Can't Stop Grinning from Riding and Gazing! Yamaha VMAX's Thrilling Power & Gimmicks [Manager's Quick Masterpiece Commentary]

This series features the manager of the virtual moto shop "88 Cycles" on YouTube, quickly introducing motorcycles! This time, we're highlighting the slightly older, yet accessible Yamaha street dragger, the VMAX. It's famous as a representative of street draggers that you can still get your hands on today! Let's dive into this bike!

Yamaha's Street Dragger

The second generation VMAX was released in Japan in 2009. Development initially started with a 2000cc displacement, was changed to 1600cc, and then expanded to 1679cc during the process.

Today, high-powered modern sport cruisers are called "power cruisers." But a little before that, there was a period when cruisers like these were introduced with a drag racer image. These were called the "street dragger" category.

The second-generation VMAX is a relatively recent model in this "street dragger" category. It was released in Japan in 2009 and produced until the 2017 model year. When you think of the VMAX, the first thing that comes to mind is its massive engine! It's a water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve, V4 engine with a 65-degree bank angle, boasting a displacement of 1679cc.

The intake system is equipped with the electronically controlled intake YCC-I, linked to the electronic throttle, featuring a gimmick that physically switches the funnel length depending on the RPM! The frame housing this engine is also an aluminum twin-spar diamond frame, making its internals completely those of a sports bike! With 200 horsepower in overseas full-power spec and 151 horsepower in domestic spec, it's a thrilling motorcycle.

The First Generation VMAX Was Also Beefy

The first-generation VMAX was released in Japan in 1990. Actually, various notations can be seen for the first-generation VMAX, including Vmax and V-max. What's your favorite notation?

Now, if there's a second generation, you're probably curious about the first-generation VMAX too, right? The first-generation VMAX was released overseas in 1985. In Japan, it first appeared as the VMAX1200 in 1990, when the voluntary displacement restrictions were lifted!

The first-generation VMAX was developed as a street dragger for the American market, a pure straight-line beast from the start. It's powered by a water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve, V4 1197cc engine with a 70-degree bank angle, based on the Venture Royale's engine!

The famous gimmick of the first-generation VMAX is the V-Boost, which draws in air-fuel mixture from adjacent carburetors at high RPMs. Motorcycles really need this kind of playful spirit! This model had 145 horsepower in overseas spec, while the domestic version had a horsepower restriction and came with 97 horsepower without V-Boost.

Both the new and old VMAX models aimed for brute, direct, and powerful muscle. This is consistent in their design as well; the powerful, flowing styling centered around the engine has a certain allure. Both the new and old VMAX have a charm that makes you grin whether you're riding or just looking at them!

For more details, be sure to check out the videos from 88 Cycles' main store on YouTube!

2009 Yamaha VMAX (Domestic Spec) Main Specifications

• Overall Length x Width x Height: 2395 x 820 x 1190mm
• Wheelbase: 1700mm
• Weight: 311kg
• Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve V4 1,679cm³
• Max Power: 111kW (151PS) / 7500rpm
• Max Torque: 148N・m (15.1kgf・m) / 6000rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 15L
• Transmission: 5-speed return *Return type 5-speed according to data
• Brakes: F=Hydraulic double disc, R=Hydraulic single disc
• Tires: F=120/70R18M/C 59V, R=200/50R18M/C 76V
• Price (at the time): 2,310,000 yen (tax included)