Anybody own a V-max?

[DivideOverflow]

Im just wondering how much of a beast it really is. I read a few reviews, and they said that it will play nice as long as you want it to (opposed to twitchy sportbike throttles), I just want to hear a few opinions on this. I'm thinking of one possibly as a third bike... Since they havent really changed much in the past 15-20 years, the used ones are priced very nicely!
So bluntly stated: How touchy is the V-Max throttle in slower speeds? Also, how is the clutch on it? Anything tricky?

Thanks.

[BudmanTom]

It's a great bike but it is a bit twitchy when I hit a pothole or when I hit a bump around corners. The clutch is fine but the gearbox could be a bit smoother, personally I thought the bike would be a lot more of a handful than it is.


Tom

[DivideOverflow]

Thanks for the reply!
How much of a throttle turn would get you in trouble around a corner, or over a pothole? Like 1/4 turn?

Is the gearbox just a little clunky? Does it effect operation in any way, or is it just loud?

[BudmanTom]

Thanks for the reply!
How much of a throttle turn would get you in trouble around a corner, or over a pothole? Like 1/4 turn?

Is the gearbox just a little clunky? Does it effect operation in any way, or is it just loud?

I wouldn't say trouble, perhaps an unsettling feeling at any throttle position.

Clunky is a good way to put it, it doesn't affect the operation but I am considering using a synthetic oil.

Tom

[Keyoke]

I found mine a great bike to ride and handle at all speeds - in town, your left foot was virtually redundant, as it will happily move off in second gear, and putter along at 30mph all day long. Then, when you hit a stretch of open road, and twist it - hang on!

[Relsek]

I don't own one, but rode my friend's once. It felt very powerful compared to the gs 1100 I had at the time. I really liked it.

Kev

[DivideOverflow]

and with the older ones going for under $4k.... it is really really hard to pass up. I really like the look of them too. A lot of reviews called the look "dated", but I dont see many other bikes that look like that, even old ones. I love the induction cowls too... mmmm.


How is the maintenance on them? Do you have to adjust the valves often? Are they more of a pain than other bikes? etc?

[jmillheiser]

if anything the max has looked ahead of its time. The looks of other bikes are starting to finally catch the max after 20 years.

About as close as you can come to a factory built drag bike. Shame V4 bikes didn't catch on save for the magna, interceptor, and V-max. I always loved the sound of V4s.

I would love to see Yamaha update the Max with some refinement to its look (bring it up to date or ahead of its time again) and a state of the art engine with EFI and every other trick they use on the super sports now. Possibly a 200hp bike then.

[DivideOverflow]

eh, I think the power is fine...some suspension upgrades couldn't hurt from what I hear.

I love my KZ650, the 4-banger really has a sweet rush of power. I think I would like the Vmax as well... just not willing to fork out the money for a new one. So an 80's V-max would be just fine and dandy for me

[paul246]

Cycle Canada has a multi-page article on the Max in its current issue. Just got mine in the mail yesterday.