I got to ride the BIGGEST V4 ever made. It was weird. [RAW Onboard]

[@Rayhold]

Not every ride will be a walk in the park! But it's nice to see bikes that different in your content. As always, a pleasure to watch and read your commentary/impressions. Keep the good work sir!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks a lot

[@Motoboo_Marine]

I'm mainly a sport/naked bike guy, but hands down this is the most badass motorcycle Yamaha ever made

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@marcusortelius8375]

I drove this beast a couple of times, my cousin owns one. It's like a canonball on straights, not a real twisty machine. Gets a smile on your face everytime. Took my daughter with me once on this thing couple of years ago, she owns her first motorcycle now.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!

[@Driftuner]

I can confidently say that your bad experience was because of the tires. Yes its a very long and heavy machine, not really made for corners, but ive ridden a brand new one of these (back then of course) and the handling is very predictable. Heavy, but predictable. Requires some muscle to get it in and out of corners, but once you put it in its line, it rails through corners. I loved every second riding this bike. My brother and my dad had the old ones, and this bike gives you the same muscle-bike feeling of the older modell without the annoying drawbacks. Would buy this bike in a heart beat

[@Schaaf]

Thanks for sharing

[@LiquidAudio]

Wow man, I've ridden for 40 years and watched many of your videos, I don't often feel scared watching them but I did with this one! The handling looks dangerous and the power is insane for a scary handling bike! Great job!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks man

[@snorlaxsnorlaximus3118]

this and the newer verison of this are on my bucket list. Thanks you for the video, and the clear sound capture you always do

[@Schaaf]

Thanks a lot!

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

nothing like the sound of a v4 engine though, so sick. My most memorable bikes were my Honda VFR's, I've add 4 of them since 1987.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!

[@AliHassan-fp4id]

This is the Most Coolest RIDE i have ever seen 😮❤

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@dmaxcustom]

That VMAX issue is that the bike is too damn long and heavy, is not a corner machine and is not multipurpose either. Is built sorely for straight lines and drag race. And believe it or not, handles better than the 1985 versions. Its a weird bike.

[@Schaaf]

I've been riding a lot of very long bikes and they all handled great

[@dumbcat]

i loved my 80's vmax. it handled extremely well at low speeds. i even taught a friend how to ride his first motorcycle using my vmax. cornering at high speeds is a different story. i just didn't basically

[@captainwin6333]

@@Schaaf VMax has been noted for it's poor handling since the first version. The first had a weak frome, the second just doesn't steer correctly.

[@sepg5084]

I don't see that as an issue. It's not a sport bike, it is a muscle bike just like a Triumph Rocket 3. Not every fast bike needs to be a sport bike.

[@dmaxcustom]

@@sepg5084 Agree. is not an issue. Just pointing out the fact that the bike was what it was. Yamaha never tried to sell it as anything else but a straight line, rip your shoulders machine.

[@zardportugal]

Impressive machine. I agree with you Schaaf, those tires are more like cork than rubber. Cheers.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks mate!!

[@sighheinrich]

Damn it sounds good!

[@Schaaf]

thanks

[@proctormod]

@@Schaaf where do you put your sound recorder?? cheers!!

[@kugangles9860]

Imagine if Yamaha got crazy and they put this motor in a sport touring or naked bike platform. It's such a cool engine to look at.

[@elbogossdu81]

for sport touring: honda VFR 1200 with a shaft for transmission, very premium ! available in "cross tourer" a road trail available with DCT

[@Schaaf]

It sure is

[@blipco5]

I have not ridden that beast but the difficult steering is no doubt caused by tires that have gone off. Now that I’ve experienced. But even with good tires I’m sure it’s a handful at speed.

[@Schaaf]

Probably, like I've stated, I can't believe they'd release something like this out of the factory with a steering behaviour this bad. After all it was the newest and latest generation of the VMax

[@FeedingTheSoul-8]

I absolutely love my VMax. I've never had an issue with a wobble on my 2014 while going the same speeds (and faster) on corners like these (and tighter)... but I always keep my tires in order as well. I think it could be the combo of the bad tires mentioned and possibly that windscreen. Maybe the suspension as well. With the weight of the bike, if not dialed in on the front AND rear suspension, like many heavy bikes, the bike will fight itself, especially on higher speed cornering. Again, I've never had one issue with mine and I absolutely "give it the beans" and it's 100% stock and nothing added.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@watchmewatch66]

Welcome to VMAX :) they really steer that bad.. I sold mine two years ago, I could not stand it. But the engine is a true gem.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!

