Why I Regret My Yamaha V-Max Purchase (learning lesson)...

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Today I'm going over the lessons I learned with purchasing my 2007 Yamaha V-Max. No matter how many bikes you've purchased, you can still miss things.
tags: yamaha vmax purchase buyers remorse things how I messed up
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[@jaywhoisit4863]

It’s a 13 year old bike. Fork seals are piss easy to change. Oil leak you really need to find it and inspect. Kill switch is nothing but a connection. You make it sound like it’s falling apart!

[@fivespeed3026]

Jay Whoisit Pretty easy repairs. Might as well complain about having to replace the battery and brake fluid too.

[@BloodPlusPwn]

Honestly even if you didn't want to fuck with it and took it to a shop it'd probably be like 200 bucks to get the forks rebuilt (it's pennies if you wanna do it yourself), that's pretty negligible when looking at the price of the whole bike imo. Oil leaks mean fuck all to me unless it's actually pouring the oil out lol. A little drip here and there just means it's still got oil :P

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Fork seals are cheap and they are easy to replace yourself

[@robertguyton7189]

Just for views probably just had an idea of a video . When he was thinking of doing maintenance on his bike

[@garyjohnson4575]

Really easy to damage them though, some use vise grips and no vise. I've seen many attempts, at this easy task, tools and knowledge needed. (Some don't know there are two widths in pliers, but they put out vids!)

[@BB-pq6oj]

It's difficult not to like this guy. This is a perfectly respectable analysis. He brought 4 major points: 1. Kill switch 2. Fork seals 3. Minor oil leak (I'm assuming if it was major he would have shown us the pool of oil underneath the bike. 4. The bike scares him and he doesn't have the confidence on it that he assumed (which is impressive because most men would never admit that). That's why men over 50 on Harleys are getting killed at a higher theater than 18 year Olds on crotch rockets). Their ego won't allow them to admit they bought a motorcycle way too large. I'm a VMax owner. I'm terrified of it, too. My other bikes are a Honda VFR 800 (108,000 miles) , bmw 1200gs, and cbr 954rr fireblade. The other 3 rarely get touched. This man has situational awareness. I think too many of us buy bikes we can't handle because we want a weekend costume. The VMax is not a weekend costume. It's a dedicated killer who preys on those lacking in situational awareness, navigating by their own ego, and suffocating themselves with cognitive dissonance. I'm comfortable getting killed on a motorcycle. Although I'm going to use everything in my arsenal to evade the statistics, I know that complacency will move that day closer faster than anything. Men who get killed are the ones who ride a bike like an F-150, maintain the same poor driving techniques, and expect the rest of the world to look at them as if life was a Facebook 'like.' You be you, Brother. I've ridden very 3 decades now, and I can count on one hand the number of men who were man enough to admit when the risk isn't congruent with the reward. I will always love the VMax. I will always be terrified of it. I will maintain that fear to sharpen my senses, increase my vigilance, and syphon dopamine and serotonin out of my primate brain until the day it no longer functions (a mechanism I'm certain is metaphysically wired to the Vboost system). Dont be so hasty with selling the Vmax. Give her a name and don't rush anything. Mine is "Darcy." If she was an actual woman, she would be a lovely educated lady who wears pretty heels and can maintain an intellectual conversation as long as she is on her medications.

[@markl8111]

The Vmax is a monster, besides that, every used bike has issues.

[@rimshot6444]

you can't sell a bike with leaking forks without cleaning it right before the buyer sees the bike + a non-functioning kill switch ((hot wired) + an engine leak... the seller was not being honest.

[@aleshamahon]

@@rimshot6444 Forks seals can start leaking on the trailer/truck bed from being strapped down, oil leaks develop over time/anytime, switch can just be a used wire and some never even use it and therefore know about it...

[@rimshot6444]

@@aleshamahon everything is possible but what are the chances???

[@aleshamahon]

@@rimshot6444 great chances, like with any used bike, heck, even brand new ones

[@loganurquhart11]

Shoot, even new bikes have issues.

[@Coldestaevadoit]

You can't buy used bikes and expect em to be perfect. Fork seals cheap. Oil leak is likely a drain plug or filter that's loose. It's all good fix that baby.

