Yamaha V-Max
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| Yamaha V-Max | |
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| Manufacturer | Yamaha |
| Production | 1985 - present |
| Predecessor | none |
| Successor | none |
| Class | naked bike power cruiser |
| Engine | 1198 cc liquid-cooled V-4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Brakes | Front: 2, 4-piston calipers, 11.7-in. (298 mm) discs Rear: Double-action caliper, 11.1-in (282 mm) disc |
| Wheelbase | 62.6" (1590 mm) |
| Seat Height | 30.1" (764.5 mm) |
| Weight | 580 lb (263 kg) (dry), 617 lb (279.9 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.0 US gallon (15.1 litres, 3.3 Imperial gallons) |
| Related | Honda X-4 |
The Yamaha V-Max is a 1200cc motorcycle known for its powerful V4 engine, shaft drive, and distinctive styling. While famed for its quick acceleration, it is often criticized for its poor cornering ability and soft suspension.[1] [2] [3]
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[edit] History
John Reed, an English designer who lived in California was contracted by Yamaha to design the ultimate custom bike. He desgned a muscle cruiser based on the Venture engine. [4]
Sold both in Japan and abroad, the V-max has been on the market with only minor modifications since the 1985 model year, making it one of the best-selling Japanese motorcycles of all time. The Honda X-4 was created in response to its overwhelming success, but was in production for only six years, proving unable to shake the V-max's popularity and exceptional reliability.
[edit] Current status
The V-Max is still offered for sale through the Star Motorcycles division of Yamaha Motorcycles. Apart from a minor freshening to the bike's specifications in 1993, when 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, the current V-Max is almost the same as the original 1985 version. [5]
In 2005, at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha displayed an all-new V-Max concept bike. It featured a new chassis, upgraded components all around, and state-of-the-art braking components. It is believed that the bike may be close to production and at dealers by late 2008.[6]
[edit] V-Max in popular culture
- Pierre Leghnome rides a V-Max in the French comic Joe Bar Team
- Yu Ominae has a V-Max motorbike that he uses for transportation in Spriggan
[edit] References
- ^ Motorcycle Online Muscle Bike Shootout
- ^ Motorcycle Cruiser 1999 V-Max article
- ^ Motorcycle USA 2004 V-Max article
- ^ Wilson, H. "The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle" p. 205 Dorling Kindersley Limited, 1995 ISBN 0-7513-0206-6
- ^ Motorcyclist March 2006 issue p. 89 Primedia Inc.
- ^ Motorcyclist January 2006 issue p. 16 - 17 Primedia Inc.
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