YAMAHA VMAX
Mon, 07 Dec 2009
BY CHRIS MOSS, PICTURES BY MIKE WESTON
Yamaha has deliberately marketed the VMAX as an exclusive and premium motorcycle. Quite apart from the heady £17,499 asking price, there’s also a ‘to order only’ way of buying it to help separate the Yamaha from the masses. It’s a production bike in name only really. You place your order on-line or via a dealer and then wait for it to be delivered. There’s none of the normal stroll into a shop, view, test ride a demo and then buy it procedure on offer with this bike. Dealers don’t stock the VMAX, though a few have bought them for either personal use or as a future investment.
Only 140 of them were available in the UK for 2009 and they all sold pretty smartly. The next batch of the limited edition power cruiser is just becoming available now. Following the first version’s cult status is no easy task for the new VMAX, and though the original V-Max was not a huge seller in the UK it certainly generated some very loyal support.
My first ride on the Yamaha didn’t endear me to it at all though. Granted most of my opinions about it that day were based on a laborious two-hour long photo shoot, not something too typical of normal ownership I know. But the heavy nature of the bike at slow speed, with its particularly weighty front end and very sharp brakes, made the constant U-turns I needed to make before passing and re-passing the camera quite a tricky and ungainly business. Despite its decent riding position with a low-ish seat and good leverage offered by its wide bars, as a bike for town use it’s not the best and needs care and patience to avoid any mis-haps.
The very next day though, the big V4 managed to seduce me enough to forget the ‘slight inconvenience’ of all those issues that had annoyed me. The impressive engine itself was the main reason behind the change of heart. That and the massive, dark-hued presence the bike has over you. When you’re in a good mood with the VMAX, you’re in a very, very good mood.
The near 200bhp power output of the huge 1679cc V4 engine and more to the point perhaps, its 123lb/ft of torque make for a very strong and flexible delivery that means little effort is needed to accomplish speed. Its fly-by-wire throttle system guarantees sharp response, and the low-revving nature of the five-speed V4 helps the whole business of acceleration to become very calm – even if the speeds produced are often far from what you’d describe as that. Though checking the actual rate of progress is tricky thanks to the tank-mounted instruments being out of your natural eye line. It’s easier to use the rev counter as a guide to speed, once you’ve learned what rpm equates to what mph in top gear. The build-up of power and pace is generally quite linear, and free from almost all vibration. Only the most performance hungry will need to take the rev counter anywhere near its 9,500 rpm redline.
Thankfully, the ponderous sensation from the front end has long gone when the momentum of the ride increases. Things then become much more balanced and manageable. And though the VMAX doesn’t feel as though it’s shed most of its weight as some bikes like the B-King do, it’s still a damned sight more predictable than it is at very slow speeds. Moving along rapidly does require some forward planning mind you. Trying to stop or change direction quickly is OK if you’ve anticipated such requirements, but having to do it unexpectedly can be quite challenging for both you and the bike.
Braking strength helps a great deal in these situations. And with lots of power available from the six-piston radial calipers, aided by ABS, hauling up the weighty Yamaha is remarkable easy. With fully adjustable, if slightly crude suspension assisting the wheel control, the Yamaha’s handling isn’t at all bad - especially when you consider the heavy and speedy nature of the cruiser. Just don’t expect sportsbike levels of agility and response.
Its overall balance is certainly better than the old V-Max, though the spirit of that bike is still definitely evident in this one. As are other features in its design. The overall low-slung silhouette is trademark V-Max, as are the stubby exhaust pipes, brushed alloy side-panels, and fuel tank-flanked air intakes; even if the tank itself is actually under the seat. The new VMAX has the DNA of the old.
Speaking of fuel tanks, the measly three-gallons it holds is only good enough for around 120miles maximum which, even though the Yamaha is quite comfortable enough to be one, prevents it being a practical tourer. As does the absence of anywhere to store anything at all. It’s a bike unlike any other really, and not the sort of thing you’d rely on for much other than having a great time on when circumstances like weather and traffic were at their most favourable.
You need to pay a hell of a lot of money for the pleasure of sampling the Yamaha, and I personally think it’s quite over-priced. It can be a very impressive machine to ride, its build quality is of a high standard, and its imposing style helps it to stand head and shoulders above virtually all other bikes. And it does have the sort of exclusivity that can command nearly £18,000. If you’re in the market for that sort of bike, then I suppose the new VMAX is worth it.
For a motorcycle insurance quote for the VMAX or any Yamaha, simply visit www.cia-motorcycle-insurance.co.uk. Yamaha motorcycle insurance is a strength of CIA Insurance as it is an expert in Yamaha bike insurance for riders of all types, including bike insurance for experience riders, motorcycle insurance for new riders, motorbike insurance for women or even multi-bike insurance. For a cheap motorcycle insurance quote call 0844 888 8575.
SPECS: YAMAHA VMAX
ENGINE
Type: 1679cc, liquid cooled, sixteen-valve, dohc, 65° V4
Maximum power: 200bhp @ 9000rpm
Maximum torque: 123 lb/ft @ 6500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Transmission: 5-speed
Final drive: shaft
CHASSIS/COMPONENTS
Frame: cast alloy diamond
Suspension:
Front: 52mm telescopic forks, fully adjustable
Rear: monoshock, fully adjustable
Brakes:
Front: twin 320mm discs with six piston radial calipers
Rear: single 298mm disc with single piston caliper
Tyres:
Front: 120/70 -18
Rear: 200/50 -18
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITY
Seat height: 775mm
Wheelbase: 1700mm
Dry weight: 310kg
Fuel capacity: 15 litres
DETAILS:
Price: £17,499
Contact: 01932 358000, www.yamaha-motor.co.uk
Performance: 5
Handling: 4
Practicality: 2
Value for money: 2
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