Topic: Anybody ride a V-Max?

[toytuff]

I'll be in the Phoenix area next week and want to check out a V-Max. Since the Superhawk seems to be a no go wondered if anybody has experience with these.

Always did like them. Always wanted one but always seem to be expensive.

tt

[simon#42]

i rode one once and to be honest that was enough . they go well enough but steered like a wheelbarrow full of wet concrete . and no i was assured there was nothing wrong with it .

congratulations on your retirement toytuff , enjoy it !

[701arvn]

Got to agree, pronounced weave at speed, interesting snap oversteer if the power kicks in mid corner.

The only thing I've ridden that was more scary was a z900 with shot head bearings.

[Mcwilliams570]

I have always had a vmax in the garage for the last 15 yrs fun bikes. Yeah handling and braking can be interesting but to be honest I enjoy for the straight line acceleration is a rush. If you have any question let me know.



Wife drives the red one the black one sold last year been keeping my eye out for another one.

Matt

[Really?]

That high speed weave is usually cured by solid engine mounts. That weave is scary.  Been in that weave in high speed sweepers many times.

I do not have a VMax but I do have it father in a sense. I have a '85 Yamaha Venture Royale with the V4 1200. You can say it is a fully dressed VMax.

Personally, I think that 800lb'der actually handles quite well.

What does blow about them are the carbs. They will varnish fast on cheap gas and they have got to be the worst rack ever to take out and clean. Putting that rack back in is horrible to.

[Really?]

In case you were wondering. It is a really nice highway bike with plenty of grunt and will play in the twisties if the suspension and frame is right. Handles extremely well at low speeds. Just don't drop it. It is a biotch to lift back up.

Oh, these bikes sell for cheaper than many SOHCs. 3k will get you a nice one.

[toytuff]

I had a 2009 Venture Limited and besides the weight at slow speeds was one of the most comfortable bikes I ever had.

tt

[Really?]

So you are familiar with the first and second gens. Yes, both gens are comfortable. First gen handled better and outran the second gen. The wife has fallen asleep a few times on that first gen. Can't believe they still come with a cassette player still. . The second gens are pretty too.

[toytuff]

Just the secong gen. Never had a first gen Venture. It was a wonderful motorcycle. I have pctures on a CD Rom but can't find it.

Senior moment already. That didn't take long.

tt

[mono]

I've noticed that the V-Max has a very loyal, cult-like following    i LOVE the way they look, but never rode one.  get it!  if you hate it, sell it.

[jgmmgood]

Here is one I found today on Craigslist in my town.....Looks like a good deal. 

http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/3486495738.html

[andy750]

I rode on the back of one in Japan for thousands of miles including some very night twisty mountain roads - loved it! Very stable so maybe different setup from the US models?

Riding along the Sado coastlne...Sado, Japan

Coming down Osado skyline drive, Sado, Japan on a Yamaha Vmax

and here is the bike (and rider)





cheers
Andy