Yamaha V-Max

Does anyone have one of these bikes? I'm interested in buying one but I don't know too much about them. I saw one that was a 4 cylinder and it looked really good, but I don't know what the engine size would have been. I looked at a few other sites and I came up with 1100cc and 1500cc, but I don't know how you could tell which bike has which engine.

Anything you guys can tell me would probably be useful...

1200cc V4, lots of balls.

Make sure you get a 97+ model, I have heard bad things about the previous years.

Thanks alot man.

What did you hear about the previous years? I was planning on getting a mid-eighties bike...

I'm just going to get one once I find one, if it needs work then that's fine, and if it's full of problems that's alright so as long as I can drive fast a little bit. That's all I'm looking for, and I don't want a crotch rocket. If I buy a motorcycle it's going to have 4 cylinders!

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

If you have never ridden a motorcycle before it is not a bike to start on, that bike can compete with the 1000cc sportbikes in the 1/4mile. Turn in is harder, and breaking is mushier than sportbikes, and it is just as unforgiving.

I'm just going to get one once I find one, if it needs work then that's fine, and if it's full of problems that's alright so as long as I can drive fast a little bit. That's all I'm looking for, and I don't want a crotch rocket. If I buy a motorcycle it's going to have 4 cylinders!

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.
I think perhaps you underestimate this bike. It sounds like you don't have much riding experience. In which case, find a smaller bike to start on. Perhaps a Yamaha Virago or other small traditional bike.

v-max not seen one of them in a while , not a first bike to say the least . think of one as a bike with a torque curve like a john deer tractor and the handling of one . quick bike though . in a straight line from the lights . kawasaki zxr400 would be a better first bike , very forgiving handling , good stopping power . very nimble and will show alot of big bikes up if ridden to its full potential . on uk roads at least anyway you dont need anything much bigger if you can ride one right.

Sub 3 second 0-60 mph times with a rider who can shift like a pro...definitiely get you in over your head fast if you're new to the sport. That's a bike that very good riders consider "squirrely" and a bit of a beast.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/submittedphotos/1987FZX700Fazer-IsmaelL-A-small.jpg

My neighbor has an older Yamaha Fazer 700 ('86 I think...) which I think bears a passing resemblence to a V-Max, but in a much more forgiving size and power output...it's got some balls, don't get me wrong, just a lot better pick for a beginner IMO....good luck with whatever you get, take the MSF and ride safe!

so R1-rider, can we assume that you hate poser ricers????

Hey Bleed, another good choice if you are looking for a standard/cruiser muscle bike is the Honda Magna. They came in V-65 (1100cc V-four) and V-45 (700/750cc V-four) which are wicked fast and more dependable than early V-Max. I had an 85 V-45 Magna and loved it. I only sold it due to an arm injury that I was told would prevent me from riding anymore (thank God that I proved the doctor's wrong). The only thing to look for on Magna's is that they shift into second gear (abused versions can lose second gear) and check the right side frame downtube on the V-65's, as they can get get twisted and weaken due to the mounds of torque they produce.

Mr. Dodge,

This thread is over 2 years old. My guess is that your advice will be lost. Since this thread topic is unique, it does not need to be closed or anything. Just keep in mind the age of a thread when you are posing.

Thanks,
Tangie

Thanks Tangie, shoulda paid more attention, sheesh!!