Yamaha V-MAX – Pure Japanese Muscle

In last weeks edition of Top Revs, we featured the Yamaha XTZ 125, a dirt bike, versatile partner in transportation and we considered its design and features, ones that favours mud trails.

This week we leave the dirt and dust as we take to the streets on another Yamaha to explore a bench mark road going Japanese motorbike – the V-MAX.

Until recently, I only knew Yamaha to manufacture super bikes. Coming across a retro styled muscle bike from Yamaha is something amusing. The V-MAX has actually been around since 1985 and has been a success, getting all sorts of accolades and awards from various forums over the years.

The V-MAX is renowned for its powerful 65 degree and 70 degree V-4 engines, shaft drive and distinct styling. It has also been noted for its quick acceleration and soft suspension.

It all begun in 1887 when Yamaha founder Torakusu Yamaha repaired a broken reed organ and later built one. This led to the manufacture of upright pianos and the establishment of a music school. With a footing in music, in 1955, Yamaha diversified as it established its motor division, and the rest is history.

Over the years I have seen Yamaha labelled keyboards and yet I never made the connection to Yamaha motorcycles. The Japanese have a strange way of diversifying. Not too long ago, we also featured an article where Toyota Motor Corporation was birthed from a loom works business.

As of today, Yamaha has an amazing business portfolio which includes all terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard motors, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, wave runners, boat engines, generators and race kart engines.

Having a bias towards recreation, Yamaha is the leader in the power sport industry. They are also in many partnerships and heavily involved in the auto industry.

Classified as a power cruiser, the

V-MAX takes on the likes of the Suzuki Hayabusa, Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Ducatti Daviel and Triumph Rocket 3, to name a few.

When first made in 1984, the V-MAX was made to be the meanest, hardest accelerating production bike, a title it retained for a decade – the west would not allow it any longer. The V-MAX is quite obviously a tech savvy Japanese alternative to muscle bikes of the west.

At first sight, I thought it was either a Harley or a Triumph. Air scoops on the sides gives it a menacing look, the V-MAX is reminiscent of the American muscle legacy in particularly the V8s with air scoops popping on the hood, something you can relate to Vin Diesel or the legendary ‘Mad Max’ movie.

Designed by Atushi Ichijo, the

V-MAX has slowly and steadily evolved over the years, notably in 1993 when it gained larger dimensions, all the while enjoying its core design’s success. The V-MAX was made to carry a dark mystique, hence it usually comes in darker shades.

The V-MAX is powered by an 1197 cc, V4 DHOC unit churning 84 kW power translating to 112 Nm when the rubber meets the road. This engine packs a heavy punch thanks to a valve regulating system dubbed

V-Boost which adds a 10% to overall power with transmission via a five-speed slipper clutch.

It has an explosive take off, taking you from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere three seconds!

The V-MAX is renowned for its soft comfort suspension this is thanks to a front adjustable 52mm oxidised titanium coated fork, while the rear has an adjustable monocross with a piggyback reservoir. Its long wheel base and low centre of gravity combine well to give it a class leading traction.

What is brute strength without stopping power to match? The

V-MAX has the brakes to go with it; at the front are radial mount six piston calipers, dual wave type 320mm discs Brembo master cylinder, and in the rear, single piston caliper wave type 298 discs, Brembo master cylinder.

The V-MAX is a blend of a retro styled muscle bike and super bike, with its super bike status being the stronger of the two. When we mention Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda, it’s hard to think about a loud rambling retro styled muscle bike as these names are synonymous to super bikes and scramblers. Riding a Japanese tech retro styled muscle bike is nothing short of amazing.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.