Well, here's the first photo of the 2009 V-Max via Motorcycle News. No tech details but it looks very close to the concept model on display at all of the shows. I'm breathing a sigh of relief because there was ample opportunity for Yamaha to get a little crazy with the styling, this looks like an updated version of the bad boy everybody knows.
If the performance lives up to the hype, you know, "Need 6" and all that, this could be one brutal machine. Look close up by what I hope is the tach but could be the speedometer, there's what appears to be a shift light on the upper right. That's a pretty clear indicator of the single intended purpose of the new V-max, ... straight line, point and shoot.
Thanks for the tip, Mark!
Link: Motorcycle News
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{ 16 comments… add yours below ... }
Oh, my, but that’s hideous.
If you liked the original, this one is great, if you hated the first, you probably won’t like this one either.
Of course, with an anticipated 200+ horsepower, there’s a lot to like.
either it has small wheels, or its gigantic.
I hope those scoops are functional now… seeing as they are even MORE obnoxious than before. I would buy one and rip those right off.
WELL IT IS THE ONLY JAPANESE BIKE THAT , I EVER LOVED . BUT MUST ADMITT I HOPE THE SCOOPS ARE FUNCTIONAL TOO.
If you are ripping anything off it, I’d start with the headlight, and muffler.
What is it you Americans say? Booyah!!! I really like it. Not that I will ever own one, its just great that something like this can be built and sold….
I think that’s a great restyling job-it keeps the essence of the original, but with a more contemporary look. I hate the pipes too, but there’ll be tons of aftermarket ones available! can’t wait to see more pics
Yeah, too bad it looks so heavy; at least heavier than I would imagine a stripped down quarter miler should look. I guess it will fill the poser need though.
-todd
Another pic: http://www.motojournal.com/images/boutique/couv/mj1811p400.gif
is it Yamaha V-Rod or Harley V-max.
I’m leaning towards eeewwwwww…
the seat/fender looks bulbous and those scoops appear as an afterthought. the wave rotors just look silly.
It will likely appear better in person, but the first thing that comes to mind is one of those “surgically enhanced” women that have all the individual bits optimized… but they just don’t look right.
It looks like it has a lower seat height (if so, why?)
The bars look too high.
The 2 items above combined with the mindset that this is supposed to be “the” quarter-mile king doesn’t fit.
Yawn!
Too cruiser-ish (although cool for a cruiser) for me, the original was a muscle standard in the same vein as the KZ before it and I was hoping for it to stay more in that line.
That and it looks like it weighs 800lbs if those are 17 inch wheels
Some more pics and close-ups from the engine:
http://www.motorevue.com/site/les-premieres-photos-de-la-nouvelle-vmax-32333.html
Ok here’s my 2 cents.
What I would change first the Handlebars, though it has the classic look I need dragbars with barends. Next would be the exhuast (maybe if the new ones are holding back performance of at least 10hp and weight; again like the old v-max)but it would still be a dual setup. Finally would be the tail. Though I like the overall look. It looks to big on the sides (maybe the passengers seat is keeping it from looking like the orginal (looks like a clip on to the fender).
1. Now the wheels ARE 18’s (it says Battlax BT028 on 200/50R18’s ( can someone can verify it?)
2. If you read the history the scoops ARE functional.
3.( looking at the side moding under the seat it looks like the tank has been increase to maybe 5.5 gals if not 6 ( if the bulge happens on both sides)
4. I’m sorry the head light to me looks cool. It looks modern yet not dual or like a sports bike. maybe a bit like a harley but I think more like the MT01.
5. The radiators(s) look like they do a good job in keeping the engine cool.
Now the closer. I have 16K already set aside for this beast. I could see me taking out a loan for an additionl 4 if I like what I see at the dealer.
but with that this is what I adspect.
2 helmets
1 Jacket
Free 600 (breakin) and 2,000 mile services
A service Manual (dealers type)
250 Gift certificate for misc stuff.
a (2) year warranty. (I think they should have like cars have Recalls but hey thats me. At least that would count for possible updates that they do to it)
Future inputs coming…
Wow.
The Suzuki B-King in a cruiser form factor.
That’s… special.
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