Yamaha VMax vs. Warrior - Side By Side Comparison, Walk Around, Quick Ride...

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Today I'm doing a quick side by side comparison of the Yamaha V-Max 1200 and Yamaha Road Star Warrior 1700. Both bikes are considered "Muscle/Performance Cruisers." However, they're very different riding experiences. This is not an in depth look, but rather a brief overview of some of the key specs and things I like/dislike about the two. Enjoy!
yamaha road star warrior 1700 vs vmax which is the better muscle bike performance cruiser hot rod voodoo exhaust vs vance & hines exhaust
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[@markbeck3489]

Warrior weights 650 wet

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I thought the bike felt a lot lighter. Not sure where I got the 770 figure from. I swear I looked it up. Lol. Thanks for the correction!

[@markbeck3489]

@@JonsMotoGarage your welcome, great bikes!!!

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

So did my second wife..

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@anthonysmalawipredators8794 oof bro, absolutely savage lol

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 🤣 lol

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Both cool bikes. Even with the sub par handling, we're taking the VMAX. 💪 👨‍👩‍👧 ❤

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Vmax for the W!

[@jbayok]

Love the warrior. Would like to see a zero to 60 one of these days

[@abcanimal]

0 to 60 in eyeball melting speed!😄

[@nickbirbeck1197]

Dudes just blowing through neighborhoods first on a piped vmax then a piped warrior. I'll bet he pisses some people off but I love it lol! Both bikes sound absolutely incredible

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Vmax sounds like a cammed V8. Absolutely terrifying.

[@aweba25]

I love my 2nd generation vmax!!!!

[@LARGO125]

Vmax will always be the measuring stick in the muscle cruiser segment. And that 4 into 1 exhaust just makes it sound like a beast. Scary as balls bike to ride tho!

[@senchantsartofteaching]

Not scary. Gen2 Gurued too. FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markbaum9615]

I think the warrior would be best round town......but I must admit , i like a bike that scares the sh^t out of me....hard to replace that feeling..

[@mikekosar6135]

V max was never about handling.. but would beat an f16 on launch to take off..☄️💥🔥😳out of gas...😵 surprised to hear about the handling of warrior

[@Yamahog]

Awesome Vid, Jon. My preference would be the Warrior. The Vmax's exhaust pitch is too high ,,, Bwaaa versus Bwuuwww, or even lower if possible, ... like you said about the Warrior, a nice low grumble like an HD. Not to mention that annoying Yamaha-tick from the tappets on the Vmax, ( my ears are twitchy to it from riding Yammies for so long, lol) One thing I will say say about Yamaha, the fuel light comes on at about 1/5th tank capacity. My experience with Yamahas is from Tank-full to Fuel light is 185 miles,... so if it comes on,..... you have about a 20 to 25 mile stretch before your bike becomes a door stop. I make it a rule to say 15 miles incase I have been aggressive and riding at high rpm's for some time and my trip meter is telling me I've gone X-distance, but I really should have gotten fuel miles earlier. Ciao.

[@Yamahog]

That should read .... My "Reserve" trip meter tells me I've gone X-distance .....etc. ( The trip meter that's active switches to "Reserve-Fuel Warning "and counts from zero upwards, when the fuel light comes on), Depending on my riding style., I have a 20 ~ 25 mile range there on to fuel up.

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

The skulls & flames on the Vmax are so goofy but so fitting. It's basically part of the novelty. Never paint that sucker!

[@Charlies_Riding_Adventures]

I’d put my VTX1800 up against that warrior.

[@canadianblackmetal4534]

I'm still partial to the victory muscle bikes for that look. Been on a vmax a few times. Great bike but definitely its own animal. Cheers mate.

[@vanningale495]

Ridden the Vmax. It’s unforgiving. Go in too hot and you’ve got a mess on your hands. Below 6000rpm it’s boring. 8k and above things get very busy indeed and I think this is what catches people who never ridden turbo bikes by surprise. Even though the Vmax is not turboed the vboost makes it behave similarly. I ride the Vtx-1800. I think it handles pretty well. Nicely balanced and pulls really hard. 110HP. 120 ft lbs. as fast as the Vmax is, my BMW K1200s with 167hp is very quick.

