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EXPERIENCED ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

My Story: I've wanted a motorcycle since i was a kid, though I never had enough money to afford one. I'm in college and working part-time and needless to say, money is tight. With the bills piling up I'd basically given up my dream to get a motorcycle.

HOWEVER, I recently turned 21 and for my birthday I was given a gorgeous bike: 1997 V-Max. I knew nothing about my new gift, and neither did the gift-giver (my mom). I haven't ridden it yet, as i don't have a license or permit.

So I was surfing the web and stumbled upon some reviews of "Mr. Max" which made the prospect of learning to ride on this beast exceedingly daunting.

This is the bike I was given and it's my goal to learn how to operate it safely. I will definitely be taking the MSF course as soon as possible, and won't think about riding until I do.

SO, is the VMAX too much for the untrained? What should I do? Any advice from experienced riders will be deeply considered.

Thanks for reading!!!

yeah, a little too much.

the weight is 600lbs, and that's only dry weight. not so much an issue if you're a big fellow.

power is a little too much, it's got less horsepower than a modern supersport (600cc RR bike) but the torque is pretty powerful.

anyway... you can either get a smaller bike to practice on or just learn on it.

anyway, as i always say...

it's not impossible to learn a non newbie bike. but, riding is risky in general, starting on a powerful bike adds more to that risk.

also, your skills will improve faster on a less powerful bike.

so it's up to you what you decide...

if you do use it... take it easy, get pro training, etc.

good luck.


and PICS NOW!!!



if you're wondering... my 1st bike was a gixxer1000... 178bhp, 88.5 ft lbs of torque. one of the worst beginner bikes in the world.

It's a powerful bike for a first, bit it is doable provided you respect the bike and your abilities. It's good that you're already thinking ahead and researching what has fallen in your lap and that you know you should take the BRC.

VermilionX wrote:if you're wondering... my 1st bike was a gixxer1000... 178bhp, 88.5 ft lbs of torque. one of the worst beginner bikes in the world.

Didn't you crash that bike...

sharpmagna wrote:
Didn't you crash that bike...

yep, i rode above my skill level in the twisties.

but that's beside the point... you can ride above your skill level on any bike. whether it's ninja 250 or gixxer 1million.

the main concern for starting on a too powerful bike is accidental throttle use. i didn't crash bec of accidental throttle use. my throttle use was intentional.

Thanks for the responses guys! Any advice helps greatly.

Everything I've read about the VMAX suggests that the bike is inherently dangerous and somewhat evil. A part of me finds that exciting, in a way. But I'm approaching it with a healthy dose of skepticism, for sure.

I've read that the handling is sub-par, and riders end up having to fight the bike into submission.

Is it difficult to maintain slow speeds on a fast bike?

Apples wrote: Is it difficult to maintain slow speeds on a fast bike?

it depends...

the V max is a cruiser bike and cruisers have a low center of gravity. that makes it easier to balance at slow speeds.

sportbikes are top heavy bikes but it serves them since it helps leaning the bike when attacking corners.

i just realized that your sig is a picture of you tucking in at an aggressive lean angle in what appears to be a parking lot. im speechless

DirtyD86 wrote:i just realized that your sig is a picture of you tucking in at an aggressive lean angle in what appears to be a parking lot. im speechless

err... im not tuck in on that pic.

when i tuck in, you won't see the tank.

how tall are you? you must be a little guy

DirtyD86 wrote:how tall are you? you must be a little guy

im only 5'9"

when i get the chance, i'll have somebody take an action shot of me while tucked in.