Unleashing the Original Hooligan: The Yamaha VMAX - A Wild Ride Like No Other!

Interested in selling your old car and are located within the Washington DMV area msg me at [e-mail] Check out ‪@MotoRoUsa‬ for more crazy rebuilds and restoration projects.
/ @motorousa
There it was, a beastly machine of sheer power and unfathomable madness-the Yamaha VMAX. It lurked in the shadows, taunting the weak-willed with its audacious presence. From its muscular stance to the thunderous roar of its engine, it was a testament to human audacity, a machine built to transcend the limits of sanity. The VMAX was not for the faint-hearted, for those seeking a mere means of transportation. No, this was a two-wheeled beast that demanded obedience, loyalty, and a reckless disregard for mortality.
With every twist of the throttle, the VMAX unleashed a symphony of chaos, propelling its rider into a realm where time stood still. The rush was intoxicating, a visceral explosion of adrenaline that surged through the veins like liquid fire. It was a machine that defied convention, shattering the boundaries of what was deemed possible. The VMAX was not concerned with subtlety or finesse; it scoffed at such trivialities. It was a raw embodiment of power, a mechanical testament to human desire for absolute domination. To ride the Yamaha VMAX was to dance with the devil, to embrace the madness and revel in the sheer ecstasy of defying gravity and embracing the unknown.

[@joelalleman9591]

it's not a cruiser , it's a BRUISER !!! I have loved these bikes since they were first released !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevefavia]

That thing is rough! Sounds like crap!

[@stevefavia]

You’re missing bolts the seat doesn’t just come off without tools !

[@shinkansenshinkansend8316]

To be fair, the entire bike looks like a complete piece of junk. Seat not bolted on, carbs not fitted fully in to the inlet manifolds. Cheap indicators. Looks like Honda master cylinders fitted. Looks like it was painted by Stevie Wonder. Someone has drilled the rear of both silencers. It's an old, worn out, end of life bike.

[@jeremiah1st]

A layman talking about a ruined V-Max. Not high mileage???? My V-Max is from 1999 with 77.000km and still as brandnew.

[@stefanpuszka8173]

The bloke who designed did so with drag racing in mind.

[@norwichscott]

I have an 85 vmax. The fuel tank has a thermistor inside it. When the fuel drops below the thermistor, it sends a signal to the fuel pump and shuts it off. When you switch it to reserve, it turns the fuel pump on again. Basically, it simulates running out of fuel.

[@vmax4steve524]

I keep mine on reserve all the time, don't want the petrol shut off while I'm in the middle of an overtake, just look out for the red warning light and find a petrol station soon, don't go past it as it's a thirsty beast. I have a three way switch for the vboost, stock/off/on from tickover, helps to save petrol when off and also when a sportsbike rider flicks you the finger you've got 145bhp from low revs which is scary at first but nice when you're used to it. They think you're on a Harley or something similar until you blast away from them 😈

[@masterspin7796]

I used to lite up the tire from a roll all the way into 3rd gear I loved my 1987 V-Max!

[@askmeboutthatruth]

I appreciate your enthusiasm for this motorcycle but you really need to do some homework. I noticed you pointed toward the intake on the side of the airbox. You called it "the plastic" when pointed out what you called chrome accents. I can't believe you actually tapped on them and didn't notice that they were cast aluminum. Not only are they aluminum which the previous owner painted black but each one is hand-polished for 45 minutes by hand at the factory. It is really sacrilegious that they painted them. I actually stopped watching the video there because I realized I actually knew way more about the bikes and you were going to be able to tell me. So, since you didn't even know that I hope you know that what is traditionally known as the gas tank location is actually part of the intake and the actual gas tank is located under the seat. Just thought I'd let you know because you would eventually have to put gas in it 🤯

[@mikebetts1934]

Good catch on the scoops--I wondered if perhaps Yamaha had stopped making them out of aluminum by that year. I 'm glad they didn't!

[@troyleeking]

They aren’t aluminum they have a aluminum finish coat- the aluminum hand polished ones are on the 1700

[@markmorris6208]

The fake side scoops were never hand polished.

