2009 Star VMax Motorcycle Review/Test

2009 Star VMax Motorcycle Review/Test
Read the full motorcycle review at Motorcycle.com. www.motorcycle.com/manufacture...
For Yamaha and Star Motorcycles, the VMax stands near the top of its bikes eligible for icon status. Engineers grappled with the concept of a rebirth of a legend. Star is positioning the new VMax at the edge of the expressive/aggressive personality of the modern cruiser category. As such, they use terms like hot rod, muscle, power and respect to describe what the VMax represents.

[@rodtemplar]

Three of us had the first V-Max built in 1985. There was no helmet law then in California. We rode those bikes to the limit. How we survived being killed was pure luck. But I still miss those days :(

[@wingmanalive]

Rode during the days of the V-Max/V65Magna battles (late 80's-early 90's). I loved my Magna but always wanted to ride the V-Max. More so even now. That thing is a beast.

[@annerough]

I am 54 and a grandmother and I want one, at least to experience once before I hit the grave. My formers are Suzuki 750 trimmed and the 1100 also trimmed;-) Well; one can dream can´t you ? Nice video

[@CooterBrownRossi]

I went from an 05 busa to an 09 Vmax. It is definitely a big bike and while your feet aren't forward like cruisers, the upright position can be a bit intimidating at wot at first. It pulls as hard as my busa did to 100. Definitely not a beginner bike by any stretch, but I have embarassed modern 600s badly as well as older litre bikes. The cool thing is you can ride with cruiser friends and sport bike friends no problem and it is super comfortable. It also handles surprisingly well.

[@Qnickel27]

I will have one of these before i die!

[@allthrottle421]

Qnickel27 best damn comment I’ve seen yet!

[@1etergen]

I got chills when he started it ;)

[@Wildmanj21265]

This VMax is the most fun I've ever had on a bike without question. There's really no need to compare it to any other bike. A Busa, B-King, and Vmax are different bikes for different people with unique styling and performance of their own. For me, this bike makes me smile every minute I'm on it. Sounds great, looks great, stops good, handles great for it's size, and GO's like nothing else I could ever get my hands on for 17 G's, or 117 G's for that matter. Poetry in motion! Thanks Yamaha!

[@DISCARBURAT0R]

sometimes it is just impossible to deliver the REAL feelings via video. you have to try this beast in real life in order to understand what a godlike bike it is. love this ! just love this !!!

[@velle71]

Cruise Missile is a fine example! :-) I've had my 08 10r for about 6 months now and the thing never fails to put a smile on my face.. 3rd gear power wheelies are a blast! I couldn't imagine having so much torque that you do rolling burnouts in 1st and 2nd, such as the Vmax.

[@szarrin2000]

hay man, i am 5'9 , and my first bike was vmax and so far i don't have any problem and i am even thing to get the new one , if you be care full nothing will happen . it all about how crazy tou are. buy it and enjoy it.

[@snse8479]

the old ones were aluminum...I happen to have mine in my hand.

[@InternetGoldMiner]

I have been waiting for many years for these guys to do up a new V Max. I have a 05 busa and will have this new max next year sitting in the garage.

[@sorryociffer]

I sat on one today while shopping for a colder weather riding jacket and I do have to say, the fit and finish of the bike is outstanding as they say in the vid and the riding position was very comfortable for my 5'8" self. Felt smaller than the B-king and I think overall would be less fatiguing over a long riding day.

[@ValleySpyder]

Star is the American based cruiser company that is it's own entity with design and marketing but is still sold and owned by Yamaha. Star started in the early nineties.

[@anderdork]

I own one of these and of the 11 bikes that I have owned in the last 20 years this is by far the most fun. I bought it simply because I love the styling, the uniqueness of it and because I have wanted one for 20 years. I wish people would stop ragging on Yamaha for the price and stop accusing those of us who bought it of having small penises. I bought it because I had the money and I chose to spend my hard earned money on this bike because I wanted it.

[@dlapio]

omg, thats a crazy number of vmax's lined up together!!

