The advance ticket holders are already spewing out loads of photos from the Tokyo Motor Show, we hope to have some of our own shortly, but in the meantime, you might like to see these, a design study of a new (hold your breath!) Yamaha VMax! (Or is that a Star Vmax? yuk!) This was noted briefly on the Yamaha website but here are the photos.
This is not the final design, Yamaha is still looking for feedback. This concept is a sculpture primarily made of plastic so how much of this is just pure speculation from their design team and how much is close to final form, who knows?
What can we see? Still shaft drive, conventional forks, scoops look like they could be functional, real world rear tire size 200/50R18. The design is very evolutionary, not revolutionary. It looks like a modern Vmax but still very obviously a Vmax. No details on the Nihon Car and Bike web site about engine specs Take a look and see what you think.
via motoblog.it
all photos Nihon Car & Bike and more photos there
brenden magill says
Styling is nice if busy, I know nice is not particularly a word to use around Mr. Max, but in the end it all comes down to what lurks within the heart of the beast. You can show people stlying all you want but if the bike does not have the raw violence of the original it will be a poor sequal.
Gaijin Biker says
Well, I have a bunch of photos I was going to send over when I got home tonight, but someone beat me to it. I’ll still send them, though.
Terrormax says
The styling is very nice!!!!! it’s a shame that Yamaha haven’t use a USD-vork instead.
I can’t wait to see and drive it 😉
Dan Shew says
Love the quad pipes..and big rubber. Is this a re-do of the max engine or a new, clean slate offering? It appears the riding position is more foward than in the past,.. kudos there.. It also seems like they’ve taken the cooling seriously… we may not need a manual fan switch now..
I’d like to see a sixth gear, and a curb weight of <550 pounds.
Overall, I love it!!! Gimmee, Gimmee.
Projected showroom date?????
Charles says
In some ways I really like it, in others I hate it.
Likes:
Aluminum frame
Wheels
copper-plated engine (I’ll bet the production is painted)
Bigger gauges on the tank
Brakes
I love the way the headers snake around the engine
The motor is DEAD SEXY. Even if it wasn’t plated, it’s just hot looking.
Don’t like:
Secondary radiator (yuck!)
Headlight (come on, make it look like a motorcycle headlight, not a space ship!)
Scoops – they’re just overdone and don’t fit with the bike at all. Something a bit more subdued and that fits better would be nice.
The forks – I want upside-downies, dammit! Although I do like the black tubes and the beefy-looking lowers, so I could live with this.
The mufflers – they’re just ugly.
The rear fender – this isn’t a sportbike, how about moving that fender down lower.
EFI!
Other than that, the only thing this bike needs is a Bat symbol 🙂
Charles.
V1992max says
I really can’t wait until this bike comes out. I think Yamaha will take into consideration all the problems (mostly handling) that the current Vmax has. It looks like this might actually become one of the fastest bikes on the street again. I would buy that bike right now if it was available, but in the mean time, I will keep trying to find out more. Maybe Yamaha will let me order one now!!!!
Leo Mathiasen says
Well lets just say this is what we been wating for. I hope those 4 really nice looking exhaust contains a cat, so the Euro 3 Norm will be full filled – otherwise we wont get it legal on the street here in Denmark.
In boost we trust !
Leo, DK
2Wheels says
Looks like the engine, frame, wheels,intake,exhaust,cooling,brakes,instrumentation,& seat are all NEW!! Now if they would just do something with the rear fender and headlight for looks and put a quality USD front fork on that puppy! Hopefully the engine will put out some monster torque and horsepower numbers as the Vmax appears to be transforming from a cruiser to a hooligan street fighter!
Kim Rasmussen says
Hmmm…We have been waiting for that!
Engine, pipes and the rear looks very cool 😉
But I hope for upsidedown fork and a change of headlight…and extreeeem BWHP.
Hope to see it in the shops soon ! – I’m ready to order !
Dusty says
Awesome!
I can’t wait to get the first one in Florida….
Hope it puts out 200+ rwhp and 100+ ft/lbs of torque
del howard says
IT HAS A LOT OF PROMISE,PEOPLE ARE BEING WAY TO QUICK TO WANT THIS BIKE,THERE SHOULD BE MANY CONSIDERATIONS LOOKED AT YET.
IT’S TAKEN YAMAHA AND MUCH HELP A LONG TIME TO GET HERE, I KNOW MAD MAX HAD SOME SAY IN IT’S CONCEPTION,AND I THINK A FEW MORE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THERE OPIONS LOOKED AT. I THINK THAT THE CONCEPT BIKE IS OKAY BUT HERE WE GO LEANING TOWARDS A SPORT BIKE,IF THAT IS WHAT THE MANUFACTURER WANTS TO DO THEY SHOULD SET IT UP SO YOU COULD PURCHASE BOTH VERSIONS,A CRUISER OR SPORT BIKE ALL THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO IS CHANGE THE REAR FENDER SO A PASSENGER COULD ACTUALLY SIT.THE ORIGINAL MAX WAS A MUSCLE BIKE I THINK THE NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION SHOULD STILL BE A MUSCLE BIKE AND I THINK WITH THAT THEY WOULD SELL MORE AND ALSO THE BIKE WOULD LIVE LONGER,CAUSE THE SPORT BIKE CLASS IS FOREVER CHANGING,MUSCLE BIKES AGE SLOWLY LIKE FINE WINE.
Matt Pittman says
I think they are very close on this one. Not so keen on the rear end concept but I have a feeling it will not end up like that. The rear tire should be a little wider, 230 maybe, but leaving the door open for some great mods would be fun to.
Bottom line for me, it needs to look and respond like a hayabusa killer right out of the box, in the 1/4mile anyway, don’t much care about the top end. I believe they are on the right track but boy will I be disappointed if a new Vmax is released and it is not declared the fastest 1/4mile production bike ever. Tell me if I’m wrong but the heart of the Vmax is the power, take away everything else you know about the bike and most Vmax owners will tell you it’s the power that we love. The new Vmax should have the same impact on the industry the original did, if not Yamaha missed the point of it. I will be waiting with my check book open, time will only tell if the check is written.
Ahmed Jackson says
Ok let me start this way, so listen up Yamaha:
First of all I have my check book in hand.
Second, I’ve been waiting, and I’m getting no younger
Third, If it does not make the same (forget that Better) statement with 20 yrs of evolution than the orginal. Suzuki (and there Boost King) will get my money.
With that said. Let me also state this. I’m a loyal V-Max owner and VMOA memeber. If we are not taken seriously, please stop the chain yanking.
Oh PS please responed to my email address when I’m considered as owner of #1-100 of first production model of this bike or version there of.
V-Max rider forever? Ahmed
LEFTERIS says
WELL! THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE LEGENT TO REBORN! THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO DO IS TO MOVE MY VMAX AND MT-01 ON THE LEFT IN MY GARAGE, AND WAITING…. THE FIRST ONE IN GREECE IS MINE!
Ian says
I’ve just put Cobra quad pipes on my Max. Good to see that Yamaha are going the same way, not sure where the rains going to go when it parked outside tho!!
My cheque book’s in my hand.
Dan says
Other than the rear seat would get me in trouble with the wife, This is what I’ve been waiting for. I will be waiting for it to be released and consider the dealer harrassed. My 85 will have very nice company.
Kevin M. Kaylin says
Are you listening Yamaha:
Mr. Max has been living on old times with all the new designs cruising the streets today. Let’s build this thing to set a NEW standard some 20 years later. Huge power for straight line dominance! We need to be the 1/4 mile King once again. Don’t worry about handling, with todays technology the agility and much better handling is a given. Big beefy tires front & rear and build a rear tail assembly that is passenger friendly but DON’T cover up the rear rubber, show it off like a drag bike should. Kaws all new ZX 14 that will be released this spring is longer to better handle take off power that is said to be near 200bhp. So let’s shoot for the 200+ mark and kick the rear tire back a few more inches if pulling the front tire off the ground is a problem. Remember, we’re not looking for a new top speed canyon carver. We want bragging rights, the Quickest Motorcycle on the Planet Earth. And the first stock bike to ever run in the 9’s. If you build him, WE WILL BUY!!!
Denis says
Dont forget they created a monster 20 years ago and here Yamaha have to keep up with the original VMAX personality, we are taking about lots of RAW POWER first and than a war machine look ! So to my opinion Yamaha did there homework quite good except for the scoop wich are to big and shouldn’t be chromed, You never see chrome on a war machine !!! Right ?
Denis
rob bowen says
wow i just creamed my pants. 180 brake is for me so let me have it
Satitpong Satirathai says
Let’s launch it. My 84 max now, she, is too old. (i am just 30 years old)
I want to kick back to a current sport bike.
Ryan Kosanke says
That tail is ugly! Too bulbous, the new Vmax should favor angles vs. curving bulges ( it should look wicked, not bubbly) 200HP and chain drive. The MT-01 has the style of a hooligan , if that is the direction Star/ Yamaha wants to go; but the Vmax should remain a muscle bike and a 1/4 mile king.
P.S. Kevin Kaylin, Please check the history books… production bikes tapped into the 9 sec bracket years ago.
Todd Strohm says
Forgive me Yamaha for drawing comparisons of your concept Max to a theme from an old spaghetti western but I could not escape visions of a mutated Clint Eastwood when I looked at this thing. UUUUURGH!
The Good: Overall silhouette still says V max. Frame is killer! Wheelbase and tank (cover) to seat height look “right”. Pipes Engine. Wheels. Brakes
The Bad: Needs fatter rear tire and USD forks. Radiator execution is terrible! Scoops need to be functional or dropped altogether. They are way too dominant in the design to simply be eye candy.
The Ugly: Headlight. Entire tail section. Side covers. Coolers (again).
Verdict: Keep working. Mr Max is NOT a sport bike wanna be but rather a straight line monster just barely able to keep the rider planted during the advent of the second coming of V boost! Hideous gobs of horespower and torque are a prerequisite but we’ve been waiting 20 years. Give us something worth the wait.
Jeremy Francis says
Overall very pleased,
Looks like the ideal cruiser to convince existing sportbike owners like myself to add a cruiser to the stable. Love the look of the rear fender (I cant stress that enough, I LOVE IT!!!) and wheel/tire profile, love the exhaust pipes, love the blacked out look (Not a cruiser traditionalist so I’ve never really been much of a chrome lover), love the shaft drive.
As Yamaha (Star) has quite the cruiser stable to address the various styles buyers prefer the decidedly modern look and stance of this Vmax concept will most definitely attract people like myself who ordinarily would not consider a cruiser. Looks like attention to fluid cooling is addressed (extra radiator is oil cooler I presume)
Simply put, I like it and if released close to the way it looks now I’ll most certainly buy it!
Rob says
1) Upsidedown forks (braced properly!) 2) Some sort of arm tearing ‘boost’ 3) normal backside, let others worry about making it a streetfighter 4) a big,fat arse rear tyre (I love the tyre flex from my max!) and it’s not a corner king so leave the r1 tyre on the r1. 5) loose the extra radiator, what the!? 6) >15Lt. fuel tank please 7) nice mufflers, I’ll have them on mine now if I could, nice scoops, aluminium?
Ralph van der Weide says
As a V-MAX ’95 owner my comments.
Nice concept but nowhere near a finished design, so in my humble opinion the following things should get attention.
– coolers are not matching with the rest, make 1 stainless steel holder for both and follow the angle of the frame more
– use less black, looks to much plastic
– air intakes do not match with any other part, redesign em and dont squeeze the upper tank to much. Look at militairy planes for inspiration. And make em work, not dummy. balance the round shapes more with aggresive straiter lines.
– the underline looks should not have parts sticking out.
– attach also a underspoiler to balance design more, and fit little led-indicators on em.
-Head and tail section, do not make to racy or to plastic.
– For headlight, use led’s in a aluminum housing( flat shaped,not round or coned), looks good with intakes.
– the rear needs a LOT of attention in terms of design, to much round shapes.
– exhaust ends must be placed more rearward to make things a litlle sleeker, more draggier.
– don’t fall in that carbonlook thing, its seen by now (so boring), use more aluminum and imagination.
– the angle of the fork, seat area and reartip are the same, let the angle go sharper from front to end
– By now its WAY to much a computer design concept, go back to paper and pencil.
Again, its just my 2 cents, I would inspire from aircraft tech for some off the looks.
Thank you, Ralph aka Catcher
Michael says
Mr. Yamaha,
I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to see you are finally going to update the infamous VMAX. I like thousands of others are biting at the nails in antisipation!
This is your big chance to regain your legendary position as The King of the 1/4 mile! Get it right the first time. Everyone is watching.
Power! Lots of power, at least 200+BWHPand 100flbs of torque. Yes, it’s alot. It has to be. It’s the VMAX. Always remember this. Don’t you forget it YAMAHA, the world will reward you for it or be dissapointed in you. VBOOST is absolutely a must.
Make it handle better, it doesn’t have to be a sport bike, because it’s not. None the less, get some of this decades technology in the bike’s handling. USD forks, beefy front and rear tires. 200/50R18 rear tire, and don’t cover the tire up. We should see as much of the tire/wheel as we can. Rubber to bite the road!
Make the scoops functional. People don’t like fake anything. The proto type scoops look awesome. The VMAX scoops are very important to it’s look. They should be absolutly ferocious! They should look like they are going to suck the air out of any other bike at the starting line!
The radiator you have there is way too much in appearance. Yes, we need it to cool better, but not at the cost of it’s looks. We can put man on the moon and rovers on Mars, surley you can cool this beast down with out dragging down it’s looks. Put some effort into this.
One single powerful LED headlight. Sleek turn signals for low drag.
The mufflers are a little short. The Quad design is great. Keep the weight down here. The original pipes are too heavy, everyone knows it.
Your overall look is fairly close. Like many say, make the passenger friendly for two.
Get it right and I like thousands will be writing a check with a smile and pride in Yamaha.
Mike
2002 Vmax owner
Kerry Housh says
I’ve owned V-Max’s since ’88…I’m glad you see fit to finally breathe new life into it….I would like to see very large displacement and over 200 hp, hopefully with fuel injection….with the technology available now, the computer could adjust ride characteristics and multiple hp and torque settings….from street cruising to full performance drag racing…..led lights…not so much black….and a smoother shifting 6 speed……maybe even a couple overdrive gears…..make the scoops functional and PLEASE,..a decent seat for rider and passenger!!….18 inch tires so we can have radials and safer handling…..also a little more fork angle for high speed stability…this bike should show all others the quick way down the 1/4 mile.!!
Bill Lahman says
Some comments from a more conservative rider. 95% of the time I’m just enjoying the ride and not cracking the throttle as I race from one traffic signal to the next. If I want to go 0 – 120 in 7 seconds, I’ll go jump out of a plane, not on a bike in the heart of my city. Don’t get me wrong, my ego wants the horsepower there, but I’ll get much more satisfaction from just looking at that sport bike on the line next to me and smiling because he knows (and I know) I could kick his butt! Give me something to talk about in the parking lot after the ride. Something that even non-cyclist folks will take a second look at. For me, I want a wide rear tire, a comfortable rear seat for the short ride (1 or 2 hour type ride), make the scoops functional (again, something to talk about), cover the sides of the radiator(s) with some sort of faring so they don’t stand out so much, and give it a cool headlight and tail light.