[@markmorris6208]

They are all aluminum machine finished with a clear power coat. Just the 85 to 07 had a flat/semi gloss black under the scoops

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

The 2nd gens are hand polished not the 1st

[@themetalmaiden7462]

All these things people say you can't do with this bike like commute, or cruise, or go on long rides. I used mine to commute to work as much as I could. I would get between 30-40 mpg out of it on the freeway, unless I was boosting it for fun. I found the VMax pretty comfortable to ride but you do need to plan on getting gas about every 100 miles with that 4 gal tank. I had an '88 that I bought new and had it for almost 10 years. I miss it, it was a fun bike, but it definitely doesn't like to be pushed at speed through turns.

[@Donfleebie1]

I put 95 thousand trouble free miles on my 83 Venture Royale. Best bike I ever owned.

[@pickuo580]

80 miles per tank??? My V-Max (1992) 145 HP goes 115 miles before I put it on reserve! (yes,I`m an old man and riding tihs bike for 20 years now).So get a good carb revision and fine tune the motor. And the exhaust silencers at the end has no schields what are popped on. I have a Avon Cobra tire at the back. 170 mm instead of the Bridgestone or Kenda150 mm. And ride a good 8 miles to warm up the motor before fully open the thottle.

[@MaxDamage-bh2os]

The most beautiful bike ever! I wish I had money to buy!!!!

[@charlesdeherrera9498]

No dude! That bike is perfectly good for everything but high speed cornering. I've toured, commuted, raced and what not on mine. I've had 3 of them, 2 with over 100,000 mi. Looks to me that you're badmouthing something you don't understand.

[@frankw7266]

I still have my '98. I took it up to John Cornell at UFO Performance for his VGAS system & exhaust, and when I went to pick it up, he had it ready on the dyno for me... 206 at the rear wheel. If you think stock is fast, this thing is insane. Unfortunately, he passed a while back... The very small V-Max community lost a great tuner.

[@ReinerBoehme-f7o]

Loved your video. I have the 2004 Vmax and have had it for approx. 6 years and will have no other bike and if I do it will be another Vmax. Mine has 56K miles on it simply because I love riding it. I will eventually hand it down to one of my sons. Thanks for the great/detailed video. GOOD JOB!

[@thomasbiancuzzo9889]

I bought an rode my v max to Alabama before it was broken in 2800 miles an back to mass sweet ride Don’t turn don’t stop still wish I had it ,maybe I’m alive,just because

[@ayuhmainer781]

Loved seeing the old Max. I owned an '85 for 20 years. Few things. The mileage goes WAY down if you are activating the V-Boost. I never got over 30 mpg and if I was horsing around would get near 20. It goes through tires FAST, even if you aren't pushing it. An aftermarket seat is a must, along with the short sport wind-shield if you are going to actually take it further than a tank of gas. Many mechanics that serviced mine referred to it affectionally as a "pig" because of how it handles at low speeds. Finally, gas with ethanol is a killer for these bikes unless you are VERY careful and use a fuel additive when not using it for more than a couple weeks. The carbs are very complex and clog easily. Once clogged, usually that's it. It's got 4 carbs at $600 each.

[@EvendimataE]

i think the air scoop is better if its not black....so its nice shape will be more visible

[@hmw7139]

vmax is the best

[@Bellend361]

You must have the switch fitted for ultimate fun with the VMAX!😂😂👍👍😎😎🤘🤘

[@EvendimataE]

i regret not getting one when second hand ones wee only going for less than $4k

[@charliesierra6919]

Had an 04' Max for a while. It was like a supercharged Cadillac. I had the seat cut down by V-Max Outlaw (Cornell) and it was so cool. Also added gauges and aftermarket mirrors. Serious power! I'm 6' and would lean forward like a jockey when I rode.

[@JackieClendenen]

1292/2000 is my number on my 2006 20th anniversary edition .when I go out and about people always stop and take a look at it this is truly a one of a kind bike .the tork the v boost sounds like a jet engine when it kicks in . The badge says it all .

[@HorstLandau]

V Max is one of the widowmakers. For straight roads good, but for corners danger.

[@davidgoble4182]

what kind of insane prices ? i found one near by a 1995 vmax for $2500

[@arjen800x]

Thx, nice video. Brings back the feeling. I forgot about the choke and reserve fuel. I had a carbon Max as a daily for 13yr. Best and only mod I did was progressive spring in the tubes + thicker oil + hand warmers with a dragbar. And gaining some weight myself helped against the speedwobble. But the max liked to scare the driver time to time. Loved it.