[@jeremiahfulton103]

Not even half a grand worth of maintenance, with that mileage it's entirely expected and reasonable.

[@fakenews7266]

@@jeremiahfulton103 If your doing the work yourself its just under a hundred dollars to fix every thing

[@richardbell8856]

Bro boohoo. This whole video is this guy crying over the fact that he missed a fork seal and paid 100$ too much for your monster of a bike.

[@gypsyxxx]

boy trying to handle a mans bike

[@jussomdude9357]

Come to find out...he don't know as much as he thinks

[@jontoland3491]

Those were all very minor issues that are easily repaired.

[@HITEKSTRANGER]

Thx for saving me time watching it. What a whimp.

[@marcz9482]

KZbinr trying to be a biker

[@paulh6101]

Buying an old used vmax is like buying a used hellcat...

[@usscott]

Or a helmet.

[@darklight898]

Hellcat?

[@LOLLYPOPPE]

The f is wrong with you? ? Vmax isn’t even made any longer how u gonna but a new one

[@zedlz]

@@LOLLYPOPPE aww

[@milmex317th]

I want a hellcat

[@stoneageidaho]

I drove 500 miles, decided to buy it before I saw it in person. Test drove it, loved it, brought it home. Took my wife for a ride and she heard a clunking sound from the back. The middle drive gear was bad, very expensive repair. Many years later the vmax is the only bike I've kept as I've bought and sold several others.

[@manahilahmed2197]

so you r saying that no matter what V Max is the bike for serious riders

[@jimbathie1057]

@@manahilahmed2197 ..........that want to ride VERY fast. Serious riders don't all want that, although some do.

[@albertlopez3578]

@@manahilahmed2197 It's a big d*** energy bike. Real muscle fast S real power. That's why it was the fastest production Bike for 25 years

[@richardhodge4556]

One thing I found pretty interesting, is that the Vmax owner's group is fiercely loyal to the bike and I get the impression that most of them do the work themselves, scrounging for parts and almost every single vmax turns into a custom-build where everything gets replaced with after-market components. Any max you find is most probably modded out somehow. So if doing the work yourself is in the cards, the vmax community is very tight-knit and they'll bend over backwards to help (at least online)

[@teamhuber]

Weird. I have an ‘85. Stock except the bars.

[@jmacvmax1057]

Yeah, that happened. Lol

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

@@teamhuber Mine is a 2007. Stock except LED lights everywhere.

[@jeremiah1st]

I keep mine original. 1999 Grey Carbon with the full 145HP 22.000miles and still brand new. Will NEVER sell it, but buy some more.

[@barnardcarbajal8506]

not much scrounging required w 25 years worth of identical parts on eBay

[@briankohout9251]

Wow fork seals.....do you even know how to work on used bikes? Lol

[@mckrokstrom]

Nah he doesn’t. He said he’s not a mechanic. He’s gonna flip the bike now because the kill switch doesn’t work

[@randomlystupid]

Im no mechanic either but if it was my bike i would learn how to do it

[@jimbathie1057]

@@mckrokstrom No, I don't think that's it at all. I think it's because he thought he bought a Nissan Juke and found out it was a Hellcat Redeye. And with a garage full of a number of different styles and sizes of bikes, he ought to learn how to do some incredibly basic maintenance. I feel sorry for him actually.

[@scottallen3502]

Easy

[@mose717]

That's one of the bikes I've always wanted. Having the forks rebuilt isn't too pricey. The oil leak is probably an easy fix too. I do recommend throwing that skull radiator cover as far into the trash as it will go but that's just me. It's in good shape for it's age.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤣 skulls give it an extra 2hp

[@Jimmyz96]

I thought I should add, I own a 93, yeah its modded a bit, I'm 53 years old and I redline that bad boy in top gear, take the time to get to know it, they are truly amazing!

[@r1ballou]

I'm 58 my Son bought me my 93 . Love Her she is my baby . She has the switch on it so you can change boost rpm it's Amazing. .

[@tittyrino]

I’m going to be 53 in May and while working on an old man’s house he showed me his hot Rod collection he just bought a new Dodge hellcat and he had a bike in the corner I asked him what it was and he told me it was 1985 Vmax all original 11,000 miles garage kept well taken care of. I’m going to be bringing it home next week!!!