[@x1tekja]

Seen a couple of these on the road and there is no denying, it takes off out of the corners into the straights. Still yet to ride one but it looks like a total blast! I'm still partial to my monster's balanced nature for carving canyon roads, however there is something seductive about the brutal unbridled power this bike seems to have by the truckload. Love the look too.

[@ATVdotcom]

great review! the new vmax is a beast

[@guyNbluejeans]

Thanks! It looks like one heck of a machine!

[@PyroRobby]

Owned 2 Max's over the last few years and it looks like I am going to make it 3. 1st was used and I bought it for $7K. 2nd was new in 2001 and I bought it for $11,5K. The bank cleared me to spend up to $20K then. I looked at everything from Beemers to the Big-Boss and wound-up buying a 2nd Max. Sold it when I bought my house. I want one of these now. If you do not mind riding alone, then this bike is for you. Assuming you have friends they will get tired of looking at your butt leaving them.

[@shootnmove]

I am one of the lucky few people who have had the priveledge of riding a VMAX. Ive ridden EVERY kind of motorcycle, and every year. This bike is hands down SCARY ! If you want raw dead head power that will rip you off the seat, the 09 VMAX will scare the hell out of you.....

[@limitedignition]

Airscoops on the old vmax were made of aluminum, too. No plastic.

[@jouruji]

great bike, I'll be getting my license soon is this a good first bike?

[@DirtRider500R]

@jouruji Its extremely powerful and pretty dang heavy. Start out on something smaller (like a 600 or smaller.) The V-Max rocks out with a 1700cc engine that makes nearly 200hp and is most defiantly not a good beginner bike.

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

Oh yeah. I love the black and orange colors. My cousin's thinking about buying one. I prefer the LT, though.

[@ssj3steve]

My 2005 VMax is quite the ride. No joke to ride on though. You've got to give it every bit of respect or it will make you pay. Makes your heart flutter sometimes though! :)

[@AlwaysWishing1983Tomboy]

I'm not a Yahma fan but this is just...look at that beast. I love how the front intakes flow with the design and even to the back and the exhaust. Yeah this has my attention and I'm a Honda girl. That's just a flowing, powerful bike. :-]

[@MyBelch]

I had a '97 and also prefer the old styling. But I wouldn't refuse if given one of these.

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

Thank you, sir. I'm planning on soon making my first bike purchase, I figure Vulcan 900 LT is a good place to start, payments aren't too much and the insurance won't be ridiculous for a first-time rider who happens to be 19 years old. I think part of Harley's problem is no real American competition. If Indian was still around like they used to be it would force both companies to produce a good, competitively-priced product. Plus, I like Indians, a guy near me has one that's absolutely beautiful.

[@KTM990WFO]

My comment was applying to the urban streets, not for the race track. My KTM was designed for public roads, something like a GSXR was of course bred for the race track. When I rode my friends 848 Evo it was great but unless I was in the top 10% of the rev range I felt my Duke had more available power and thus it was easier to use. And yes I short shift but I feel it makes the bike easier to ride on the street instead of revving it sky high (exaggeration).

[@rasheed29]

@echo4Texas Thank you bro, how long it will take from me to be ready for Vmax? thank you for your reply

[@JonP1961]

I was a senior in college when the VMAX first came out (mid 80's). I was riding dirt bikes mostly back then (Bultaco, Husky, Penton). And the first VMAX were some ridiculous 150HP or something? On a street-legal bike????? I thought I recalled they stopped making them for a while? Too many people were getting into accidents, apparently flying over their heads without any respect for the freakishly sick thrust/weight ratio...

[@archetype891]

@gudboyz100 hasnt been a problem with me on my gen or gen 2. you either live in vegas or only ride it up and down the driveway

[@rasheed29]

@jamesff151 no bro! i never drove any bike. I just got my driving license. What do you think of the Suzuki GS500?

[@anhquangloon]

Is is good for touring or racing and performing?

[@sisdavid]

How you like the bike? how much it cost? Did they make more of them this year?

[@jouruji]

@DirtRider500R Is it too big? Or is it the riding position?

[@clintcarter]

@shootnmove I want! And am getting in the next couple of weeks...woooohoooo!!!!