[@NedKelly1967]

I’ve had 3 lmao they are just addictive…. 6 k revs will rip your arms off this dude can’t ride em lol

[@chloehood6355]

If youe not happy about the tank then buy another bike. Stop knocking it ,we own them and dont like them being de valued, you seem to be a bit of a novice. Seen it before not much knowledge. R

[@VehicleHunter]

Never understood why people get so sensitive about their bikes. It's hilarious.

[@Njihalostrave]

Dude you have many vmax with high mileage like 200000+ and still going hard

[@georgemacdonald5282]

Great review, i bought one in 2008 but you take its looks for granted but when you see it on this video the bike looks fantastic.

[@hockeymann88]

I see many of these modified but I really like the way they look stock. Maybe some small performance mods like stainless brake lines, LEDs suspension rebuild etc. Great presentation.

[@mainlander6299]

I've had my 99 vmax for 20 years now and I have gradually returned it to near stock condition. They look great straight out of the box in my opinion. It's interesting to hear they are so expensive in the states, here in the UK they are relatively plentiful and values are yet to go up. £4000 will get something worth having.

[@mironkorzalko7761]

Thanks fir ride down memory lane. I had a 92 back in 92. At 125ish the front end wobble was terrifying... it kept you restrained somewhat. Few tips and corrections for ya. Scoops are aluminum, n with a few weekends of stripping paint, wet sanding and buffing can be brought to a mirror finish. Supertrapp slipons will make it sound like a chevy v8 if you leave off all the baffles. Gas access is not horrible, that seat has obviously been repadded badly. Rocky Mountain Motorsports, if memory serves me, made a repadded seat w higher density foam that actually lowered seat height. Awesome for my height. Shorter rear shocks, 11inch I think, also helped w comfort and stance. Drag bars completed the look of a muscle cruiser and a lower profile front tire made it more of a canyon carver. I scraped pegs many a time. Best modification is the Vboost override. It was a simple toggle switch and relay installation that changed when Vboost kicked in. It normally kicks in a 6k rpm and is quite noticeable in tourqe and sound. The mod engaged it at 3k rpm an just made it a tourqe monster .

[@mattdonna9677]

I had a 1986, it didn't start to wobble until 145 m.p.h.😊

[@justaclosedaccount]

I have a clenched fist I sold mine.

[@mikebetts1934]

Great review. I still have my 1985 Mad Max-I could never sell it. Twisting it's throttle is addictive. Power cruiser is an ok descriptor, but I call it a two-wheeled hot rod. It almost bucked me off once when I 'raced' a GTO. I opened the throttle and fed the clutch too qickly, closed the throttle too fast in reaction, then opened it again too quickly, closed it again, and got it right the third time, as I clung on and climbed back on the seat! Of course I left the GTO in the dust.😀😀

[@Stefusana]

Overall good review but they are not so trickly to fuel up considering it!And they ar'e not so hungry fed on fuel considering it comparing the joy of drivin' them!

[@mironkorzalko7761]

I went New Haven to Myrtle Beach n got 120ish per tank. It worked out great cuz every couple of hours u got gas ,a stretch n a bud tall boy

[@toddlehman928]

Have you ever seen a motorcycle before you made this video?

[@VehicleHunter]

I've heard of them. Aren't those 4 wheeled contraptions that go around corners?

[@MrPepper312]

I have owned two of these. They can do the quarter mile in the 10s. The roll on from 75 mph to pass a car was awesome. Yamaha please make these agin.

[@fakenews7266]

I still have 2 of these a 1988 and a 1998 , my 98 is bone stock and my 88 is highly modified , the 1988 only gets 7 MPG with 205 rear wheel HP , the best time it ever did was a quarter 8.9 seconds 156 MPH at Capitol Speedway up in Odenton, Maryland , yes a V-Max that broke into the 8's , I think that Capitol speedway was sold and is no longer open ? We moved to Florida so I'm not 100% sure about Capitol being sold

[@marting.4505]

I remember how my uncle gave me his for a spin when I was 16-17. I did a WOT roll-on from 30-100 mph and that thing almost ripped my arms off. Ever since that day, I've been dragging my knuckles on the ground. That's the one bike I really want to add to my collection, but 95% of the machines wher I live come without the power valve system or whatever it's called

[@MrPepper312]

V - Boost was a butterfly valve that opened at 6000 rpm that allowed more fuel. I really loved the shaft drive. No chain maintenance.

