Custom Vmax lighting

2/18/09

A breif non-technical 2009 V Max Review (by Matthew Pittman)

Ok, Yamaha finally released the new beast.  it’s big, it’s heavy, it’s pretty fast and it’s definitely high tech, specs below:

MSRP* $17,990 (Intense Black) Available from November 2008

Engine
Type 1679cc liquid-cooled 65° V-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x Stroke 90.0mm x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition TCI
Transmission 5-speed, multiplate slipper clutch
Final Drive Shaft

Chassis
Suspension/Front 52mm telescopic cartridge fork w/oxidized titanium coating. Fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound; 4.7 in travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock w/remote reservoir and remote adjustable for preload, compression and rebound
Brakes/Front Dual 320mm wave-type discs; radial mount 6-piston calipers, Brembo® radial pump master cylinder
Brakes/Rear 298mm wave-type disc, single-piston caliper and Brembo® master cylinder
Tires/Front Bridgestone® Radial 120/70-R18 59V
Tires/Rear Bridgestone® Radial 200/50-R18 76V
Dimensions
Length 94.3 in
Width 32.3 in
Height 46.8 in
Seat Height 30.5 in
Wheelbase 66.9 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 31.0 in
Fuel Capacity 4.0 gal
Wet Weight 683 lb / 685 lb (CA model)

Warranty 2 Year (Limited Factory Warranty) with Priority Delivery Program

There is all kinds of negative talk already, “it’s to heavy” “it’s top end is to slow” “it’s ugly” and positive as well “it’s bad ass looking” “it’s high tech” “it has big power” in the end it’s all about what you are looking for. Some want to compare it to the Suzuki B-King, I find that not to be a fair comparison. The B-King is basically a naked sport bike with a Hyabusa engine (the most powerful production sport bike engine made today). On top of that the B-Kings last year was 2008, this bike is no longer in production.

In my opinion…over all Yamaha pulled it off. let’s face it, they had a daunting task of remaking a legendary motorcycle, there was no way everybody would be happy no matter what they came out with. What they did produce is a modern version of the classic Vmax. As far as speed it’s governed to a top speed of 135-140 and the quarter mile according to Yamaha is in the low 10’s, They have already played with the governor and are excepting this bike stock minus the governor will top out at 155, the bike is not slow! More importantly they also managed to keep the Vamx in a class of it’s own, and that’s not an easy task. After all isn’t that one of the coolest things about the Vmax, you just can’t compare it to other bikes. It’s not really a cruiser,(not comfortable enough), and it’s not a sport bike, it’s a drag machine with some sport quality’s, old and new version I think they both remain in a class of their own.

The most important aspect I was looking for in the new Vmax was its quarter mile speed, to me the Vmax was always a drag machine that you can cruise on. I wanted to see it at least keep up with a stock Hyabusa in the quarter mile. It appears as thou it does (with some debate), I am sure over this summer a stock match up will be done to determine who holds the stock bike quarter mile trophy. Over all I am pretty satisfied with what Yamaha produced, obviously a ride on the new machine may increase or decrees my opinion. For now, regrettably, I will admire it from a distance; with a price tag of $18,000.00 it’s hard to justify admits an economic meltdown. I love my 92 Max and never planned on replacing it. To me the ultimate would be to have both of these monsters parked next to each other in the Garage, what could be better than that for a real Vmax fan. I am looking forward to some head to head reviews and a better economy so I will need to chose between a classic legend or its modern predecessor when I feel like taking a ride.

On a completely separate note, and maybe I am wrong, but I found some real similarities to the tail light on the 2009 Vmax and the Monstermax light design (look at the photo below and judge for yourself). Is it possible Yamaha looked at the only completely custom tail light manufactured exclusively for the Vmax and what many feel to be best looking tail light available? Maybe, if so... I'm cool with that.

Video reveiw of the 2009 Vmax (by motorcycle.com):

Yamahas 2009 Vmax video ad: