2003 Yamaha V-Max Cruiser reviews

I love this bike. It has excellent power and looks and there is no way to confuse this bike with any other. I really like the fact that it is different. It is a legend in its own time. I would have no problem recommending this bike. I hope this helps out someone if they are considering a V-Max. Show less

I have owned 93 Katana 1100, 03 SV 650s, 03 Harley V-rod and yes a 99 V-Max. So far the V-Max is my favorite. I must admit I love the V-Rod but The V-Max still wins. I am just waiting for an updated version. If and when that day comes I will be first in line to purchase one. Show less

I have owned Mr. max (how could anyone call this bike a she) for 6 years now and I still love the bike. He has a Hole Shot racing pipe, K&N filter, and jet kit. I can't help but wind it up through the first couple gears every time I get on it. With the exhaust I have it sounds like a dragster. It's strange, I can't explain it but other bikes won't pull up next to me at a stoplight. But reality sunk in when I rode my son in laws 02 Yamaha R-1. Miserable bike to tool around on with horrible ergonomics, but what awesome power! It is truly 1 or 2 levels beyond Mr. Max. It truly left me wanting more power from my bike but if I had to choose between slightly less power or the cruel and unusual riding position of the crotch rocket I'll stick with Mr. Max. Show less

Awesome power but jetted too lean from the factory. The engine is set to run way to hot for my taste. The Max handles poorly in curves but that is not why I bought this bike. The frame is not rigid enough for all the power the Max produces. The factory brake pads are less than desirable as well, they will ruin rotors. The Max is neither for beginners nor the knee-dragging cyclist. The MAX is purely for going really fast in a straight line. Show less

5'9", 32" inseam and 180 lbs. Previous bikes owned include the vulcan 500, vulcan 750, bmw 650 and bmw 1100. ridden a variety of others. Quite simply, there is nothing like this bike. Great torque throughout the powerband and teeth-clenching acceleration when v-boost kicks in. I am most struck by how well it handles, all reports and my expectations to the contrary. It steers extremely well at very low speeds so people and carts in grocery parking lots are less of an issue. And while I've yet to take hard highway curves at 90+ (still in break-in) I find the bike more flickable than my vulcan 750 and without the dreaded wobble I've read so much about when taking curves at legal highway speeds. My only complaints are ergonomic: putting my feet down at stops with butt planted mid-seat makes my ankles scrape alongside the pegs before finding purchase; the pegs are a bit more forward than most street bikes I've ridden and well back of any cruiser. but this could as well be the bike's complaint about my ergonomics and the problem is alleviated by adapting a different foot-lowering and raising technique. Also, putting the tach on the tank was just silly, though one does get used to it. I still occasionally miss the fit and finish and manners of the bmw 1100r, but I suspect once break-in is done, I will miss them even less. I must say this bike is not a cruiser. It is a street bike disguised as one, with bolt upright seating and knees forward of your feet. those in search of motorcycles which rest ankles above glute-level would do well to look elsewhere. Show less

I've been through a few bikes. 1984 Yamaha Seca 750 1993 Yamaha Vmax 1996 Harley Anniversary Addtion 2001 Suzuki GSXR 1000 Guess which one I still own. Guess which one I still love to ride. Show less

The Vmax is not a bike for the weak hearted. It needs a few mod's after you buy it. No other bike has lasted around for almost 20 years with the same style. I rode my first Vmax in 1985 and still today I love the power and looks. My 2003 Vmax is just an awesome looking bike keeping to it's self, until it's pick on and opens a can of woop-ass. Show less

I was 17 when i first rode a max.And I fell in love with it then and I am still in love with it now. I mean what can a guy ask for? 100+ horsepower right out of the showroom...v-boost at 6000rpm.. Smokes every stock and customized harley and that includes harleys factory hotrod the V-rod in stock form. I even remember the slogan for it, fastest production bike in the world and it undisputedly was till Kawasaki came out with the ZZ1100. Show less

I`ve finally bought my V-Max. She`s a 1985 beauty. It`s fun to drive, and it`s great to see the respect you get from others:"look he`s got a Max" If you`re still not sure what to buy, try one. It`s the ride of a life time. My Max roars and drinks, just like me. Greets from Holland Show less

I own a 2002 Vmax and in the first month I tossed the fact rubber , the grips and bought a windshield.The rubber was all over the road so I put mettzler me 880s on it .the grips were small and cheezy and in the rain at 75mph the windshield is a must. Now,I have a rocket in a cruiser body that I ride EVERY day .I love to know I can ride without the worries of breaking down , or having any lack of power. No I don't like to have to stop every 110mi for gas but if you want a goldwing buy one. If you want the quickest production cruiser made (and be worry free) then the VMAX is your bike. Show less