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Yamaha V-Max

Make Model	Yamaha V-Max
Year	1989 - 90
Engine	Four stroke, V-four, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Capacity	1198 cc / 73.1 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	76 х 66 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Induction	4x 35mm Mikuni BDS35 carburetor
Ignition	CDI
Starting	Electric
Max Power	145 hp / 108 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque	12.4 kgf-m / 89.6 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multi disc
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Shaft
Frame	Double cradle steel tube
Front Suspension	40mm Kayaba forks, Air pressure
Front Wheel Travel	140 mm / 5.5 in
Rear Suspension	Dual Kayaba shocks, adjustable for preload damping.
Rear Wheel Travel	100 mm / 3.9in
Front Brakes	2x 298mm discs 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 282mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	110/90-18
Rear Tyre	150/90-15
Rake	29°
Trail	119 mm / 4.7 in
Wheelbase	1590 mm / 65.6 in
Seat height	765 mm / 30.1 in
Ground Clearance	145 mm / 5.7 in
Dry Weight	254 kg / 560 lbs
Wet Weight	274 kg / 604 lbs
Fuel Capacity	15 Litres / 3.9 US gal
Consumption Average	39 mpg
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	- / 36.5 m
Standing ¼ Mile	10.8 sec / 125mph 200 km/h
Top Speed	235 km/h / 146 mph

One of motorcycling's legendary names, the V-Max has become a byword for explosive acceleration and power. First launched In the USA in 1984 (it wasn't officially imported to Britain until 1991) the V-Max quickly established a reputation for scary power, and equally scary handling. The engine had immense power and torque, more than sufficient to overcome the chassis and brakes. The engine is a transverse V-four, 16-valve, liquid-cooled design, with a unique intake system. Over 6000rpm, valves open in the inlet manifold, allowing each cylinder to breathe through two carburettors rather than one. This 'V-Boost' system supplies an extra burst of power and torque, transforming the V-Max into a screaming drag-racer, and boosting the maximum power to 104kW (140bhp), amazing performance for an early 1980s design.

The V-Max's extreme power would be enough to overwhelm some modern sportsbike chassis, but in a 1980s custom chassis it can be truly scary for the rider. The front disc brakes lack both power and feel while the narrow front forks and unsophisticated twin rear shocks quickly lose control of wheel movement in fast corners.

The double cradle steel-tube frame is too weak to handle all the power, and chassis flex further upsets cornering, causing wallow and weave whenever the pace is raised. Stronger brakes were fitted in 1993, but made little difference to the V-Max's chassis performance.

But in a straight line, the V-Max is an awesome performer, with enough power to spin its wide 150-section rear tyre away from a standing start. A five-speed gearbox and heavy-duty shaft final drive get the power from the engine to the cast aluminium rear wheel.

The design of the V-Max is unconventional in many ways. The fuel tank lives under the seat, and access is via a flap in the seat. An instrument console mounted on the dummy fuel tank houses the tacho, temperature gauge and indicator lights, while the chrome-plated speedo is mounted above the headlight.