Here's What I Hate About The Yamaha V-Max...

Check Out My Stunt Channel: • My Stunt Bike Lineup: ...
Subscribe to my wife's channel: • Here's Why Moms SHOULD...
Follow Her on Instagram: @jackiesmotogarage
Follow me on instagram: @jonsmotogarage
Follow me on TikTok: tiktok.com/jonsmotogarage
You can support me on Patreon: / jonsmotogarage
Support My Sponsors and Get Rad Gear: www.getlowered.com/?rfsn=3758
--- This is an affiliate link so all purchases support Jon's Moto Garage :)
Every bike has its pros and cons. Today I'm going over the things I dislike about the 2007 Yamaha V-Max (first generation) motorcycle that I had a while back. Don't let this deter YOU from getting the gnarly Yamaha V-Max! Go get your hands on one and decide for yourself!
tags: yamaha v-max vmax 1700 1200 review ride impressions likes and dislikes walk around
How Much I Make Doing KZbin: • How Much Do Small YouT...
How I Load My Motorcycles (Big Boy Ramps): • How To Load, Unload & ...
How To Ride on One Wheel: • How To Wheelie for Dum... Harley One Wheel Riding: • Do NOT Wheelie Your Ha...
How To Buy Used Motorcycles: • How To Buy a Used Moto...
Parkour Clip: • Flipping Over My Super...
Club Style Dyna Street Bob Walk Around: • Club Style Harley Davi...
Gear I Use: Lapel Mic w/GoPro Hero5 Connection (everything you need for audio setup): amzn.to/2Wzw6W1
Simpson Bandit Ghost Helmet: amzn.to/2Go1RLI
GoPro Hero 4: amzn.to/2t38USf
Fox Gloves: amzn.to/2D30OOj
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/b
...
promoted by Audio Library • Lights - Sappheiros (N... Mrs. Zazzara by Loxbeats / loxbeatscreative
Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/b

[@billvanderwoude1555]

Momma always said: The bike you ride has to be like the girl you want to marry. It's gotta scare you just enough that you don't screw around on it. (1985 V-Max owner here.. :-))

[@chikoharley4942]

That’s funny as

[@Grannyslayer191]

Wise but funny

[@antoniofaedda1866]

Funny yes but is the True!!! :-))

[@squaaaaak3178]

What if I don't want to marry a girl? Jeez everyone assumes motorcycle riders are male by default. 😁😎😁😎💖

[@cowdudeable]

Your mother said this?

[@andrewbamford808]

Best bike ever built. I love mine 1999 full power. I`m 59 years.

[@ronverhiest4801]

This was always my dream bike, had a big poster hanging in my room when I was 16 years old. After some years being not able to ride due to serious neck issues I luckily recovered enough to start riding again. So I decided to chase my dream and planned a test ride on a 2009 V-Max 1700...200BHP. It scared the crap out of me too and although the power in a straight line is addictive, it was just to much for my taste (I'm 51 now...). But at least I tried but I went for a HD V-Rod instead. Suited me much better and felt much more comfortable to ride. But am glad I got to taste the awesome power of the V-MAX.

[@mtxpert]

I have an 85 and 09 Vmax as well as 05 Big Dog with cams/compression bump (130WHP) and 14 Victory with cams and tune around 120HP. HP is FUN :D Of course I'm also building a 1400WHP TT CTS-V so I guess you could say I have an addiction.

[@johannvanderschyff7735]

I am 63 now and buying a 1200 Vmax

[@veemaxx]

I have been riding Vmax's since 1989, my first one was a 1985, got hit on it after 14 years of riding and went out and bought a new 03 Vmax which I still ride. Fork seals suck on these bikes, get some progressive springs and never have trouble again plus improved handling. I use an aux fuel tank when touring which gives me 220 miles range. I can still scare myself, top speed is 144 mph and once hit 152 down a long hill with a tail wind.

