Yamaha 1200 V-Max Review (1998)

Paul Johnston tries out the 1998 Yamaha 1200 V-Max, looking at it's practicality, styling and performance.
[This clip is from Two Wheels: Season 1, Ep. 4, originally aired 30/08/1998. The full episode can be watched here: • Two Wheels: Season 1, ... ]
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[@peterjoker2]

Seeing this bike makes me sad cuz my dad, who is now almost blind and cannot ride anymore or even drive a car, had to sold his bike (we were facing some financial difficulties) and I will allways remember his tears coming down his face (after 20 years of owning it)... Once a rider allways a rider

[@blueydnorseman88justice52]

peterjoker2 why didnt you keep it for yourself to keep the good times rollin

[@bogtrotter10]

Buford T justice they were facing sum financial difficulties

[@Jason-sz5zv]

I can understand the pain. I have a 2016 gen 2 . Bought it new. Just had to have two discs replaced in my lower back. I guess something I was doing was seperating my lower body from my upper. About the same height actually as a vmax seat at the back . Hmm.... Anyway my surgeon has put it on his no no list. As well as the rest of my family. So its me and my bike against everyone else.

[@EllisBurton3339]

@@Jason-sz5zv Ride into the Sun Brother 🌞

[@mikepeterson6527]

@@bogtrotter10 very sad, know that feeling

[@nicholassmiles]

Time has gone by and I never got another V Max. I weep everyday because the Sun never shines so bright anymore without it.

[@ces7515]

Save up and buy another 👍

[@jameshutcheson1348]

Every day is one day closer to your next vmax

[@Milarepa66]

The design of the bike is still magnificent in 2023. Mine is a 1991, 100 hp european version. You can run it in "tourism mode" for max 200 km before the light turns on. It's comfy for 2 persons only if you add the Spaan sissybar and put a rear sack on it. Under the false tank (that is locked under key) you can fix the documents with some tape. And there is a small space for bulbs and tools under the rear seat. The bike is very heavy and you have to be careful to park it in a proper way, or it is almost impossible to move it backwards. Once in the street, it's a pain in the ass to handle at low speed in the traffic and in corners, due to the steering, the weight and the shaft without stressing the clutch. On a straight line it runs smoothly and there's plenty of torque and power but, if you do some long range tourism, you will miss a 6th gear and some aerodynamic protection over 90 km/h. It is a stable bike but becomes dangerous in case of side wind and when you approach a corner too fast. The breaks are good but remember that it's a rolling solid piece of steel. The global quality is ok: made in Japan. I've changed the original horn that sounded like a broken trumpet. Driving in the night, the light made by the lamp is weak. To sum up, a beautiful bike with a unique style but at a same time an iron tool that not anybody can handle properly and with a lot of pros and cons. It is a bike that you shoul drive with muscles and brain, not leaning on it. I love mine, anyway😅

[@anonymouslegion4928]

Wow as a former Harley rider, this past summer I bought a vmax 1200 and a 03 Honda magna. As a former hd rider I’m pretty sure I know more than this, I’ve rebuilt my carbs stator gasket, valve cover gaskets, and oil change, need less to say I’ve learned a lot. Magna carbs cleaned, plugs oil change as well as tires, wait maybe I should do a review? Hmmm. Either way gotta love the max. Stay safe out there all.

[@MrPepper312]

When I first got mine and was giving it full throttle in 2nd and I thought the clutch was slipping till I saw the long black streak on the payment. From then on I was afraid it would get away from me so I took it easy. Also I wanted my tire to last.

[@Team-fabulous]

I had the first V-MAX into Northern Ireland back in 1991, got it imported from California. Put a Hindle exhaust system and dynojet carb kit on her. Back in the day she was a very fast lady and was quite sore on back tires but just sounded fantastic. I'm sick of this crap that it wouldn't go round corners, total nonsense, OK it's not an R1 or GSXR but you could still hustle the big MAX on the twistys with a massive grin on your face. V-MAX rules....