Build this thing and I’ll buy it. My 86 Fazer (FZX700) has long been waiting for the arrival of its big brother in my own garage!
Alan Scott says
Finally!!!!
A nex Vmax that is still a VMax. The MT01 would never have cut it as a replacement. It was missing 2 cylinders, and its not a Max unless its a V-4. There are somethings that cannot be replaced, and the VMax makes that list. I’ve had my ’86 for almost 10 years and planned on keeping it for another 10; but this could make me consider an update.
I love the fact that it still looks like Max, not an imposter. They’ve addressed the need for more rubber in the rear and better suspension. Keeping the shaft-drive is key for clean, low-maintenance longevity. My wish list is in agreement with some others:
1. Lots of horses (200+ would be very nice). The original Max overpowered the so-called sport bikes of its day. Yamaha (or Star now, whatever) has had more than 20 years to work on this; let’s do it right! This is a muscle-bike, remember.
2. And torque. That’s what made the beat famous and that’s what makes you hold on a pray around 6K RPM.
3. Which of course, leads to the V-Boost. Gotta have it!!! Smooth curves look nice on magazine pages, but that kick at 6K is something you have to experience to understand.
4. Fuel-injected please. Again 20 years and a new Millenium. Why redo it with dated technology. Besides, that 4 carb sync project can be very pricey and/or very cumbersome.
5. Functional scoops. better breathing + Fuel-injection = More Power, Captain!!! Although, the asthetics of concepts scoops leave alot to be desired. If serve a purpose, I could live with them.
6. Shed a few pounds. I haven’t gotten any lighter over the past 10 years, so something has to give.
Throw in a real HID headlight and trim down the radiator footrpint, and we have ourselves a winner in my book. Who cares about the stock pipes? They will be the first thing to go. Just make sure Dale Walker and the Holeshot gang get the specs so I have something to put on their place (unsolicited plug). Its gotta have that small block V-8 rumble or all is lost. You can’t have Darth Vader sound like PeeWee Herman!!!
I’m making some calls first thing tomorrow to reserve a spot when these things finally hit the US.
Please don’t blow it!!!!
One more thing (sorry Columbo); a centerstand.
Now I’m done.
Ride smart, ride safe, and always enjoy the ride……
Ray Jedele says
As a current owner of a 2006 Max and 3 others prior, this is what I WANT. KEEP the big V4 and beef it up with more CCs, the exhaust needs to BARK DEEPLY when revved like a Sm. block V8. Keeping the 4 carbs I think is a good thing, just bigger ones and this will allow the V-Boost to stay. I can’t imagine a V-Max without this. Big FATTER rear tire than your motor show’s bike, make the scoops REAL RAM AIR and please square them off more!!! They look GOOFY with rounded openings! They need to look MEAN, not trendy. Also better handling with a rigid alum. frame. Inverted forks please. I always liked the shaft drive, and will be happy to keep it, as long as it is strong and can propel the bike over 150mph. 1/4 mile time is what its all about though, and Mr. Max NEEDS to come back as KING again in this field. YAMAHA, don’t disappoint us with a bike that does not blow away our old Maxes, and will take the title back. At least for a while. What are you waiting for? You’ve had over 20 yrs. now! I’m not getting any younger, I need this, NOW!!!
Ronnie says
I have been waiting on this bike. I knew Yamaha would not let us fan of the VMAX down. Please make it to reclaim the title of Quarter Mile King. I have restored a 85 Virago just to have something to ride , while I have waited on the new VMAX. I have 2 riding buddies , one a cruiser fanatic and the other a sportbike nut. I will be purchasing these bike so that I will be able to ride with either one and be happy to show them that this bike can run with either of them.
Make this bike and please all of the true muscle bike fanatics of the VMAX. I will be buying one to ride around Memphis for sure.
Kerry says
Everything’s great with this bike, except for the faux scoops. Keep the scoops, but make them real! Fake stuff is so…..FAKE. I’ve always like the bike but fake scoops is just BS.
Mike K says
Set a course Mr.Sulu…stardate????
Wow, does that thing run on electricity too? I really hope to see a more raw, sharper looking Max. Dont get me wrong, im just as obsessed with these machines as the rest of you. As far as my input. Even if they kept the same design as the current vmax, added 100hp, and helped him out in the turns…that would be good enough for me. But I will definately buy one no matter what the outcome…its a respect thing.
Dave says
I LIKE IT! However, lets see the USD Forks, better design on the rear fender, Six speed transmission and functional scoops! This is what I have been waiting for! I am on my 5th V MAX (2005 Anniversary Edition), and can’t wait for the new MAX too hit the pavement. I will be in line waiting for my new MAX to arrive. So YAMAHA, when will it be REAL? I have money too BURN if this will happen!
RICARDO MELO says
AAAWWWWSOMMMM! I HAVE THE OLD ONE; CAN´T WAIT TO HAVE THE NEW ONE! UPSIDE FORK IS REQUIRED!WE ALL AGREE ON THAT!
dave nelson says
i own a 85 v-max, and a 05 busa. i have waited a long time for a new max. the one i am seeing in the pics, needs some changes such as fuel injection, lower the sub-frame and hide a passenger seat under the hump. flow the rear bodywork sides some. chain drive, at least a 200 rear tire, usd forks, those air scoops need some work, one radiator would be better, tapered roller bearings on steering stem a mono rear shock, and a dry weight of 500 lbs. and last but not least 200 horses with a 120 ft lbs of torque. i can’t afford to buy the bike and make all changes myself
dave nelson says
mr. yamaha, sorry, i forgot to say my 85 max has full time v-boost. see if you can work that in with the fuel injection and no black and gold. thanks again
Steve says
What is that? I’m keeping my 89 forever cause the factory isn’t sure what the heck we want. I’ll get the 180 bhp myself, thanks, along with a decent inverted frontend. Save my 89 seat and rear factory fender, lenthen my swingarm and I’ll have what they should have produced. Sorry, that’s one ugly motorcycle. I’ll buy a new k model bmw before considering this new max. The 89 max stays in my shop Yamaha! My money goes into what I have now. I’m very disappointed.
Steve
Mark says
You’re on the right track for an updated look, but it’s gotta perform. Rock solid, no wobble.,chain drive, fuel injection, mono-shock, brakes, functional air scoops and oh yeah……an insanely fast 200bhp torque monster.
I agree with anothers reference to what Pontiac did to the new GTO. Neutered!!!! This bike is not a model for Mens Health, it is Muscle Magazine front cover real deal, and when it comes out, there should be no question as to who is the badasst.
I had my VMax for 5 years and loved it but then I bought a Busa. Well all I have to say is that if the new Max can come close to the Busa I’d trade back to the Max in a heartbeat. Yes this bike is a straight line hot rod, but why not improve the handling. I don’t want it to be a naked sportbike, but I do like the twisties and it could be made to handle better. Look at all the guys who have customized this bike not only for drag racing, but also improving the handling.
Gary Wiggins says
In general, I like the looks. The “sportbike” rear isn’t as beefy looking as original. Mufflers are good looking. Performance is a must. The new Max should hit 10 seconds flat anyway. Boost at 3000 rpm. Any specs on that wicked looking engine?
2fast4u says
All of you that had the old VMAX knows all the problems …. i hope some of them are solved with this one. The look is very nice, but the look of the old one is very nice too. Don´t you agree.
Best Regards from Portugal. PP (ex-vmax, now-varadero)
ECV3VMax says
Nice to See Max is being Modernized…. It’s heading in the right direction. However, listen to the masses… They create the demand that you’ll profit from suppling.
My Top 5 would be:
1) POWER… And lot’s of it. If a new Max cannot beat all other production street bikes, keep the name plate on the shelve. The masses are right: A mediocre powered bike spells nothing but disappointment… TRUST ME!!
2) Keep the VBoost. What is a lawnmower w/o a blade? WORTHLESS. We VMax owners will accept nothing but progress… Do not back step on us now. Maybe make the VBoost adjustable (do away w/ TBoost mod).
3) Scoops… I agree with the masses here also. The circlesdon’t cut it… More sleek angles here are a must. And as EVERYONE has said, “Make them REAL”… What kind of a father gives his children a stone when asked for bread?
4) Better Stability. If you own a max, you know what I mean.. If you don’t, I heard there’s a good movie on Lifetime… Enough Said!
5) More Comfortable seat. I don’t know about the rest of you out there. But, my arse hurts after about an hour. I don’t need much more then some more padding. Padding is light… Is’nt it?
BTW: I think that little freaky lookin seat thingy sux. It’s the starting point of moving too SPORT. It’s got a damn hump too… Reminds me of the Hunchback of Notre Dame… Looks too dirt bikey. Please reevaluate!
Good Luck Yamaha… I hope you want to rule the Qtr as much as I do!!!
Brian W says
First of all, it’s about time we see an upgrade. Even others upgrade the classics. Just make sure you keep to VMax roots with sheer power and VBoost. Without that, it’s not a VMax.
It’s about time for a new do. Just hurry up before I buy a busa. I know it’s got power and handling.
It looks as if the rear could be fitted with a rear seat which I think should be an option. Perhaps a rear seat cover you could remove to reveal a seat.
Like: I like the basic design of the body, a little front lean is ok by me, if that’s what I’m actually seeing. It still looks mean as %#$&.
Dislike: The radiator. I know it’s hard to cool all that metal, but is there someway to keep the power and bhp and shrink the radiator? If not, I’ll live with it.
Hope: Keep it flexible to customizing. Fatter tires, …a must! 200hp+ would be my Max fantasy come true. Make it sick on power. Oh, and if you can find a way to fit it in, a bigger gas tank might be nice. Front end more solid, come on, with all the new technology and 20 years to make it better, it’s a no brainer.
Brian, AmEx in hand.
pencon says
Fake Scoops = Shite make them real !! And with moving butterflies!
dave lam says
i would keep the bike with exactly the same look as the original except for these modifications:give it an aluminum frame, inverted front forks,extend the swingarm,give it a more forgiving rear suspension[THE ORIGINAL BIKE ROAD A BIT TO STIFF}get rid of that horsepower robbing shaft and give it belt drive,bump the engine up to a 1600-1800cc 200 horse powerplant,and give it a 6 speed gearbox,and a 200 rear tire, and a rectangular front headlight like the old yamaha fazer of 1986,87. hope these suggestions help yamaha corp. p.s. thanks for giving us 20 thrilling years with your v-max it was definitely a winning hand!!!
Starving For A MT-01 says
Forget the V-MAX redesign, just bring the MT-01 to the USA and be done with it! Yamaha has it in Europe so the parts surplus exist.
if no, then
read the comments: inverted forks, fatter tire, funtional scoops, V boost, POWER.
anything less, and ya blew it!
robert says
finally the time has came. i have a 00 max. my absolute favorite in a long list of others. i’m really hopefull in the possibility of a reworked vmax. but, i would like for yamaha to build around what we all already love.
definite things to do. 1. inverted forks
2. 180 or 200 rear tire. i’m afraid any bigger of
3. 6 speed
4. get rid of that notorious high speed wobble
5. give the motor some extra boost!
make it give the bike world a vicious 20 year
awaited kick in the teeth
6. maybe offer as an option a chain drive
not to do 1. don’t try to make it a sport bike. keep the rider
position generally upright
2. the back fender is to high and you need a
passenger seat
3. the scoops are too high on the tank.
they need to flow with the bike to add that
muscular look.
4. the headlight needs to be suitable for the bike.
i like the new concept but just want the vmax to still remain enough of the same bike that you can look at one and know the two are related.
don’t make it look like something out of star wars. yamaha needs to really take a lot of time and thought in what to produce because the vmax has paid it’s dues and deserves a new model to be a huge success. let it remind people of what it brought when it hit the magazines in 85.
jerry says
make a motor impack like the original, say 200hp, need a front end to enhanced steering and stability with a look of a muscle bike like inverts. make scoops functional with a RAM air system with EFI. keep riding position close to orginal, lower rear fender to give a more muscle bike look with mono shock to show off a 230 tire. frame aluminum with light weight and rigidness. 6 speed transmission. if you make it right, people will come. we have been waiting a long time.
sean rosa says
the original vmax came out with the biggest tire ever at the time.they should do it again with at least a 240mm tire.classic short rear muscle bike fender hugging back tire not street fighter europe type.much lower longer wheel base with at least a 36% rake.and like most others said a true 200rwhp.why not make 2 versions one pro street/drag style like i discribed and 1 street fighter for type short wheel base smaller tire 180/200 good cornering bike.chain or shaft as long as the shaft is strong enough to handle 200hp tire melting holeshots right through 3rd gear.
T-Bone says
Lost the classic lines; although they are still there somehow.
Just don’t like the idea that it will look like any and every other bike in the market; which is something the Vmax never did!!!
No doubt it will be an awesome bike to ride nonetheless!
IMA Nightmare says
I’m likin it, I’m likin it. But hearing you were reducing power or cc’s from an initial 2000cc because of breaking driveshafts isn’t what we want to hear. Make the darn thing chain drive, it doesn’t need to be shaft. Hell, make it dual chain drive with an inner Hub disc brake, it’d be neat, yet original and functional for the strength and straighten possiblity of torque twist in shafts. Besides, It costs us Maxxer’s too much to do the conversion.
This bike has to fit the persona of the Vmax. An off the showroom Pro-Stock Car with the few bolt-ons and silencers to make it street legal. They will be taken to dragstripes all over the country, and we can’t play with gearing with shaft drive.
That’s how a bike earns respect, by reputation, and with Kawi & Suzuk ‘s missile bound GT bikes getting into mid 9’s now, Max has to loose weight, and be able to at least exchange notches on it’s side with the newer Busa’s & ZX’s. It’s the one cruiser or straight up beast that ran with the fastest plastic bullets of the 80’s.
The Max has been the leader of all standup bikes to acclerate with respect to the GT’s. It should be 200hp, 240mm rear tire shredder Horizon Sucking Monster the old one is.
Ok, I’m better now
Motoculture says
Still a bit too chubby looking, more streamline would look better/more modern.
Hasn’t the world been done with dual rear shocks for a decade or two now? Rear suspension works much better with single rear shock, so fix it; and make it a chain or belt drive if you have to, but get rid of the dual rear shocks of yesteryear. All that power better be able to handle it, or what’s the point?
How about a nice 4 into 1, or 4 into 2 if you must.
How about optional plastics? Optional fairing pieces/assemblies would be excellent. Have you ever ridden a motorcycle for a 200 mile ride one day? How about a 400 mile ride one day? How about an 800 mile ride one day? Done all the above and in between too. Fairings make riding MUCH easier, you’re not fighting the wind, HELLO! A fairing can be done nicely/attractively/yet effectively! Are you planning on fighting 65mph to 140mph wind for hours at a time while trying to have a good time on a ride one day? Fairings make life easy!
Make it really powerful (of course) and reliable too!
Frank J. Altieri says
Rotate the engine 90 degrees and add 2 to four more cylinders. Should be the quickest machine in the world to a top end of 200 mph. Nothing pulls away from a V-Max!