[@Jimmyz96]

@@tittyrino congrats! but please be careful, that year has more motor than brakes. That is also the first year for Mad Max. you'll be doing yourself a favor if you never go for top speed. second and third gear are magical and fast enough, be ready for the 5-9 grand range. That's when you'll find out why the seat has such a notch in it ! That being said , put fresh 91 octane in her and twist your right hand for an amazing 3 second rush ! oh p.s. the bikes got a weird thing, don't freak out if the oil light comes on under hard acceleration, the sensor for the oil level is in the front of the sump, and a bit too high. most guys say if you don't get the light to come on , you aint ridin it right! Cheers!

[@bigdh2os814]

@@r1ballou I'm 58 my friend and my 2020 V-Max scares the shit out of me sometimes, but I like it! Then I take my X-max out and get civilized LOL. Love riding!

[@jered2177]

That's the dust covers you see not the fork seals

[@DrBo1]

i guess we should buy it before he figures it out....lift dust seals then put Sealmate

[@doylee469]

jon, try to clean around fork seals with a motion pro fork seal cleaner.. very cheap, and it corrects the problem alot of the time.

[@chadkimmel8957]

Pro Action suspension also uses the business car trick. Wrap it around the fork tube, slide it under the seal, and spin it around. Apparently it cleans the seal between the tube and seal.

[@Csperopolous]

Dude i feel like ur always all over the place, one minute ur like omg i love this bike so much its amazing everyone get this bike. Then a few weeks later oops this bikes trash dont buy it for sure

[@Homeymoto]

new subscriber, i immediately noticed this as well lol.

[@thegreendoormx4441]

Same.

[@spacerothstein1381]

The radiator cover with skulls would have made it a pass for me.

[@teslaedison6236]

Lol

[@moisesalfonso1619]

Facts bro

[@SeaMonkey137]

Good eye. Told me the same thing. Previous owner was more interested in dressing than wrenching, and probably didn't even know his fork seals were weeping.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤣🤣

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🤣🤣

[@duffymoto4632]

jon, i just want to say you are so very humble and its refreshing to see. youre always putting out great content that i love to watch and i just wanna say thanks!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

🙏Thanks, my dude! I appreciate the positive vibe!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Actually already sold it. I'll do a video going over purchase price and how much I sold it for/lost. LOL.

[@ayuhmainer781]

Owned an '85 Vmax for 20 years. They go through fork seals REALLY fast. I think they upgraded the forks somewhere after mine, but anyone buying one should check the fork seals. Mine never leaked or used oil. Put over 60,000 miles on it. Mine was pretty major repair free, and it's a good thing because very few motorcycle mechanics can really work on them. If you plan on getting one, find a mechanic first. They have one real weakness (other than low mpg, tiny gas tank, and the ability to eat rear tires), fuel with ethanol will eventually kill them. That's what killed mine. Don't EVER store them, or even sit long, with fuel containing ethanol. The carbs have tiny passages and they will clog. I sent my carbs to an expert buddy in Texas and he couldn't repair them. That was the end of my VMax. Maybe there's a fuel additive that you could use to make sure yours doesn't fall prey to the same thing. Every year when I put it away I ran it dry. No problem. After that I said a prayer thanking God that I'd survived another riding season.

[@benyos01]

I wish my Vmax only had those issues when I bought it.

[@joedunbarjr]

Dude, I came up living in a bike shop when I was a kid. I am now 56 with 50+ years of that being on motorcycles. I took one of these out while my bike was in the shop. This is the only bike I have ever ridden that scared me. To ride this bike takes a discipline that I do not possess. You are correct, it would take a long time to get to know this bike. And even then, one slip-up and it WILL KILL You !!!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Good to hear I wasn't totally off on that point. No doubt if a dude like yourself (with your experience) has that sentiment, it would apply even more to a novice like me. Lol. Thanks for the comment, my friend!

[@joedunbarjr]

@@JonsMotoGarage I may have used a few select words when describing you/your channel to others. Novice definitely is not one of them. 🇺🇸

[@jeremiah1st]

With respect you'll stay alive. I'm 55 and love to drag them all out. V-Max rules.

