2002 Yamaha V-Max Cruiser reviews

The v-max is a high performance bikers dream. It is the hot rod of bikes. I have rode a lot of bikes and none as impressive as this one. I have made a few upgrades to my own but it has an abundence of performance stock. I put a three thousands rpm v-boost, which eats away at the already bad gass mileage, but gives you the the acceleration at a flip of the wrist. Also I removed the stock exhaust and replaced it with a kerker 4-in-1 muffler. Also I replaced the stock handle bars with drag bars and removed both the blinkers and mirrors. It gives it a much sleaker look. The only draw back to this bike in my opionion is that the comfort is not the greatest. But all in all it's a great bike and has an abundence of power. Show less

This bike gets respect wherever I go. Just the sound of it turns heads. The thing goes like stink! Its heavy but really doesn't handle all that bad. It's the original muscle bike. Get yourself one, before they stop making the legend. Show less

I bought my Max new in '96, and with 8900 miles it still runs like new. The only work I've had to have done was standard maintenence, besides recommended valve adjustment after break in period. I would recommend this bike to those looking for something fast yet don't want the neck cramps from the crotch rockets. Also- if you want 140 mph + , you'll want to invest in a steering stabilizer(maybe standard now)? P.S. - When I do buy again, I'm getting another V-Max. Show less

Ridden a number of cruisers, crotch rockets, and sportbikes in my twenty something years of riding, but the V-Max certainly gains my total respect and admitation. Bike handles reasonably well in the turns, and not too uncomfortable on long trips of say 100 to 300 miles. When it comes to acceleration, forget it, Max rules hands down. Only negative comment is the gas tank. If someone comes up with a 5.5 gas tank, he/she will make a fortune. Show less

I have a 1993 V-Max which is the same as all the newer models, They updated the design in 93 and left it there. It is a wonderfully fast bike spanking many crotch rockets since ive owned her. For instance my friends ZX9 The max has most bikes from 0-80 and isnt that where most of us ride? Its pull out of a corner more than makes up for any slight disadvantage you have going in. It rewards a smooth throttle application. The riding position, torque and that V8 exhaust note is what sold me. You can ride it with the harley crowd kick ass on V-Rods and buells then go hang with the R1s and sport bike boys and still hold your own with a back rest you can take your girlfriend along and her weight makes for killer wheelies. Take my word for it if you want performance in a crusier start with 115HP and 87ft lbs which mine made on the dyno with 30,000 miles on it at 5300ft elevation and work your way up from there. You will spend alot less cash and be much happier when you spank a high dollar harley or a guy in full race leathers on his gsxr. Good luck. I hope they make a new one someday soon. Show less

The mad V-Max is without a doubt not for the faint of heart. If you don't like the combination of big fast and reasonable comfort, then don't even think about it. The front end does wag when excited, but that problem is fixable with a small hunk of cash and a good quality tire. She will lay right down in the curves, but it takes a little effort, and again, a good quality tire. She's not made for weaklings or unexperienced riders, so buyers make sure you have your ducks in a row before you attempt to purchase this beastly bike. Show less

Man, this bike ripps. But it doesn't handle worth a darn. Needs fuel injection and a longer wheel base. Fun to race against the kids and their rockets(especially when most of them don't know how to ride)because I waste them every time, but when the corners come up its time to slow down. They should make more performance parts for this bike and make it in other colors, or just retire the beast. Not a bike for the weak minded. Should be kept on the quarter mile strip. Show less