[@vytas5584]

You expected a 280kg bike to handle like a 180kg bike? Be interesting to see your girlfriend choices! ;D

[@Ty5oN101]

Legit just got a Vmax last week. Can't even ride it because I'm not home from the Army yet. It's killing me!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks for your service, brotha! 🙏

[@thewencksta999]

I'm IN tHe nATioNal gUarD, tHanK mE fOr my SERviCe!

[@BloodPlusPwn]

Both awesome bikes. The vmax is a must have for me though... some day. Already had a vrod so it's next on the chopping block.

[@MrInternationalSound]

Your neighbors must hate you ‼️‼️😅😂

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha! We get along for the most part. Lol.

[@oliverrojas7117]

Prefer the V-Max because Of power and style

[@MrCamarokid83]

The vmax was breaking the back tire loose...

[@caseybonas3385]

I own a 2003 Vmax. I truly love it for a fun unique bike that it is. Not many of them around and the sound and straight line pull is very impressive . Major draw back is that it is not comfortable for long rides. Next bikes I aim to purchase are a Yamaha raider 1900, a bmw gs1200 and a gold wing. A different bike for each mood I usually want to ride in lol

[@ED-ku4ey]

Awsome video man also the warrior isn't really to heavy its about 660 wet and without the water heater of a stock pipe sheds another 8 pounds

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

i would have to go warrior on that one

[@EasyRiderGreg]

I'd take 'em both for a ride if I had the chance for sure. If a bike scared me I don't think I'd ride it. But I never saw 1 that scared me. I'm glad the Warrior is good.

[@mikeeger7581]

Keep em coming Jon great job say hey to the family for me. Thanks 🙏 Mike from New York upstate

[@stoneageidaho]

I've owned a vmax for 12 years now and think it handles wonderfully, but a Honda Blackbird and vtx are all I can compare. I do have frame re enforcements which may help. Only complaint I have is the limited fuel range.

[@thomasblake7046]

I want a Black Bird so bad. Got the Warrior and absolutely love it. Incredible handling and brakes. Super comfortable for my 6'2" 190lb frame as well. Super comfortable. Back in the day had a Hurricane and always wanted a Blackbird.

[@Ratko_Suzic]

Since I'm privileged to be a proud owner of one yamaha V max 1200. I must say that the bike is a beast of its own... No other can compare to it, torque wise as well as exhaust wise. Handling do suffer, but for those folks that have made transition from sportser to V machines. As much as transition from sport bike to V machine is surprising and different to sport riders, that much more strange, is transition from ordinary V machine riders to just only V Max... That's how different this machine is. Japanese masterminds have put so much brainwaves into this beauty that it managed to outlast many opponent machines performance wise and lookalike wise as well, for all those years. Having been riding it some 4 years already I got used to the awesomeness of this bike that I'm not gonna change it. XV 1700 could find its place in my garage but Max is here for good... Two into four Cobra exhausts, Indian handle bars, switched upside down front forks and couple of Michelin commander two's are making this bike handle as it should with surprisingly low lean angles. If you consider it, make no doubts, just go for it... ☝️😏🤘

[@leealbert8293]

When the fuel light comes on, you can go another 20 miles.