Kenneth Cresci says
Maybe I missed it,but how about variable cam timing,and an ex-up valve in the exhaust system,preverably in the header pipe(s),so an after market slipon won’t loose the advantage.Keep the shaft drive and lets start talking about rear wheel horse power,(not just “horse power”).With the shaft drive retained (according to my calculations),you will need to “dial”in approximately 235hp at the crank.(given the shaft effect,and the power-to-weight ratio) Then and only then will it make the same (or more) “splash” as it did in 1985,when I bought my first one. I believe this could easily be accomplished with 1800cc,variable cam and ignition timing,much larger valves,fuel injection,functional “ram air” scoops,and higher compresstion ratio.(These are all standard hot rodding modifications) If Yamaha does it right this bike will not only be the 1/4 mile UNDISPUTED KING,but also a milestone and legend that will live a long long time-Sign Me Up- Ken Cresci-owner….. K.C. Engineering
Kenneth Cresci says
P.S.:: that baloney about breaking drive shafts should be a simple matter of making the drive shaft big and or strong enough.In the past Yamaha has collaborated with a number of automobile manufactures ( including but not limited to Ford and Toyota).Both these manufacturers have produced vehicles far heavier and with well over “200 hp”with longer unsupported drive shaft’s short strong all be it bigger in diameter shaft should be more than feasable.But please, please, don’t even think about skimping on the power.If you need to some how make sure you sell them to “more experienced riders”, do so. Give me rear wheel HP. specs and weight,and just let me know where to send my check for #1
kerri says
I have been reading the reviews about the ”new” v-max,and I must say,you all have a lot to comment about, and what the bike should and should not have built into it.Although comments like these are of great importance in determining the final out come of any new machine,I personally feel that seeing as Yamaha got it right from the very onset with the ”Max” as we know it today,I believe Yamaha WILL get it right once again.No matter how it turns out,not everyone will be happy with the end product.I personally would buy this bike if it were available today.AND, I,m a die hard Kawasaki 900 owner.
Brian Morton says
A Vmax has knarly looking scoops, LOTS of power, shaft drive and V-boost. That’s why it’s a V-MAX !!!
When I saw the first Max 20 years ago I thought it was ugly, when I found out the scoops were fake I thought it was just plain stupid.
But then I rode one. And now I own one.
I love my ugly ass Vmax. I love that it’s not like the millions of other bikes pressed from a cookie cutter. And looks aside, the Vmax is respected by all for it’s brutal power and acceleration.
I love those shotgun barrel scoops. I hope they’re not still…fake?
I can’t stand chain drive. Adjusting, lubing and buying new ones and the sprockets they wear out. I’m a rider, not a racer. A belt would probably work, if it would work… otherwise… I love my shaft. : )
Is fuel injection reliable and hassle free and easily programable at the flick of a Vboost switch? (I know I can’t have speed AND mileage at the SAME time.)
Can I put more than four gallons of gas somewhere by now?
A single shock and USD forks would definitely be great. But since I know I’ll never be slicing through the esses past a RCSXnja, would some good pair of piggybacks and a fork brace keep me from wobbling through the turns without costing thousands extra? (BTW-how much does it cost to turn a fork upside down and install one less shock absorber?)
Will my rear tire be a little wider than the front tire of a Honda Valkyrie?
Do I get something to at least keep the wind off my chest and keep the paint on my speedo, or do I have to find someone to make me one?
I’m sure those brakes perform as good as they look, but… would I grow to love those goofy looking double pipes? Probably.
Would I be worried about my lower radiator getting a hole in it way down there? Yes.
Would I pay more than a thousand bucks for something with a gross looking hump that my girfriend could never ride with me? No.
Brian Morton says
Oh yeah, would I like my new Vmax to have a sixth gear? Something to keep me from cruising at 5,000 rpms? Definitely.
Mike Bunn says
I own a 2002 VMax. If Yamaha is really interested, this is what I want in a new Max: same engine setup, but bigger displacement and more power (to return to those magic days of yesteryear dominance); same standard configuration in the rear, but with a larger tire; a real-world-riding seat — I had to replace my stock one almost immediately after buying the bike new; a reasonable passenger seat — wives don’t take kindly to being uncomfortable or (worse) left behind; fix the cooling problem — surely this can be done without making the front as ugly as a VRod’s; don’t get carried away with futuristic designs just to appeal to a younger audience — they probably can’t afford a new VMax, anyway; stick with the classic lines — just make it bigger and better.
Vmax Mike says
Overall, looks pretty impressive. Hopefully it will sport heavy-duty cutting-edge components, around 200HP, fat rear tire, and maintain similar gear ratios for the same lightning acceleration it’s already known for. Engine looks threatening like before. Lines look good EXCEPT for the tail end. Assuming this is a naked muscle cruiser, it should NOT have a “rear-up-in-the-air” back fender like the supersport bikes! Yamaha makes enough sport-bike lines with this stubby, pointing-up attitude type rear fender. Keep the “bob-tail” look.
The new signature scoop design is very impressive looking! Mufflers look good. Hopefully the instrument cluster will have a dominant-sized and high-positioned tach for easy view during arm-wrenching sprints. V-Boost at lower revs would also be great (assuming the engine will breathe well enough in mid-range to utilize the Boost that early).
I’m not a fan of labels, logos, names, tuning-forks, and emblems — so none displayed would suit me fine — everybody knows it when they see a V-Max…. no identifiers are necessary. The sound, scoops, and engine appearance are more than enough signature. But I am certain V-Max builders will want their name on it. Now, if only the price tag remains less than a new Ferrari or Lamborghini.
VMAXPILOT says
Vmax is in a class of it’s own now…..Although just about every part on the current bike is outdated by todays standards, it sure is fun to blow away any current cruiser, and just about any sportbike.
I hope the new machine will give the same satisfaction and continue the reputation. I will still be riding my 04 Vmax though.
IMA Nightmar says
It’s always fun to read what others say. Some comments are easy to despute that some mention. Kenneth’s comment of making the shaft bigger? I think is silly, have you ever held the rear Diff off a Vmax to know how heavy that puppy is? Part of loosing weight for performance is uneccessary stuff like this weak shaft, and now want a heavier, bigger, wider swingarm & Diff? I’d rather have weight added in the form of a beefier gearbox, as many Yammer’s are really weak for 2nd Gears. It’s gone on since the XS’s of the late 70’s for Yamaha’s strongest engines. I want a fatter tire, not fatter swingarm, to have a 240 with shaft, the swingarm would need to be like 2 4×4’s on each side of the wheel for 200 horsepower, well, to really last long.
Chains aren’t a pain nowadays like yesteryear. With the self lubing bearings, chain waxes & lubes available today, they are no problem keeping a clean wheel, and well lubed chain that’s not even noisy. And no more effort then a spraydown when washing the bike, you’ll put more time in cleaning the tires and wheels and engine. This input as well as the guy who says he’s a rider, not a racer, well good, get an FJR1300. That’s what I’d rather gobble large miles with and love having shaft drive, but we’re talking about the Vmax here. Whether you want to think so or not, the Vmax is about performance, hotrod performance, built around it’s reputation of a straightline shooter like a Muscle Car. It’s not about cornering, but surprizingly a high level rider very skilled on his Vmax can tear up a canyon better then you’d think. No matter what the bike is, it’s always been 85% rider, 15% the bike. Much higher skilled riders on less performing bikes, have spanked many a young less skilled riders with the most modern material and too much mouth for years and years 😉
The Max is not a bike you can jump from bike to bike and do comfortable comparisions easily for most, and think it feels good. Heck I ride any of my others too long without getting on my Max and it feels weird again for a few miles. But the Brain quickly relearns and I’m as comfortable as ever and doing freeway wheelies again.
The Vmax isn’t a GSXR or R1, it’s a standard upright Shooter with styling unlike any other, that’s why the fan base is so big. It’s the fun fact that like a Muscle Car, it don’t stop or turn killer, but fine, but it can accelerate or out accelerate against Ferrari’s or Vipers of today. Remember, it’s the AC Cobra on two wheels against bikes built for road racing, and accelerates with them, but of course looses out a when the corners come, that’s not it’s playground.
Whoever it was saying twin rear shocks has been proven to not work well?? Where was that ever stated or written about, that bikes with twin rear shocks don’t work? I’ve been motorycling for 35 years and never heard that. They’re just the first designers rear suspension methods, where the later years from the 80’s on, mono shocks etc. designs began to appear. Add Twin Ohlin’s with damper adjustments and they are just another performance improvement that work fine, I like them also as it’s as easy to lower the bike with struts for dragracing, as easily as putting a short center strut on my Hayabusa Dragbike to lower it.
Now the guy that said add an Exup Valve in the Exhaust?? That’s funny.
Exhaust backpressure is what helps add low end needed power, when needed on an inline 4 cylinder Sportbike, with Cam’s designed for optimum Power in the higher rev range, and helps them be more streetable with that added help of bottom end power, so you think the Vmax doesn’t have enough bottom end?? Damn thing will tow my Truck for crying out loud.
Engines can be setup a million different way, it’s all in what you want. I’ve had tons of motorcycling friends, and with many different machines, been able to have many fun comparisions. Here’s one, about 12 years ago, my friend ZX-11 and my FJ1200, top gear rolling as slow as we could go, punch it, the torqier FJ sprints away from the much faster ZX machine easily up to around 100mph, where the ZX finally starts gaining, by 125 Mr. ZX is going by, by 140 Mr. ZX is going bye bye on the horizon. FJ built for rollon power, not highend, and 5 speed over a 6 speed, the initial race start made the comparison look like a bigblock against a 4 ganger grocery getter, but as 1 engine passes it’s prime, the other enters it’s. I hate reading comparisons, you have to compare a bike only in it’s arena of play. As far as I see, some bikes like the Vmax are in an arena all it’s own. They Git er’ Done going straight, and looking mean.
Toetag In Tampa says
Ok here’s the list.
1) Absolutely must have USD Forks.
2) Wave Rotors and 6 piston calipers front and rear.
3) V-4 1800 cc motor with 6 speed transmisssion.
4) Slightly stretched rear swing arm and a fatter tire.
5) Larger Battery and battery box.
6) lower and wider seat.
7) Make the fake gas tank real. my stage one carbs only get me 80 miles on a tank. I want at least 200 miles per tank with a larger under the seat tank and a real tank on top in combination.
8) V-Boost switch standard just like the one I have off,6k, and always on( hold ont o your hat).
9) 1” Handle bars..cause pretty much everything else is.
10) FINNALLY …Forward controls..with small sport platforms where the stock controls used to be.
This I think you would agree would make a super nice Mad Max.
BorgBiker says
The VMax concept bike looks real nice overall. I like that Yamaha’s engineers seem to have been paying attention to owner’s comments. Here’s my take:
My idea of the perfect replacement VMax are not tooo far removed from this one. I love the new motor. It has an instantly recognizable familial tie to the original, while still looking modern. Power-wise I am hoping for at least 200 crankshaft hp if not 200 rear-wheel hp. It shouldn’t be an issue; Kawasaki is claiming 187 crank hp (197hp with ram air) for the new ZX14 (1400 cc’s), with 120 lb/ft of torque. So the new max’s 1800cc motor should be able to make equal or greater hp with much greater torque. I don’t see 140-150 lb/ft being too far fetched.
Even more than the amount of power, it’s the quality that I appreciate. I hope that by staying true to the V4 format, the new motor has the same sound and feel of the current Max. A magazine back in ’85 called it the “essence of small block”. I want this bike to have that same rumbling, growling sound of a drag racing Chevy V8 with a hot cam. The scoops look cool, and if they can provide a ram-air effect, that’s a bonus. I can visualize a new V-boost that acts like the Exup does for the exhaust, having valves open and close to allow cylinders to inhale through 1, 2 or even 4 throttle bodies. That should give a decent kick!
Although I do like a bike that doesn’t fight me through the turns, the VMax has always been first and foremost a street brawler, and that’s what it should remain. The concept bike looks a little bit too sport-bikey to me. This is not a repli-racer. A 64 inch wheelbase would work towards keeping the front wheel somewhere near the ground, and keeping the bike as low as possible would not only help launching the bike, but would encourage confidence in the rider (something you definately want in a 200hp streetbike).
I know a lot of people are saying they don’t like the headlight/seat/tail section. I read that these are actualy just plastic bits to flesh out the bike while the final parts are being done. I expect it to look less like a hooligan bike and more like a musclebike when the real pieces are done.
Well, it looks like Yamaha’s well on their way to a new icon. Hope it lasts 20 years too!
sfan says
Despite being a fan of many Yamaha designs and a longtime fan of the Mr. Max, I have not warmed to the look of current V-Max concept. I think it is trying way to hard to look like something, without really having a coherent overall theme. Maybe it looks better in person or in something better than black on show lighting allows. For example, IMO the B-King was more coherent design than this.
Second, I think the single-minded focus on HP is dead wrong. The V-Max has always been about torque, acceleration and power delivery. Instead of chasing 200hp in a bike that would be no-fun at anywhere near the top speed that enables, how about 200ft/lbs over 80% of the power band above 1500rpms?
SportyGuy says
I agree with many of the above writers/riders.
BUILD A BIKE THAT WILL POUND OUT HORSEPOWER!!!!
I think the idea of a longer wheel base may be good for take off if we are talking 220+ HP. Yes 220+, I don’t want to spend what I would on a new small car for a cycle that is not going to spank a Kaw-14 EVERYTIME!!!!!
The new Vmax should retain some of the vintage look, not look so “spaceship-like” and be the quarter mile king again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, carbon fiber please so it matches my ’02 (smile).
Mikey D says
I have owned two Vmax’s..an 87′ which I had for many years,and now a 20th anniversary edition.I have waiting for what seems like an eternity for Yamaha to redesign and build a new max.Lets face it, as awesome as the max has been, it relinquished its quarter mile crown many years ago.So, if they are going to build this bike,they should primarily keep in mind what the vmax truly means…pavement shredding,yank your arms out of the socket power.It’s time to reclaim the crown.
As for their initial design , I love the exhaust and hope that it will sound out a deep tone fitting of the max.Love the engine look (2000cc and 220HP +?) and like all but the conventional forks and headlight design.I’m also not that keen on thier idea of traction control and linked braking…but I am eagerly anticipating the final outcome.There is a guy out there with a turbo ZX-12 that needs an attitude adjustment ,and with Yamahas help,I’d like to give it to him!!!!
Joe Enke says
This would be a decent option but simply shoehorn a 180 HP V-4 into the Warrior and I would buy that instead. The Max Styling, and I own one, is my only gripe. I would suggest the speedo go where the tach is and the tach be in the line of sight like it probably was designed originally. I can take my Eyes off the road long enough to check my speed when I am not caring about the tach needle.
Jim Stevens says
I would love to see the new Max at my local ShowRoom, maybe I could trade mine in by then. I would also like to see it loose about 75lbs add some additional bhp and correct the suspension. Then an additional couple gallons of fuel would be nice. Other than that this would be one hot bike.
Love It.!!!!
SportyGuy says
One more quick note on the “new” Vmax design. On the Yamaha website where one can offer ideas on the new cycle (although limitied to multiple choice answers mostly) the pictures are very clear and seems cool.
I see a commom thread of what “most” see as negatives.
1- The sportbike-like or BMW-like back seat area. Even though it will be a beast made for taking no prisoner in the quarter mile we do have “chics” that want to feel power between the legs also (I know plenty of jokes).
2- Seems the “funky” headlight is not liked the best. Although the new design should stay FAR away from the sportbike look I do kind of like the double headlight idea a guy mentioned to give it a “big cat” modern type of look.
