Yamaha VMAX

{{Short description|Large capacity cruiser motorcycle}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}} {{Infobox Motorcycle | name = Yamaha V-Max | image = VMAX day 2009 two bikes and flags.jpg | aka = VMAX | manufacturer = Yamaha Motor Company | production = 1985–2005 | model_year = | predecessor = | successor = | class = Power cruiser | engine = {{convert|1197|cc|abbr=on}} liquid-cooled DOHC 70° V-4 | bore_stroke = {{convert|76|x|66|mm|abbr=on}} | compression = | top_speed = {{Convert|150|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=top>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/yamaha-v-max//|last=MacMahan |first= Chris |title=Yamaha V-Max | magazine=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=February 8, 2018|date=September–October 2007 }}</ref> | power = {{convert|120|hp|abbr=on|order=flip}} (rear wheel)<ref name=PerfIndexMCN>{{citation |url=http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2010JanIndex.pdf |title=Performance Index '10 |year=2010 |magazine=Motorcycle Consumer News |publisher=Bowtie Magazines |access-date=2011-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215104319/http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2010JanIndex.pdf |archive-date=2010-02-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | torque = {{convert|83.1|lbfft|abbr=on|order=flip}} (rear wheel)<ref name=PerfIndexMCN/> | transmission = 5-speed | suspension = | brakes = | tires = | rake_trail = 29°, {{convert|4.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | wheelbase = {{convert|1590|mm|in||abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|2300|mm|in||abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|795|mm|in||abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1160|mm|in||abbr=on}} | seat_height = {{convert|765|mm|in||abbr=on}} | dry_weight = {{convert|271|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=top/> | wet_weight = {{convert|631|lb|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=PerfIndexMCN/> | fuel_capacity = {{convert|15|L|abbr=on}} | oil_capacity = | fuel_consumption = {{convert|34.2|mpgus|abbr=on}}<ref name=PerfIndexMCN/> | turning_radius = | climbing_ability = | related = Yamaha Venture Yamaha Royal Star }}

The '''Yamaha V-Max''', (or '''VMAX''') is a cruiser motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1985 through 2020. Known for its 70° V4 engine, shaft drive, and distinctive styling, the VMAX was discontinued following the 2020 model year.

==History== The V-Max was designed by Atsushi Ichijo in a team led by Akira Araki with input from Ed Burke and John Reed.<ref>{{cite web|title=世田谷美術館に行きませんか？|url=http://blog.yamaha-motor.jp/2013/07/20130725-001.html|publisher=Yamaha Motor Company|access-date=November 6, 2013|archive-date=August 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823201057/http://blog.yamaha-motor.jp/2013/07/20130725-001.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=GK Report No.19|url=http://www.gk-design.co.jp/GK_Report/GKReport_19.pdf|date=April 2010|work=Atsushi Ichijo, Takeshi Umemoto|pages=9–12|publisher=GK Design Group}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gardiner|first=Mark|title=2009 Star V-Max Launch|url=http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/2009-star-vmax-preview-80487.html|publisher=Motorcycle.com}}</ref>

Upon its release in 1985, the V-Max garnered instant critical acclaim and earned the title "Bike of the Year" from ''Cycle Guide''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/2007-09-01/yamaha-v-max.aspx|title=Yamaha V-Max|publisher=Motorcycle Classics|access-date=2009-08-11|date=September–October 2007|author=Chris MacMahan}}</ref> Sold both in Japan and abroad, the V-Max was sold with only minor modifications from the 1985 model year until the 2007 model year. The V-Max was noted for its quick acceleration, but was also criticized for its poor cornering ability and soft suspension.<ref>[http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/muscle_bikes.html ''Motorcycle Online'' Muscle Bike Shootout] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108063958/http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/muscle_bikes.html |date=2007-01-08 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/1999_yamaha_vmax/ ''Motorcycle Cruiser'' 1999 V-Max article]</ref><ref>[http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=1528 ''Motorcycle USA'' 2004 V-Max article]</ref>

In 1997, the bike cost £9,359 or {{US$|{{To USD|9359|GBR|year=1997|round=yes}}|long=no|1997}} to purchase.<ref name="CVG98"/>

Until 2008, the original V-Max was offered for sale through the Star Motorcycles division of Yamaha Motorcycles. Apart from a minor freshening to the bike's specifications in 1993, when the bike gained a larger-diameter fork to minimize high-speed wobbling and drift, four-piston brake calipers, and other handling and safety related upgrades, the 2007 V-Max was almost the same as the original 1985 version.<ref>Motorcyclist March 2006 issue p. 89 Primedia Inc.</ref> thumb|left|Yamaha V-Max 1998 dash {{Clear}}

==Specifications== Overall, the V-Max is {{convert|2300|mm|in||abbr=on}} long, {{convert|795|mm|in||abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|1160|mm|in||abbr=on}} high. The engine is a tuned version of the double overhead camshaft, four valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled V-4 from the Yamaha Venture. Along with other modifications to the engine, the compression ratio was raised to 10.5:1, and the V-Boost system was added.