[@vvevvevvvv]

Man, a Vmax of this generation are quite expensive! Impressive bike, though.

[@Schaaf]

thanks!

[@Alfredoz1]

I love all the sounds this beauty makes 😍

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@lownotes4320]

Oh man, this sound... a big eargasm here

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@leward]

I own a 2019 VMAX and was excited to see your perspective on it! I’m sadly disappointed in the tire performance. I feel like with newer rubber you definitely would’ve had a much better experience. Hopefully there will be a next time!

[@Schaaf]

That would be great but unfortunately that's not going to happen

[@boerhenkcb]

Are you sure it didn't had a wornout bearing in the headstock? (Steuersatzlager if google is correct) (Epic sound BTW, thank you Schaaf!)

[@Schaaf]

Pretty sure. Thanks!

[@FOLDIK_UA]

best sound i ever heard...

[@Xpunkpro]

I think it’s perfect. Found one on cycle trader website brand new 16 miles on it for 20k. The person that owned it was scared of it sold it to me. I love acceleration but you have to be careful about where you twist the throttle.

[@Schaaf]

Cool

[@astramorikes224]

Keep the good work sir!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@whisperdancer]

Now you need to do a test ride on a MT-01... 😁

[@Schaaf]

That would be cool

[@ianeptune]

Ein weiteres gutes Video. 👍 VMax is a beast of a bike.

[@Schaaf]

Danke!!

[@BlAzEAnGeL85]

I observed that the aftermarket broad rectangular side mirrors on this Vmax may contribute to increased aerodynamic drag. This additional drag could potentially impact the steering input when cornering at high speeds as well.

[@Schaaf]

at high speeds it steered better actually

[@zoomvidsjc1]

I was lucky enough to ride one of these at a demo event. I'm short and the bike is extremely wide. It was like I was giving birth with my legs spread way out. firm seat. Really heavy. Once moving though was a nice enough ride. I'm just glad I got to ride a really cool, unique motorcycle like this. And always a pleasure watching Schaaf ride cool motorcycles as well on beautiful roads.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks once more:)

[@Dracati]

Sounds good and looks like a beast of a ride 🏍️👌

[@Schaaf]

Thanks Dracati

[@JelloThatsMellow]

It's also possible the stock tire sizes were changed. I swapped the front tire profile on my Guzzi V7 Stone and it went from floppy slow speed instability to predictable progressive cornering. The change from bias ply tires to radials also likely made a huge difference in cornering feel. Cruiser tires suck!

[@Schaaf]

good point, I never checked if the dimensions were actually stock! Thanks for sharing!!

[@s.a.f.r.a6403]

If I'm not mistaken this Vmax had special tyres made for it the year it was released

[@Victor-vf1fi]

What did you replace the V7 front tire with?

[@JelloThatsMellow]

@@Victor-vf1fi 110/80 instead of 100/90. It's an alternative tire size approved in the Guzzi manual. Bridgestone T32's.

[@Victor-vf1fi]

@@JelloThatsMellow thank you so much. And the back tire stayed the same then? Really hope this will make a difference.

[@Xpunkpro]

I keep seeing comments about the handling of the bike issues. I’ve never had an issue with the bike not handling. You bought the wrong bike if you think you’re going to be knee dragging around corners. Get a super sport bike. Do research before you buy. Another thing is the weight. It’s 1700cc muscle bike it’s going to weigh a lot if you don’t believe it then you have unrealistic expectations.

[@Schaaf]

I borrow a bike for a 10 minute test ride and these are the comments I'm receiving lol

[@thomasbouvier3203]

My biggest issue with this bike is that i have no range. But what a bike! Sadly, MT01 came and stole my heart ^^

[@Schaaf]

Not bad either ;)

[@aGentleUser]

My NC also starts from time to time to feel stubborn self steering in, that is always when tire pressure on front is dropping...

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@Kreisverkehrdrifter]

Ich habe erst die MT-01 mit 1,7L Hubraum V2 probe gefahren. Die Vmax steht auf meiner Liste!

