a family and have always missed that bike.
I have a 97 max ! I've had it 20 years and if anything happend to it i would have to get another one ! I've fitted a steering damper and an overide for the V . BOOST . so I can have it in from the word go ! VIVA LA V MAX !!!!!!
Uh, I believe the Honda V65 Magna was the first Muscle Bike. The VMax would not even exist if there were no Magna. V65 Magna=1983 VMax=1985 . Seems like it took 2 years for Yamaha to catch up. BTW, I own a 83 V65 Magna and a 85 V65 Sabre.
true, Gen 1 air scoops are cosmetic,but" V Boos"t is real. The hood/engine cover (Not the gas tank like a lot of people think it is) seals the air box and at 8k rpm all 4 carbs feed all 4 cylinders.
You can get an overdriven 5th gear. I know what you mean though. Just feels like the engine is really spinnin at 65 or 70 mph. Wish it was a chain drive. You could fix it pretty easy.
I had an '83 Venture, with the original V-4 engine (without the V-Boost). That was absolutely the BEST BIKE I've ever owned. The Venture version of the V-4 was an outstanding engine. Although I've ridden several V-Max models over the years, it's still just a souped up Venture engine, one which would (although it was a bagger) would still outrun anything on the street, including KZ-1000's etc., and with the higher center of gravity, was as nimble as any sport or dirt bike ever. I regret never dropping the bucks for a V-Max, but with the Venture, never felt the necessity at the time. Would love to find one today in good shape to rectify that hole in my collection.
I have #973 of first 1000 in 1985 and i am second owner . i have had sense 1989. until late 90's nothing could even keep up with it straight from factory and many still can not.
@@michieldeiman9977 so is 1985 the year that I want to buy? I'm looking for the best early vintage VMAX. I found one that was the first 200 made in 1985 that is still original paint and beautiful.
@@dennisschell5543 The V65's, as well as most if not all other bikes, were touted as having at least decent handling in the twisties. Yamaha never made such claims about the Vmax.
I've had Hondas , had Harleys ,had Buels,Vrods, I've had every type of bike there is, when I rode my first V Max and 1985 that's all I've ridden sense, I have a 20th anniversary right now, and would take that over any bike on the road, including all the pieces of crap that I one quarter-mile racing!
Hey Carlos. It's pretty good as a mile muncher. The problem is finding saddle bags that will fit around the stock rear signal lights. I would also strongly recommend getting a corbin seat, high windscreen, the t-boost and forward pegs. It'll never be an Electroglide, but it does have V boost :)
I have a mint 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator. I use to ride with a friend who had a 1989 V-Max. He would let me ride the V-Max sometimes. Man, I loved that bike especially when the V boost kicked in.
Had an 85 Eliminator. I very much preferred it to the Max. I never lost a quarter mile on it so it was enough. It felt like it was on my side whereas every time I rode a VMax I felt like I was sitting in a small room with an unrestrained serial killer. I had some other 80s Yamahas and their build quality and materials didn't hold up to use. Always had problems. Never had a single issue with the Eliminator. I don't know what they're like today. Upped their game I hope.
It was a 1983 Honda V65 Magna that was the fastest. In '84, they dropped the horsepower. V65 magna was what the VMax was designed from. V4 Power...then Yamaha wanted one so they made the VMax.
The front on my 89 Vmax was an "afterthought". like they forgot to design it while focusing on its dragster like power. Might of been a Virago front end. Didn't turn well at high speeds. Keep her straight she handles great. I will be buying the 1700 someday. The Max doesn't accelerate....it launches!!
Dave, you are correct. I have a 1983 V65 magna. In 1984, they dropped the horsepower. Doing 95 in 3rd gear at redline is a real rush. 10.8 in the quarter mile.
I'm an 07 Vmax rider and I agree, the V65 Magna was the first muscle bike, that's why I want one of those too :-) Both of the bikes deserve the respect they have earned, but again, the V65 was the first.
I bought a 94 magna v45 last year. I can't believe how much power it has. I didn't expect it to be anywhere near as fast as it is. I would like to feel the power of the v65. I bet it's a monster.
@@JoeMama-gt9jg - idk about the v45 but I've ridden a v65. 1st & 2nd gear better not open the throttle too far or you'll flip over in a heartbeat. 3rd gear open up full throttle at about 55 mph & the front wheel will rise up nice & easy (without touching the clutch) into a good stable 1.5 second wheelie up to about 85. You really can't use all the power in 1st & 2nd gear, plus you get through through them in a blip. You really have to get used to shifting much faster. It's a blast.
Buddy of mine in high school had an '85 V45 Magna. this was 1988. We grew up riding dirt bikes. He let me ride it often. I absolutely loved that bike. And yes it was fast. by the time you got to the top end of 2nd gear you were approaching 100mph !! White letter Dunlop tires. It was sweet.
lmao they didnt develop the vmax because of the quarter mile bull crap.. they built it because honda released the magna first and they just wanted to beat them. but honda still sold more magnas so it doesnt matter.
