Yamaha VMAX Cruiser

Quick Review by Maxabout Team

VMAX is a legendary cruiser bike from Yamaha which came into existence in the year 1985. Since then, this bike is famous for its true cruiser looks and powerful performance. Let's figure out the reasons behind its incredible success. The original design of this bike has gone under only few changes and that's it is one of the biggest USPs. Its trendy yet vintage look can easily leave a strong impression in your mind. The naked front appearance features an oval shaped headlight just below the chrome finished meter dial. It has extremely long black colored front forks with tiny orange colored indicators on them.

On the top of these forks you can see chrome plated rear view mirrors which makes it look classy. Its front disc plates and fender looks macho with its wide front tyre. V-Max has twin mufflers on each side which makes it look similar from both sides. The side covers sports the name of this bike. Its fatty fuel tank makes it an eye-catcher as Yamaha has bolted two false cylinders on its both sides. The rider seat has been placed a bit low and gets narrow at the back. Rear cowl is very sleek and complements its fatty tyre. V-Max has a relatively short rear fender which carries the number plate and side indicators on it. The rear LED tail light is one of its kinds and the bike looks pretty cool when seen from the back.

Yamaha V-Max has a very unique and appealing instrument panel. The round shaped dial houses an analogue tachometer, digital speedometer with shift indicator and fuel gauge. The LCD uses orange color for illumination. Yamaha has placed a digital Multi-function display on its fuel tank which can easily be seen by the rider and conveys all the essential information. Yamaha V-Max uses a 1679cc, V-type 4-cylinder engine. This liquid cooled engine is known for its tremendous power and torque production. This engine cracks a power output of 194 Bhp at just 9000 rpm. The torque production of this 4-stroke DOHC engine is of 170 Nm which is achievable at 6500 rpm. Unlike other 4 cylinder engines, Yamaha has mated this engine with a five speed manual gearbox having one gear down and four gears up-shift pattern.

Yamaha has used an aluminium cast frame for this bike in order to cut down its weight. This step has resulted into improved acceleration and performance. V-Max can take on most of the sports bikes and naked bike in terms of performance. The early availability of power and torque differentiates this bike from other cruiser bikes. You won’t have to rev this bike hard to get the best out of this engine. It records a superb timing of three seconds in reaching the mark of 100km/hr from stand still. Its gearbox is an additional advantage which works very smoothly and effectively. Yamaha has used its gear ratios pretty well as you never sense the need of a sixth gear.

The taller yet crispy gear ratios effectively supply the power to this bike. You will never feel the strain in this engine. V-Max easily picks up at slower rpms and never let you feel its actual weight. It can go pass the speed of 200k/hr easily and feels brilliant on long runs. Even at slow speed, the bike feels light and responsive. This is one of the finest and fastest bikes with a five speed gearbox. The engine sound always prompts you to rev it hard and once you start doing so, it’s quite difficult to restrict yourself.

Comfort while driving is what cruiser bikes are known for and V-Max just takes it to the next level. It has an extremely comfortable seat which can hold you for long time. The placement of foot-pegs helps you to get a sporty yet relaxed riding posture. You don't have to keep your back straight while holding its handle bar and its quite relieving on long drives. You just can't complain about the comfort level offered by this bike. You may store essentials in its side covers while for safety; it features a bright headlight and Mono block 6 piston calliper on its front tyre which improves the braking quality of V-Max.The braking and suspension system of this bike has been specially designed keeping its weight and performance in mind. Yamaha has equipped this bike with fully adjustable 52mm inner tube front telescopic forks and link type rear suspension with swing arm. Its braking system features dual disc brakes of 320mm at its front and single disc brake of 298mm at its back.

The bike also comes loaded with ABS for precise and accurate braking. V-Max is a god in this department. The revised braking and suspension system has improved its ride and handling significantly. With an extended wheelbase of 1700mm and fatty tyres, this bike remains under immense control at high speeds. The cornering ability has also improved. Its suspension and braking system offers great comfort and safety. You will enjoy the sense of control you get on this bike. It has a ground clearance of 140mm which also adds to the stability of this bike. You get a low seated riding posture and you can handle this bike very lightly. The steer response is also really impressive at slow speed. This is Yamaha's most expensive and prestigious bike ever launched in India. If you have the potential and love for bikes then you will be honoured to have this bike. After being an owner of this bike in India; you will be no less than one in a million.