Yamaha VMAX reviews

The Yamaha Vmax 1700 Gen2 is a great bike. After owning a 1985 Vmax I had to get the gen 2. This is the perfect muscle bike with many companies offering upgraded performance parts. I did a Nash Flash with a Arko mid pipe, K Show less

I own a 2009 VMX17 (VMAX 1700) and I urge you to buy this motorcycle. With more years on more motorcycles then most men have been married, I can truly say this bike is the best motorcycle that I've ever ridden. The VMAX corners better than any other cruiser on the market today. This awesome bike is not intended to race on a race course, but handles like it could. The VMAX was intended to go down a 1/4-mile track (and fast, too). The wide aftermarket tire gives this beast the meat it needs to stick to the road/track. There is no problem with turning at slow speeds with the stock tire. There is no issue with the stock suspension but the transmission could use another gear to reach over the 200 mph. mark. I have never shifted four times before 35 mph. In fact, I usually shift into 2nd gear at 50 mph. after a twist of the grip. This will be the only bike I will ever ride. I can't wait until the Gen III VMAX comes out. It's hard to resist the twist, I love this bike. Show less

If you want a scary ride, try the new VMAX. It just keeps pulling you as you accelerate. My hip flexors get cramped when I stomp on it. Yes, it's that fast. But, some of that may be because the footpegs are a little too far forward. The handlebars could be one inch higher. But, other than that I don't know a bike that can touch it through the first 2-3 gears. But, you have to be a very good rider to test that theory. I have never just nailed it from start to finish in a "see how fast I can go in the quarter mile" type run. Oh, be careful on this bike. It begs you to drive it fast as hell, thus taking a chance that you will get a speeding ticket. I love the thing. I can't wait to get home this weekend so I can ride. Once you ride it it probably won't want to get off it or ride another bike because it will be inferior. I know you all are saying, a bike that is shaft driven getting 128 foot lbs of torque and 197 horsepower, no way. But, it's true. It screamsssssss! Show less

The bike is class-A from star to finish. Great breaks, unbelievable handling, rip your face off acceleration and just one gorgeous bike! GREAT JOB YAMAHA! Show less

Been riding V-Maxes since 1985 (Gen-1 1985, 1992, 2006) and (Gen-2 2009). Still have my 1993, 2006 and alternately ride the 2006 and the 2009. First thing is...the Gen-2 2009 is a totally different machine. The lightning speeds achieved between traffic lights by the Gen-1 (which is what the Gen-1 was built for to begin with anyway) is history...the Gen-2 is quicker, smoother, handles the way that a bike should which was lacking in the Gen-1 and the Gen-2 is a totally re-engineered extremely sound machine. If you only ride the Gen-1, no biggie...you'll have nothing to worry about and will have a great machine...since you have no Gen-2 to compare it to. BUT...once you ride a Gen-2, there's no going back... Many Gen-2 owners have opted to eliminate the 138MPH Top Speed by adding 'things'...but Yamaha had it right in their R&D by having the 138MPH limiter. What I mean is, from a stand-still in 1st gear, all the way through to top end in 5th gear, there is NO lack of torque or HP or acceleration and you almost have to 'duct tape' your wrists to the grips, from fear of being left behind on your butt. What's the comparison between the Gen-2 and 'Crotch Rockets' and other bikes like the Hayabusa, B-King, Ducati, etc.???... There's no comparison...each has it's strong and weak points...it's never about WFO or WOT or EGO...it's about personal satisfaction...having said that...the Gen-2 will give ANY other machine a good run for the money under all conditions, unlike the Gen-1... Bottom line???...'THE LEGEND IS BACK AND ALIVE'!!! Ride safe... Show less

Great bike, just bought it this summer, and man it still can keep up with the big boys. This bike is way ahead of it's time, which is probably why they didn't change much over the 22 years. Great bike for the normal here to there driving with some guts if you want to push it. V boost is great. won't be selling this one, it's a great machine. Show less

I Bought this bike when I was 26 back in 85. This is the original VMX. This bike is scary fast with 145hp. This bike was way ahead of its time. The V-Boost just makes it better. Drop it at 6000 rpm and hold on. My best time in the 1/4 is 10.95. Pewee Gleason did 10.25 off the showroom floor with it. Peoples heads turn when it comes around the corner. I recently put new pipes on mine so I'm pushing around 154hp (just as much as the hyabusa). This is a must have bike. Show less

I just recently purchased an '88 Vmax. It's almost time for a new back tire already. The power is everywhere, not just first through third gear. The rear tire broke loose at 130 m.p.h.!! It's a real head turner. She gives cruising a new name. The only thing that will touch it is the new hyper-speed rocket bikes or $100-grand+ euro cars. It's made to launch from the green light. Just rev it to five g's, drop the clutch and hold on for life. After six thousand the V-boost kicks in and it gets hairy. The balance is great. The front end stays down, and the back tire goes up in smoke. A good quarter-mile run is in the mid 10's. The only thing I don't like is the less than stellar brakes and a two hour seat. Other than that it's almost the perfect cruiser-rocket. If you have to ride one bike before you die, this is one of them. Show less