[@senchantsartofteaching]

Lol!! You're so cool with your low top shoes and no gear other than helmet, gloves and GoPros... running out of gas and you're right... "enough rambling." Too much for any biker I've ever heard. Nice pro review guy - Couldn't take time to do it again without gassing up!? (whining and unprepared) My gen2 Gurued VMAX goes about 50, maybe 60m before I need gas. Once my light comes on... I don't panic. It even begins to flash at some point. I haven't ridden in 15 yrs and I hear a lot of, "IDK" from this otherwise experienced rider video with a KZbin Channel... I don't panic. If you are running out of gas on virtually ANY street bike, you have about 20m at least. So chill and ride your huge beasts safely... otherwise rookies shouldn't be playing with big toys. "Scared!?!?" You don't belong on a vehicle you are "scared" to drive. Just sayin' From the old school \m/, Ride safe, do your pre ride CHECKS or get on the bitch pad KZbin Champs!!! LMAO Do you know Yamaha also makes musical instruments geniuses and virtuosos also own ;)

[@greevesarchery2198]

I know this is an old video; but I had to do a double take when he said he expected something like a FZ-07. The FZ-07 is barely over 400 pounds. The VMAX 1200 is a big bike at well over 600 pounds ready to run(Gen 2 is a big bike as well). Let's not forget that's an old bike. Even with the newest models in 2006-2007 it was still an old bike, not many major changes over the years. Sorry to hear you didn't completely enjoy the VMAX 1200. That truly is a great machine and very much a cult classic. The sound alone is almost worth the price.

[@adrenalinehigh2070]

Not sure what the later generations of the Vmax sounds like, but hands down, the 102ci Warrior engine sounds is a much more attractive sound than the crotch rocket sound the vmax has. Thank you for the video, but I did get past the vmax starting up. Terrible sounding engine. Not for me at all. At least not that first gen, and I don’t want just exhaust sound. I like a muscle bike sound on the engine to go along with the one the exhaust makes.

[@paulboon1100]

Hi, put a Michelin pilot radail 110 wide on the front and conventional Michelin 170 wide on the rear, the handling transforms. Have done that for years now on my "92, be ready it will feel nervous first up. I know radials and conventional shouldn't be mixed and all that crap! Trust me it works on a V-max.

[@thisburns]

Running out of gas is a very warrior thing lol. When the gas light comes on I usually get another 15 minutes of riding at 80mph in 5th gear. And maybe about 20-30 minutes of riding at 55mph in 5th gear.

[@Lordbaccus]

is that all the eSpanish you know??? PLEASE STOP doing that! you blurt in Spanish and switch to ENGLISH with NO Segway - ANNOYING AF

[@martybowen1]

There really isn't any comparison they are both purpose built bikes built for totally different purposes!! However that being said I'll take either or both if given the opportunity!!

[@girrrrrrr2]

My first bike is a warrior, and yeah, until it gets caught on fire, I'm keeping it. It's not the perfect bike, but there isn't one thing I can point to thats bad about it.

[@empanada7]

I'm trying decide between a 1200 VMAX and a 900 bolt any thoughts

[@tedhaze1]

Shake it around a bit when you start running out of fuel to get you a little bit further

[@RicksAquariumsuk]

Hi great video I own a 1990 vmax it's a crazy machine ,what bars are they on there straight or drag bars

[@mikeeger7581]

Is it carburetored does it have a petcock with reserve??? Thanks 🙏 Mike

[@EasyRiderGreg]

I was wondering that too.

[@chillerk]

The Warrior? No. Injected and when the light cones on you've hit the reserve tank which for me means I have 20-25 miles.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

The warrior is fuel injected. The vmx has carbs.

[@bundunett3212]

This looks like my garage, along with a Sienna too LOL :)

[@No-timeforimbeciles]

No comparison, the vmax will always be more fun & faster

[@mociczyczki]

yep vmax less cc less torque but straaightens your arm stronger ....

[@mbsnyderc]

There is only One muscle bike there the warrior is just a standard cruiser.

[@nevadabrad6392]

Always wanted a V-Max but never got one. Would of went one of two ways jail or dead

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Hahaha!

[@teamhuber]

130 mph easy.

[@jeffmellow]

Let's see some drag races against the VMax!

[@kylethomas8302]

I own a 2002 Warrior. I've always wanted a Vmax since I was a kid. Just bought a 2019 Indian FTR 1200s. Love it! Raw Power! But I will never get rid of the Warrior.

[@shadwox9808]

warrior for this comparo but if it was the vmax secon gen vmax for me.