[@lisamiller5560]

It's kids that really don't know how to ride a bike

[@Team-fabulous]

@@lisamiller5560 agreed

[@alandashchuk454]

Amen brother

[@jared2661able]

I own and love my new VMax but in my opinion the 1200 VMax was and still is in a class of its own. 😎

[@Descenter1976]

I still have my full power Vmax for more then 20 years. still runs like a kitten... well maybe more like a sabertooth tiger. the amount of service this have received over the years are close to zero. It just always works!

[@BikerDash]

What the V-Boost does is it opens a valve between the front and rear runners (on both sides) so that, above 6k on the tach, each cylinder is actually fed by two carburetors, delivering a thrust of power that, for it's time, was simply mindblowing. (And it brings a big grin to my face everytime I ride my 03) As for the cornering, That is because Yamaha put that powerful engine into a frame that more resembles a slinky. Combine that with a suspension that is pretty much bare bones, and the fact that it has biased ply tires, and she is NOT gonna handle like a sport bike. Solid motor mounts, a frame brace, rework the suspension, and place a good set of radials on it, (requires getting a 17" rear wheel) and you can have a bike that will handle WAY better than stock. With the right work, you could probably have one to approach the Ducati Diavel and handling, but nothing is going to get it to handle as sharp as a real sport bike.

[@johnjones5977]

V Boost is a myth.

[@BikerDash]

@@johnjones5977 I'm gonna guess that you're either: A) Someone with very little actual experience and/or knowledge about motorcycles in general and this specific Yamaha in particular, and your response is based off memes you found on Facebook. or B) You're a 13 year old troll who dreams of owning the fastest, most powerful bike in the world and therefore must shit-talk about everything in a false belief that it will make you look impressive.

[@johnjones5977]

@@BikerDash LOL!! Neither, actually. I've owned a 2007 and know the full capabilities of the bike. And if you believe the V Max to be the fastest, most powerful bike in the world you are the one who knows little about motorcycles.

[@derekmillen42]

I had the pleasure of owning the 96 import and despite all the negative comments from other bike owners that big beast put a smile on my face every time I started it up,and turned a lot of heads when I rode it..Muscle bike/cruiser "the ride of your life if you treat it with respect "

[@dumbcat]

It's sad this seems to be the only complete video review of the V-Max 1200 from that era. The bike deserved more.

[@dumbcat]

***** yawn

[@johnjones3648]

+Hans Zarkov LOL!!! Hans, Mr. Juice can't find anything better than to blast a bike that went virtually unchanged for 22 years. That longevity is unparalleled. On top of that...............he's never ridden one.

[@dumbcat]

John Jones Never experienced any 'frame twist' in 10 years of flogging my V-Max to its limits.

[@hayios0]

+Limon Juice Only negative thing about this bike were its brakes. Ohhh and you needed painkillers for headache after 15 minutes at 265kph, instead of beer which that wasnt the case, with lets say a GSXR1100/CBR1000F. The pleasure it gave me was unparalleled, power sliding, wheelies, top speed back in those days with such style was so great, have I mentioned white instruments in warm summer nights? Beat that.

[@hayios0]

+Limon Juice Never said power sliding with wheelies but powersliding and whellies although sometimes front was coming up a bit while rear was at one side. Learn to ride kiddo. then type.

[@mhinkley61]

I brought my Vmax new as a full power Canadian import in 1999, Paid £5k for it. For many of these years for one reason or another it has sat idle in my garden or garage, finally this spring I decided to set about getting her back up and running properly. I am sure now that I should have ridden her far more and serviced her yearly. Getting parts has been a nightmare and lets just say if it can perish it will, basically still sitting in the garage but so so so close to being finished and looking as good as new, will I have no doubts cost me about £4k this year, but what a buzz I will get from her next Spring now. I have to say even covered in dust buried at the back of my garage I smiled every time I looked at her.

[@tstudio1111]

Whats the point in testing a restricted Vmax.Its the V-boost that makes it unique!

[@jameschanin1520]

I bought a brand new in 1995 it was yellow it was a 1994 model I loved that bike...

[@vule6576]

forever my dream bike....