[@TheCoryshields]

Have an ‘01 Max now. Gnarly is the best word you could ever use to describe it. I was super stoked when I saw you bought a 1st gen. Would love to see you keep it especially wing a local!

[@hijinx1812]

You may have already checked it out, but make sure the oil filter is on tight. Mine was a little loose on my max & of course it leaked a little oil (depending on where the oil is dripping from).

[@EasyRiderGreg]

As always very informative. Be safe Jon.

[@dylanbarger9044]

Yeah use the same greasy rag to clean the fork oil to clean the rotors.. Smart

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

The dude that sold it to you, knew about these issues! He knew!! But don’t beat yourself up over it, they’re complex machines and you can’t catch everything. As another poster said, these are all fixable issues 👍🏻 The shinier the bike... the closer you gotta look at it! And if you really REALLY want it.... then take a buddy that doesn’t like it (to be more objective about the purchase)! The more eyes looking at a bike, the more things you’ll find! Good luck with the sale, it’s a beast!

[@michaele1201]

Yep, sometimes taking a bump on the head reinforces what we already know. Next?

[@chuckbaker8413]

Don’t even listen to these haters... people who say nasty remarks are just being dickheads... Just do what feels best for you..:

[@toddlehman928]

Got my 97 with 13,000 MI, super clean with about $1,000 worth of upgraded parts for $2,800

[@jimbobaggans1564]

I bought one in 04. Gave it to my son. I just said, don't make me regret this. He still has it and burns off a rear tire every year.

[@berube361]

Umm its a 13 year old used bike with 20k+ miles. You missed the leaking fork seal, gaskets go bad so an oil leak wouldnt be way out of the norm. And that kill switch should have been noticed right away. Hard to really say buyers remorse here. Just a used bike with used bike problems. Probably could have talked him down a little if you had noticed any of these issues.

[@avalt0134]

i got an 04 with 8400miles in it last week, but i always do some major research not even on the bike but on the main or most common issues on the bike im trying to get, when i got it i was rdy to redo carb, seals, brakes at least, so far ive only had to calibrate carbs and been running good, forks im changing the springs cause the front suspension feels too spongy

[@fury210]

Good video, great advice.

[@aalzi]

Vmax never leaks... It just marks it's territory!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

😂💯

[@chrisdadigger1018]

That’s why you don’t put your bike away dirty dirt gets in your seals in your forks and then it makes a gap and then they leak

[@nicholassmiles]

One more thing. Mine never wobbled. At any speed🚫🚳

[@markbaum9615]

You may want to devise a pre purchase inspection checklist.... I'd bring a compression gauge and get the psi specs .....maybe do a leak down test to minimize regrets

[@Smallmau5raver]

Yo jon you should do a video on how you flip bikes. Buying and selling em, do's and dont's.

[@davidpeterson943]

hey Jon, if you oil they dust covers up and slip a step of plastic milk carton in the seals and work it around sometimes it will stop the leak.

[@mattheww.guerra4024]

the V-Max is one of the best bikes I've ever owned! 40,000+ miles and road it from L.A. to Canada round trip with ZERO issues. Bulletproof engine, short wheelbase makes it easy to ride and lots of fun

[@MotoSera]

Easy things to sort... I had a mid 90's one, they are awesome fun. Stick some decent shocks and a braced swingarm on it and enjoy!

[@russcoaus2043]

Hi Jon just flip it bro nice stuff as always 👊

[@mountmorris774]

I have one cylinder on my 2000 vmax backfiring. Any suggestions like carb cleaning? Seems to be worse at high temps..Changed plugs and seem to help for a bit. Now it's doing it again..

[@gregoryhunter6002]

Check your diaphragms for pin holes and yes, the carbs should be cleaned and balanced. If you do not know which cyclinder it is, spray a little water on each exhaust tube. If the water goes away quickly, it's working ok.

[@johnleone4643]

I loved my 2003 Vmax but the thing I really hated was the 2.2 gallon tank because that makes you switch it to reserve after 65 miles. The curb weight is heavy so it’s not a bike for canyons around Southern California. But for an adrenaline rush, kick it down to fourth at 65 mph and twist it hard- you’ll be doing over 110 instantly. If you’re into torque and a sexy exhaust note, get a Vmax.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

2.2 gallon gas tank???Huh.....Two things here. Since every Vmax has a 4 gallon gas tank....either you have the ultra rare.....so rare in fact that no other Vmax on the planet has it, 2.2 gallon fuel tank or you are a liar and you dont have any motorcycle. I am betting on the latter.