[@jfro5867]

That vmax exhaust is horrible, not a nice sound, just noise. Too much noise. Enjoy your vlogs 👍

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Definitely noisy! Lol.

[@ktm890r2]

Lived your life fully by riding both the bikes...

[@ryderDoO]

VMAX, It's a cruiser!! Not a sportbike!

[@Gunnypauly73]

7:31 You know your V-Max is running good when the oil light comes on under hard acceleration. They are Fun to ride!

[@chrisstevens3801]

I think thats a bad sign XD

[@hexhead5732]

Both bikes sound great I think the Yamaha Warriors would a nice cruiser to have looks more controllable

[@jordanjoestar8839]

With proper tires and a fork brace the Vmax is actually able to be taken on track. You can find videos of people absolutely shredding it.

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

The Warrior pales in comparison PERIOD

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

The Max is a Drag Bike, a Muscle Car on 2 wheels.

[@normasnockers323]

wow man, they both make me want to crack another beer

[@klausschmied7144]

What a nonsense warrior is not a muscle bike

[@E38vip]

Hello is this Jon's moto garage?

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

what area do you live in / state

[@alexmuz88]

I love your videos PLEASE PLEASE, man make a vmax1700 video, want a expert opinion of the bike i want to buy

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks, brotha! I would love to try out the 1700 but they're hard to come by. And I'm definitely no expert, but I appreciate the compliment. 🤙🏍

[@wolfnomis8138]

If you get a Gen2, buy it. Even if you find out that it is not good for you, you can sell it without loss. My 1995 Gen1 would still sell for half the price I paid 25 years ago. Also the Gen2 is rock solid and stable in price. Check for the MCN 2 minute guide of the yamaha vmax 1700 and listen closely...

[@dburges5]

i think i'm gonna be in the market for an older VMAX, always wanted one now i'm gonna start looking. not familiar with the market $ on these. if you got some time shoot me an email & give me an idea. thanks

[@billy1427]

My dad picked up a ‘92 last year, fairly low miles for its age. I think if you spend $4-6k you can get one in good condition. Definitely a fun bike, especially after upgrading the suspension. And scary fast as John has mentioned lol

[@Jimmyz96]

Got a 93. Great bike, of course it needed some love, the rubbers in the airbox got hard, 80 bucks for new, carbs cleaned, rebuilt. Clutch slave and master rebuild as well, totally worth all of it! Try to get 93 or newer, better frame, better brakes. Warning! Give yourself some sane time in the saddle before being stupid on it! This bike is skynet, it will not sleep, it will never stop, and if you dont keep your head where it belongs. It will kill you. Btw, I've ridden for 40 years. Had the privilege of owning a max for 3 years

[@jimmysprinkel492]

Definitely the VMAX

[@vmax4steve524]

The original advertising blurb for the vmax1200 in 1985 was The meek shall inherit the earth, but for now it's ours. Got that written on my max's reg plate. 84 bhp doesn't make a muscle bike I'm afraid, simply another Harley clone. Nothing wrong with that, in fact I really like the original Harley clone, the suzuki 1400 Intruder, exhaust on both sides, much better aesthetically.

[@2kanchoo]

Dude you should see if you can find a twin turbo raider. 150hp 185tq to the wheel! Woah!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Twin turbo raider!? Now that sounds like a beast!

[@2kanchoo]

Jon's Moto Garage kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4Wwq5uCZbRoj6M

[@JenniferSmith-yl6lr]

No need to suggest a VMax to anyone. If you are not stroke by the VMax, leave it. If you are, wlecome to the club lol. I own both Gen1 and Gen2, both in original condition. Could not even think of any other bike anymore - and I had about 15 bikes before I bought my first VMax in 1995. It has enough power for relaxed cruising. Enough power for what ever you feel like. The exhaust of the tested VMax is just crap. Way too loud.

[@russellvonastel7111]

Give me VMax every time

[@CrypticApathy]

The warrior feels light because it doesnt way 770lbs. Your about 100 to 150lbs off. Max wet weight is 660. I have a 04 warrior. The gas light comes on you still have about 10-15 miles before you run out.