3- Most people seem to agree, a bigger WIDER back tire.
In conclusion, what really makes the current Vmax a eye catcher.
1- The look of that awesome V-4 engine, how powerful it looks.
2- The sound of that V-4, deep “dragster-like” rumble, WHEWWWW!!
3- And finally the fact that it delivers… pounds pavement, grabs asphalt by the solid handfuls, eats it up and spits it out.
So Yamaha show us the new undisputed engine, big as it needs to be, and make sure, very important here…make sure that no bike out there will contest the new Vmax in the quarter mile for about 5-10 years!!!!!!!
If for $12,000 plus I get a fairly fast Vmax versus for $15,000 plus I get a heavy weight, growling king of the road stop light to stop light, I can find a way to get an extra couple thousand no sweat!!
BTW KNEESLIDER guys, you should direct Yamaha to your website as all these comments and ideas have a common theme and offer many great opinions on what the customer wants!
Tim Graham says
a screw blower should come as standard equipment.
Ahmed J says
This is so simple it’s amazing you all don’t see it. We know what works with the Old Max and what does not work with it also. There for fixes include Functional scoops. (The inlets have to be round because of physics of air movement thru cylinders compared to boxes.
Bigger CC’s (old saying no replacement for displacement)
History proves that USD forks and proper suspension is a must, but in line with a drag bike (straights with no wobble) and not a sport bike (meant for twisties).
Loose the weight! (Now after twenty yrs I know you can do it) So maybe the oil cooler or additional radiator may have to go, maybe even the mufflers (though I understand about US sound and smog laws) Can you say after market. Finally; lighten flywheel and shaft drive, it’s been done so lets work on it (unless again it’s an after market ploy)
A nice new tire made especially for the V-max that’s not only a radial tire, but is between 200-210mm and leaves a bigger footprint to allow for better launches and traction
As far as looks, please try to keep to the original design in mind, but I understand the need for changes, but if you can make it perform and I mean straight out MOVE…then it can look like a brick as far as I’m concerned!
The ink is starting to dry up in my pen waiting to sign the checkbook.
Ahmed J says
Oh I almost forgot!
If you stretch it out a few inches, it will also allow for a larger gas tank under the seat….Hey two birds with one stone!
jimmymax85 says
Well,its definetly different! I think yamaha was sick of people complaining that the current vmax hasnt changed enough in the last 21yrs so they went a little crazy when they came up with this “space ship/crotch rocket” looking design.I agree with alot of the other comments that others have written. I do think it needs to retain its status for being the upright street king that it has earned its right to be. I also think that keeping more of the original styles with a modern flaire is important.Also to fix all the handling issues without having to make it another plastic recycled barbie doll with a motor. Part of the original cool of the vmax was the fact that it was so fast even though it had a shaft drive like the old mans big road bike.I dont think a chain would be a good choice,especially not in looks.
so in my opinion I say loose that outer space look and not have so much boring black look to it. Instead offer some differation in changable parts for ones own personal taste. kinda like they have done with the VTX. kinda like a “make your own style” option.Also make the scoops function to feed the engine not only for power but to help cool it. That radiator set up on the prototype is down right ugly!! As far as those goofy looking mufflers go, they dont even fit the look of the bike. They need to be longer and not clumped together. I think retaining the 4 into 2 exhaust with a sleeker look and light weight design would be a better compliment. Put a 200 rear tire, a usd front fork design with better rake for handling. 200 rwh v-4 engine with the option of having settings for full time v-boost and one at around 5,000 rpm. The brake set up on the prototype is good and should be like that,Its modern in looks but at best for its functionality. After all what good would the added horespower be if you cant stop the thing enough to live long enough to enjoy it again tomorrow. Lastly,please,please,pleeeease..again!.. Dont make it with all that darn plastic on it. One of the greatest things about the vmax is the fact that it is not at all the look of a crotch rocket. It was meant to be different but still just as fast, yes it was heavier, but at least you didnt have to break your back leaning forward surounded by thin brittle plastic fairings to keep from flying off the thing or stop riding after about 45 minutes cause you could no longer feel your hands cause they went to sleep from leaning on them.It has substance for good purpose. It dont have to weigh less than 300 lbs to get the power and speed you need.The vmax has been a favorite of many for all these years for a reason! It wasnt cookie cutter! It was a one of a kind, thats why it is still cool 21 yrs later. so if you want it to last another 21 yrs, stay away from the plastic sportbike/space ship design. Thats the same design ideas that ruined peoples love for the automobile. when we started to make them to light weight, to little, and look like some kind of bug from outer space, thats when cars just didnt seem to apeal like they used to.Heck now days its hard to even tell the darn things apart! Dont do it to the vmax!!
WAYNE says
The old v-max is awesome but the new one is just orgasmic.
To those who put the max down buy an R1 or a blade if all you
want is handling. get real the max will always be the best looking
and most head turning bike around with all the power to back up its mean sleek looks. i love mine and you wont turn heads with plastic and a whistle.
I GOT TO HAVE THE UPGRADE !!!!!!
WAYNE G.B 12.04.06
Mad Maxx says
JFC ! That is NOT a Vmax ! That POS is some totally hideous, mutated gene spliced defintion-of-bad-idea-from-the-start frankenstein sportbike concept gone horribly awry ! ! Please KILL IT until it is DEAD DEAD DEAD ! THEN kill it’s designers.
Get this straight – The legacy of the Vmax is a muscle bike – a drag bike. It does one thing really well – accelerate in a straight line, very very quickly. For people who want to go fast in the twistys, let them buy an R1 or whatever floats their boat. For the rest of us who want pure mind bending, soul wrenching acceleration, arm socket popping, we buy a VMAX.
Here it is – motor design – fine.
Exaggerated air intake – pitiful. back to the drawing boards – it looks like the hastily scrawled signature of some ha sbeen effeminite designer celebrity wanna be.
Front end – just plain wrong from the start
Back end – what did you do – hack off the back end of a huyabusa and give it steriods ? WTF !!
Rear tire – too narrow and small
Front tire – too small
Exhaust System – just call me pencil di-k
How about a nice raggedy chain drive for the luvva pete !?
If you release that POS as a vmax, I will sell my max and buy a POS harley – or for the same ridiculous amount of money, a better bike, a Confederate Hellcat (not a bad bike).
JHC !
Ahmed J says
To add to my previous post. I think that the mufflers are more in line with the New R6. Its a factory part that is light and more in line with todays & future “sound” and “smog” laws. (if you can beat it by putting something better out now until the future laws come to past then lets hurry up.
As many people are against the look of the tail piece I say look again. Its one big plastic black mold” If you can see the seat from the fender you would not think its so big. the curves; along with the in door lights give it a more massive look than it really has note the 3rd pic from the top the tail is about the same if not smaller than the current one (anyone that has 20/20 vision may can see this. the rest of it is a seat buit up to high and the side has a wide claw like budge in it. Other than that its fine.
The scoops may look a bit odd, but as we have been demanding for years to make it funtional (and by SPY Intel “IT IS!) what’s the problem? do you want looks or function? you may cant get both so as far as I’m concern I can deal with that. To me it still says V-max
The Engine is a Work of Art. Nuff said We know the CC’s are going to be jacked up!
Now if I’m right the left side under the seat (black area) may be where the electronics are going to be kept now and on the right side, is where the Gas tank is made a little larger. Can anyone see that?
Now that only leave the forks……..Easiest of them all YAMAHA! turn them upside down….lol
James Dean Bradford says
Great concept bike and that’s cool but like most concept bikes it deviates too far from the original concept of the V-Max. The new air intakes are really sweet along with the fat back tire. The place that you lose me is in the sport bike like styling of the of the rear fender. It’s too high but I like the styling. I’m on my second V-Max, 1995 and a 2004. My Harley buddies think I should join them but I decide and the answer is no. So I hope you can blend the new with the old to make a really classic V-max with that modern twist, and if you knew me you’d know I was talking about the horsepower! Not to mention a new fresh V-Max looking motorcycle. Hope to see one soon because Third time is a charm, or so they say, but I would like to be a three V-Max owner.
Good Luck,
James Dean Bradford
Whitefish, Montana
wigman says
Lots of good suggestions. It must be kept in mind that Yamaha will produce the model that will appeal to a reasonably sized group of potential buyers for a reasonable price. Hopefully, they’ll maintain the appeal purity of the original V Max’s power, looks and reputation. If it comes out upgraded with those characteristics, I’ll buy one. Personally, I’m looking at 180HP, 500 lbs. That should do it.
Marck says
I owned three Vmaxs’ loved every single one
The new Vmax design is average, needs some more work but has potential. The following I would like to see added:
– Make sure its the fastest accelerating bike around for the next 5 years.
– 220 real wheel horse power
– 240 real wheel tire
– Stable handling at speeds over 150 mph
– USD fork
– Bigger gas tank
– Chain drive (or an extra 25 hp, but than again that would be a waste…!)
– Make sure it still looks good in 10 years
– All Black Version
– Assemble it with the best & coolest equipment available in the market from the beginning, it does not have to be a cheap bike anyone can get. Having to put after market parts will make the bike unnecessarely expensive, use quality as factory material from the beginning (cheaper that way).
Also the new one should be a cult bike and people should respect ownership.
Do this and I will buy one the minute its available…
Good Luck design team
Marck, Japan
Brandon Grover says
I’ve owned two V-Maxs, and the second an updated model is available, I’ll buy one. I hope Yamaha positions the new Max to last another 20 years, and for me the only way to arrive at that outcome is to make sure that the new Max is destinct in every way. That means it has to be the FASTEST stop light to stop light bruiser available, and it needs to maintain a very unique, tight look.
The concept pictures I’ve seen make the new max look a little too rounded. I prefer a less is more appearance and a tight, muscular profile.
And more than anything else, I just hope the new max blows everything out there off the line by a mile. Please Yamaha, give us a new V-Max that will instill absolute fear into the hearts of anyone that pulls up next to a V-Max at a stop light, no matter what they’re driving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, BG
Stu says
Looks good – retaining shaft, whilst giving it some decent wheels /tyres. Although styling a bit different it still retains the Vmax essense.
Suspect the backend will look completely different on the production, two comfortanle seats would be nice.
So we just need lots of bhp, torque and a larger fuel tank.
oh and a release date ?
Lee says
First of all, appearance; it must look MEAN like an evil robotic motorcycle from the future. I generally like what I see, but a few things need to change. The rear fender looks like it came from an oversized motorcycle for circus clowns. It needs to look MEAN! Scrap it, and go in a different direction. The two radiators look like an after thought. I’m sure Yamaha will integrate them with the bike better. The exhaust is close to being good, but needs something – perhaps to extend farther to the rear.
The seat needs to accommodate a passenger. The riding position must remain upright like the current Max. There should be no compromise here.
Acceleration needs to be the biggest concern. If I buy one, I want to know I have the fastest production bike in a straight line – like it once was. Of extreme importance, maintain and enhance that addictive power surge at 6000 RPM. Make it a struggle to hang on to the beast.
Ahmed Jackson (VMOA #783) says
First please refer to my previous post, with that said I would like to add. The radiator my need to be a two part setup. I say look at Suzuki’s Boost King and what do you have? 2 coolers. Even harley found that to keep the bike cool (especially if we bump up the CC’s then it has to look at other ways to get more air. Maybe we can copy HD and add fins that will divert more air to the radiator. That way it may stay of a single design. If not then oh well.
Remember we all cant have everything and that some compromise is needed to get the desired result of MORE HORSEPOWER!
Now back to the tail end. If you look at the tail ends of European aftermarkets. You will see that a lot are designed after the sport bike look. Except for the few that just put “shorter” tails on theres. Basically I think they can keep the current look just widen it up a bit for more butt area (both rider and passanger) and lower the riders so you sit into the bike instead of on top of. Though I do like the look of an Intergrated LED tailight setup.
I talked with Samuel L. (my brother) and he will do the intro…..LOL I wish
Ivan says
Oh my God, this bike looks awesome! Hopefully it will handle better than the old V-Max, now that frame technologies are way more advanced to allow the chassis give more feedback to powerful engines. Looks like a bad-ass streetfighter… Gee, it makes me feel in the mood for riding!
Rodrigo Specht says
Vmax is a torque machine! It is built for a single purpouse: straight line brutal acceleration. So, for this all it needs is lots of torque.
I really don’t care if new Vmax will have 180 or 300 hp of power, or even if it will get 300 km/h. I want a machine in wich I must be tied by ropes or chains at time of full throtlle!!
Please Yamaha, actualize its design!!! Make a contemporary bike… Those exausts looks really great. That black beast concept it’s very nearly the perfection. Redesign the scoops. Fat rear tires. And torque…
Joebar says
I have my V-Max now 12 years, the power is very nice. My V-Max have 165 HP and this very nice to race.
I hope the new one have more then 200HP …..
My dream is ( 2000ccm / 220 HP / 200 kilo and 200 newton) 🙂
!!!!! And more Sound ( 90 – 100 db ) legally of all Country 😉 !!!!!
Best Race
Joebar
john doe says
please include a spot for a comfortable passenger seat with back rest and a spot for mounting stylish hard bags for putting my lunch and work boots in. The engine needs more cubic centimeters at least 1600
Mike Zimm says
I own the original 1985 max and this is not even going to be compairable to the splash that bike made in 1985 when it was introduced.If this is what Yamaha is going to come out with, please do not call it a Vmax. Sorry but I had greater expectations than this, like the Vmax reproduction lazerath made.Now that is going down the right track.
Your Pal Al says
Mr. max of today and yester year has been a blast to ride.I have an 85 with a stage 7 kit , Kirker header ,competition baffle ,double sprung clutch some frame and cosmetic mods, I still love to ride this old bike.What I have liked best about riding is nailing the throttle out of a tight curve and chasing a spining rear tire to grab the next gear and float the front tire fun,fun,fun. Every one I know that has one has done modifications to increase horsepower and toqure,most have changed the seat (lower and wider)and most have done frame and fork mods for improved handling.
I cant speak for everyone ,but I would like to see USD forks,fuel injection,low wide seat and a very phat rear tire. Keep the scoops but make them very small. A 6 speed transmission would be great.Lets try to conceal those radiators a little better .Iwould like to see H.P in the 175 to 225 range,lets make it scary again.
diablo944 says
The Max has always held street credibility in droves, It’s reputation for blitzing evrything away from the lights and leaving tyres marks all the way, coupled with parking at the pub and telling people it blitzes everything away from the lights and leaves tyre marks all the way. Despite the fact that the handling used to be slated by sportsbike riders, I ride sportsbikes, butI thoroughly enjoyed riding one last year and the handling was better than expected. So for this model, what would make it right? Make it handle, make it compete with a sportsbike, not just that, give it the punch to win against a sportsbike and it will be perfect. Not just on the straights, but in the bends as well. Have the option for big fat dobbing straightline tyre/wheel combinations but also support the smaller/slimmer sportier tyres. Make it an animal but allow it to do more than just straights. The rads behind the front wheel look awful, the exhaust pipes are irrelevant as the first thing likely to follow its release will be ultaloud free flowing pipes anyway. The seat unit/tail unit is okay, but as always, it doesnt take care of the number plate and indicator requirements, so whoever said lower the rear, it wont need it, the real world will ruin that tight little ass anyway. The original V-max was a bad tempered bruiser that flew in the face of common sense when it came to the full power models. The new max should do the same, but give it something extra, the ability to do more than just be the topic of straightline conversations at the pub. Make others want it too.
buster hymenn says
wheres the vmax FRONT -NOT BACK- NOT SCOOPS -NOT SEAT -NOT
ITS REAL SIMPLE……….. FIX THE FRAME…………… INVERT THE FORKS DEMO, THE SHAFT DRIVE ………………………….UP THE HP 200+ AND THE VMAX WILL RETAIN ITS LEGENDARY RIP YOUR ARMS OFF THAT IT HAD IN THE 1980S IF IT WONT BEAT A BUSA I AINT BUYIN…………………AS FOR ALL THE TREAKIE FANS THAT LIKE IT GO BUY A CONVERTABLE BEEMER 🙁
CAN YOU SPEAK ENGLISH ??????????
todd says
It’s funny reading through all (most) of these posts. I guess the V-Max was very very fast, almost too fast when it was first introduced. Now what’s the problem? It’s not fast enough any more? Has it gotten slower over the years? Is it just considered a commuter or beginner bike now?