[@lokahund135]

Great channel. Ridden one for 5 years and it handles differently than most, I agree, but one will get the hang of it with a bit of patience and some mileage under the belt. I feel it handles much better than it’s reputation, also in corners, but with some limitations. For sure not a beginners bike. Orginal exhaust has a softer and deeper sound

[@norwichscott]

I throw my 85 around like Barry Sheen... you've just got to get use to it 😄

[@mattheww.guerra4024]

There is a reason people love the V-MAX and it still has a cult following to this day.. This bike has so much character and is just so so special IMO.. Yes the front forks are way too small and people put bigger forks the mods are endless, but STOCK it is perfectly fine for spirited riding and even long distance.. It is NOT a beginner bike and if someone is too scared thats on them not on the bike..

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I had an 85 and loved it but back then even the sport bikes did not handle like they do today. I now have a 2019 Gen 2 and it is also a heavy pig but it does pretty well in corners once you have some speed. Low speed it is a pig and heavy in the steering but 10mph and it transforms. Such a refined machine and much more power than the 85. Still retains the mystique. I will always have a Vmax in the lineup!

[@MrDavidfuchser]

I just punched/dremeled/cut the lower steering race out of my vmax for replacement. That sucked. Riding this machine is so much fun though. It somewhat has a character of a vtwin when just loping around and the acceleration of, well, a bike with 120 rwhp.

[@richthepilot9906]

This bike is what it is, you either love it or hate it with nothing in between. Me, I love mine! Bought it new in 07 and keep it in showroom condition but I do ride the hell out of it. I’ll never part with the a max, it’s just too much fun to ride 🙂

[@bobaranda2274]

I've owned 3 VMAX. I find it a beast, and fun to ride. I've owned over a dozen bikes. The Honda F6B being the best handling. This being the worst. I prefer the VMAX. KERKER 4-1, lowered, it's not for the meek, but keeps me young at 70.

[@mtxpert]

So many guys on the Vmax groups to offer help, knowledge and carb synching/swapping. I'm local so I can also offer some resources to sync the carbs on the Vmax but I thought you had sold it. My 85 should be back on the road shortly after a full recolor job and lots of custom parts. That being said the bike is made to run/race. With you having loud Harleys not sure how you think it's too loud but that's not a stock exhaust btw. :)

[@brettbenson4516]

As old school as it might be, it's an awesome looking and sounding bike!!

[@Photobiker]

Cool review! I'm sorry for my English. I'm just learning. I like the old school. In Russia, this motorcycle has nicknamed the Sledgehammer (Flying Sledgehammer). The gas tank is a mystery. When I bought it, the first thing I asked in the store was "Where is the gas tank?" Your bike is very loud because of the mufflers, I have "COBRA" mufflers, they are awesome, not very loud with bass. There are minus and a plus in carburetors, both options are appreciated in Russia. Thank you for the video!

[@Stefusana]

I did the same mistake.I had to get back to the store for to get a quick repeat to unleash the hidden secret of fueling up the tank

[@mtxpert]

BTW, you should head out to Wildhorse pass and run some drag passes for fun, if you want to meet up out there some time I'd be happy to go out with you, would be a cool video for your channel.

[@briankrasne3518]

As my first motorcycle its great. I have the boost set at 3k and it's more responsive and predictable then the stock 6k setup up.

[@norwichscott]

I found 3k a bit low... I have mine at 5k

[@fallen1805]

"dude why you filling up your seat dog!" 🤣

[@cowdudeable]

Does that teensy tiny windscreen actually deflect any air?

[@alanncsu3243]

I can't speak for the 1200, but the 1700 has an upgrade option for a 300 rear tire - so putting more rubber on the ground will help with stability for (not yet real) men who're worried about loosing control. Also, if you pick more of a racing tire that's soft and heats up quickly - you'll add even more stability, there are a number of choices people can do to keep their bike glued to the ground outside of the power band.

[@daniloperini4696]

Either you love the vmax or you just don't ride it. I love even the bad handling.

