Yamaha VMX12K V-MAX 1200 Cruiser Reviews on Cycle Insider (5)
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I've riden a lot of bikes in the last 30 years,and my Vmax is one I'll never be without. My 98 has a stage 7 kit with K&N's and Supertrapp exhaust, that spells FUN. I never get tired of riding this rocket, it always puts a smile on my face every time I take it out. The torque is unreal! And its truly the hot rod of motorcycles. It has airbrushed flames on the fenders and hood, which makes it as pretty as it is fast.

I've owned Harleys for the past nine years of my life, ever since I was 16. Loved the style, the comfort, the sound, but was lacking the power and speed I desired. I knew a guy who had one of the fastest, if not the fastest, bike in the area. We ended up trading bikes, a Harley for an '88 V-MaX (since he had two anyway). It was repainted to resemble the '97 silver color, a stage 7 kit with 4 K&N air filters to cover the high mounted individaul Mikuni 35 mm carbs, which are easily diplayed by removing the pseudo-gas tank. A Kerker 4-2-1 pipe (louder than my Harley) that almost blows you over when you stand behind it. I definetly got the speed and power I wanted. The V-max is so fast it almost scares me to open it up. You want to a wheelie? no problem, by the time you touch down you're goin 90. You want to lay a 50 foot blackie? No problem, save your money for new tire though. I haven't had the balls to go top speed, yet. I haven't put it on a dyno but I think it would put out about 120 h.p.(over double of what my Harley had). I would suggest buying a nice used one since they haven't changed in the last 16 years, although the new carbon fiber look is pretty sweet.

Two years ago when I decided to retire my '83 CB1100F I went looking for a new bike. Maybe a Harleyna, didn't want a cruiser. Maybe a crotch rocketna, I didn't seem to balance out until about 90 m.p.h. I didn't care for the Bandit and the ZRX1100 was not available. So by default more than anything else I figured I might as well try one of these V-Max things. After all, 80's technology had worked for me for the last 15 years ... why not the next 15? So went out and bought a new '98 VMX12. Babied it for about the first 600 miles. Started easing up the tach ever so carefully, another 1000 RPM with each 100 miles. At a 1000 miles I changed the oil and gave her HELL! Holy moly! What a motor! I mean this thing hauled butt like NOTHING I had ever ridden before! Unfortunately for me, that is about all it did. Now, two years later, I've added a backrest for my friends (keeps em from falling off), a Corbin seat for my butt, hindle exhaust for my ears and image, a superbike brace and progressive suspension pieces front and rear for the twisties. Now I can honestly say ... What A Bike!!! It truly is something special.

I've had 5 bikes and this one is by far the most fun to ride! There's nothing like doing a 35-40 mph rolling burnie... It's comfortable and POWERFULL!!! Let's not forget V-Boost either. Let the tach hit 6000rpm and get ready to really hold on. I know I'm going to hold on to this bike for a good long while.

It's a great overall bike. Not the best at cornering. But not as bad as they are made out to be, you just have to lean a little harder. A whole bunch of fun to ride.