[@dalejrfan88intexas]

I don't know much about these bikes, but I'm in love with them now. I know there's different years, cc's etc. But what is the small diameter thing next to the speedo? And where do you put fuel in?

[@paulbooker95]

Tach light. Under the seat😎

[@SpearoChris]

So I am a college student with a 2012 Honda st1300. I want to move on from a adventure bike to a cruiser. Any suggestions? Like can I go to a shop and test this bike? I love the design and it purrs like an angel. What's the price now a days? And what is the difference from 2009 and 2015?

[@themalaailaanaa1347]

No diff...go get....ride safe only.

[@rasheed29]

@RafaeINadal thank you bro for responding. Im from Jordan and I live in Dubai. Im 6'5 feet and weight 100Kg the Vmax will be my first bike ever, some people advised me to start with a small bike, and they have warned me from the Vmax. what you think?

[@MrKing1961]

Nice bike enjoy.

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

Welcome to the debate. You have summed up the opinions of this comment thread.

[@adamvmax]

right,my friend

[@preetamahireable]

i love thisssssss

[@annerough]

@annerough Thanks for all thumbs up and comment ;-) You live once, might as well enjoy it :-)

[@sorryociffer]

It's really going to come down to your riding style. If you are just out riding for a short trip, that's almost 2 hours of riding and time to get up and stretch your legs/take a leak anyway...

[@alfatango1]

I've always loved the Vmax for standing out and doing things most cruisers cannot do, beat liter sport bikes. But to @rashee29 unless you will be taking safety and riding courses there is noway I would recommend this bike as a first bike. I've seen a lot of riders where I live (San Diego) die when they buy a GSXR or CBR 1000 as their first bike, Way too easy to lose it on a mountain road. Heck a friend of mine has a Ninja 250 as his first bike and he handles corners like a pro.

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

I like to think I'm smart. Thanks for the warning about Harley's and about not getting too much bike. Although, I'm not small and my uncle's going to get me out on his wife's Vulcan 500 to get me some practice and I'm going to be taking a safety course to get even more practice, and reduce my insurance. I'd love to buy American, but I hate to get ripped off. You've owned 18 bikes, I'm jealous...

[@lankeeyankee]

The scoops were never plastic.. They were always aluminum since day one of 1985

[@annerough]

@Thebearcat66 Thanks! V65 well that Honda is pretty awesome ;-) I haven't had the change to ride it but heard good things. The main thing is enjoying the ride and like you said "Gotta try one to truly understand" as some people think one is a bit bunkers. Have a good one =)

[@trentc32]

i want 1 !!!

[@WhiskyThrottleFox]

I own the new Vmax and I smoked the B-King the guy said he has a better chance against the Hayabusa in the quarter mile! I've ridden a lot of motorcycles over the years(even rice rockets) and have never felt so much power and pull thru the 1/4 mile in my life!!! Obviously you have not ridden the new Vmax yet and probably shouldn't say anything about it until you do. And, put a slick and a wheely bar on this bike and it will do mid to high 9's NO PROBLEM!

[@boomerhgt]

Thats an awesome bike i want one but thats a lot of dough need to stick with my Honda X4

[@themaxrider]

To answer your question, my Busa has 50K on it, one set of chain and sprockets so far. I ride it hard, not babyin it. Yes I spent $300 on a good set, and they are still like new! I wouldn't trade havin chain for a shaft ever ever again. The down side of shaft is more then weight gain its the negative effect of the chassis and the Gyro effect etc.. It ruins the entire experience. Power to the ground and the least influence on the rider is what I want to have underneath me.

[@1903sunlight]

How much from 0-200 and what is max speed?

[@naturalyshocked]

the printed value in magazines and so was 225, that's why i said that. atleast that's what i remember. i remember it as a slow topspeed, but fast accelerator.

[@TheVmaxrider1200]

thegeneration 1 maxes scoops arent plastic like the surf boy said either they were aluminum also. just for show though didnt actually get any air from them

[@themalaailaanaa1347]

The plastic ones are on the B king

[@ExpieMF]

You want to eat a GSXR out of corners, but there's no way you'd outbrake or outcorner one to be in a position to do so. If it passed you in the corner, you might keep up with it... to the next corner. Also, who cares about the outright power on a bike like this, TORQUE (which you don't mention, but is substantial) is where it's at. A very fun bike, for doing what it's designed to do, which is accelerate.