[@Schaaf]

Sauber!

[@davidetecchio5028]

What the f**K are those lateral headlights?! As you sad, the owner wants to ruin the aesthetic of the bike. If you will ever have the chance to ride it again, but with better tire, I think it wil turn better (6 years a lot for a tire XD). Thanks for this video! This is my dream bike and seeing it drive your style is Beautiful!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks Davide

[@Franco.Zanchi]

It's a huge overpowered beauty. Can be fun on new tyres on open roads with long twisties. Aftermarket exhaust is a must, but then be ready for the encounter with boys in blue :). Some Metzeler, can't remember which anymore, used to fit best for it. But it burns through it fast. Tank is to small so long rides are out of the question. I would describe it as a sunny Sunday bike for those with extra cash.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!

[@dedsec9960]

Would prefer this over the ducati and aprilia V4 every day and all day.

[@Schaaf]

Ducati maybe, Aprilia definitely not ;)

[@FrankOsman]

Nothing can come close to the note of an RSV4 wide open.

[@dedsec9960]

@@FrankOsman Dude Aprilia has the worst dealer and service network....Ducati still has it better than Aprilia

[@FrankOsman]

@@dedsec9960 good thing I'm only talking about how they sound.

[@dedsec9960]

@@FrankOsman LOL....true dat

[@lovethytuber4770]

Interesting bike that shows Yamaha can even pull off a powercruiser. Quite sure a new set of tires would drastically improve the experience tho, maybe even beyond what it was back then.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@wrenchturners]

where do you put your mic?

[@Rafamoto1978]

Una de las motos más espectaculares de toda la historia del motociclismo a nivel mundial. Impresionante 🤩

[@Schaaf]

Thanks a lot!

[@Gazooka]

My dream bike…finally 🎉

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

I would have loved that motor on a sport tourer like the FJR, would definitely take a bite out of the Goldwing!

[@rayxu3591]

Very nice sound

[@Schaaf]

Thanks for listening

[@pofferreints]

Where do you keep or mount your recorder during the ride? Looking to get a set-up like yours next summer for the trip.

[@Schaaf]

Check description!

[@buzzonbikes]

I could tell straight after the first long corner, that you constantly have to give new inputs and make corrections. Not my cup of tea. As a teenager I spent hours looking at pictures of the first V-max. Glad I didn’t get my license back then. Nice video though!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks mate

[@CritterRacing]

Check-engine light said 😮

[@Schaaf]

It's the fuel light

[@maggifixx1336]

Schaaf, ich bin jetzt ein Wochenende Speed 400 gefahren. Ha ist des Handlich oh mein Gott. Heck leider für mich zu weich, bei Unebenheiten in Kurven, aber an sich ist das ding genial. Ich wäre sehr gespannt auf dein Schaaf-Review. VG

[@Schaaf]

Die hab ich tatsächlich im Archiv auf Lager :) Kommt bald

[@Zverobo1]

Nice ride, it will be marvellous, if you can record 1gen machine. For me , it was revelation how nimble it can be compared to his brother- honda x4. But wobbly and unstable at the same time. Besides tires, bearings, rear schock adjustments and frame bracers - main cure for this machines is weight distribution and body positioning. You can do some really beautiful curves that seemed impossible at first.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@disekjoumoer]

Mad Max, Schööfl edition.

[@Schaaf]

;)

[@levarris14]

Ich durfte auch mal eine VMAX probefahren, und diese Eigenschaft, dass sie gleichsam in die Kurve "fallen" will war bei mir ebenfalls, einfach fast unfahrbar !

[@Schaaf]

Danke für den Kommentar!

[@The22520]

Servus Schaff! Tolles Video! Könntest du vielleicht mit einem Honda Crosstourer Vfr 1200 x Video machen? Gruß aus der Schweiz :)

[@Schaaf]

Leider nein

[@HuberHeinrichHuber]

Hoi. Fahre nie Sozius . Heute mache ich ne Ausnahme . Fahre mit dir ne Runde mit 😊! Aber nur, weil es wieder seit Tagen, regnet - Monsunregen Zeit. Viel Spass . Gruss Thailand 1959.

[@Schaaf]

Danke!