[@johnleone4643]

I am the Offender of All : The guy I bought it from replaced the original tank because the bike was in storage for so long it actually developed a leak from rust so he put the 2.2 gallon tank in it. What the fuck is wrong with you?

[@danielc5205]

I'm actually doing fork seals on my '99 Vmax this weekend, it's a 45 minute job. The first gen. Vmaxs are known to have fork seal leaks, I put new fork seals and fork sliders in my Vmax every 3-4 years, regardless of mileage. The oil leak was probably just the cam cover needs a new gasket, another easy fix.

[@CraigSmith568]

Fork seals are a maintenance item that can be expected. What you see is a dust seal, the fork seal is under the dust seal. I would have someone look at the oil leak if I couldn't find it myself. Could be something minor. Also the kill switch seems like it should be a cheap fix. These early VMAXes are better looking to me since the newer ones looked stretched out. Love the extra power of the later ones though.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

How did you inspect the fork seals ? There are dust seals on top of the Fork seals. You can pretty much count on replacng the fork seals on any bike that age..

[@nobodysreview6137]

You dont need a stupid kill switch, just take it to the dealer and have the bike fixed.

[@rm25088]

you cant determine the condition of the fork seals by looking at them. those are dust shields or fork wipers.. the fork seals are under those. just because the dust shields look good doesn't mean the seals arent shot. always check the forks to see if there is any oil residue on them.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Scary = fun. Just think of it like an amusement park ride. The forks should be easy to take off. Then you could take them to a shop to do the seals. And degrease the bike and engine, then use baby powder to pinpoint where the oil leak is. But who has time!? 👨‍👩‍👧 ❤

[@fakenews7266]

I have had people puke all over the back of me taking them out for a ride so now they have to wear the "Puke bucket" ( its a old full-faced helmet just for people who ask ) 😂

[@lawsonkennamer6554]

Currently looking for a vmax to pop up near me to buy and you will not convince me otherwise. Cant wait to get mine

[@tlars515]

Fork seals are easy, but I definitely get it. Don’t sweat these fools hatin on ya. Keep the videos comin!

[@nicholassmiles]

There's no middle ground on the VMax!! You either love it or you don't. There have been lots and lots of people who always wanted a VMax. Some of them wanted one for quite a while before they pull the trigger and get one. Then they get it and find out ("OH MY GOD!!") they CAN'T handle the power. I personally have run into former owners admiring mine who actually told me that. If I didn't ride mine for a couple of weeks I discovered that when I got on it again I had to get used to it all over again. One time I was riding it and had kept feeling like it just wanted to BUCK ME OFF and keep going. Another time once, when I had been riding it a lot, daily for quite a while. The bike felt like something was wrong with it and so I took it to the shop and I told them "something's wrong with my bike." "You have to look at it." They said, "What's wrong with it?" I said, "Something's wrong with it!" They said "whoa, what's wrong with it?" "I told them it feels like it's going too slow." They said "no, it's not going too slow, your just getting used to the power that's all. They were right🤣😂😂😂😂

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

I have a Gen 1 and a Gen 2....I ran into the same exact problem. Thought something was wrong. I didnt take mine in though. All I did was glance down at the speedo and saw I was doing 120. Realized that there was nothing wrong. I just was not feeling the kick like I used to, LOL. Getting used to a machine is a good but also bad thing sometimes.

[@johnyates277]

Love your honesty it's all good!!!!

[@JonsMotoGarage]

💯🤙

[@bigdh2os814]

Hard to leave a LIKE because, this machine is going to become a rare collector in the near future. Keep it, fix it, ride it and watch the value grow!

[@awesomeandre1757]

Just bought 1200 Sportster had to replace the pad, tire, mirrors, HD rear led, Front Disc, Rocker panel gasket, clutch, rear turn signals and some other stuff. I did all the work myself using you tube. Its harder to wheelie then it is to fix your bike.

