test ride of the new Vmax

[Crazy Miles]

At Americade I tested the new Vmax.  Now folks, some like it, some dislike it, some have no idea what it is or have respect for it. I was very impressed with it's brakes. It did handle a lot better than the old Vmax. I think it looks , well, BAD A$$, and that's because it IS!  Power,  WOW,  it is the fastest bike I've ever been on.  I thought it rode rough, like a log wagon (on bumps that is) but I'm just too spoiled. The new Vmax is a thrill ride to say the least, to say the most, I don't think ANYTHING stock will out run it!  AND you would have to do MAJOR mods on any bike to match it's  flat track 1/4 mile performance. For those of you that have that bike, how the heck can you feather that throttle?   I would love to have one just to beat up on other bikes!   Yeah, I know, that's not nice!

[BonS]

I had one from the first year, 1985, sold it for the my Valkyrie in 1999 and then re-purchased a 1986 V-Max because I missed it so much. I still enjoy the rush of acceleration and the V-boost. No, it's not like the Gen2 in handling, braking or acceleration but it'll still rip your head off at will. I still like carburetion versus fuel injection because of the control over the throttle. I've always loved the throttle response of the old Max because it does exactly what you ask at any throttle or speed setting. All that said, I'd still love to get an opportunity to ride one of the Gen2's, you luck dog! My local dealer will never, ever get one in, let alone let someone ride it around the block. Drats!

One last thing, after riding the Valk and getting on the Max it feels like I just jumped on a 500cc bike not a 1200cc

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Nice bike.
$20,000?
I can buy 4 valks.
Or a few blowers,and a couple valks.
They won't be selling many at those prices.
 

[BonS]

. . . Oh, yea, did I mention that I have $3K in my Gen1 V-Max?

[Master Blaster]

Vmax is great, good low in, but fades fast at upper limits.  Want speed, buy one of these, capable of 200+ mph, and in the 8ths in the 1/4 mile with minor mods.

[BonS]

To each his own. What I love about the Max is the standard Legs down, upright riding position as well as the amazing sound and feel of the V-4 engine that sounds more like a small block V-8.  When I want to go fast I can tuck but I don't want to have to lay down on the tank as I deal with routine traffic. To me, I think the Max and the Valkyrie deliver just the right amount of visceral, heart throbbing, power/performance envelope that makes me enjoy them year after year; heck, even decade after decade. The Max has been in production for almost 25 years and still has a dedicated following. I think the Valkyrie could have done the same but for Honda's fundamental  miscalculations of how to market such a bike and their concern for cannibalizing Gold Wing sales.

[Wetrudgeon]

When will Yami re-introduce the Royal Star with that new 1.8 liter V4 motor?  We await patiently.

We trudge on.

[Lyn-Del]

The biggest problem I have with my 'o9 VMax is the gas tank -- or lack thereof.  Low fuel indication at under 100 miles.   

[Duffy]

Dang Lyn-Del, you have all the good bikes! 

[Lyn-Del]

In some things, I have good taste.