-todd
Steve says
If I can’t set up straight I don’t care how fast it is or how well it handles. WON’T BUY ONE!!!!!!
I rode my old style V-Max 50,000. Didn’t crash, didn’t need fancy suspension. Wanted more power. Still love it.
My check is in hand if they do it right.
Entleutner says
I have a “2005” V-Max- Boy, it looks way better than this one!
Get rid of the ugly exhaust!
Get a different headlight!
Get a different radiator system- ugly!
Have a seat for a passenger!
slip says
more fuel capacity with a filler thats accesible without removing seat. no one wants to get passed by a H.D. sportster at every gas station
Max/GUAM says
Yamaha, I’m pleased that the new V-Max will bare the unique styling of the original. Often, I hear about the original V-Max’s limitations with regards to “comfort”. Well, I own a 2004 model and know that comfort is the least of my concern when I crank the throttle. As the saying goes; “you can’t get the best of both worlds”. So stay with the intended design… torque and horspower straight down the line leaving ALL makes and models behind. With that kind of reputation rekindled… where do I sign!!!
Dangerousdana says
Does anyone know for sure if and when Yamaha is really going to release an updated/redesigned VMAX??? I have been wanting one since I rode one in 1985. Now that I am researching to buy one, I certainly need to know if there is going to be a faster one soon. I can wait another year if need be. I just called my Yamaha dealer and he said there is a big dealer show/meeting next week and after that he will have an answer.
Does anybody know what the 2007 VMAX is going to be???
eric wahlquist says
Needs straight up seated design
bobtail rear fender not sport bike style
needs seat for passenger and rear pegs
scoops a little large but if needed ok to be functional for increased hp/tq
wider rear tire
has to beat others in 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile
needs improved handling
chrome or atleast polished alum to give some shine to it
gloss paint not matte
offer color options
offer pipe options
offer seat options
handlebar/bar mount options
looks more like the triumph than the v max should
like shaft drive if it can handle the increased hp
scott says
I would like to see USD front end with a chain drive instead of shaft for us horsepower fanatics. I hope they plan on pumping some serious horsepower through the V4. If they truly plan on coming out with this Max, it needs to be capable of running 9.?? second quarters. If not, they need to go back to the drawing board. Thats just my opinion. I would like to see it kill the lliter bikes and busa’s in the quarter.
Rob C says
OK – Looks like these young designers have gone to the moon. It’s gone too sportbike – boo. Just listen to the riders and R&D to address the real issues. Don’t change what made it, what it was and still is. Just make it better. OR take off anything that relates to the old Max and call it what ever you want and retire the Vmax name and its image. Then introduce a new futurerama rocketship – sport bike. Don’t put the Vmax into that sportbike image. Power and accel – is awsome but speeding around corners that you can or can’t see… is plain stupid ect…on the track – that’s different but real life it’s a deathwish. Think about your next insurance payment. It won’t matter the year, all Vmax owners will pay bigger bucks for its new sportbike image. Allot of people are gonna die when this bike comes out…thinking it’s a going to handle like a sportbike, after all it is a Vmax isn’t it ? If not, don’t call it one ! or even remotely make it look like the real thing.
Rob C says
It’s me again, sorry but I just have to add that. I seen a Vmax about 5-7 years ago and fell in love with the look of it (I’m just over 40). I hope that this is the year I’ll finally get to buy one. This new concept bike is nothing like the 06 and prior. It’s a crotchrocket. The max sold itself since 85. Think again ! I don’t care what the price tag is – I would not buy this newwaved steriod morphous. The Vmax doesn’t require a face lift it only requires what thousands of owners have told you guys for years. If it is possible then do it, if not start from scratch and call it something else. Have a little respect. If you can’t sell it with it’s own new name then maybe you shouldn’t be going in that direction. Man I can’t believe this is bugging me so much.
James says
I have to agree with the guy that said it looks to much like they went sportbike. A big part of the thrill for me was pulling up next to a sport bike then when the light turned green leaving them with a dumb look on their face . Or pulling next to a sport bike on the hwy then downshift a gear and leaving them behind (all done with a cruiser!!!!!). But as time went on and technology progressed the vmax started to lose ground.just make it tight and wobble free(unlike mine at 122) give it a slight power boost (155 would be a good unmodified power)plus an extra gear and a diet (loose a god 75lbs to start).Make alot of aftermarket part for us gear heads.Forks ,Tire kits,seats ,bags.
After that put them to the streets and put the Busa’s and the honda RR’s in their place’s .
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
nednarb says
pretty good. perhaps head light change. but definatly change the rear fender. needs to wrap closer to the tire.
Stingray says
Let’s all remeber what made this bike, Fast, Hot Rod look, all around great cruise bike. Let some one pull up next to you at a light , and they knew not to make the move. we have plenty of croch rokets in the bike world today. hold true to what made this bike what it is today.
biker pete says
FUGLY! that about sums it up.
Steve says
I had an 85′ that I owned for 13 years, and now my brother owns it.
I also am the local V-max guru, having done countless transmissions, and carb work, along with other malfunctions that they encounter.
Let me say this, Yamaha, get your head out of your **s and stand behind the products you make. Take a lesson from Suzuki, they will stand behind what they make for years. Even if it has been modded!
I have seen them replace starters and planetary gears because of a chance of kickback, from people using timing advancers, years after warranty is up, paying for all the parts.
Your original V-max had a pure for shit transmission. You knew this as 83′ Ventures had the same second gear problems before you even made the Vmax. You continued to produce this crap transmission, for 10 model years, and you had an “updated” gear kit in your service manuals.
Why didn’t you offer assistance to the owners, and at least pay for the parts?
Last but not least, these currant models have been plagued with other issues, mostly carburation, some electrical, I sure hope you take the time to design a decent bike this time!
Overall I enjoyed mine, and my brother still enjoys it, but we are both mechanics, and without being a mechanic, I would say you shouldn’t own one.
Yamaha, you had better take lessons from Suzuki, they have so much better support, and also their bikes have been fantastic over the entire line-up!
P.S. your “fly by wire” Idea on your R-6 in time will kill people, just so you know!
Ken Rose says
I like where Yamaha is going with this. As an 8 year owner of a 98 max with 180+ ponies, I see a host of necessary upgrades. Radial tires, aluminum frame, and stronger brakes top that list, but the big plastic thing in place of the seat just looks weird. Of course fuel injection and fully adjustable suspension on both ends is a given these days and I would like to see over 200hp and 1/4 mile times in the low 9’s from a stock bike. If Yamaha plans to shock the world like they did in 85, they better go full out because thanks to Marilyn Manson and a 192hp Kawasaki my senses are getting numb.
Steve says
Take a look at Suzuki’s B-King, and learn from it. So far all you have been doing with the V-max is making a joke out of it the last few years.
Can’t you afford to clear coat the engine even? Flat black turns white over time from the UV rays.
If you make something as ugly and retarded looking as this, and put the “V-max” name on it, you ruin the name even more then when you put “V-max” on your snowmobiles!
I think your better start over and try a little harder Yamaha, this is hideous. It doesn’t even have decent forks and only a 200mm tire? This is too funny!
Greg Varela says
In Nov. ’99 I was called to a meeting with 2 Yamaha USA rep’s, 5 Yamaha(Japan) designers and engineers and 12 Vmax owners. For 4 hrs we discussed every dynamic detail of the Vmax explicitly and each of us were given as much clock time to divulge our ideas and offer very clear opinions as to what “the new Vmax” should look like and moreso, act like.
At the end of our session we were asked to sit back and close our eyes for 2 minutes while 3 artist renditions were placed on the wall. We were then asked to (without speaking) view the pictures for 5 minutes and return to our seats; we then engaged in evaluating each picture and voting for our favorite. This was 7 years ago!!
Here it is: YAMAHA AIN’T LISTENING!!! Maybe the language barrier is too much for them to handle. All 3 of the pictures were 1000 times different (better) than the new version revealed at this year’s Tokyo show.
What we voted on was the Vmax that showed the most promise! Not the most plastic. You can tell a Vmax junkie from the rest…they never shut up. They’ll almost come to fists about this friggin’ bike! They’re passionate and profoundly loyal. Which is why when I read all 110 reviews here on the new Max, I’m stunned. Are you kidding me?! Would anyone really fall for this S^#t? The canvas on this version is sooo rediculously factory. Another classic “spoonfeeding” by the factory?
The promise I saw among the 3 photo’s in our meeting in Santa Ana, Cal. were: inverted forks, chain drive, a real seat, a real set of wheels (17″) and a few other important incidentals. I remember choice “B” had many of these components and recived 9 votes!!
On a grand scale Vmaxer’s want RAW. They want METAL, they want that original Bad-ass Vmax look, but with a twist. They want it to still be king and they want the Vmax to perform better; steer better, turn better, stop better, feel better.
The old skool Euro Streetfighter freaks have modifying the Vmax totally covered, with more aftermarket products than George Bush has lies and the new breed of American Streetfighters (in my opinion) have a clear idea of what they want their current vmax to be like, and it’s not this!
If Yamaha really wants to know what the public wants in their new vmax, then why don’t they visit the public! There are 500 Vmax websites. The vmax cult is perhaps the largest Jap-bike owned cult on the planet! A click of the mouse can take one around the world and back in minutes.
I’ve been all over the US, England, Holland, Isle of Man and South America looking at custom bikes. I think if they opened their little eyes they’d see the light!
Carl F. says
Add one cylinder on front bank to make 1500cc 5cyl. At least 200h.p. Add upside-down forks. Add 6 speed tranny. Add functional scoops. Add Rocket 3 size rear tire. Then I will buy it. Otherwise I keep my 94 model.
Grant P. says
I’ve owned my ‘Max since 1997 & as Greg Varela said above, I’ve become profoundly loyal to my bike. I’ve owned other bikes, but there’s NO WAY I could see myself without a Vmax in my stable…nothing else is the same.
I agree with some of the comments pertaining to the headlight, rear fender & overall plastic look of the bike…those things need improving. I am however, damned glad to see some hints of a new ‘Max being thought of from Mother Yamaha, regardless of how this initial concept bike looks.
My simple wishes for a new ‘Max would be; 1) Nice firm frame…no more flexy-flyer corner carving, please. Body english only goes so far. 2) A firm, braced swingarm…something similar to the current ZRX1200 or assorted sportbikes. 3) Inverted forks, fully adjustable…adjustable rears too. 4) Something close to the aforementioned 200HP mark would be sweet! I want to be scared of this thing all over again…WOO-HOO!!
Thanks from Grant, owner of the AQUAMAX!!
Ray says
I have been looking at this website forever waiting to find out where I can see The New VMAX, … and waiting and waiting and waiting.
How much longer? Does anybody out there know?
brian says
I really love the look its a good bike to cruise around the island specially here in hawaii im waiting for it to come out and buy one by the way when is it coming out?
brian says
Hi its me again what i love about this design is the mean look of it like a muscle bike with the v-twin sound the front design is nice what they should do is to put a good tail on, maybe a neat looking turn signals that should do it.
Ben says
I went to a yamaha dealer last week and asked one of the salesmen if he knew what was going on with the bike or when it is coming out. He told me it’s not coming out, it was just a prototype. I hope Yamaha does make it, it’s got a huge following.
Mike says
I have a feeling that it will come out in 2007. Even if salesmen knew, they will tell you that it’s not on the horizon because that would kill anybody buying the old 2007. As long as the NEW isn’t ready, they have to sell the old model. I feel that’s the reason Yamaha is keeping it’s production down to a measured 2K/year. Hey, we all have to believe in something, and I believe in the NEW Max and that it WAS worth waiting for.
Mark says
I own a 1985 VMax. If Yamaha is really interested, this is what I want in a new Max: bigger displacement and more power (to return to those magic days of yesteryear dominance); same standard configuration in the rear, but with a larger tire; a real-world-riding seat, a reasonable passenger seat — wives don’t take kindly to being uncomfortable or (worse) left behind. don’t get carried away with futuristic designs just to appeal to a younger audience — they probably can’t afford a new VMax, anyway. keep the new motor and make it bigger with performance options. 200 ponys @ the rear wheel !!!!
EDGAR HERNANDEZ says
OK GUYS.
I DON’T MIND BEING A LITTLE BIT MORE PATIENT AS LONG AS THE NEW VMAX SETS THE STANDARD FOR THE NEXT 20 SOMETHING YEARS.
I DON’T WANT ANY ARTICLE COMPARING THE NEW VMAX TO ANY BIKE OUT THERE. (ROCKET WHAT?) THIS WILL BE SOMETHING OUT OF THIS WORLD.
(ALTHOUGH, I’M CROSSING MY FINGERS FOR 2007)
Keith Henderson says
Look mean! I know many will not agree but I would rather have room for a passanger….I need something to lean on ;-).
Grant P. says
Is it here yet?? 😀
aditya says
i would like to tel one thing to everyone YAMAHA RULES this biking world nothin beats it…………..u can trust me on this one.
666uglymick says
cash waiting give me NOW GRRAAAAAA NOW NOW NOW
Michael says
If you are introducing a new max, upgrade and make the engine more powerful. Next upgrade the suspension both front and back, and the brakes. Last of all, make the max also be able to tour comfortably. It would be really nice to tour on a cruiser like the v max. I still like the looks of the old v max. But whatever; so long you have that powerful v 4 engine.
Ron Land says
Looks very “mean” to me, I’d buy in a heartbeat. Wish they’d get away from the black wheels and short front fender. Need grille to protect the radiator. Hope rider foot rest was repositioned out of the way of your legs on traffic light stops.
Doug Schaefer says
do not build the bike if is not the stock king of 1/4 mile
Jessee says
I own a 1985 VMAX and am waiting for the next VMAX. The prototype looks a bit too much for me. If I bought one of these prototypes and parked it next to my 85, the 85 would start itself up, shift into low gear and blast a hole through the rear wall of my garage.
Yuk! Ugly does not describe what this creation from outer space looks like!
Bernard Brignonen says
If you propose this kind of design, I prefere to buy a old model.
This is tooooo much and the old one is enough but you should fixe its weaknesses : weight, stability, autonomy.
I beleive it wild be very difficult to do better than the old one because the look was close the perfection.