[@Chris-gi9ch]

I was expecting criticism on riding position, handling or vibration? Fork seals go bad on all bikes, but it wouldvd been good to locate a nd point to the oil leak?

[@goatkingboss8478]

What are those black lower fork covers called or where can I find lower fork covers. I looked everywhere online and can't seem to find them for my vmax.

[@No.1headbanger]

Having mine the time that I had it taught me some things about it also, so I will let you in on a secret about your oil leak, my best friend also has one, and we both have experienced pretty much the same problems, while the bike has only averaged somewhere between 1K and 2K miles per year for its age, that tells me it has been doing a little bit of sitting, and when these vmax is sit, they will seep some oil, that particular seal is shrinking a little tiny, ride it around for a while and it will swell backup and your leak should stop. After three Winters in a row on mine, a little bit of oil would seep out of where the shifting rod goes into the bottom of the motor, all I did is cleaned it up, started riding around for the year and the leak stopped, hope you read this and decide to maybe try it, despite I know you want to toss it, but if you could find out that does the trick, you could up the asking price a little bit more, again, good luck man.

[@DrBo1]

second this.....Yam 1100 leaked all over....put synthetic Amsoil in engine and rear 1000 mile trip no leaks

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Had the same problem.. front brakes started failing after 2wks . Had to do fork seals.. then headlights would go out time to time. After going through the whole wiring... I found out the previous owners hooked up a phone charger or something and pierced a wire. Also if you even look at the kill switch the bike would shut off. Never trust a clean bike.

[@DesertMoPho]

That’s too bad. I thought you were going to have a lot of fun on that thing.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I still had a ton of fun on the bike. Just wasn't the best purchase from a financial standpoint. Lol. Live and learn.

[@thegreendoormx4441]

Jon- it scares the hell outta me. Seconds before saying that- video clips of him full throttle , tire-spinning , 1st-3rd upshifts 😂

[@justoneperson]

My buddy had one back in the 90s. Very good bike for going straight.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Yes.....its a MUSCLE bike. Like MUSCLE cars. Straight line warriors.

[@Indianahillclimber]

Had Gen1 I enjoyed, but second gear was on the way out when purchased it. If I got another one it would definitely be a Gen2.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Gen 2 is a monster. You wont regret that buy. 2007 and 2009 VMax in my stable.

[@johnasbury9915]

One of the main problems with old VMax(s?) are the carbs. My buddy has 2 old ones and both of them have carb issues, leaks, rich/lean… it’s a lot to get synchronized and they are not the easiest to get to from what he tells me. Otherwise just minor stuff, he’s ridden them all over the country w me on long tours and they have been stone reliable..

[@vulongwindydragon4367]

This bike is magnificent, any modern bike that widely available for buying having similar look?

[@operoverlord]

Does that bike have a hydraulic clutch? If it does it could be a brake fluid leak from the slave cylinder. My ‘08 VTX 1800 was just leaking from there. Easy fix with just replacing the slave cylinder and bleeding the clutch. But that fork fluid leaking is a deal breaker. Way harder more expensive fix.

[@th33b33]

Nows a good time to remove the forks and change the fork oil...and seals. Its quite easy. Dave Moss Tuning has vids. Maxima 15wt fork oil should do nicely.

[@MrFreezook]

Used to have one for a couple of years. Absolutely Loved it and still do but This thing is a beast and those old models Kinna have poor breaks. This old Design is timeless / Legendary. I was hooked when I was 15 and finally bought it when I was 27. Sold it after two years coz it does make you feel like you have a Monster.

[@garrettstowell9371]

If you’re buying a vmax expect to rebuild forks and they are pretty much a purpose built straight line missile.

[@PacAnimal]

Respect for admitting it's scary.

[@randombuilds8336]

You didn't inspect fork seals, you looked at the wipers that protect the seals. If you go deep enough to do seals, do the bushings too. They wear and if bad will kill new seals fast.