[@TheJavaman181]

Got one Love it, forward controls, essential

[@anthonyfreeman7546]

Jon, I got an 04 Max. Small fuel capacity and no dual rear brake rotor. Only complaints I got. If you don't respect it, might be your last mistake for sure. Keep it on a swivel bro.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Wise words! 💯🤙

[@mrwhamisrick]

What year is it?

[@KolbyFrazierMCG]

If that scares you, a 200hp triumph Rocket should be on your test drive list. Cant wait to see a vid of you and a hot rod rocket.

[@brianshishnia3278]

Hmm, a question of time riding experience on Mr Max? The local dealer here (He used to race cycles when younger) swapped cycles with me and first thing he done (without asking of course) is pull a wheelie and went through all 5 gears on just the back wheel.

[@davidcox9115]

Cool think about a vmax when you ride into a crowd of bikes at a bike night and everybody knows a beast is in the mix...

[@stevemackenzie8250]

"Better make sure youre in a straight line", But when you're leaned over hard oing slow making a turn, and you hammer the gas, she ripsnthe back tire butbstands herself stright up like it is meant for it.

[@Grannyslayer191]

And are you still planning on selling this

[@normasnockers323]

LAST ONE I HAD I WAS ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT FUEL, ABOUT RUNNING DRY, I THINK I WAS GETTING ABOUT 20 MPG IMPERIAL

[@GregLanz]

It does not handle well at all, there are quite a few things that can help but it's never going to handle great. To me the scariness is part of the charm. Now if you think the dash on the Vmax looks dated, check out an 85 Honda Magna. That looks so locked in the 80's and while I think the Magna itself still looks great the dash is hideous. The Vmax has aged much better

[@painsrides3616]

I told you, that Gen 1 V-Max was the only motorcycle I've owned that I hold distain for...HATED that thing and still do. When I did ride it, I always felt two things 1. happy to get off it and 2. like you, lucky to get to wherever I got in one piece. ;)

[@usedmoped2110]

120 HP??? Mine is a 2000 model, V-Boost with 145 HP and 100% original. Is it downsized with HP in US? The wobble is usual connected with steering adjustment. If you own this bike you need tools and know-how😀

[@marcusgeorge1825]

I’m confused. You are saying how scary it is with e potential “death wobble” and you’re riding it without any protection? Do you know how the hospitals remove tarmac from your skin after a crash? Not pleasant, nor is the recovery.

[@cafenightster4548]

I've always wanted one, they sound so good. They had new one at the Ride Now dealer for a while in Chandler, i think its still there, it's just way outta my price range. Used ones are either hooned or you can never find one.

[@russellvonastel7111]

Do you still have it???

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Scary fun like an amusement park ride!🤘 Except the VMAX can actually put you six feet under. 👨‍👩‍👧❤

[@Gunnypauly73]

Wobble wheel , if only you can put radial tires on it. You just need to know the limitations of the Bike. I drove the whole Blue Ridge Parkway, and average about 51 mpg.

[@thedood4713]

I like mine it has efi and nitrous kit.

[@dbirchlaw]

Jon, what helmet are you wearing in this video?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Biltwell lane splitter 👌

[@dbirchlaw]

@@JonsMotoGarage I thought so. Looks great. I got the orange one and my rainbow visor's in the mail right now from some shop in CA (since they're out of stock EVERYWHERE). Looks good.

[@TheRextc]

A lot of your complaints are that bike specific. Wood grain Guage was aftermarket, most are black. Loud exhaust. definitely aftermakret as the stock one is extremely quiet. Back breaking loose sounds like a tire issue as I dont experience that on mine. Handling you already state bike was leaking fork oil and not breaking well. I think it is a good handling bike you just have to be used to its character. Also bike weight 580 and 145HP. Not 640 and 120hp. . BTW you do have some great bikes and you have some great wheelie skills.