Ray Amissee says
Why should I wait another two years to see what Yamaha is going to do with the VMAX when I can pay $11,000 today and get a new Suzuki Busa that is way ahead of Yamaha and has already solved all of the complaints I have read about the VMAX?
Give me a break!. Is this New VMAX thing just a marketing con job and who does Yamaha think they are dealing with? Idiots?
Can you even imagine how fast the Busa will be in another two years when the new VMAX appears? Sorry Yamaha. You have blown it big time!
vmaxpatc says
hi from ireland,hope the new max has all the grunt of the old one,and about 60bph extra,dont like the lower rad,what damage will stones from front wheel do to it?hope final drioive remains a shaft as us vmax trike riders need to get the max boooost!CANT WAIT.VMAX PAT
Edgar Marques says
Design of this new Vmax proto is too cumbersome, too bulky albeit I like the exhaust silencers.
When I stop my Vmax on the street, people still stop and stare in awe, the bravest will approacm me and invariably the first question is: How big is the engine?
THe original Vmax has an amazing looks due to the sparsity of bodywork, everything is built for a purpose around that massive V4, to convey the image of raw power.
This new max is too much plastic fantastic, I say keep bodywork to bare minimum with carefully positioned billet alloy details, up side down forks (50mm would be nice) proper brakes (I’m fed up being scared on my max, the only bike I haven’t crashed yet, due to respect) massive rear wheel (200 section please?) Fuel injection but keep the Vboost, operating from start, for that poisonous V sound and at least 200BHP minimum, hey, just multiply the existing engine to V8 configuration, enlarge it to 3000cc and get 400BHP in the bargain! I don’t know how long I would stay alive but hey, it would be glory while it lasted!
The main point is, it has to look unique, bad, mad, menacing, have V8 soundtrack and wipe out all competition on ET’s.
Kopperhed says
Overall, I think it looks okay….. obviously the tailpiece is not “finished”, no reason for it to be that high if it’s not ultimately going to be padded. Personally,I think if alot of people saw my 2000 V-Max w/ all real C.F. bodywork, R1 front end, Hayabusa rear & R1 front wheels wrapped in Metz M1’s, and Works Performance Pro Piggyback shocks, sitting next to this new bike, they’d opt for the styling of mine. The Otodama motor is not pretty, so it damn well better make a LOT of power….180 to the pavement at least, that is hoping it doesn’t weigh as much as it looks like it does…..I don’t care for the clutch & gennie covers that look like they came off a vacuum cleaner….scoops are very, um, solid aluminum-looking, not lightweight at all, some C.F. parts would be nice. th Buck Rogers mufflers would hit th trash can quickly….if they make it to production, the slip-on vendors will be waiting at the dealers door, they look heavy, too. USD forks are not absolutely neccessary to be 1/4 mile king, but considering Yamaha already put UDS’s on a bike that absolutely did not need them (WARRIOR), the should throw ’em in on the new Max, or it’ll look cheap in comparison…..and by all reports, the Max will certainly cost a bit more than the Warrior. it appears new Max is wearing 18″ tires, when truly fast, good-handling bikes are wearing 17’s……… it would suck to have to stay within towing range of a Yamaha dealer for fear of not finding proper sized tire “on the rack” at local repair shops……. Now for the really bad parts….. shaft drive is BAD for handling & dragstrip starts, plus it’s heavier than chaindrive by minimum of 35-40 lbs. …. and that cast aluminum frame (ala’ Warrior) will not be repairable if it is bent or broken. All in all, if it won’t beat a ‘Busa or ZX1400 in the 1/4 (not concerned about doing 200 mph….Bonneville is only legal place to do that), it’s time to abort the launch….just touting bigger cc’s or “most HP”, then choking it in a bucket of lard, won’t do…. and it would have to cost less than a Royal Star Silverado. Otherwise, Yamaha could make big bucks if they finally started offering decent accesories for old Max…. like bolt-on 3-spoke 17″ wheels…. big bore kits….. notched swingarms….. carbon fiber body panels….bolt-on FI……
John Griffett says
New Yamaha V Max Engine Specifications
December 12, 2006
To date Yamaha has not disclosed engine details for the new V Max.
This article is my personal prediction of the new V Max. It will be interesting to see how close it is.
Reading the many emails from past V Max owners and future customers it is clear many have similar expectations.
1. Retain the emotional and visual impact of the old V Max.
2. Retain the original power curve characteristics and sound.
3. The hoped for power is at least 200 rear wheel BHP.
4. Engine size at least 1800 cc
5. Engine type to be a V4.
6. Most would like to retain the drive shaft.
7. Everyone seems to want better handling and braking.
8. Accent on ¼ mile performance rather than maximum top speed.
9. Total weight to be less than the present 631 lbs.
10. Greater range per tank full. Something like 180 to 200 miles.
11. Modern radial tires with larger modern profiles but still retain good handling.
12. Top gear to be a true Over Drive for low engine speeds at cruise.
It only remains to be seen if Yamaha is actually willing to manufacture a motorcycle for the general public with 200 rear wheel HP.
From a manufacturers point of view the V Max market is rather limited. The trend of manufacturers today is in developing motorcycle platforms that can be used in several markets. Good examples of this trend are Harley Davidson, Ducati, BMW and Triumph. With only changes in tuning, suspension and accessories they can create new models based on one platform that would appeal to a much broader market. The cost of engine/frame development is high. To justify the expense the manufacturer must sell in volume.
Can Yamaha can create a motorcycle platform with a V4 1800 to 2000 cc engine with good handling, braking and keep the total wet weight under 625 lbs.? If they can then they would have a great platform for other markets.
With the addition of a fairing it could compete successfully against the Suzuki Hayabusa, BMW, Kawasaki Z14 and new Contour.
Of course the biggest competitor of large V type engines is Harley Davidson. The V Max V4 engine already is a V engine with a distinctive sound. In its present format, or setup as a cruiser, it would be a very serious challenge to Harley Davidson. Harley Davidson motorcycles command a premium price. A V4 with 200 HP at the rear wheel could seriously challenge the very large and profitable Harley Davidson market.
Harley Davidson air cooled engines produce only 65 to 90 RWBHP and weight from 580 to 830 lbs.
Based on pictures of a proto-type we can see the following basic engine layout.
1. The engine is a V4.
2. Shaft Drive
3. Water cooled (The larger total radiator surface area suggests a significant increase in HP.)
Original V Max Engine Specifications:
Bore = 76 mm = 2.99 inch
Stroke = 66 mm = 2.60 inch
Displacement = 1198 cc = 72 CID
Bore to stroke ratio = 1.15 : 1
Total Piston area = 28 square inches
Compression Ratio = 10.5 : 1
Max rear wheel HP = 116.5 @ 8500 RPM
Piston Speed @ 8500 RPM = 3680 ft/min
Engine power efficiency “X†factor calculation (state of tune):
(piston speed ft/min) (total piston area inches) ( X ) = 116 RWBHP
“X†= 0.0011257
Other modern motorcycle engines compared:
Kawasaki ZX-14
Bore = 84 mm = 3.30 inches
Stroke = 61 mm = 2.40 inches
Displacement = 1352 cc = 74 CID
Bore to stroke ratio = 1.377 : 1
Total piston area = 34.19 square inch
Compression ratio = 12.5 : 1
Max rear wheel HP = 175 @ 9500 RPM
Piston speed @ 9500 RPM = 3800 ft/min
Engine power efficiency “X†factor calculation (state of tune):
(piston speed ft/min) (total piston area inches) ( X ) = 175 RWBHP
“X†= 0.0013467
BMW R1200S
Bore = 100.8 mm = 3.97 inch
Stroke = 72.9 mm = 2.87 inch
Displacement = 1170 cc = 71.4 CID
Bore to stroke ratio = 1.383 : 1
Total piston area = 24.74 square inch
Compression ratio = 12.5 : 1
Max rear wheel HP = 110.5 @ 7525 RPM
Piston speed @ 7525 RPM = 3599 ft/min
Engine power efficiency “X†factor calculation (state of tune):
(piston speed ft/min) (total piston area inches) ( X ) = 110 RWBHP
“X†= 0.0012354
Modern Engine Summary:
Piston speed = 3600 to 3800 ft/min
Bore to stroke ratio = 1.377 : 1 & 1.383 : 1
Compression ratio 12.5 – 1
“X†factor = 0.0012354 & 0.0013467 (“X†factors or state of efficiency/tune are within 8.3% of each other)
Summary based on the above modern motorcycle engine designs for over 1 liter non-race high performance motorcycles.
New V Max Engine Summary:
To achieve 200 RWBHP in a new 1800 cc V Max engine the piston speed and stroke will not greatly change from the original. The bore and compression ratio must increase. Engine state of tune/efficiency (X) must increase by 13% over the original V Max. To pass emission standards a converter will probably be required. To keep the converter happy fuel injection and O2 sensors will be used.
Increasing the X factor by 13% may be a challenge.
With compression ratios over 12:1 an anti-knock sensor will probably be required.
Piston Speed 3700 ft/min
Bore to stroke ratio = 1.38 : 1
Compression ratio = 12.5 : 1
“X†factor = 0.001291
Total Piston Area = 42 square inch
Bore = 3.66 inch = 93 mm
Stroke = 2.64 inch = 67 mm
Total Displacement = 111 CID = 1818 cc V4
200 Rear wheel HP @ 8400 RPM
Transmission = 5 or 6 speed with maximum speed in second from top gear. Top gear is to be a true Over Drive.
Actual maximum speed = 160 MPH @ 8400 RPM in second from top gear.
Theoretical maximum speed in top OD gear = 200 MPH
RPM @ 60 MPH in OD = 2520 RPM
RPM @ 60 MPH in second from top gear = 3150 RPM
2000 RPM in OD = 48 MPH
2000 RPM in second from top gear = 38 MPH
The projected power to weight ratio with a 200 lb rider and a motorcycle wet weight of 625 lbs is 4.125 lbs per HP.
The old V Max power to weight ratio with the same rider is 7.46 lbs per HP.
The new Kawasaki ZX14 with the same rider has a power to weight ratio of 4.36 lbs per HP.
If one of the focuses of the New V Max is ¼ mile times then weight control becomes very critical. There just is not a lot of power to weight ratio difference between the ZX14 and a new V Max at 625 lbs and 200 HP. It will be interesting to see just how Yamaha solves the problem. Loosing 50 lbs would probably be better than gaining another 12 HP. When it comes to weight and maximum HP, very few people will ever use the full power potential but the bike will always weigh the same.
Weight control becomes even more difficult if the range per tank is to be 180 to 200 miles. Tank capacity would have to more than double. That is a lot of weight to carry in the traditional on top of the engine position. Placing the tank under the seat will lower the center of gravity. A good deal of the space occupied by the tank above the engine can now be used by a large air filter box that will be required by the engine.
If Yamaha was able to achieve a wet weight of 575 lbs the power to weight ratio at 200 RWHP with a 200 lb rider would be 3.875 lbs per HP. This would clearly put it in a power class by itself. It would truly be a V MAX. Even in OD acceleration from 60 to 80 MPH should be outstanding. Acceleration in OD from 60 to 80 MPH could be under 2.7 seconds.
ZX14 already weights 75 lbs less than the old V Max.
Francis James says
As a perspective UK buyer, I love the bike but would want a re-design of the tail piece, ( VERY OTT ! ) and one efficient radiator instead of the lower add on unit shown.
Important factors for me are as follows:
1800cc/2000cc engine.
180/200bhp.
Great engine sound to suit.
Looks.
Better handling than last model..
Love my XJR1300SP, but would exchange for this one.
Best of luck Yamaha.
Big guns Dave says
The old max was a “tank” and handled like one too !!! It was a blast in the Q-mile,,,, you need to focus on less weight,,, more power,,, up dated brakes and suspention,,, BUT MOST OF ALL,,, you need to keep the YAMAHA name on TOP !!!!!! and blow away all the other crap being sold .
J A G says
Displacement and the New V Max
One common belief is that larger displacement engines are more powerful.
Many times have we heard, “there is no substitute for cubic inchesâ€.
Maybe when it comes to engine size and potential horse power the first consideration should not be displacement. Maybe the first considerations should be:
• Total piston area
• Piston speed at maximum HP
• State of tune
• Weight
The new V Max is not about track racing.
The V Max market is different. The customer who buys a V Max will not race it on the track. It is a street machine used on the public roads by non-racers. Their needs are different than a racer. They want a machine with the right visual, sound and emotional impact. They want the bike’s performance focused on acceleration and handling on the street not the track. They want a motorcycle they can live with for an extended period of time. A bike that is flexible and comfortable enough for day trips. They don’t want a crotch rocket.
A V engine does look impressive from the side. Both cylinders are completely exposed and fill much of the frame. Even the angle of the cylinders gives a positive visual impression of strength and power. That angle also creates the distinctive off beat exhaust sound and vibration.
Do motorcyclists really want an engine as smooth and quiet as an electric motor?
Suppose a Harley Davidson engineer developed an efficient 120 HP five inch square power plant for a motorcycle. It was so powerful that a transmission wasn’t even required. It was as smooth and quiet as an electric motor and ran so clean it didn’t even have an exhaust pipe.
How many do you think they would sell?
In the case of the new Yamaha V Max, if the goal is 200 RWHP, we need at least 40 square inches of total piston area with a piston speed of 3700 ft/min at maximum HP.
From the earliest days to even today we equate power with displacement.
This is so engrained in us that even our racing classes are heavily based on engine displacement.
Why is that so?
In my case I assumed that a larger displacement engine must make more power because it sucks in more fuel mixture per revolution. It certainly seems reasonable and to be honest bigger engines often do make more horse power. I mean a 427 CID Chevy makes a lot more horse power than a 65 VW.
If a big displacement engine didn’t make the expected horse power then it was assumed it was because of a low state of tune. Every car buff in the world knows that significant gains in horse power can achieved from basic car engines. The gains seem only limited by your pocket book.
NOTE: I learned later that engines don’t suck. The air entering the engine is actually pushed in by atmospheric pressure.
It was only when I became involved with motorcycles and the large horse power discrepancies of similar displacements that questions started to arise.
• How were these large gains in power achieved? It obviously involved a lot more than a good tune-up.
• Why did these modifications increase power?
There are only four basic ways to significantly increase maximum horse power.
1. Increase total piston area.
2. Increase combustion pressure.
3. Increase RPM.
4. Decrease parasitic losses.
In the end an engine cylinder is the same as any other pneumatic cylinder. The amount of linear force generated is dependent on the top area of the piston and the pressure exposed to it.
In hydraulics or pneumatics the volume or displacement of the cylinder is not a factor when calculating the force of the rod. Only the effective area of the piston and the pressure acting against it is considered.
Increasing only the stroke often results in little or no maximum HP gain as long as the combustion pressure and maximum piston speed does not change. To increase maximum horse power by increasing stoke the combustion pressure must improve.
Increasing the stroke without changing the compression ratio or cumbustion chamber will not increase the combustion pressure.
If only the stroke is increased the torque will increase but only because the longer connecting rod’s big end center is farther away from the center of the crankshaft. With no change in the piston speed at maximum HP the maximum HP RPM will drop. The net result is no change in actual maximum HP.
The engine will make more torque but at a lower maximum RPM.