No they didnt sell more magnas the Vmax killed the magna just one year after it was release. 1985 the mighty max is born and in 1986 the magna was discontinued.. the Vmax kept selling after that successfully for 22 more years... how can they have sold more magnas ?? Honda tried to counter the Vmax with a CB1300 super 4 after a couple of years but the Vmax blew its wheels off and the CB 1300 just couldnt live up to the legend.
no they didnt.. the magna died just a year after the Vmax was born and the Vmax kept selling with constant success for 21 more years after the magna was discontinued..the could not have sold more magnas in just one year than the Vmaxs sold all over the world for 21 more years than the magna... the Vmax 1200 has 6 engine types ... it waa sold in 6 continents with different power and torque specs that alone shows how successful it was
Air intakes of a Vmax may have been inspired by jet engines, but the plastic faux air intakes are mere show. I still love the V-max. It was my dream bike throughout the 90s when I lived in Japan, and finally bought one in Los Angeles. I don't much care for the new ones.
I agree, I had a 1991 for over 20 years. They dont handle for shit on the corners but has great power off the line to launch. I didnt get beat much on that bike!
+Wade Jacobson Hmmm, maybe the idea was somehow similar, but the Magna is a "cruiser" style and missing some muscles. I think the Vmax is the most consequent "muscle bike". Even today.
Oscar Cat maybe? its a fact bro, who knows hondas motivation, showcasing off their new v4 engine with gear driven cams in a cruiser frame whilst at the same time giving the bird to every tank dipping crotch rocket out there seems like a good idea to me
+Wade Jacobson I remember lusting over the V65 Magna. I would visit the dealer showroom often to look at the Magna, and other bikes. But when the V-Max hit the showroom it was love at first sight. I could look at no other bike after that. I *had* to have a V-Max and was fortunate enough to get one eventually.
I currently have a 94 max. Stage 3 jet kit, kerker pipe. Scary fast. Just picked up a 2014 cb1100 f. Vmax will be getting suspension and brake upgrades.
I miss my 1985 vmax. Sold it 15 years ago. My wife use to tell me she could me coming home from work from way off. It sounded different than other bikes.
I still have my 1985 v-max They had trouble with the 2nd gear (Was changed) The seat was uncomfortable. I changed the seat for a 2007 v-max No problem after wards It's too bad that they didn't have a gas gauge. Cheers from Montreal Canada
I had two of them over the years. Of all the different bikes I've owned over the years, inline sport fours , V- twins etc. the Vmax was my favorite. The gen two I didn't like the looks. Yamaha you should agin make the origional gen one and I would sell my 2019 Tracer 900 in a heartbeat.
Believe it. I'm from Louisiana and I have a V-Max. There is a reason for this. Our play is work for everyone else. We are not lazy people down here. We, the working men and women in Louisiana, can solve most problems that the geniuses have never been able to solve.
It was actually a R and D team from Yamaha, that was from Japan (all engineers). It was in a doc about the gen 1 vmax) this story is true, ok yore. Know your history before typing away you GOOF. Can't stand goofs like you who just type away with trying to find the facts...Goof
i owned one and it was far from the fastest bike in the 80"s and did not do well at higher speeds. It was an okay bike but great i do not think so. I only owned 1 and never thought about a second. Nor is it down as one of my fav.
I had a virago xv535 and dreamed of owning one of these but kids came along and decided to play it safe for a while they've grown.up now though and these things are looking fairly cheap ...
I have an 83 Magna and 85 Sabre. Both V65's, and I'm with you 100%. VMax was just around longer so it's more well known, IMO. But WAS NOT the first muscle bike. Plus Yamaha had to come up with some corny way to make the Venture's V4 have enough power to hang with the Honda Brute.
I love the v4s so much I now own two a vmax and magna v45 coming from riding Harley’s in the past. I can’t believe the dif between v twin vs v4s 👍👍👍I’m now sure riding Harley’s is now in my past. Just ride and enjoy the journeys, stay safe out there all☮️
I bought a 94 magna 750 last year. I love it, I never thought that a mid size cruiser would have so much power. It still makes my heart jump every time I Crack the throttle. It really makes me want to feel the power of the 1200cc v4 bikes. Maybe one day I can afford to get a vmax.
Joe Mama my lady rides the magna, that bike still impresses me too. The magna revs 10k in all gears we bought it for 1200.00 it has 8k on it and its 2003 Tahitian blue. I just fired up both magna and vmax two days ago, we can’t wait to ride. Hopefully by April. Stay safe out there.👍😎
@@anonymouslegion4928 Mine is yellow. When I first saw it I was thinking goddamn it it's yellow. Then when I heard it rev up I didn't care if it was pink. I love the way it sounds. So many people around here ride Harleys and they all sound the same. The magna sounds so much better and I don't sound like every other bike on the road. I am really glad that I bought it. I want to get it powder coated but it's not in the budget right now and I can't decide on a color. Maybe a matte black would look cool. Anyway you guys be safe out there.