[@chevyboyforlife4234]

It's a good thing I live in Florida.Because you can see these from really good.Examples with low miles from Three thousand to 5 thousand

[@davidcox9115]

I loved mine but I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't got rid of it...I was young a foolish ..lots of power.

[@mattdonna9677]

Had mine 1year, totaled it in 1994.☹️. I know I'm fortunate to have survived.

[@michaelmanning97]

Outstanding review.alex has done a amazing job with his vmax.i hope he keeps it.

[@oosteveo315]

My 890 adventure would yard that thing on knobbies...

[@SharpMotorsports]

Love these bikes! Recently found an excellent 2005 Anniversary model with 11k miles! Enjoying it as much as I can 👍

[@bryanbowman9034]

I bought a nice anniversary edition myself in June, 2023 (#253). It had just under 7k miles on it. I'm a GenX-er and I had a poster of Jay Gleason on a Vmax in a cloud of smoke when I was a teenager. I've wanted this bike all my life and finally scored a beauty. I couldn't be happier.

[@Jeff-io2zn]

These bikes need slightly wider handle bars , longer forks with some front rake . They look but handle terrible

[@camabuntaa]

New to bikes here, my late father in law owned a 2003. Recently my mother in law gave it to me however it does not run. is it an okay bike to learn to ride on?

[@markmorris6208]

You have no idea what a V-Max is. There are videos over 15yrs old that explains what this motorcycle is. This bike is not stock an the mods/restoration is actually pretty sub par.

[@DanielCole-df4iy]

Oh yeah

[@olehaus]

This guy is clueless about the VMX1200.

[@eddelp6807]

If I was doing a KZbin video I would be educated. About the product, but thanks for building up the max.

[@VehicleHunter]

Sometimes i just to get a ride in :)

[@BreakStuffClub]

I’ve been wanting one of these for over a decade now it was nice to see a review that actually goes thru the bike and by someone who is knowledgeable and knows bikes, thanks for this!

[@okinawanah3463]

I stopped watching at 4.0 gallons fuel capacity. FJR1300 it is then.

[@henrydegan6204]

Always good when someone finds the bike that fits to his style. Indeed on a Vmax you will meet a petrol station or two everyday you riding. It IS a drawback of that bike. On the other hand, inline engines are just boring. In Central Europe the close to 200 km range is enough and after 2-3h of riding VMax you better have a break anyway. Fits for me so good that since 1995 VMax is my main bike, since 2017 the 1700 joined the 1200. I have other bikes as well like the sv650, n xj900 and some bikes from the 70s. But V4 rules and the bigger the better.

[@michaelpears2061]

I like the episode of this bike that V max seat shape is just for the riders not to be dropped off from the motorcycle when they turn on THE Vboost.

[@mironkorzalko7761]

It does help....when you hit 6k rpm it tugs at your arms n shoulders a but, but when u expect it it's thrilling

[@Winkkin]

... it's just fun to ride!! (Some nice rips) ((I've had a '98 since 2013)))

[@JackieClendenen]

Guys I apologize I looked at the production date on my v max it was made in the 10 th month of 04 which makes it an 05 number 1292 of 2000 made for that production year

[@markellis3648]

Sorry can’t watch ripple scam add attachment

[@RanneyKong]

He no lye the o,g max keeps up with a F16!

[@gregoryhunter6002]

The mileage is not ridiculous considering what it can do. The problem is that the tank at 15 litres is much too small. On my Gen 2, I installed a 21.5 litre and it seems like a normal bike. I can ride 210-225 kms before the fuel light comes on and when I fill it up, it usually takes 15-16 litres to top up. Best add-on for a VMAX or VMax.

[@earthsurfer13]

You left out the very common 1st to 2nd gear shift slippage. It was a common issue on these bikes. I sure miss my 85 with inverted forks off a gsxr, lowered 2 inches with chopped kick stand. Cateye headlight was pretty sick too. I should have kept it honestly.