[@kommandant.357]

No one asked for this yet yamaha delivered 😂

[@Schaaf]

Hehehe

[@sighheinrich]

The bad steering is 100% because of the worn down tires. I don't understand why anyone have a nice bike and not changes the tires often.

[@Schaaf]

good question

[@JCF69700--]

The price is one reason. And getting used to old tires, when you ride not enough to feel the change of response

[@Thorsten_Kueppers]

Meine alte FJR reagierte ähnlich bescheiden, sobald die Reifen abgefahren oder auch nur 0,1 bar zu wenig Druck hatten. Würde mich nicht wundern wenn so ein Brocken wie die Vmax ähnlich zickig reagiert auf schlechte Reifen 👍🏻 Fun Fact: Yamaha-Kardan-Winkelgetriebe singen alle dasselbe Lied bei Lastwechseln, ich mag’s 😂

[@Schaaf]

Danke für den Hinweis! :)

[@DJAceBlack]

How nice is that sound 😍?

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!!

[@domschwarz502]

Mein absolutes Traumbike - ich plane mir nachstes jahr eine zu holen. Wenn das klappt kannst du dich gerne nochmal an einer mit anständigen Teifen versuchen.

[@Schaaf]

Nice, danke!

[@Motovibes91]

If the tires are squared off with this kind of weight, the bike would be almost unrideable. I’d blame it on the 6 year old tires

[@Schaaf]

Probably

[@ravishekhar2629]

Where are you from? I like greenery around the road.

[@Schaaf]

Austria

[@gokulkrishm51]

Soo...................B I G 😅

[@Schaaf]

Thanks Gokul!

[@paulfarcas1514]

I think the tyres only make the steering worse. Had a Magna and a V Max and they both have v4 engines and the same poor steering response and awkward handling. The engines are some of the best out there... It seems like v4 engines and cruiser chasis aren't a very good match😁

[@Schaaf]

Indeed. But which tires would fit this bike and make steering better then?

[@paulfarcas1514]

​@@Schaaf I went with progressive suspentions, lowering kit both front and back and played with the rake and trail a bit from the tire setup. The Magna was much more responsive after the modifications, while on the V Max you can't improve things very much.

[@paulfarcas1514]

​@@Schaaf Can't remeber the V Max tires since it was long ago, but on the Magna I went with 888 Ultra Marathons 130 front, 170 rear. It did marvels.

[@aluisious]

As far as I know the weird handling is an inherent flaw of cruisers. I rented a Honda Shadow in Hawaii that also wanted to turn itself into tight turns. Maybe that’s why cruisers guys just ride down straight highways all the time.

[@paulfarcas1514]

​@@aluisious to some extent, yes, now think adding a heavy V4 block to make it even worse😂

[@Max-os6rq]

Das Fazit klingt, als könnte das Lenkkopflager die besten Tage hinter sich haben.

[@Schaaf]

Waren eher die Reifen

[@ChrisAkAxTr3Me]

Didnt even know this bike :-)

[@Schaaf]

Now you do!

[@PiotrekXJ600]

Sound like big bang CP4 Yamaha engine xD

[@Schaaf]

Kind of

[@zh4418]

It seems very slow for that big V4. The MT-10 would eat this for breakfast!

[@Schaaf]

It was one of the fastest accelerating ones I ever rode lol

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

Nice Vmax still nothing even come close to V4 from Honda those in Pan European models. State of Art engines and bulletproof.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@valefur72]

Quello che noi italiani chiamiamo un cancello. Per fortuna abbiamo fatto la Diavel.😂

[@Schaaf]

Hehe

[@volante8657]

ah yes, "the sound of money exploding" by one Mr. Clarkson, but I prefer VFR800 tho

[@Schaaf]

Haha

[@alakewood7853]

😀👍

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@USUG0]

you clearly never rode the previous Vmax gen! :-P

[@Schaaf]

Very helpful comment

[@USUG0]

@@Schaaf try one, that was really a handful! :-)

[@goodridingchannel]

What in the hell are those mirrors for ? A SUV ? 😂😂😂

[@dumbcat]

its for seeing the people you leave behind in infinity

[@Schaaf]

Hahaha

[@Coldwarrior7781]

I used to ride a first generation in the 80s. And yes Yamaha would absolutely sell it like that to be on top of the blastoff wars of the day. It had poor handling, anemic brakes and all that raw power on the weak frame was criminal. I felt like I had escaped a serial killer every time I got off it. I also had Kawasaki's entry the ZL 900 Eliminator and it was a joy to ride even though it was also designed for the quarter.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Desmodromic916]

Sounds like it has 180degrees crankshaft

[@vvevvevvvv]

Stock pipes muting the exhaust quite a bit.

