Looking at V-MAX very closely.

Message

Lawk · #1 Unread post by **Lawk** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:52 pm

Hello everyone. Let me say that I enjoy this forum very much, although I dont post much since i dont currently own a bike. I am just about to pay off a 2003 GSXR-600 that was stolen without insurance.(BTW, I have learned my lesson) The good side of this, is that my credit is great now!

Anyway, I have always wanted a V-MAX. Sat on one and found it quite comfortable for my size, 5'8".

I have owned three bikes and have four years riding experience. All the bikes I have owned were sportbikes, all 600cc. As I found them uncomfortable for commuting and longer ranged trips I thought I'd go to a cruiser/standard and see how I liked it. I plan on finding a low mileage early 00's, possibly new V-MAX in the next four months and performing suspension upgrades as well as a frame brace addition to counter-act the poor handling characteristics. I realize I wont be able to handle corners as I would on my FZR or GSXR, but I am really not looking for that any more. Say what you like, I enjoy the Max's styling, sound, and riding position. My real attraction is the power, obviously, and I dont think I will be doing much upgrading in that department other than exhuast for sound.

I was wondering if any V-MAX owners or fans could enlighten me on this bike even before I ride one. I would be using it as a short range commuter and general fun bike. Probably my primary vehicle, during the dry season that is. One thing in particular I'd like to know is what tires you would recommend for it.(Radials)

Thanks in advance.

Lawk · #2 Unread post by **Lawk** » Tue May 23, 2006 8:19 am

ok, how about your general impressions of the bike.

RTFM · #3 Unread post by **RTFM** » Tue May 23, 2006 8:31 am

LAWK, had to create an account so I could reply..... I just got done looking at one also (2 weeks ago...) the stealer was upfront about the bike.

He said that the 2006 was special order only where the 2005 was was standard Yamaha stock... translating in to the kiss of death for the V-MAx.

Ask your dealer, but according to the one I talked with no one is buying them and Yamaha is just about ready to drop them from the line. .

Good luck

DivideOverflow · Tue May 23, 2006 8:32 am

I would think it would do very well as a short range commuter. It does have a short range due to it being very thirsty. It definitely doesn't get good gas mileage by motorcycle standards. It *CAN* get up to 45-50 if you never touch the V-Boost... but most of the people I know that have owned them got around 33-38mpg for city riding (and only about a 90-100 mile tank range)... but for the reasons you stated, I think it would do you just fine. But you definitely have the short-range part right... If you ride with a heavy hand, that V-4 sucks up gas like a hoover. I happen to love V-4's and their powerbands (hence my interceptors), so I highly recommend the engine design!

I sat on one and it just felt a tad small to me (but I'm 6'0). It was definitely rideable, the pegs just felt too high for my liking. I would imagine at 5'8 it would probably fit great.

I really like the styling, and the fit and finish on it is really top notch from what I saw! I don't have any tire advice for you, but there are some v-max owners groups out there that would probably the most helpful. I've heard of people using Dunlop K525's for the rears and F20's for the fronts (thanks to google). I would check out this site though, it is a good read on making the V-Max rear rubber a bit sportier: http://vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/rear_wheel_alternatives.htm

or http://www.vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/cheap_radials.htm
hell, just look through all of these: http://www.vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/ it is good stuff.

#5 Unread post by **Big B** » Tue May 23, 2006 8:35 am

i'd say the most important thing is how you like and feel about the bike. if it fits you, you're comfortable on it, and it's what you want, then go for it. i haven't heard anything damning about it, it outperformed the VTX1800 and the V-rod in a comparison test.

get what you want, life's too short to worry about what other people think

#6 Unread post by **Sev** » Tue May 23, 2006 9:02 am

I've sat on one and I hated it. Everything was in the wrong spot. Then again other people are built different then I am, so it'll feel better.

CORSCO · #7 Unread post by **CORSCO** » Tue May 23, 2006 12:02 pm

#1 thing to know about the V-MAX...disregard everything you have ever read in a magazine about it! They say it is a straight line shooter only...BS!!!
I will admit, the first day I brought mine home, I was wondering what the hell I just did, coming off a CBRF3. But after a few miles, I fell in love.
This is 1985 technology you are dealing with. The motor is WAY too large for the frame so there will be frame flexing when dealing with corners. But with anything, you adjust to it and it becomes no big deal. I have out-cornered many sport bike riders.
The biggest item to address with the Max is front suspension. I went through 6 sets of fork seals in 1 years time! Like I said, I was a corner eater. The stock suspension is way too soft. I just bought stiffer springs and installed the Gold Valve Emulator and never had problems again. The stock rear suspension I kept. It is slightly adjustable. Alone I would keep it on setting 2 and with a passenger on 4.
It takes a "special" rider to own a V-MAX. You will notice when you run into one that they are a little different.
The only other item to address is the seat. It got uncomfortable for me around 50 miles. I bought the Corbin for it and never had a problem after. I am 6'1" and would ride with my feet on the pegs for sport riding but installed crash bars and used them on my cruising jaunts.
The tank is only 4 gallons so you will be finding a gas station around 100 miles. Eighty if on the V-Boost!
I installed a Hindle Stealth full system but lost some bottom end due to the removal of the power chamber. I have read that the stock exhaust is the best set up.
I understand that the 05 and later V-MAX's are back to 1985 horsepower spec.!!
If you like a grin on your face while riding, the V-MAX is the way too go. I got rid of my F3 because it had no character. MAXINE has plenty!!
If you have anymore questions about the VMX1200, let me know. I love talking about her!

grampi · #8 Unread post by **grampi** » Wed May 24, 2006 4:43 am

I owned an '89 Max. The bike is not a handler. It's also not comfortable on the highway. It is also horrible on fuel economy. I averaged about 25 MPG with mine, but I also couldn't resist twisting the throttle all the time. On the plus side, the engine produces a lot of power at all RPM's, and it absolutely flies at 6K RPM and higher. I also installed a set of Supertrapp slip-ons and it was without a doubt the meanest sounding bike I've ever heard! Yamaha shouldn't drop the Max, but rather redesign it to make it more powerful, more comfortable, better handling, and give it a 6th gear overdrive. If Yamaha would get off their dead arses and do this, it would again be a good seller. You can only continue selling the same ol' bike for just so long. I suppose the only YOU"RE going to find out if it's right for you is to ride one. I defeinitely wouldn't make any final decisions without doing so.
_________________
Insurance Discussion

paul246 · #9 Unread post by **paul246** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:17 am

There is a new V-Max under development as we speak. I participated in the online survey.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/16february06_vmax.htm

CORSCO · #10 Unread post by **CORSCO** » Wed May 24, 2006 12:43 pm

I had always wanted to ride one. I finally got the chance to put fork seals in one one day. I'll just say that three months later I owned one!