Joe Mama my vmax is yellow, at first I wasn’t crazy about it, but I’m having a hard time changing the color plus I hope yellow sticks out for the cagers to see me better 🏍👍
@@anonymouslegion4928 true, I have a 72 vw beetle that's orange and that's why I never changed the color. I feel more vulnerable driving that beetle than riding my bike. But I love it. It's like driving a go kart on the street.
first saw it 1985, maroon and wicked. kids,military service life in general made mr wait till 2005 when i finally got my red limited edition. worth the wait. Ripping down Ocean parkway past Jones Beach long Island or around Bear Mountain near West Point Max never failed to deliver what it looked like it could.Fast foward to 2014. Traded it in for V Max GEN 2. Max. The upshot ? Gen 1 is a large well trained but vicious dog. Gen to went to obedience school but still knows what you really want it to do. Anti lock brakes were as great addition. Air Horns that actually function (gen 1 is cosmetic,cool but cosmetic). Gen 2 is not cheap.Think Harley softail pricing. If you can afford it,worth every penny, if not Gen 1 is still a 1st class thrill ride. Om the look out for another 2005 to ad as a stablemate.
I don't know what your comments on V-MAX handling is all about, I have a 2002 with drag bars and can tear up the twists, just have a brain and don't nail it in the corner. I rode ninjas for years, you just don't ride them the same
Bought a 85 in 87, had been learning how to race on a Honda Nighthawk S (700) before. In the beginning I was scared of it and no matter where I pulled up people made a fuss...... Till the 88 GSX1100 came out. My buddy and his twin brother both bought them... At the track I had a lot more experience and I would leave them off the line to the point it looked like a joke.... overtime they would come around me. I got rid of the v-boost, went with a Kirker 4-1 with a racing baffle (still that baddiest sound I have ever heard - pure pro-stock) but the bike just wasn't a drag bike. Say what you will, I really really tried and I was a good racier. My 82 GS1150 Katana was still faster. Best 1/4 10.01, no wheelie bar, no air shift. Thats with strapping the front down and doing everything I could. The 88 GSXr 1100 was just faster. I'm 49 and I found this video because I'm trying to find a 85... may not have been the fastest but I'm not looking for a GSXr1100.... tells ya what won me!!
my cuz had the vmax open and gave it to me to drive it for a first time when i was 16 torque and acceleration was brutal ofcurse but no brakes and no chance to cornering fast and safe..
I call bullshit. Yamaha must have purchased a Harley Davidson prototype designed. H.D. thought it would fail... Look up a 1982 Harley Davidson Nova. The original VMAX.......
Ich fuhr 11 Jahre eine, Baujahr 1992, 136 PS, 16.000 DM. Teuerste Reparaturen: gebrochenes Kardan-Getriebe (Lebensgefahr), Austausch der Tauch-Rohre, Kardan-Getriebe undicht, Kennzeichen-Halterung zu schwach, halb abgerissenes Nummernschild hätte mir bei Tempo ü180 den Hinter-Reifen zerschlitzen können. Kritik & Erfahrungen müssen auch mal gestattet sein. Sorry YAMAHA, ich würde mir auch wieder eine Neue kaufen, aber die müsste dann so Aussehen wie im Videospiel Final Fantasy!!
It's funny when you google or wiki VMAX it usually comes up with Yamaha motorcycles and of course this Yamaha VMAX motorcycle debuted in 1985. Yamaha also had a snowmobile called the VMAX and it debuted two years earlier in 1983......my dad had one. So I always feel the snowmobile was really the real VMAX in their product line. As we know they later used the VMAX moniker again in their outboard line. My gut feeling though was the VMAX motorcycle was already a proto type when they named the snowmobile. The previous year snowmobile (top of the line) had an all new look and was called the SRX500. Previous versions were a 440cc engine. The 1982 SRX500 had some issues and they were quickly recalled by Yamaha. They made some changes for 1983 which included an even larger bore for the motor at 535cc's. At that time Yamaha must have wanted to drop or shed the SRX moniker and grabbed the new VMAX name to re-identify this as an all new machine and boost the sales from what was lost the previous year.
I had an 85, a beast for sure. The trick was to put a Venture Royale bottom end on it. 1340cc vs the 1200 and it was a bolt in. Added a chain conversion and a Kerker 4 into 1 and it would walk anything around. Too bad the handling was terrible and the brakes downright scary!
The Honda V65 Magnum came first. So what gives here? There's a story not being told or someone's not telling the truth. The Honda V65 Magnum was several years before the V-Max and it is virtually the same design.
I can say that I finally own a Vmax. Sadly...the bike is in very poor condition...seized engine...seized brakes...holes in the tank. I started to restored it, make the brakes, electronics...starter motor and I managed to "defreeze" the engine. Still, a lot work to do, but I think it will worth it.