[@noreastermike1621]

Drop the warrior to a 190 rear tire, and handling gets way better. Gas light means roughly 20 miles. Put over 60,000 miles on my 07.

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

WARRIOR 606lbs dry

[@DesertMoPho]

Glad you made it home!

[@cowdudeable]

I have never understood the difference between horsepower and torque. I assumed the more power, the more torque. And you say the one with less horsepower has more torque. Do tell.

[@59vaughn]

Yeah...I've never found the left hand throttle either....😏

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

😂😂

[@Dyrtbag68]

Warrior gets it since she provided the drama/thrill of am I pushing this home over a discussion with a cop Sub D style why you were going that fast. V-Max has always looked to me like it belongs in the naked fighter bike class more than the cruiser though.

[@thtigmif]

You forgot to mention the Ducati Diavel / XDiavel S among the muscle bikes. It's not a 4 or 3 cylinder bike and not quite a v twin, but I would compare it to the VMax since it is more on the sportbike side.

[@paulvelez9688]

Late to the game but just picked up an 06 warrior. While the max spanks it on speed, for me the warrior takes it in all other segments. Was a bucket list bike for me and thrilled to have one.

[@johnharris7353]

V max ain't sounding right to me, sounds like it's missing a cylinder, could be or might be just me.

[@deraldgroth5719]

Oh, that helpless feeling when running out of fuel - especially after the low fuel indicator just lights up! Similar to getting caught red handed for speeding or exhibition riding... well, they still gotta catch you!

[@nonofyourbusiness7631]

I like the lower rpms and torque of the bigger vtwins. Dont get wore out on long rides. The main reason people sell their vmaxs is to go longer distances more.

[@shaungbm3861]

Jeez I didnt realise how loud the Vmax was until you tried to speak over top of it idling with the choke on! Damn!

[@royjohnsonvideo]

vmax every time...

[@xlasvegan7x]

You would be correct Jon..07 was the last year before the mighty Vmax went to fuel injection.

[@miguelsalgado4673]

Really, you ha e more than enough miles on reserve on any machine

[@kurtmessenger2034]

I have that exact same warrior, really awesome bike just wish it was more passenger friendly

[@MCNeurotiK]

Do you prefer the VMax over the Dyna?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Two totally different beasts. The dyna for me with my current riding preferences. 🤙

[@miroslavconk4068]

Ah gosh i need vmax in my life that bike is so fucking beautiful even after those years love it dude

[@brianhanson8034]

Vmax, for that top-end sound! Think I'd be looking at suspension upgrades tho 😅

[@xpurpled]

Imo performance cruisers are totally different than muscle cruisers...

[@xlasvegan7x]

I owned a Vmax..stupidly I sold it..but I will own one again.

[@jackbrown2935]

I have a 2005 Vmax limited edition. Gnarly to say the least, lol

[@FnLn55]

I'd like a warrior in my future, but my vmax days are behind me.

[@tetlow2]

Both of them are great lookin bikes. I would love to ride a vmax one day.

[@dalepaddon8904]

Love the bikes. TIME FOR NEW GLOVES MAN

[@Cptrq]

your videos make me wanna extend my driveway i love how wide your drive way is lol

[@Deal4itTanny]

Both are smoking but the VMAX just looks crazy cool!! Needs some rocket launchers on the sides.

[@Jimmyz96]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here but I'm going to say most of you who chose the warrior have never experienced Vboost! Most addictive rush known to mankind!

[@nonofyourbusiness7631]

Ehhh I prefer the vtwins for muscle cruisers. My sportbike eats vmaxs in 3rd gear lol. Fastest ive gone is 230mph

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Which one is better for a passenger?

[@9mmnelson140]

Vmax are the best. I got 2 of them..

[@gregslosek6846]

☝️

[@maxboas3509]

Love my 03 Max and 09 Raider

[@davidkomaromi2017]

Hell yea was waiting for this one