===V-Boost=== V-Boost is a system that opens butterfly valves in the intake manifold between the 1st and 2nd and between the 3rd and 4th cylinders starting from 5,750 rpm. The valves are opened gradually to match the rising engine speed with a signal provided by the ignition system. The valves are at the full open position at 8,000 rpm. A small black box sends a computed signal to a servo motor that pulls a wire to open the butterfly valves. The V-Boost system adds 10 percent to the top power rating of the base engine.<ref>VMX12F series Service Manual - LIT-11616-VM-13</ref>

==VMAX== thumb|left|VMAX 2009 Engine cutaway {{Infobox Motorcycle | name = Yamaha VMAX | image = Yamaha 1700 VMax.jpg | manufacturer = Yamaha Motor Company | production = 2009–2020 | predecessor = Yamaha V-Max | successor = | parent_company = | class = power cruiser | platform = | engine = {{convert|1679|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} liquid-cooled DOHC 65°V-4 | bore_stroke = {{convert|90|x|66|mm|abbr=on}} | power = {{Convert|197|hp|abbr=on|order=flip}} (claimed)<ref name=firstlooks>{{cite web |url=https://www.cycleworld.com/2008/06/15/2009-star-v-max-first-look-2//|last= Edwards|first=David |title=2009 Star V-Max - First Look| magazine=Cycle World|access-date=October 8, 2018|date=June 15, 2008}}</ref> {{convert|173.3|hp|abbr=on|order=flip}} @ 9,000 rpm<ref name="PerfIndexMCN"/><ref name=Gleason2009>{{citation |last=Gleason |first1= Jay |first2= Brian |last2= Blades |title = Max muscle |magazine= Cycle World | date= December 2008 |pages= 34–43 }}</ref>(rear wheel) | torque = {{Convert|123.02|lbft|abbr=on|order=flip}} (claimed)<ref name=firstlooks/> {{convert|113|lbfft|abbr=on|order=flip}} @ 6,600 rpm (rear wheel)<ref name=Gleason2009/> | transmission = 5-speed, slipper clutch | suspension =front adjustable 52mm oxidized titanium coated rear adjustable Link-type Monocross with piggyback reservoir | frame = cast aluminum | brakes = Front: radial mount 6-piston calipers, dual wave-type 12.6 in (320 mm) discs, brembo master cylinder Rear: single piston caliper, wave-type 11.7 in (298 mm) disc, Brembo master cylinder | trail = | wheelbase = {{convert|66.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|94.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|32.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | seat_height = {{convert|30.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | dry_weight = | wet_weight = {{convert|694|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=PerfIndexMCN/> | fuel_consumption = {{convert|28.3|mpgus|abbr=on}}<ref name=PerfIndexMCN/> | fuel_capacity = {{convert|4.0|usgal}} | related = | similar = }} In 2005, at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha displayed an all-new V-Max concept bike. It featured a new chassis, upgraded components all around, and state-of-the-art braking components.<ref>Motorcyclist January 2006 issue p. 16 - 17 Primedia Inc.</ref>

On 4 June 2008, Yamaha officially released a completely redesigned 2009 VMAX in North America and Europe. The features of the VMAX include an all-aluminium frame with its {{convert|1679|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} liquid-cooled 65° V4 DOHC engine used as a stressed member of the chassis, an electroluminescent instrument readout, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), fully adjustable suspension, anti-lock brakes, slipper clutch, a fuel tank beneath the seat, and a distinctive key.<ref>[http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/23/0/home.aspx 2009 VMAX Model Home Page]</ref>

On 20 September 2009, VMAX was also launched in India.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshowpics/5018322.cms ''The Economic Times'' 16 September 2009: "Yamaha launches superbike VMAX for Rs 20 lakh"]</ref>

===YCC-I/YCC-T===

Instead of the V-Boost on the original carbureted Yamaha V-Max, the fuel injected VMAX uses YCC-I and YCC-T. Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) is a new addition to the VMAX. The airhorns inside the airbox are lifted by a servo activated at 6,650 rpm to open up the airway underneath. This shortens the length of the intake system from 150 mm to 52 mm. This system had its first appearance in the Yamaha stable with the 2006 YZF-R1. The MV Agusta F4 Tamburini was the first bike with such a system. Massimo Tamburini invented this idea. It is called Torque Shift System (TSS) on the Agustas.

Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) is also a new addition. The throttle cables are connected to a throttle position sensor and a new computer called G.E.N.I.C.H. that operates the butterfly valves, the EXUP valve in the exhaust and the other components involved, such as the igniter unit, and the YCC-I lifter unit. The YCC-T computes all the input of the sensors and calculates the best throttle position, ignition advance, EXUP valve and injection time in milliseconds.

==Popular culture== The original Yamaha V-max was featured in films, including ''Gorgeous'' and ''Mechanical Violator Hakaider'', in which the protagonists ride the motorcycle. The protagonist of the 1997 role-playing game ''Final Fantasy VII'', Cloud Strife, rides a motorbike based on the V-Max.<ref name="CVG98">{{cite magazine |title=The Final Fantasy |magazine=Computer and Video Games |date=12 December 1997 |issue=194 (January 1998) |page=98 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_194_1998-01_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n113}}</ref>

The 2009 VMAX appears in the film ''Ghost Rider 2'', where it is ridden by Nicolas Cage, and the 2006 motorcycle racing game ''Tourist Trophy''.

==See also== *List of Yamaha motorcycles

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Yamaha VMax}} * [http://cmgonline.com/content/view/763/51/ Canadian Motorcycle Guide Online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121041117/http://cmgonline.com/content/view/763/51/ |date=November 21, 2008 }} 2009 V-Max press launch review

V-Max Category:Cruiser motorcycles Category:Motorcycles introduced in 1985 Category:Shaft drive motorcycles