Quick Ride

QUICK RIDE

ROUNDUP

YAMAHA V-MAX Performance is always in style

IF THE TERM MUSCLEBIKE HAD NOT already been invented, it would have to be coined to describe Yamaha's V-Max.

From the imitation air scoops beside its imitation fuel tank to its very real, very fat rear tire, the V-Max looks for all the world like a two-wheeled musclecar. In fact, when Cycle World first tested the V-Max in 1985, we compared its performance to that of a Shelby 427 Cobra, arguably the hottest four-wheeler ever built. Of course, the bike smoked the car.

Today, six years later. Mad Max’s reputation remains unblemished. Though other, newer bikes have redefined the upper echelon of motorcycle performance, the Yamaha’s numbers are still impressive. Our 1991 lest bike blitzed the quarter mile in I 1.26 seconds at 121.62mph, and recorded a top speed of 142 mph. Pretty quick, huh?

Max hasn't changed much over the years. He’s still powered by the same 1198cc, 70-degree V-Four, loosely based on that of the Venture Royale tourer, but in a hotter state of tune. Yamaha’s unique V-Boost system links the four carburetors in pairs, with electronically controlled butterfly valves opening to let each cylinder inhale through two carburetors at anything over 6000 rpm.

Reach past the right-front corner of what would normally be the fuel tank (beneath which you’ll find the air filter, coolant filler and fuses; the real fuel tank is under the seat), turn the ignition key, push down on the left-side, carb-mounted choke lever, thumb the starter button, and the VMax responds with a throaty roar.

Once underway, you’ll find the motor’s powerband is as wide as the Mississippi, with a noticeable rush coinciding with the V-Boost effect at 6000 rpm—though you’re unlikely ever to read the teensy tachometer, positioned along with the temperature gauge and warning lights on a tank-top console. You'll detect a bit of shaft effect, but never any vibration, only a slight throb at idle, which is the motor’s way of gently reminding you that it’s still there. Twist the throttle at anything above idle, however, and you won't need a reminder, as acceleration and the ever-increasing wind blast force you back in the stepped seat, your grip on the bars the only thing preventing separation of man and machine.

Fortunately, the V-Max’s brakes and chassis are as capable as its motor. Though there’s no doubting the V-Max is a heavyweight cruiser, it's well-suited to casual sport riding, thanks to its effective air fork, adjustable twin shocks and tripledisc brakes. Cornering clearance is surprisingly abundant.

Cruising around town is where the V-Max shines, though. Hit the open road, and you’ll be disappointed:

The V-Max’s saddle seems to shrink as mileage increases, as does its rapidly depleted 4.2-gallon fuel lank.

But who cares? The Yamaha VMax isn’t meant for touring or sport riding. It’s meant to flex its muscles. And at that, Mr. Max has no peers.

—Brian Catterson