[@vmax42dave]

Did he forget to mention its shaft drive ?

[@thedood4713]

I bought mine for 1200 bucks the guy said he couldn't decide a price so he just said pay for the 1200cc ,I gave him 1500 as a bonus it's a fantastic bike.

[@VehicleHunter]

Great deal!

[@toddlehman928]

These are neither rare nor expensive! I have a 97 I got it for years ago in great shape had Supertramp slip-ons drag bar, braided lines and aftermarket rear shocks. Under 13000 miles. $2800. Now that was a great deal, easy to find at $3500-4000

[@troyleeking]

You need to do your homework- they are cast aluminum on the 1700 not the 1200-

[@VehicleHunter]

Good to know.

[@Mark1405Leeds]

Best bike ever! Love these!

[@bbcala9719]

I would love to take one for a spin.

[@johnkessler9878]

I ride a 2001. Bought it new. The advantage of having the gas down low is it lowers the center of gravity. Anyone who rides with a 6 ga traditional tank knows how top heavy the bike is when full.

[@rlsticks]

nice bike just needs a new paint job

[@realscience948]

Lots of these on Autotrader in Ontario Canada….$5000 or so!

[@thesunnysheepguy]

Just got a ‘93 in great shape. Love it! It is a surprise to ride. Power instantly at any speed or gear. Digs in and don’t feel upper body go back much. Kinda pulls my hips back. Don’t feel much change in wind force either but that is probably different depending on height and body structure. Great bike. Good video.

[@bertuswelgemoed9904]

2de gear strips

[@DanielCole-df4iy]

Mine will fly

[@raymondjumaquio37]

Can you also feature the 1987 Honda Magna V65. Nice review for the VMax by the way.

[@VehicleHunter]

I’m going to look for one. Didn’t realize they were that fast. Thank you.

[@timbarnett3898]

This V-max motor was in my 86' Yamaha Venture Royale. What a great machine! Be careful with power band?

[@VehicleHunter]

How did you like the venture royal?

[@michaelhamer1277]

love mine...

[@gabekrieg1927]

Nice review. Thanks

[@stevemackenzie8250]

I just bought one Maybe

[@stevemackenzie8250]

Yes, yes I did buy one.

[@kurtveldeman9291]

I'm picking up mine Friday 😁👍🏻

[@robertisaacs6817]

Your review was not that good. Sorry but i am 100% sure i know alot more about a VMAX then you do. "Plastic accents"? Seriously? You cant even feel the difference between aliminium and plastic? The seat on that bike is not original (its been recovered poorly) or or it's a cheap imitation atleast since it does not open properly and is not bolted down (ps. 4 bolts holds the seat down). I use my VMAX as a daily driver in all kinds of weather including long distance trips so i cant understand that you just assume that a MAX is not able to do it. If you did own a properly working example you would be able to get more then 100 miles out of the 4 gallon tank BEFORE the fuel light comes on. If you dont then its only because the kick of the vboost makes you drive like a holigan. Go buy yourself a proper MAX and then do a decent review.

[@DanielCole-df4iy]

Well I would love to ride mine again

[@michaelmanning97]

Thanks!

[@VehicleHunter]

You bet! First super thanks i've gotten on the channel. Much appreciated

[@russellvonastel7111]

Been trying to find one forever

[@VehicleHunter]

Motorousa sold his for very cheap(the one in the video)

[@DanielCole-df4iy]

Have a 81 model v max may sell

[@MotoRoUsa]

Amazing review brotha! Thank you!

[@jefftarver1461]

Great video and great bike I have 2 a 1985 and a 2003

[@stevebrzosko9793]

Excellent presentation - great work!

[@EBthere]

Excellent review and bike!

[@kennypool]

I don't know why you need three different channels? Put all your shit on one. Haha

[@VehicleHunter]

When i first started this one it was more for car and moto reviews. Then made the motardsquid for all the vlogging rides, then got into mountain biking for cycling. Yeah it is quite a few :)

[@dakkedankos4116]

Good review, you get the points spot on.

[@VehicleHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tuffy16]

Marketplace. 2002 carbon fiber edition 6000 canadian

[@tittyrino]

At 3:56,that's the MAX I have.