[@stevenkoski228]

I bought mine new in ‘85 when first released (32nd made), the first 50 had tranny cog failures, mine lasted about 30K before upgrading to a 3rd design unit, which was bulletproof. Modded it to DynoJet Stage 7 w/full race Kerker system, had about 160hp. Fork seals were a foreseeable problem like any bike, but not the occasional high speed warble problem, which plagued the bike’s design. I peddled it for 20yrs! I gave it away to a friend in ‘05, after the wiring insulation had deteriorated, causing too many frustrating shorting issues. Power is useless without control, & the V Max was a perfect example. It’s brakes sucked. I then bought a Triumph Speed Triple 1050 in ‘05, which I love & still ride daily with 80K now on it. I test rode a Zero electric M/C last year, best ride I ever had! I’d now buy a Lighting Strike Carbon Edition in a heartbeat.

[@fakenews7266]

I know Im going to get a lot of hate but my 88 Dynoed at the rear tire at 198 HP on pump gas at a Dyno contest up in Maryland at a Harley dealer back in the 1990s , I did win first place and took home a nice pair of gloves , first place was a bunch of Harley stuff but I just got rid of my pig and asked for some gloves instead 😂

[@anthonysmalawipredators8794]

I'll have to check your archives but please get some Yamaha Bolt content going.. so I can make my decision lol. My 1200 Sporty is great but I need something newer and peppier. Dyna money is possible and what I really want but that's a lota saving -.- but if the Bolt is just enough to keep me happy while I really savw for the big Dyna... hmmm choices, choices, choices... don't forget & get a Bolt lol. Have a good day duuude!

[@rickmeyner6692]

Yup, had one for a couple years. Could never keep fork seals because the shaft drive whole bike jack straight up on launch is addictive. I spun a manhole cover out with this bike. Alas the max kept on trying to kill me and sucks on the freeway. No buyers remorse whatsoever. The whole experience still makes me grin.

[@_GRVR]

Keep it, tear it apart and do a cafe build, there was a really badass cafe build on a vmax a few years ago, made me want to look for one

[@Rockin_Ross]

“The bike scares me to death”…it scares everyone who owns it. That’s part of its charm. If this one scares you, don’t get the 1650 version.

[@Thedeaconoftrade]

How much you want for it? :D I bought a drifter 1500 in boxes, litterally stripped down to the case and frame, reassembled after work in 1 month. Id have that thing fixed in a day

[@therontwenter6609]

Same thing happened to me didn’t realize I was buying a project. I was so happy to get one and I still am. But she’s going to need some work.

[@luisdetomaso2224]

A motorcyclist freaked out by worn fork seals or a bad electrical connection should probably find a new hobby

[@sandrakelly5765]

Fork seals on any bike is left off road for 1year will start to leak the oil leak is probably the clutch seal at slave cylinder

[@cuisina1055]

Had 3 of them : ) looking for my fourth. Love em. Do the RIGHT MODS and you own the worlds most insane motorcycle. They are addictive. But scary. Then that's the point...

[@cowdudeable]

Jon, Since the V max is a bike I have always considered buying, I would like to know...aside from the maintenance issues, you said it was too "knarley" for you. Since you are used to handling some pretty big, powerful bikes, could you tell me what the issue was? Too much power, bad handling, or something else?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I would actually love to get another vmax to try out again. It's a wild bike and perhaps too powerful (for my skill level) for the things I enjoy doing (wheelies, donuts, etc.), but is still a great bike.

[@notsogreasy8851]

I have to give you credit, you admit the bike scares you, well six beers in that bike makes sense, I just guess we are two different types of human beings

[@cliffthompson4004]

I have a 94 Vmax, I could always use another Vmax but I'd send it out to LCR performance in Rochester NY, and have it built so I have a race bike and stock bike

[@chloehood6355]

My v max is fine! Fork seal leak after 450 mile 1 day run to scotland, fixed in 10 minutes with strip of plastic frim a water bottle, and still dry 1 year later. A reliable bike the v max you need to know about its little foibles . Maybe you should buy an early Harley, see what that costs you !!! R UK

[@pickuo580]

I ride my `92 V-Max (full power)for 18 years now. Have changed the original motorblock after 165.000 miles for a second hand `96 one with 60.000 miles one it, because it was too expensive to overhaul it. But I never sell the bike for his incredible power and after 30 years it runs still like new when you maintain the bike every ½ year. There are some things to watch when you buy a 1 gen. V-Max: *-Second gear can rattle when you miss the gearchange when you go full power in first to second, so be sure you chance gear properly into second gear. *-Oil pipe O-ring (orange) in carter near oilpump can pop out so the oilpressure will drop a little and can damage the crankshaft and other parts. You can fix it by making a bracket to prevend the oil pipe going down and that the O-ring will pop out. Further I changed the 40 mm front forks for 43 mm forks for more stability and double brakepistons where included.