[@brycefleming3352]

Hope u got one by now it's been 5 years and there cheap af

[@TheTeodorsoldierabvb]

@@brycefleming3352 Where I live you can get one for 3500 euro (which is what I'm gonna do!)

[@joaobaptistafaydasneves8939]

Não conheço nada igual a uma VMax! O prazer do VBoost quando acionado é indescritível!

[@tittyrino]

Under the tank is the Air Box and I out corner many sport bikes with NO PROBLEM.

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Don't know much about the Vmax (thinking about buying one) but knew that was shite about the storage box, Men and Motors was pretty shite overall, the reviews are mostly a joke.

[@jeffdalton9716]

Haha. Never underestimate Max. I have a 2006, faster than most, solid, a real monster. I tour on it and it has great stability and feel. I've never thought it had trouble on the corners, seems better than the CB500, Seca II. and Gold Wings that I've owned in the past. The only change I would make is a larger gas tank - but like the guy says, after 100 miles a rest is good. I get about 120 out of mine under normal conditions.

[@johnjones3648]

+Jeff Dalton How the hell do you get 100 miles out of a tank of gas on a Vmax. I have NEVER gotten over 75 even when riding mildly.

[@broadswordsolutionscorpora8451]

+John Jones my light goes on at about 105, and I can go another 20 like that. but if you ride it hard it's less.

[@carmelorafaeldtansengco1462]

I tried straddling one back in '96. Felt damn heavy! Mean-looking bike though. Runs just as mean. Maybe meaner.

[@wrexicate]

Good review. I was surprised how expensive these bikes are in the U.K. I like my 97 V-Max a lot, the handling is okay unless you're used to riding a good sport bike. I have progressive suspension which stiffens up the suspension; it lowers the rear about 1'' and I lowered the front 1.5'' and added solid engine mounts. It is actually quite entertaining in corners as long as the road is smooth. Good tires can also play a pretty big role when it comes to the handling as well, it's worth it to spend a little extra and get some good sport tires. My bike has needed some work, but most of it is due to the age. I've have to say it's a fun bike work on, much easier to work on than my Suzuki VS800 Intruder. Of course the the Intruder never really needs work... so I shouldn't complain.

[@alanwhiteside410]

I bought a new 1985 Vmax it was a beast!! I paid over $5K for it they go for a lot more today. I should have kept that bike. I ride Harley Davidson bikes now days.

[@mjc4462]

I know this is an old vid, but nothing looks as good as wearing sport leathers on a cruiser bike! 😂

[@dutchdettweiler]

the top of the line vmax is the 4th fastest 0-60 bike in the world, yes before the zx-14, the cbr1000rr, the bmw s1000rr, the ducati 1199 pangiale, even the yamaha r1. yamaha just knows how to do it

[@johnjones5977]

And yet it gets dusted by all of those in the 1/4 mile.

[@leonmagoo5320]

This is my old bike, got it from Orrell Motorcycles in Wigan. Wasn't as quick as my V65 Magna I traded in for it. Got a Gen 2 now, way better. Was a Japanese import with 90 odd hp which they didn't tell me when I bought it. Should have done my homework. Got my money back in the end. Still a cool bike.

[@alanwhiteside410]

I bought a brand new 1985 Vmax and no V65 could even come close to beating that Vmax!!!!

[@jonynedeky3878]

I owned a 95 1200 vmax all black and if you know how to ride it it takes corners very well. takes a few days to get use to it but we'll worth it.

[@wajahatali2717]

People try to corner it like a sport bike crouching forward and trying to put weight on the front tyre... They need to sit up straight and lean on the rear tyre its turns on a hair pin

[@johnjones5977]

@@wajahatali2717 LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ericgeorge5483]

I have no idea who this reviewer is, but he cracks me up. This is a fantastic review of an astonishing bike. Not for me though, too big and too heavy.

[@1990-t1j]

Astonishing for its time. Tame by modern standards.

[@ericgeorge5483]

1990 I have heard the new one does everything very well.

[@1990-t1j]

It's a shame the new one has such a small fuel tank. Mind you, I wouldn't buy it anyway.

[@ericgeorge5483]

1990 Why not??

[@1990-t1j]

Too heavy.