[@k20z3nick]

I've got an 07 and it also has the wood grain gauges. I thought it was odd that a 2007 would have faux wood grain; I'm glad someone else feels the same. Stock exhaust is DEFINITELY way quieter.

[@TheRextc]

@The USS Johnston No one sates the wheel HP unless they dyno it. You would say the manufacturer claim. Just as you would say the Gen 2 was 200hp. No one claims that it to be 186whp.

[@TheRextc]

@The USS Johnston you aren't adding 70lbs of fluids. Only 3 gallon tank full, 4 qts oil and small radiator of coolant. Might add 10-15lbs at most. 3 gallons of gas is 8lbs.

[@normasnockers323]

the high fuel consumption makes it a loser over here in UK at 6 pounds say 8 dollars a gallon

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

I'm still thinking about buying one, will be a second bike, my Gen 1 Busa 1st, the Busa only manages about 30 mpg, can live with the short range on the V Max just for that noise.

[@russellvonastel7111]

The gen two is perfect

[@alanncsu3243]

Respect isn't the forte of today's generation, if "Fast & Furious" was a movie about bikes - Vmax would be in it, historically. We live in times when even production sportscars are almost at the supercar rating - the platform is definitely out of reach for irresponsible drivers who don't want to take the to understand the performance trades. You can't jump into a Dodge Demon, Mustang GT-500, or various supercar platforms either, and expect not to end up in the ditch easily if driven like regular vehicles... that's the value, it's a track bike (even on the road) at heart - if the expectation is other than track, it's the wrong bike.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Not just 4 carbs, they have V Boost! They are cow like in handling for sure, but with proper wrist twist a cow on a huge bump of cocaine. Compared to my 85 Kawi 750 turbo they feel slow but torquey but as if another 3rd of a motorcycle was added in length. Niether handle great compared to newer bikes but The Kawi feels like a sporting sedan. The V Max is more like a truck. With a badass engine.

[@whailenwade8253]

I bought my V-Max in 2003 brand new. Still have it to this day with 90,000 miles on it. Been a dependable bike. Doing 60 mph, drop it into 3rd and twist it hard. The front tire will come off the ground !! Lol.. enjoy Mr. MAX !!

[@russellvonastel7111]

Damn you sold it

[@alanncsu3243]

You can't get on a Vmax and expect to live inside the power band, most people will throw a race car into the ditch before they realize it - so it shouldn't come as a surpise if someone picks it up uknowingly and treats it like a daily driver... most Vmax sales posts require only experienced drivers. In the day, they would've declared only real men need to apply... :D

[@joepolansky9412]

it costs a lott of clutch plats and rear tires

[@user-jw1fp8vl8e]

Love em.

[@californiapoontappa]

How many gears

[@x21blaze21x]

✋

[@Stefusana]

I just recently happened to be owner of a carbon edition 2002 and i formerly hate that bike...because it reminds me of me so nuff said about that but its' a Power Cruiser not a curvbender and yes they are rav power and i must admit:I kind of like it!

[@94xltspecial]

i just bought the same bike 20, 000 miles looks like new for 3500

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

The rear fender looks like a terrible toe nail . I like the rest of the bike , the exhaust has this flap echo noise just like the boulevard .

[@chikoharley4942]

Looks great for a bike from the 80s man. The petrol cap is a little weird though lol

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

Seats are way to thick and the back end side profile has some enduro action to it

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

You are a much better rider than I am, therefore I'm surprised the performance of this frightens you. The handling, yeah. Have you ever ridden a B-King? It's a hell of a lot faster than this.

[@gilzr473]

Man that’s a nice bike.

[@BloodPlusPwn]

My gen 2 handles really well. It can almost keep up with liter bikes in the twisties when you're deep in the turn. It's like gen 2 is basically what gen 1 shoulda been lol. It's terrifying to ride but god I love it. Only complaint I have is it weighs 700 pounds and it's really tall so it's kinda weird at really low speeds.