[@aluisious]

180 degree crankshaft in a v4 doesn’t mean anything.

[@Schaaf]

no idea

[@identiticrisis]

​@@aluisious of course it means something. It's the difference between early and later vfr400s. Or a vfr750 and an rc30. Or a Ford V4 (Taunus and Essex), which was even firing. Or the Ducati V4s. The VMax has always had a180 crank, but the angle between cylinder banks has varied. This means the firing intervals are different, not unlike an Aprilia V4 (another 180 crank engine). In the VMax, the exhaust pulses for each bank remain separate for a long time. That, in combination with the bank angle, accentuates the 180 sound over other, similar V4s.

[@jfro5867]

Looks wobbly, unless it’s the camera…..mmmm

[@Schaaf]

It sure was

[@caspianprince]

Same problem on the original VMax too. Worst handling bike I've ever, ever ridden, by a hundred miles. Watching you wobble around the bends there looked genuinely scary.

[@Schaaf]

;)

[@stuntermax01]

Ça ne sert à rien de donner un coup de gaz au rétrogradage...

[@Schaaf]

For you there was no point in learning English apparently

[@oneschwiftyrick]

Just want to say... who keeps tires on a bike for 6 years? That is flirting with danger in an unsavory way. Re-do with new tires! :)

[@Schaaf]

A dealer who wants to maximise profit

[@jage6126]

Horrible transmission noise

[@Schaaf]

I liked it

[@gdratp]

You are not alone schaff, when I tried first time and doing a U turn, it scared hell out of me. I thought I am going to drop this bike, it turns more than we want, bike has its own brain and you need to fight constantly to put in line. Worst bike I have ever ridden.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks for sharing

[@ciuffoarancione8929]

If the steering is bad probably it s also a tyre fault but for the most it s the bike fault..

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@MrDavidfuchser]

Discontinued for a reason. The first gen was even worse if you can believe it. They weren't called widow makers as a light hearted joke. These bikes can rot in the scrap yard.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@DonUschi92]

Hatte das Glück oder Pech den Vorgänger probieren zu können. Neben Bandit 650 und Z750 das schlechteste Motorrad das ich je gefahren bin. Während Bandit das Motorrad ist für Menschen denen einfach alles im Leben egal ist und oder reicht aka Dacia - das statussymbol für alle die kein statussymbol brauchen. Wo die z750 einfach nur schlecht performant aber wohl wenigstens in irgend jemandes Auge gut aussieht, war die VMax hauptsächlich extrem. Vor allem aber extrem schlecht fahrend. Wenn man dort Vollgas gibt passiert folgendes: Das ganze Bike hebt sich dank Kardan aus dem Fahrwerk, dann geht das Vorderrad hoch, das Hinterrad bekommt Schlupf und dann dreht sich die Maschine dank Kardan auf die Seite während der einzige Kontaktpunkt das durchdrehende Hinterrad ist. Was n Schrott...

[@Schaaf]

ahahaha das klingt in der Tat nach einer Fehlkonstruktion :D

[@Driftuner]

Hab schon 2 von den vorgänger gehabt und bin die "neue" schon mal gefahren, und kann deine erfahrung nicht anschliessen. Keins von meinen beiden alten haben sich so verhalten wie du beschreibst. Ja sie sind nicht einfach zu fahren, aber so dermassen unkontrolierbar sind sie auch nicht. Und nein, das vorderrad keines vmax geht einfach so ungewollt hoch. Da liegt so extrem viel gewicht vorne, dass sogar gewollte wheelies nahe zu unmöglich sind...da bricht einfach jedes mal das hinterrad aus, längst bevor man überhaupt an wheelies denken kann..

[@Coldwarrior7781]

Pretty much my experience

[@sergiososa5855]

super machine yamahaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

[@Schaaf]

thank you, Sergio!!