[@1971jeffb]

Air box, not storage. Also looks like the'96/'97 VMax, the only two years made with black wheels and black exhaust.

[@demonsaint1296]

Restricted version.... because the government knows best. lol

[@vulongwindydragon4367]

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

[@vulongwindydragon4367]

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

[@MrPepper312]

Ethanol damaged my carbs by letting it sit to long due to my line of work. So I sold it. Big mistake. I miss it so much. Best bike I ever owned and I've owned alot. Always use non ethanol in your bike, period !

[@robertherd1637]

MrPepper312

[@averagejoe7333]

I had one. The front end gets the speed shake after 220 kilometers per hour.

[@techmaven5900]

There is no storage under the "tank" cover..the airbox resides there. Another review by someone who does not know about the subject..

[@Peter23Jetta]

john robert You are right, no storage under the dummytank.

[@ianmccallum2073]

john robert these guys never know about the bikes they jump on for 5 mins

[@seanbrickell4520]

storage box under dummy tank? I own one and all it has is enough room for the air box! and I take it the UK never got V boost as that would take it up to 145 bhp? Mines imported from the US.

[@KK-uw8ii]

Try her with Michelin Commander 2 rear tire.. heavenly touch!!

[@killputin1253]

Yes i owned one 1988 v max...... bougjt it at cycle world in Milwaukee. Only 500 miles on it. . .VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER. . .

[@reconnaisancesapper]

I would like to buy one. Where are the best deals going?

[@bazinit]

They go round any bend rapid, if you know how to ride.

[@bazinit]

@fenderfan85 It's all in the riding

[@bazinit]

@fenderfan85 Lol I would piss all over you like usual

[@Turco949]

If you are getting 100+ miles before the reserve light comes on? Please! If you are getting more than 80 miles, you are not riding it the right way!

[@boomerhgt]

Turco949 true

[@MrPepper312]

I never got 100 miles on mine before refueling even taking it easy.

[@samuraijack1996]

I want Pauls GP suit

[@craterfacelancaster]

I came here after watching Saber Vs Rider in Fate Zero

[@invictuscrown4026]

and Thanks again Japan.

[@DennisH22A]

ive owned lots of bikes, from my first 07 sv650 that i bought new to an 07 R6, 98 valkyrie, 2005 hayabusa, and a few others. the vmax has just enough faults to be interesting (unlike the r6 or hayabusa) and goes like a raped ape but is also incredibly comfortable for me on longer rides. i love the riding position personally, cant ride a cruiser for more than a few miles, my legs cramp up for some reason. im no track racer so i dont care much about the handling, but i CAN say that the brakes are horrible.

[@nunogirao8097]

The front and rear cylinders? Are you saying this is a 2 cylinder? Storage under tank? Great brakes? Full power with 125 hp? Man, get a tuperware and make a review of it. You don't know very much about a V-Max.

[@robignatov]

Nuno Girão Cylinders......plural.....

[@paulh7589]

V4

[@shaneenerson8418]

Having a restricted version with only 95 hp now would be a joke. The US version was just plain mean

[@huyked]

I love what he says here. xD 1:10 - 1:20

[@hccarder]

Two reasons it doesn't corner well. Yes, weight is one. The other is the wheel base is a bit long... Still a badass bike!!!!

[@danny7954]

Rode an 86 a long time ago. Still worthy of anything today. Just a big and nasty

[@milandesmet3368]

You're Tops& What's!up, vest wail What's your opinion about tlat

[@nicholassmiles]

No such thing as they restricted V Max here in America. I wanted mine for a long time got it kept it enjoyed it for long Time. One day for some bizarre reason I thought I wanted something else. I looked and looked and soul mine while I was Deciding what I was buying next. Finally I could not decide and my girlfriend said honey why don't you buy another V Max? I replied why the heck did I sell mine? It was paid for!!

[@m.rsteengrei3569]

please someone explain, why Vmax's name is never ever shown on fastest production bikes lists??? !!!!

