Yamaha - VMAX

Relaunched by Yamaha almost 23 years after its iconic V-Max ultrabike, the new VMAX is a brilliantly conceived, excellently executed piece completely unlike anything else that you can actually buy exclaims AutoCar (Oct. ’08)

With a claimed 200bhp at 900rpm on offer from its all-new four-camshaft 16 valve1679cc 65-degree V4 engine and 17kgm of muscle delivered at 6500rpm via a torque curve which holds completely flat until the 10-grand limiter, the VMAX gives a mind-altering engine performance at the mere wrench of a wrist.

Designed by Hajime Nakaaki, the VMAX has a relatively spacious 775mm seat with the trademark V-Max bum pad to help one stop sliding off. The taper-section handlebar perfectly pulls back for a comfortable stance with the quite low footrests positioned exactly beneath giving one a super comfortable, relatively upright riding position.

So, how fast is it? AutoCar (Oct. ’08) saw 135mph/215kph on the US-spec test bike on one stretch of straight road in San Diego (California). According to Nakaaki, the Denso ECU incorporates a 220kph speed limiter in it and is also programmed to recognise when the rider is drag racing by permitting an extra 16kph or so more top speed. The new MAX does not have the same V-Boost power-up booster system as there was on the old bike but in it’s place there’s the more 21st century YCC-I variable-length intake system. Combined with the carefully mapped Denso ECU, this helps deliver an even broader speed of power and torque via optimized intake flow up high and down low, producing the best of both worlds, just as on the R1/R6 duo.


The break package on the VMAX is big, with a pair of six-piston four-pad Sumitomo mono bloc calipers gripping the 320mm sun star petal discs, while the 298mm Akebono rear disc is almost as big and just like up front its Sumitomo four-pot caliper is a one-piece item.

Like sport bikes, the VMAX also has a hydraulically-operated 10 fibre/9 steel ramp-style slipper clutch which works very well. The Denso ECU also allows for a little fuel to stay in the throttle bodies during deceleration, which further reduces engine braking slightly and there’s a cush drive for the shaftdrive to get rid of any clunkiness or backlash.

Thus the VMAX, says AutoCar (Oct. ’08) is a well-put-together motorcycle that’s versatile and satisfying, working improbably well in all kinds of road conditions.