New guy intro

[Markg1]

Hey everyone , I'm new to this forum but not to motorcycles. I currently own a '09 Vrod and a '10 Vmax. I'd thought I'd drop in and see what's going on in your neck of the woods.

Mg

[sunshine229]

Hi Mark!

Ooooh you have two great bikes, you lucky guy! I expect someone else out there (beyond me) is dying to know how the two compare. Wanna give us any insights?

Andrea

[Markg1]

Hey Andrea, Thanks for the welcome! I would love to tell you about my bikes! As far as comparing the two bikes, well they are completely different. As far as performance there is really no comparison, the Vmax is faster, handles better and is an engineering marvel! As a matter of fact the Vmax is so fast it's addicting! Now the Vrod, to me, is more comfortable. It has forward controls and is just a pleasure to cruise around. The Vrod gets much better fuel mileage than the Vmax. Even though the Vmax out performs the Vrod, the Vrod will always have something the Vmax doesn't. It's a Harley!

What about you Andrea, what do you ride?

[Wrider]

Very nice man! Welcome.
I got to do a test ride on the VMax and it was the only bike that has ever left me shaking when I got off of it. When it tried to do an 80 MPH wheelie is when it really got my attention! haha

[Markg1]

Thanks for the welcome Ryan ! I grew up on dirt bikes. I was on bikes since I was born and the vmax was one of the few bikes that actually gave me that acceleration feeling of riding a roller coaster ! Was it a Gen1 or Gen2 vmax that you test drove? What do you ride now?

M

[V4max]

Welcome Mark
Very nice bikes. Would love to take a Gen 2 Max for a ride to compare to the Gen 1. I currently have a 2002 Max and would like to compare the two. I don't want to replace it, just curious. We don't see many Gen 2 up here, they were released in limited #s so you need to pre order, not many dealers stock them due to the cost i guess.

[Markg1]

Hey Andrew, thanks for the welcome ! I too had a 2002 vmax and I loved it! I always wanted to test drive Gen2 vmax as well and I had never seen one in in person either. They are very hard to find. I was cruising around and happened to stop in a local yamaha dealer and just by chance there was a black used vmax for sale. They let me take it for a ride and I was hooked! I tried to make a deal but they wanted too much for it. I started looking around and I found this red one.

As far as comparing the two this is what a found. You kow when you get to 5000 rpm's the vboost kicks in? Well that's what the gen2 feels like times two at any rpm! But you would think it would be scary and it's not. The gen2 handles better, better braking by far , and is a lot more stable at high speeds! As a matter of fact you have to look at your speedometer to make sure how fast your going! I was really missing my gen1 until I bought this one! The only down fall the the gen2 is the fuel milage !!! It literally sucks! But buying a vmax for fuel milage is like buying a box of donuts to lose weight... Just ain't going to happen! Anyway I hope I gave you some insight on the gen2.


Do you have any mods done to your vmax?

M

[V4max]

Mark
The only mods so far are a 160 Metzler rear tire, superbike handle bars and a K&N air filter. I've ordered braided brake lines to try to improve stopping power. I am thinking about Kerker/Supertrapp full exhaust or maybe a Marks system (love the V8 sound). The bike came with Cobra slashcuts but after a little research learned i was losing horsepower and that won't do! So for now the stock exhaust is back on. Would also like to get a Morley Muscle seat and progressive front springs. So many mods so little extra cash!!!

Good to know handling and stopping power has improved No more headshake on decell? As for fuel mileage it can't be much worse than the 1st generation. Although i think its got something to do with my right wrist lol. Riding to Moto Gp in Indianapolis this summer will involve plenty of fuel stops.

I will try to take a gen 2 for a rip if they have one at a dealer ride day. Sounds like it may be an expensive day though. Glad you like your new Max. Safe riding.

Andrew

[totalmotorcycle]

Markg1 to the community!

Really nice V-Max vs V-Rod write up, I enjoyed reading that... but I was left wanting to know more! haha.

I wish I could fit on either of the darn things, I'm just too tall. I have always had a soft spot for the Gen 1 V-Max, the Gen 2 is a great bike but the price... ouch.

Mike

[V4max]

Too tall??? Im 6'4'' and fit fine. On long rides I just stretch my legs on the engine gaurds.