[@billyjack8119]

Handles like a UPS truck on 2 wheels and stops like one to. Tank capacity of 100 miles. Fake scoops that might do in high school to bedazzle your buddies but keep it parked inside so no one sees it. Pipes big enough on each side that look like something off a semi lol. That being said its fun to twist the throttle and wait for 6000 to arrive so the flood gates open up. Not a torque machine but its fun for not having to modify it to get over 100 hp at the tire like most other bikes in this class. Should sell my 03 and get a cheap 1700. Maybe someday

[@piethofman5879]

121 bhp? Mine is 147bhp

[@everythinggaming7938]

What about the death wobble?

[@sjuozhunki]

Tighten your steering head bearings.

[@mikepeterson6527]

Not quite right about the v boost putting more fuel into the cylinders, it does more than that!

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Quite a lot of wrong info, Men and Motors was pretty shite for reviews, presenters (including young Hammond) would be better on kids TV

[@sjuozhunki]

It's a 1996 model

[@พงศ์ศรณ์พัชระธนาโชติ-ท8ฅ]

Vmax.verygood

[@earlspearl2933]

is it true the VMax has a 2 gallon fuel tank ? if that is true wtf ?

[@dantan-tt3el]

Earls Pearl no. over 4 gallons

[@ChristopherSykesDocumentaries]

I had three and loved them! Here's some video from a trip across the USA kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZOopoeZn9JpfsU

[@jensfuchs9383]

Das Design ist maßgeblich für mich .Ich habe erkant .ich bin betrunken

[@Jimrock95]

Nice

[@ianmccallum2073]

yet another stupid review from men n motors...keep up the good work boys..

[@ianmccallum2073]

you need to check your head bearings , tyre pressures and fork oil , if you over hall all that you will never have another wobble ....

[@scootergeorge9576]

+Ian McCallum Fork tubes are on the thin side on early models. Yamaha beefed them up for a reason.

[@ianmccallum2073]

thankfully mine is 98 model : )

[@zonizoni1232]

Geilste Karre überhaupt.

[@naellaine1901]

Yelpo, Video looks nicg superficial painful What's happening, guyx.

[@MaxUtley]

owned an almost identical Vmax for years ... loved it kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpuzmmqOf56rmsU

[@jeffallinson8089]

One of the most distinctive bikes of the time, even though it was absolutely rubbish in the corners!!

[@waynemrees8240]

Was good in corners, riders were rubbish!

[@jeffallinson8089]

@@waynemrees8240 The original V-Max was shocking in the bends.

[@عباسابورقيه-ي7ع]

عندي دراجه نفسهه اريد لهه باتري

[@jensfuchs9383]

Vma

[@wakey6465]

Traffic light G.P, Wrong, Try a Honda Cb1300 X4 ld for size,,,,,Opps you loose

[@johnjones3648]

+Wakey Warrior I have. And never lost to one on my 07 Vmax.

[@wakey6465]

don't know who put this comment on but it wasn't me

[@dantan-tt3el]

any vmax will smoke any cb.

[@TheZetec63]

Vmax v x4... Jeez ... No comparison...

[@farbeit]

eBay

[@ekeneemma138]

Men this bike is good men, but the money is my problems, please can you sends one for me I don't have money abeg

[@Bladsmith]

lol

[@Driftuner]

"very good brakes"....you must be joking, the Vee has one of the worst ever brakes fitted into a bike..

[@Driftuner]

***** i actually OWN this bike moron

[@Driftuner]

***** hahahaahahahahahahahahaha...lets just put it this way: i've been riding bikes for over 15 years now, i've owned over 30 different motorcycles through my life (ridden more then 200 different bikes), i am a mechanic, a former racing driver (car AND motorcycles), i am mechanical engineer AND a test-driver for a german car company that i am not allowed to name on the internet...so yeah! i quite literally know my shit! keep "googleing" and making an idiot out of yourself kid...hahahahaha "google"...what a joke...

[@boomerhgt]

Pe Peroni Can't you find a bike you like 30 bikes in 15 years ...seriously though your right the V Boost ain't no gimmick

[@kanauvist]

USUŃ TO

[@christinafox4195]

Keren