[@begonaperez89]

Sabéis lo que es una Yamaha VMAX 1700cc 200 caballos edición especial de 600 motos en todo el mundo del 2009? Yo soy una de las privilegiadas en poseer una.

[@SeriouslyBlank]

@archetype891 Aren't american driveways 9 miles long?

[@rainbowfirewave]

great starter bike

[@paradisoman]

i had 2 v-max before that...but iam looking forward for november...i want to have it again...i will tell youthen... ;)

[@kennywutang]

okay okay, I get it... we all know its essentially a muscle-bike. What else can you tell me about the bike?

[@bill45colt]

electronics to tell you when to shift?? If you need that, you aren't much of a rider. HAHA!! the rest of us laugh at you!! Yep I had a V65, shoulda kept it. Have a 2000 v max now. They aren't the same, you should have both. Like the V max and what its designed for, it does real well. A crotch rocket it aint, but aint supposed to be. And neither is too good off road in the woods or desert. Get the motorcycle you like and have fun. Why run the other guy down? Does that profit you? Nope. Complement his and his reason for choosing. Its not the same reasons as you, and that's fine. I like riding sitting up and with a passenger, don't want her on another machine or worse yet, not going along at all. I like a radio in my helmet also, so I can talk to my passenger and other riders, especially in a group so we can have more fun, and share jokes, or when we want to stop or traffic conditions and for other reasons also. Your mileage may vary. But I think a guy should own several motorcycles. Maybe of different types, or simply of different color!!

[@Davidhuggar]

I want this bike so bad it hurts, but I can't afford one right now!

[@superbiggy]

me love it ! cind ma fac mare,.. imi cumpar si eu una !

[@kittncam]

That's hot!!

[@soccerlu08]

thats a bad ass bike, I still like the night rod special better though. Yes yes I know, its not as powerful but whatever

[@naturalyshocked]

i always liked this bike, i don't need end speed, i wanna fast 0-100km/h. : ) i like it's radical look. although it could need a bigger(wider) rear tire. but i gues, that was all they had back then

[@fokjohnpainkiller]

What's the difference between "star" and "yamaha"???

[@checkie4ever]

are you cop??

[@rasheed29]

I need some one who is a real experienced biker to let me know if he would recommend me to buy the Vmax. by the way im not experienced and beginner. Thank you

[@josecachobarreto8820]

quiero que me regalen esta moto ¡

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

That's just the three most recent, there's more. Number one's just a good song, number 2 is a good piece of music in a way I've never heard, same for number 3. I highly recommend you watch almost any video I've favorited. But, I don't expect much. I did notice, however, that you have only one video and no favorites. Do you love nothing but your prized and over-priced Harley?

[@misterminhas]

Did not mention anything about handling, cornering, seating position, wind factor after 60mph. I mean come on. This is supposed to be a *review* of the bike.

[@drz400e332]

So this vboost sounds like variable valve timing in their own patented way. Whatever it is I am glad the engine can breathe with minmal restrictions. And regarding the 100lb diet (lol I could type pages of jokes about that!) I am on board and you basically said the only thing I criticize the max's for.

[@velle71]

2008 zx10r's put out near 200 crank horse too

[@eddavis9732]

IF I had 1, I would have to get personalized license plate, saying eats hardley's for breakfast!

[@dengueberries]

Go to sweden. New ones for ~210k SEK, (1 DKK = 1,5 SEK) => 140k danish crowns for one :)

[@captainpegs07]

Why do they call the Star now?

[@kabeemer]

Vmax as your first bike ?? well, you'll find some handling issues. i suggest to have a 650 dragstar to start with. One you have enough confidence to go for a "FULL PACKAGE", then climb on a V-max. ride safe. kabeer Q8. contribyting XBHpian.