Before 1910 many motorcycles didn’t have a clutch or multi-speed transmissions. Compression ratios were low, RPM was low and maximum HP was low. They needed an engine with lots of torque at very low RPM. As a result the strokes were very long in relation to the bore diameter. The long stroke gave them the mechanical advantage they needed to compensate for low combustion pressures.
To achieve an acceptable rate of acceleration total weights had to be kept low.
A long stroke resulted in a long piston rod. The longer the piston rod is the greater the mechanical advantage will be.
The purpose of the connecting rod during the power stroke is to change the linear force of the piston to a turning force at the crankshaft. The greater the distance from the center of the crankshaft to the center of the connecting rod’s big end, the greater the mechanical advantage. The distance from the centers of the crankshaft and the connecting rod’s big end rod is determined by the length of the stroke. The longer the stroke is the greater the mechanical advantage.
Engine stroke has four purposes.
1. Create a negative pressure during the intake stroke.
2. Compress the air fuel mixture during the compression stroke.
3. Transmit the force of the piston to the crankshaft during the power stroke.
4. Exit the burnt gasses during the exhaust stroke.
The length of the rod increases as the stroke increases. A long rod weights more than a short one. As RPM increases so does the acceleration and deceleration loads at end of stroke. It is these loads, the strength of the rod and linear forces of the piston acting on the rod that limit piston speed. The goal of the engineer is to design a rod that is light and strong as possible with an acceptable cost and service life.
For many years the maximum safe piston speed for non-racing applications has been 4000 ft/min.
This rule still applies on many of today’s non-racing liter plus motorcycle engines. Piston speeds at maximum HP are surprisingly close to each other in the examples below.
• The piston speed of the original V Max at the maximum HP is 3680 ft/min.
• The piston speed of the Kawasaki ZX14 at maximum HP is 3800 ft/min.
• The piston speed of the BMW R1200S at maximum HP is 3599 ft/min.
• The piston speed of the HD FXDBI Street Bob 1,450 cc at maximum HP is 3733 ft/min.
Could the accepted reliable maximum piston speed at maximum HP for liter plus non-racing motorcycle engines to be from 3600 to 3800 ft/min?
I suspect piston speed at maximum HP to be one of the major engineering considerations when determining HP goals? It also appears these four manufacturers came to similar conclusions.
Engine State of Tune “Xâ€:
Kawasaki ZX-14
Total piston area = 34.19 square inch
Max rear wheel HP = 175 @ 9500 RPM
5.12 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 9500 RPM @ 3800 ft/min.
4.85 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 3600 ft/min.
“X†= 0.0013472
BMW R1200S
Total piston area = 24.74 square inch
Max rear wheel HP = 110.5 @ 7525 RPM
4.46 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 7525 RPM @ 3599 ft/min.
“X†= 0.001241
Original V Max Engine Specifications:
Total Piston area = 28 square inches
Max rear wheel HP = 116.5 @ 8500 RPM
4.16 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 8500 RPM @ 3680 ft/min.
4.07 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 3600 ft/min.
“X†= 0.0011309
HD FXDBI Street Bob 1,450 cc
Total Piston area = 22 square inches
Max rear wheel HP = 65.8 @ 5600 RPM
2.99 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 5600 RPM @ 3733 ft/min.
2.88 Max RWHP per square inch of piston area @ 3600 ft/min.
“X†= 0.00080
Conclusion:
Why the large HP differences per square inch of piston area? The new ZX-14 really stands out and the HD comes in at a distant fourth.
The differences come down to each engine’s state of tune.
We can separate “state of tune†from piston speed and piston area using the formula below:
X = state of tune
Example: Original V Max
Engine power efficiency “X†factor calculation (state of tune):
(piston speed 3600ft/min) (28 total piston area inches) ( X ) = 114 RWBHP @ 3600 ft/min)
“X†= 0.0011309
Summary:
The greater the “X†factor is, the higher the engine’s state of tune.
It would appear the ZX-14 already is in a high state of tune while the HD is in a much lower state of tune.
In the case of the HD engine’s low state of tune, lower combustion pressure is the suspected culprit. To increase combustion pressures the volumetric efficiency and compression ratio must increase. Less restrictive exhaust and intake systems would help with the volumetric efficiency while higher compression pistons would increase the compression ratio.
All these are common aftermarket modifications.
In the case of the old V Max, the state of tune is much better than the HD but not as good as the BMW or ZX-14. The higher compression and 4 valve heads probably help a lot. Like the HD engine the goal is increased combustion pressures.
The different on/off power characteristics of the V Boost feature suggests there is potential for volumetric efficiency improvement in the intake and exhaust systems. Yamaha has made great improvements over the last 20 years in these areas. We hope Yamaha uses some of these newer technologies in the replacement V Max.
Today compression ratios above 12 :1 are not uncommon. Knock sensors, oxygen sensors, fuel injection and electronics have allowed much better fuel and ignition control. Twenty years ago 10.5 :1 compression ratios were considered the leading edge.
We would hope that the new V Max’s state of tune would be comparable to the ZX-14 or BMW R1200S.
Comments welcomed.
vmax aviator says
I’m on my second vmax but would not accept this design as my third. I would much prefer the B-King.
Ken Rose says
I read about Yamaha having something like variable valve timing and variable intake stacks on the new R1. I wonder if they will use something like this on the Vmax.
Mr. Griffett has alot of free time. Not that it doesn’t make interesting reading. How do you know all that stuff John? What are you a scientist?
Alot of comments since my last one in June ’06. I agree with the comment about the warrior not needing usd forks. I’ve seen alot of cruisers with inverted forks lately. I also like the Idea of a 400 hp V8 Vmax. If the Yamaha gods are listening…Make it too much. Over do it. We want to be afraid. I’ll sign a waiver just give me horse power.
Ken
Ken
jeff says
This is not a cruiser – drag bike looking motorcycle. Do not steer to far from the original. We do not want the croutch rocket look.
Ken Rose says
I have a question for John Griffett.
How much horsepower would we need at the crankshaft to achieve the magical 200 horses at the rear wheel?
J A G says
Mr. Rose,
Thank you for responding to my email.
Your question regarding crankshaft horse power is an interesting one.
In the old days we use to say engines have three horse power ratings.
Advertised horse power
Crankshaft horse power
Brake horse power
From my point of view the only accurate meaningful measurement of a vehicle’s power is the actual measured horse power at the rear wheel.
All my figures are based on rear wheel horse power.
I am going to date myself but I can remember measuring rear wheel horse power on GM 283 V8 2 barrel engines and getting only about 125 HP.
I can recall converting big heavy old 318 V8 taxi’s to dual fuel natural gas and getting only 70 rear wheel horse power on natural gas after the conversion. The drivers often complained the darn things seemed to have some problems going up hills. LOL
Now we have 61 cubic inch naturally aspirated motorcycles weighing less than 450 lbs that get over 150 rear wheel horse! So much for the statement there’s no substitute for cubic inches.
To answer your question accurately is difficult. At best it would be an approximation. A big factor would be the type of final dive used. Will it be a chain or drive-shaft? A chain would be more efficient. Transmission helical gears are quieter but they are not as efficient as straight cut spur gears. I would estimate losses from 8 to 12% through the drive line including the rear drive.
Maybe someone else can give a more accurate figure.
To achieve the 200 rear wheel horse power goal we would need the following.
At an 8% loss we would need 217 crankshaft BHP.
At a 12% loss we would need 227 crankshaft BHP.
I personally like the look and low maintenance of a driveshaft but from a design point of view a chain has lots of advantages. It’s lighter, simpler, cheaper, and more efficient and has fewer potential torque reaction handling problems. Changing the final drive gear ratio is much easier.
Your suggestion of a V8 engine might be asking too much. I am assuming the engine would the same transverse across the fame setup. The angle of the cylinders would be at 90 degrees for good primary balance. The appearance of the engine from the side view would be quite different.
As long as we are dreaming, what about a V6?
The angle of the cylinders would be 60 degrees. It’s a very compact design with a short rigid crankshaft. It would be very smooth. That angle is not too different from the present engine. You would not need 1800 cc to get 200 RWHP.
Regards,
JAG
joe says
It’s too goofy and bulbous looking. Cosmetically it NEEDS to look like the king of muscle. The scoops are downright comical. This reminds me of the way europeans style their max’s with too many aftermarket parts. Yamaha needs to check out UFO cycles or Dale Walker to see what american muscle is about. Americans have a very different idea of styling. I’ve had two max’s and would not buy this one. They are missing the mark entirely. Functionally the max has always needed to be lighter. This would be a better solution to going after the mythical 200 hp. A stiffer frame is also a must as is fuel injection. I would put more emphasis on torque than hp if beating revvy fours is your game. (street races never go the distance). A much stronger clutch will also be needed for good launches. It’s a good starting point, but the designers need to look to the styling of the past, as well as the technology of the future.
Gruff says
Does anyone have any updated info on this bike? it seems to have gone all quiet…
My reaction to the concept bike is as follows:
1: the design doesn’twork as a whole, it seems to be a collection of ideas and reactions / developments of the original vmax styling cues. It doesn’t work as a whole.
2: the scoops need to be redesigned. I agree with Joe that they look comical.
3: it needs a cleaner more aggressive look. It’s in danger of starting to look like a boss hoss… ’nuff said.
4: straight bars, no risers please.
5: widest possible rear tire
6: clean simple minimalist headlights. try a pair of baked bean can sized halogen lamps, cut from stainless steel, sharp edges, no fuss.
7: modernise the engine. It’s still looking like a mill from the 70s…
I currently own a black vmax, along with a couple of ducatis and a honda. In terms of character, the vmax still gives me the most riding pleasure and demands the most respect. looking forward to the new bike being unveiled…..
Thanks
Gruff
redhawk harper says
I like the looks almost the way it is. If the scoops are functional they are ok. Any tire over 200 will not handle worth a crap. I am not sure abaout the rear fender but it does give it a certain Darth Vader look. I think if it gets 50 to 60 more horses at the rear whl and maybe a diet it will do just fine.
A.J. says
It’s about time ! A few suggestions …
Invert the front forks.
The radiator combo looks a bit unrefined.
This big engine needs fuel. How about 6 gallons? The scoops are great, but I would sacrifice them for a big fat power cruiser tank and extra range.
Eliminate the design constraints that limit “back-end” style customization by the owner:
The shaft drive restricted rear-wheel customizing and upgrade possibilities.
The tank-below-seat is okay but please ensure it does not limit saddle options like it’s older brother.
I would like to see the following factory options (back of the bike only, I’m hook on the look forward of the seat):
Mono-shock, though I think you’ve done a great job with the proposed pair..
Belt drive & chain drive.
Single seat w/ low rear fender bobbler look (think Confederate Hellcat).
Power cruiser rear fender (think Victory Hammer S).
High rear fender sport look (as proposed by Yamaha).
If you design it so I can swap rear-of-bike components/looks in my garage I’ll buy every option for the bike Yamaha offers!
Moto Boy says
The new looks spook me, but if I saw one, I would probably buy it.
Make the engine put out over 250 horses at the rear. Keep the shaft drive, reduce the weight by 150 pounds, and tell all the buyers to point and shoot.
Man! I would be thrilled to ride one of these bikes.
Raju says
awesome
MikeC says
The bike looks sporty not cruiser like. Improve the handling and increase the gas capacity. What a great tourer it would make with all that power. Of course increase the engine size and horsepower but don’t get crazy about it. The v max now is comfortable and has more then enough power to satisfy anyone out there. Can you increase horsepower and keep the same displacement? Just a thought. Keep it cruiser though.
David Parkin says
Do you guys really like this thing? Really? This bike looks like it could be a stunt double for a pile of dog poop. Smeared plastic from front to end. Yeah Yamaha, your sure the trend setter. God knows that there not enough of that nowdays. Why does the future have to look so stupid anyways? I’m not going to buy this bike, but Yamaha, please don’t call it a vmax!! Call it “Harvard art student with autism”. What do you guys think made the vmax an icon? I’ll tell you, because I could hear crickets in the background. It’s becuase the vmax wasn’t a posser. You got what you saw. It is a machine for the old school diehard, where did all the quality go people. Let the vmax die in peace. I know it did have it’s downfalls, but that was all part of the package. If Yamaha wants a bike just like all the other bikes, please, go ahead and do it. DON’T CALL IT A VMAX!!! If you want to see the new vmax die like all the other 15 minutes of fame culture we live in now, your on the right track. Where have all the men gone?
Tnickelz says
*The Max,was designed with one very important aspect in mind.. “point & shoot”….. It’s design was influenced by the “muscle-car” era…. and it held it’s uniqueness all thru out it’s time… *It did what it was designed to do,and it did it very,very well… *It may have lost it’s edge,some time ago,but.. it never lost the visual impact it held… take away that impact,and you have just another “run-of-the-mill”.. fast motorcycle.. *I’ll keep my “old” one,anyday..and upgrade it to still retain the look……. Know of any other bike,that has kept the visual appeal for that amount of time..?? *Lose the visual look of the Max,and you lose one of the most important things the Max had going for it… AND one of the reasons alot of people bought it..!! *This “new” max… surely will not EVER hold the same interest of the “old” Max… IF people want a “sport-bike” look.. than surely,they will have better options than a “sport-bikey” looking Max,now won’t they..?? *I find words to describe the new one,”butt-%#*&’N ugly..!!!
Doug Mitchell says
To Yamaha / Star Line
I like the look, but it looks like suzuki’s King Busa stole the look(with out scoops). The scoops look like the euro after market casted. I know this is
a concept bike thats incomplete and not final.
I think the Max should stay in the cruiser class. I have a 85″ Max with many mods and wish the over all handling was much better(MAIN COMPLAINT). If it handles, straight line is no problem. If its 2 rear shocks move them up the swing arm & giveus some adjustablity. USD forks yes. 17″ wheels yes. 18″ front OK. Beefed up alum frame and swing arm yes. Leave extra room in the swing arm for the fat tire freaks. Functioning ram air scoops yes. Or redo a Warrior frame to fit all the max’s parts and give it some ground clearence. But fill in that large gap between tank and forks it ruins the look. Also forget about passenger comfort, Max’s are best ridden solo.
Ralph van der Weide says
So,…..Yamaha design team, how about some thoughts from you guys?
Does this list of suggestions going to make any difference in the way you alter the design?
Or are we just waistin air, because I’ve read some brilliant ideas here, am just wondering.
Is it to much asked, if you guys can give us little update?
earth callin Yamaha…………………..
James Anderson says
I love it, hope it goes over 175 hp, there will be some angry ‘busa owners out there when this one get out, and by the way those “Vrod” guys can forget it,THEY ALREADY GET SPANKED AT THE STOPLIGHT!, by my 90MAX. Jim
Tony Caplant says
Good god, that’s the nicest bike i’ve ever seen!!
Hamed says
nice but it seems a bat !
black and big !
WoolyusMaximus says
I think the look says,”I can handle a road course TOO!” That would be my selling point… I’ve owned an 89′ Max and I have owned a 94′ ZX11 Loved them both! this looks like it could be…. “BOTH”
Daniel Ramon Lopez says
I am writing from Spain, when we will have the new vmax, I am waiting for a long time, I want to ride this musclemoto,, When we can order it. I have sell my harley vrood vrsca thinking that this summer I can buy the ney yamaha, please email me sayin how many time we have to wait
ZephyrChick says
Wow. Almost demands latex catsuit gear.
