Join the Cult
Written: Nov 29 '01
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Pros: Power, Power, Power!!!
Cons: Small, low tachometer
The Bottom Line: This bike is incredible. Do not buy this motorcycle if you are a beginning rider!! The feel of that much power under you will take your breath away.
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| tamlin99's Full Review: 2000 Yamaha V-Max |
The Yamaha V-Max is the most incredible bike I've ever owned. As one Kawasaki rider told me, "It has some serious testicular power!" Since its inception, the V-Max has attracted quite the cult following, and for some very good reasons.
In 1985 I was riding a Honda Magna. I saw the V-Max in ads, and even sat on one in the dealer's showroom. It instantly became my ultimate dreambike. Last year I happened to see a used one in the paper. It was a couple of thousand dollars more than I wanted to spend, but I couldn't pass it up, especially after taking it for a test ride. Wow! When that V-Boost kicks in about 6500 rpm, you had better be holding on. It has for 17 years remained the greatest musclebike ever built. Yes, there are faster bikes out there now, but not in a cruiser style. I very quickly joined the V-Max Owner's Association (which I highly recommend), and have gone on several group rides. There is nothing like cruising through town with 20 other V-Maxes!
Although every rider has an affinity for the bike they ride, be they Hondas, Harleys or whatever, everyone, Harley riders included, has a healthy respect for the V-Max, and rightly so. What's great is that I never have to race anybody - I pull up next to Ninjas or Shadows or whatever, and they just give that little nod of respect.
The only modifications I've done have been to chrome the side scoops and get a SportMax seat - which is great - it's a lower, "gunfighter" style that makes the bike look more like a cruiser, and it is a lot more comfortable for longer rides.
Handling is fine - a lot of people won't agree, but it's not a sportbike - it handles just fine for what it is. I've seen other V-Maxes take some pretty sharp mountain curves at pretty high speeds - faster than I dare to take them - so I know the handling is there.
Speed: To any cops reading this, I will deny it, but I took my girlfriend on a road trip from Tucson to San Diego recently, and wanted to see just what it would do. With a passenger, I pegged 145. The powerband is consistent no matter what speed you are going. Cruising at 115, you will still feel incredible acceleration if you crank the throttle all the way open. Of course, off the line you pretty much can't be beat.
The only thing that is slightly annoying is that the tachometer is too small, and too low. When you're going that fast, it makes it hard to look down to see it. But, the bike redlines at almost 10k, so you don't have to worry about it too much. Definitely a very minor inconvenience for such a great bike.
I LOVE this bike, and if something were to ever happen to it, I would immediately buy another.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 4000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1989
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Epinions.com ID:
tamlin99
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
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