[@TheRextc]

I dont think it handled better than first gen. 120lbs more. Frame brace, front springs, radials and 6 piston brake kit, remove heavy muffler and center stand, and these are corner carvers.

[@BloodPlusPwn]

@@TheRextc Well shoot I mean, you can mod anything to do anything if you mod it enough lol

[@BloodPlusPwn]

@The USS Johnston ooookay

[@joepolansky9412]

thats the challenge

[@sirloin6662]

Im guedding those bars arent helping your handling much as far as feeling like ya have to muscle it......the scary is why ya got it

[@russellvonastel7111]

I love this bike

[@diegomendez6746]

U should off kept your gloves on bro at the pump.. covid lol

[@sdqsdq6274]

to be frank , i never like the stock look , need to mod to the streetfighter look

[@lockout6896]

Man that thing sounds so badass

[@atvsinacadiana]

Don't ride big bubba's bike when he is not around. You should be riding your littl' bubba's bike. :)

[@omnifx]

I have experienced the death wobble at 140 to 150mph on the V-Max. But that was 40 years ago and the bike did not belong to me. I tried twice, it did not scare me but I did not push it either. I backed down both times and it stableized.

[@omnifx]

@The USS Johnston If I was scared I would grip hard but I was annoyed and disappointed, not scared. The bike was the problem. If I let go of the handle bars it would not make any difference in the wobble.

[@russellvonastel7111]

You are comparing it,i think to modern sports bike's,yes its heavy,it needs to be

[@thomasbrogan8036]

Gnarly

[@mattbopp3977]

You never even opened it up dude!

[@joedunbarjr]

This thing is a BULL with a bad attitude, and requires your attention 100% of the time. To ride this bike you have to have to have extreme self control !!! If for no other reason than just keeping the tickets to a minimum.

[@antoniofaedda1866]

You're right, is a bull and who drives it MUST be careful. I'm an owner since 1999 and I did more than 115000 km. I don't like highways, only road plenty of turns....I love it.

[@joedunbarjr]

@@antoniofaedda1866 I grew up in a motorcycle shop from the age of five. I've owned and ridden Yamahas, Honda's, Harley's, Norton's, Indians, and a few others. This is the only bike that genuinely scared me. I have nerves of steel, when I brought this bike back to the shop my knees were literally shaking! I wish I had the self-control to own one, but I know better.

[@anokaramsey0]

check your spanish youtube page too!!

[@ronedee]

Not 650lbs... 580lbs

[@mnordstrom6]

Get a Rocket 3, thats a real hotrod!

[@esv5182]

11-time motorcycle drag racing champion, Rickey Gadson made 17 passes through the quarter mile on the new 2500cc Rocket 3 with a best run of 10.562 @ 126.41 mph. Jay Gleason used to run those times all day long on a 1985 Yamaha Vmax.

[@turbo-bike7999]

That bike has been around president before you were born and always did exactly what yamaha designed it to do in the US market, even the firing order to mimic the American V8……..which is why the engine is definitely a V shape. But you come along buy it and just rave about hating it. Sell it then!!!

[@EasyRiderGreg]

I've said it before it sounds great, but it is ugly. I would never buy 1.

[@TheRextc]

I disagree one of the best looking and sounding bikes. Very unique. 2nd gen not big on its looks. Rear sticks out, sear dips and with rear fender looks like a camel.

[@EasyRiderGreg]

@@TheRextc I agree that it sounds good, but the looks especially the dash turn me off.

[@jerkmcnasty]

its not the bike for you, if your scared of it...get rid of it, if you can't even set up the carbs then your never gonna tame it, so buy yourself a twist and go 50cc and you will be just fine. yes they handle like crap, if you want handling... buy an R1 or an R7....yanks don't do corners like we do in europe, The V-max is just for bragging rights in the bar over engine size and power and is for people that are all show and no go......LOL.

[@namtacwgt]

I owned a 2nd gen vmax beautiful bike but what a piece of shit. I was personally disappointed in the performance I expected more overrated.