[@AttrctdToShinyThings]

..Jealous? You become caught up in the whole biker world of trying & buying the next best or whatever it is, & you get nowhere. But I love bikes! & I am currently looking at a Yama Road Warrior, or Suzuki M109R, as my next project. Which may be my last project also. Check these out if you're interested or even curious! They are in my favorites. And as far as wanting to support your country, is concerned.. admirable, not always practical, unfortunately! Take good care on the roads dude. peace.

[@sorryociffer]

You might get that riding like a little old lady at 55mpg but most people I think will be lucky to 80 miles to a tank if they get on the gas much. It has a 4 gal tank and Yamaha's brochure says it will get up to 27MPG.

[@nebulabob]

Small things amuse small minds.

[@rsscoyote]

this bike is a moster

[@archetype891]

@busuncle23 yep

[@archetype891]

@nz3rdsqr :D you got the point exactly

[@naturalyshocked]

probaly the best motor cycle engine ever build in the United States. atleast it has overhead cams, it probaly runs 100x smoother than a normal HD engine, on witch need you need to bring a toolbox. although i like the original fatboy from terminator 2 movie. wiki: The "V-Rod" made use of the Revolution engine, developed jointly with Porsche that, for the first time in Harley history, incorporates fuel injection, overhead cams, and liquid cooling.

[@naturalyshocked]

i don't race, i just do clutch games. try to corner fast. we don't have many courses here. we don't have that culture. : ( circuit valencia, some motor cycle clubs do private racing there, but nothing for cars. i wish there was a cirquit here where you could drive you own build cars. : (

[@nathanpieper6385]

If they would just chain or belt drive this bike it would be awesome. Wheel selection, brakes etc. It would open a whole new buyer to this bike. Ive wanted to make a bike around this motor for years but the shaft drive is such a hang up.

[@xzistpo]

I personally think shaft drive is awesome.

[@china1013]

Is your car a chain or belt or something? Are the cars that do under ten in a drag strip chain? So that performance thing can be thrown out the window. Absolutely nothing wrong with shafts. That chain performance shit is a lie. Just saying.

[@Gap_machine]

China Teves top fuel drag bikes making 1000hp use chain drive. dont compare a motorcycle to a car thats just plain silly.. on a second note chain and belt drives will always look better and have a lighter unsprung weight compared to shaft.

[@opelgtrider]

less troubles with a shaft

[@china1013]

Austin Stoddart I am silly

[@1981rocketman1981]

god dam that bike is nice! My buddy just took delivery of his three weeks ago! I used to teas him with his slow ass Harly struggling to keep up with my triumph Rocket! But now I carnt teas him any more lol!...

[@naturalyshocked]

eh, the goal of the vmax isn't/wasn't topspeed, it's a drag bike. the first model did only 225km/h top, but it was faster than 911 porsche inacelleration in the old day, 20+ years ago. it was the fastest acellerating bike in the world back than.

[@MMAElite91]

@dnerhebehrend This isn't an European bike, or company...It's an American bike

[@laughinggravy]

I bloody these things. I'd love to have one, but at a list price price of 21 and a half thousand quid, it's a bit out of my reach... :(

[@naturalyshocked]

i don't race other people, i like to amuse myself with personal rally's. seeking the edge. but only when the road is empty. i wouldn't dare to bring someone in danger. i was a cab driver with a MB w124 200D. i alone drive like a lunatic and until the day of today without any accidents. i did drive motocross and some racers in the past but i lost interrest, i prefer 4 wheels. i'm certainly not a looser or so, but you can't control other peoples movement, you can't know if they see you. : (

[@LisaD472]

Will this make a good first bike?! God No!! Apart from the Safety aspects, your learning curve on this bike would be substantial. Most say start out on a 250 or less.. But If you are medium to bigger person, with a lot of caution and parking lot practice, you could start with a "medium sized" bike. Depends on how you want to ride. Highway Cruising? A 250 is usually no good for that. Around Town? A Huge Bike is a waste of power and your energy to control it. Put Your Safety First as a new rider.

[@Rtype1000]

Now this is Vmax! Not the olde one which corners like an elefant. LP

[@hotellmann]

@misterminhas just find some reviewes from europe..

[@sharkblue05]

the speed is auto limited up to 220km/h