[@mikelovell75]

I have a Gen 1 VMax, and it SUCKS, when sitting in the garage. On the road, a monster!!!!!

[@Jimmyz96]

Bro, dont give up on that bike! It IS cheap to fix, and with those miles, I would check the seal for the clutch actuator rod, dirt cheap, 2hrs max

[@Jimmyz96]

To add, I own a modded 93, and I'm 53, I redline mine in top gear!

[@randywatson9450]

@@Jimmyz96 ...damn, I own one and can't even imagine redlining it in 5th : ) I think I went to 120 once and it was so quiet it spooked me and I backed off : )

[@tayebntamam1625]

Not long sold my beloved Max. had 7 over 20 years. No bike will put a grin on my face like the Max. Radial tyres on compatible rims are a necessity. so is a vacuum guage to keep the carbs in sync. thats all i ever needed to do. Had starter motor and secondary battery issues with the model with the thinner forks - pre 90’s models - but what a beast!

[@hexhead5732]

It’s a hobby win some lose some you still have your day time job or night time job I guess that was a real Vmax experience good luck on your next buy

[@Richardzmaxdragway]

Look dude I'm in my 50s and I've been around motorcycles my whole life and I've been buying all kinds of used bikes and the best advice I can give anybody when they're looking at a used bike to purchase is always look at the exhaust system. It is still stock then there is a very good chance and the rest of the bike has not been monkeyed with.

[@noir52]

"Bikes too fast, I'm scared. Bad bike, bad bike. " Dude, I have a tricycle for sale if your interested

[@henrijoutsiniemi4952]

Played with these Vmaxes about 15 years, and those "problems" are not really issues. Oil seals easy to change and fix, oil leak maybe drain or oil filter not tight enough, never had "real" oil leak in my Vmaxes... I have had much bigger issues with my Vmaxes and any how it is the strongest and the most reliable engine and bike. Btw. do you have full power version with VBoost or without VBoost? With VBoost 145hp and without 100hp. You should hear electric motor kind of sound (test turns butterfly valve open and then close) when you turn ignition on, before starting. Vboost is located under carburetors before intakes, this kind on butterfly valve system that doubles air fuel mixture after 5850 rpm and is fully open @ 8500 rpm.

[@TheCeedub]

How many miles were on thos bike? I'm thinking hard about buying a vmax

[@mastluob2554]

Malfunctioning kill switch would not have been approved for roadworthiness safety inspection in my state

[@fury210]

Still waiting to see a Concours on here...... ; )

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Been keeping my eye out. Probably passed on a good deal or two, but when the time is right, ill snag one.

[@ronaldroy5453]

As the saying goes when you buy used your buying someone else problem. I learned that when i bought a used V45 Magna

[@roadrunner40]

I used to dream of owning a VMax. First I would never buy used one. Many people are always recommending a vmax. Most of those people have never owned one. It's good if you want to race light to light or take it to the dragstrip, but that's about all. I bought a Magna instead. (In 1996 & still love it.) Better in the twisties, better gas mileage, and the power is close enough that it will not be missed unless you're drag racing. And nearly half the price.

[@gotmylk]

If you're talking v65 Magna I would agree. If you are comparing the max to a Magna 750 it's no comparison. Not even close. Also the vmax is just fine on any ride, canyons, straights, back roads, local and the drag strip. Where it leaves a bit to be desired is at highway speeds you tend to want that 6th gear when cruising at 80mph.

[@rpm511]

Allt of those issues seem to be from poor maintenance and lack of care(own two vmax 85 and 06 for 15+ years) there's alot of forums and super helpful people for vmax that ypu should check out. Vmaxforum being the best. But yeah took me a good year or two to transition from a r1 lol

[@daviscawston2935]

All guilty of the same, difference is most don’t come clean that from time to time we “screw up !!”

[@maxboas3509]

check gear shifter shaft for the leak, It's a Vmax , they go threw fork seals like old ladys