Ahmed says
Ok it has been a while since I posted, so after viewing all post let me restate and add a few things.
Question to all:
Given the visual appeal along with the known strong points of the current V-max (85-07) in percentages how would you rank it in the following categories?
Also include your 3 strong points given each rating:
After I list the categories I will give my example and rating
Visual appeal – and what are your 3 strong points concerning each rating
Power/Performance
Reliability
Cost (cost for bike and maintenance)
Factor X
OK here’s mine
Visual Appeal 35% – Engine, Scoops, Stance (height, wheel base etc) Just the drag look
Power/Performance 35% – 30 percent of that goes to the power of the engine, only 5% goes to performance because it was designed to mainly go in a straight line so its lacking in that respect.
Reliability 15% – I have had no major issues, problem free motor and shaft. I’m sure if I had a change I would exchange a little more reliability for performance.
Cost 10% – Again only since it’s know for be a solid bike, the maintenance cost is not that big a factor, but it would be if compared to the 80’s price it’s now $25K (Harley not included)
Factor-X 5% To me the X-factor is the cool factor, the attention getting, v-boost, thrill from riding etc.
Pato says
WWWOOOWWW!!! Quiero una para mi… y otras para mis 87 amigos, las pago cash! cash! y las quiero A-HORA!!! (como Moria Casán). Que buena moto por Dios… sabé las minusa cruza con gatúbelas que me levanto con este misil engomadoooo vieja japonesa!!! Los felicito por hacer una moto de la reputisima madre que lo rrecontra re mil doscientos parió hijos de miles de putas inocentes…
Max/GUAM says
It’s been a year since my last ‘says’. Look guys and gals too, let’s not get too exited about that ‘prototype’, besides, it’s just that. Whether you’re for or against sport/cruiser, chain/shaft drive, soft/hard seat(s) I think yamaha pretty much knows what we(the majority) want most out of our favored vmax… one that smokes-em all, I mean ALL other production bikes, just like the vmax’s earlier days—– rememer? Let’s wait till the official new 2008 model Star Vmax is revealed, then we’ll see if Yamaha’s been serious about our input. Until then… don’t critcize the quisine till it’s served. Note: Prototype does’nt look like a Harley… what a relief!!!
Sharkbate says
I soooooooooooooooo want this! I’m salivating just looking @ it. I’ve owned nothing but sportbikes in the past/present & when I first seen pics of this machine, I sold one of my R1’s in anticpation to throw down my deposit when Yamaha does come out with some sort of news. I can see it now, Ohlins up front and rear…………….ok the road racer in me is already carving up some roads on this bad ass machine. We all know that this bike will sell regardless if it does/doesn’t mimic the prototype. Watch out mountains………….here comes Monster Max!!
Jens says
Does anyone know when the final version of the new Vmax will be shown. Is it at Tokyo in oktober? I’m realy looking forward to get my hands on one.
Jerry says
Just tweak the engine to modern specs, fuel injection, real air scoops, up grade frame, use some carbon fiber and radials. It doesn’t need much more power. Keep it simple. JUST MAKE THE DAMN THING, YOUR KILLIN
US OUT HERE. We will all be to old to ride before the guys in corporate figure out there losing money. Please please…. please make it.
Jerry says
I hope it comes with a dark faceshield .
CALITO says
ALGUIEN TIENE IDEA DE CUANTO PODRA COSTAR ESTA NUEVA V-MAX NUEVA??
Bob Aranda says
When are these buttheads at Yamaha actually going to release this monster? My 87 Vmax is tired and beat up and needs a high tech replacement. I’ve already snapped the shaft due to the grip of the 250 rear tire. I’m actually considering the B-King or BMW K1200R. Come on Yamaha…….wake up!
Mike D says
Your Demo looks like a croch rocket. I could buy one today, that would scare the hell out of me because they make a hell of all lot more power, than the vmax today.I am old school, we want a muscle bike that what the vmax is. You know this, because poeple are still buying the vmax today. I dont want to slump over a gas tank. I want a bike that I can sit upwards straight and be proud what Im riding.Just like driving a 1923T with a 426 Hemi with a 8-71 blower on top, Now that Is power and people would stop what they where doing and look at the toughness it presents. and no one would think of racing you, Now that power. I have a wife, she likes to ride also. Keep the bike the way it is, but add a lot wider tire in back. and a lot more power, like 175 to 200HP. or even a tubo or a blower now that will send a statement.
J.J. says
Whats with all these fast-as-hell bikes with no wind protection? I just bought a 07 Z1000 and when I go over 100 mph, its hard to hang-on! It has about 130 hp, so I can’t imagine 180+hp with the new V-max and B-king. You’ll have to duck-tape your hands to the handlebars to stay on the thing! -BE SAFE!_
Mike2004 says
Many great comments posted here… I currently own a 2004 and thought I’d add my Top Ten list for the new Vmax to the mix:
#10. 17″ radials
#9. Longer range (i.e. larger fuel tank)
#8. 6th gear overdrive for cruising
#7. USD forks
#6. Fat rear tire (200+)
#5. Functional scoops
#4. EFI
#3. Safety mods (i.e. improved lighting all around, louder horn, stiffer frame, etc.)
#2. Looks (old school musclebike like the original)
&
*#1. Undisputed 1/4 mile KING (a better hp/wt ratio… if this takes 200+hp, 200Nm torque, 575lbs wet then so be it!)
*Note: as long as #1 is satisfied I can live without the others!
joseph moes says
i have a yamaha warrior, that looks as good as this redo, a think they can do better than this, and much lichter than this, and what about all the junk plastic we do not need all that,a killer frame, and a killer motor, high tech stuff, 240 or 250 tire, good suspension stuff, you know what i mean, by the way i slide my knees on my warrior, and i am 64 years old, im not done yet.
jomo
Wes says
Poster #46 Dave Lam . Im with you guy. You hit it dead on.. It needs to be retro but the upgrades added. For now i just stick to my 85 max and my 79″ turbo cbx. At least they are doing somthing with the max!!
OTTO MANN says
THE ONLY JAP BIKE . I HAVE EVER HAD ANY RESPECT FOR. AND NEW STYING I LOVE,” GOOD LUCK”
JOHN says
dear mr yamaha,
I ONLY HAVE TO SAY ONE THING ! DONT CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BIKE !! I HAVE READ ALL THE COMMENTS AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID IT JUST NEEDS A REGULAR BORING HEADLIGHT !! I THINK THE WAY YOU HAVE IT COVERED UP GIVES IT A REALLY MEAN LOOK TO IT ! DO NOT CHANGE THE HEADLIGHT COVER PLEASE ! I LOVE IT ! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE BIKE AND I WOULD BUY ONE IF YOU GUYS WOULD JUST BUILD THE DAMN THING ! IF THERE WAS ANYTHING I COULD SAY I DONT LIKE ABOUT IT, IT WOULD BE, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RIDE A HOT CHICK ON THE BACK OF IT ? THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A PLACE TO SIT ON THE BACK OF IT FOR THE BABES YOU WANT TO PICK UP ON THIS MEAN MACHINE !!
carl says
this is one baddass looking bike ! but how am i supposed to ride anybody on it with me ? something this nice really needs to have room for 2 people to enjoy it !
Raymond Hatten says
I have a 1996,if this bike comes out just like the picture I WILL BUY IY!!!!!
Chip Adams says
Ok Yamaha, one thing every single one of us on here agrees with is regain the 1/4 mile king title!!! The rest is small stuff, you can’t please everyone… Personally, change the rear end, I want a seat so I can take wife for a ride and scare her. Keep shaft drive, hide extra radiator or just make one big one, and make scoops functional! Make as light as possible, yet make it pleasant and functional to ride, while maintaining the the status of “MEAN, FAST, HELL AND BACK MUSCLE CAR BAD ASS LOOK”…
Frank says
First of all will this Space Age looking beast ever be available for the Australian market?
As yamaha stoped importing the V Max to Australia since 1998. Why ? Who knows ?
When I see the photos of this prototype,on one hand I tend to dribble from the mouth, on the other hand I feel like I am being teased as I dont think this proto type will ever hit the Australian shores. All in all I like the bike, are there any free bee’s ? If so I’ll have on thanks !
christian - vmaxer says
VMAX STILL THE LEGENDS CONTINUES…
no bikes like it…
more over than 20 years, no changes, no differences, no one beat it…
still the same tech, same style…
great expectation, great acceleration, great performance, nothin like it…
Elwood Jackson says
first and foremost it must have the guts to kill all other bikes as the original did back in the day.if it dont i wont buy it!its all about respect for the v max. even Harley riders respect the max! as far as the looks go dont round so much but go more linear wedge stealthy look.looks are superficial its whats in the heart that really counts
kerri says
Got tired of waiting for the new MAX to come off line So I bought a new 2008 Suzuki M109R(Candy Max Orange)I guess Yamaha are going about it slowly,so as to get it right first time.(Again).I suppose it,s a waiting game now,but for all those die hard Yamaha owners out there,it will be worth the wait.Kerri.
peter w says
I think the new looks fantastic, Im a big guy , I hope the frame is larger than the older version,If i had to be very judgmental the seat is not quite right ? But I still would buy this bike tomorrow.
Mr. Joe Dutra-AKA Speedfreak says
I am glad to see that the VMAX will make its return to the power bike forum.
I find the new design very appealing!
My hope is that the bike will find its way to the #1 position of King! the top horse-power and not by 2 or 3 H.P. but… a statement that will make the other bike companies quiver!! and the seat of our pants. I want to feel proud that I have the baddest bike on the planet under my azz! 🙂
The V-Boost is a must! a minumim of a 240 rubber or bigger would be nice or the option to have one! I would like a 330 myself 🙂 This bike needs to make a statement and mean it! anything less is a waist of time, and $$$ to build.
I want to pay for a bike that will put fear in those that look at it knowing they do not dare even challenge to pull along side, unless to take a closer look.
I have been waiting a long time for this bike, and I will shell out the $$$ needed to have one 🙂
All I ask is build the bike that will make us proud to own!
Still a speedfreak at 47…and getting worse! More power needed…Fill The Need~~~
SPDFRK 😉
Milak Layne says
I always dreamed of very fast bikes and very speculative design and long live to those who pay their precious time in desiging this fantastic bike,
Iam not writing to comment but to express my felling on what i badly i love fast bikes specially on what the yamaha company is coming with great bikes, please continue on making classic bikes.
Butter Bar says
Required on the new “Max”.
1. USD Forks, (Inverted)
2. Single muffler, 4 into 2, moto GP style.
3. Functunal Air intakes.
4. Fix ugly tail section.
5. 1800cc, 200bhp
6. 9 sec 1/4 mile
7. Maintain comfortable riding position, (upright)
8. Visible guages with shift light and a clock.
9. Fuel Injected.
10. Increase fuel capacity.
Overall, this appears to be a very interesting bike that is long over do. Please move forward with a delivery date in early 2009.
ed harvey says
yea!!!,does anybody know when the bike will be available for purchase, and apprx. cost???
Nick says
I will stick with my honda magna…
Mike says
If all the new VMAX has is 200 horsepower it will get smoked by ZX 14’s and will likely be a sales flop……….i allready own a ZX 14 that i really like a lot, all i can say is the VMAX would have to have at least 220, preferably 230 horsepower to get me to cough up the money to buy one.
Lee says
One thing I like about the original is that I can hang with with Cruiser riders and Sportbike riders. This design seems to lean a little too far away from the cruiser side. There’s no way it will stay on top performance-wise for more then a couple of years in today’s market. If they want another icon, they have to style something that will have crossover appeal. You want a bike that a Harley guy with a gray ponytail, AND an 18 yr old in full race leathers from the track will love.
David Oler says
Who’s your Daddy,Bring this bad boy out,I want one now.
Ken Rose says
OK, its out, but $18,000? Granted its an evil machine, but I think I’ll wait for the dumbed down version. I like the ABS and stuff, but the price is way too high. My “old style” 98 Vmax will do for now until the price gets down to around 13 or 14 grand.
I also like the carbon fiber bits that are already available from Yamaha. It looks like they’ve done their homework.
How much does an 18 inch rear tire cost?
Max/Guam says
What a disappointment!
$18 grand(msrp), all that weight, only five speed and under 200 horses? All those years of R&D for this? Oh, and the passenger seat— jeeez,will you put away those harley magazines already?
The hayabusa, zx14 and even the B-King will most likely leave the vmax behind.
It’s obvious to me that yamaha chickened-out with stacking horses. Too bad cause I was ready for an ’09 model vmax. I’ll keep my ’04 vmax but will buy either a zx14 or hayabusa for “bragging rights”. Yamaha, good luck selling this to the europeans!
Dan says
THE NEW VMAX LOOKS STUPID. It looks bulbous and goofy. I wouldn’t ride it. I owned two VMaxes, both 1985 models and they were just awesome when they came out back in 85′. There was nothing even close. But the wild thing is that they were STILL AWESOME looking over 10 years later! What was the secret? The stylish was brute force, but still somehow reserved and elegant. It was fun to park my bike, sit in a lawn chair and just look at it from different angles. It was beautiful. This new thing they are trying to call a ‘VMax’ is a visual failure. I’m not going to waste my time pointing out why. You either understand that it’s a failure or you have no eye for design.
kadi says
je suis fier de yamaha
PATRICK SPENCER says
AS BEING A BIG FAN AND PREVIOUS OWNER OF A V-MAX,IT APPEARS THAT YOU GUYS HAVE OUT DONE YOURSELFS!!!!!!!! I LIKE WHAT I SEE VERY MUCH !!!!! PLEASE LET DESIGNER KNOW THAT HES OUT-DONE HISSELF !!! PLEASE PUT DESIGN INTO PRODUCTION AND MAKE AFFORDABLE !!!
PATRICK SPENCER says
AS I LOOK AT THE NEW DESIGN THAT I LIKE VERY MUCH I CANT HELP WONDER ABOUT SOME THINGS—1)WILL THEY ALONG WITH GREATER HORSEPOWER HAVE A SIXTH GEAR THIS TIME? I HAVE TAKEN MY V-MAX TO THE LIMIT MANY TIMES AND ALWAYS FELT THAT IT HAD MORE TO GO BUT NOT ANOTHER GEAR.2)ALONG WITH TAKEN IT TO LIMIT I NOTICED THAT I ALWAYS GOT A FRONT END WABBLE-WILL THEY PUT SOME SORT OF CUSTOM SPRING FRONT AND FRONT-END DAMPENER TO STOP WABBLE? AND THE LAST THING IS THE CONCEPT OF THE BIKE IS THE V-BOOST,WILL THE BIKE AHVE THE INTAKES WORK AND BE OPERATE TO ASSIST IN THE V-BOOST?
Chris says
This vmax looks way to close to the HD V ROD
xxxxxx68 says
It is best not to compare this motorcycle to anything. It is extremely pleasing to look at. I’m sure that it won’t disappoint. Certainly not me and I am hard to please. Lovin’ it!
Paul Eckerson says
It’s 2009 time for serious cruising issues. It’s not the look it’s the ride unless you have an ego problem. Love to ride a rocket on occasion but really want something low, smooth and confortable. Definitely need an extra very high gear to putt down the highway at 75 during minimal RPMs, good fuel economy and screaming into OZ if you care to cheat death.