2009 Yamaha VMAX Cruiser reviews

If you want a scary ride, try the new VMAX. It just keeps pulling you as you accelerate. My hip flexors get cramped when I stomp on it. Yes, it's that fast. But, some of that may be because the footpegs are a little too far forward. The handlebars could be one inch higher. But, other than that I don't know a bike that can touch it through the first 2-3 gears. But, you have to be a very good rider to test that theory. I have never just nailed it from start to finish in a "see how fast I can go in the quarter mile" type run. Oh, be careful on this bike. It begs you to drive it fast as hell, thus taking a chance that you will get a speeding ticket. I love the thing. I can't wait to get home this weekend so I can ride. Once you ride it it probably won't want to get off it or ride another bike because it will be inferior. I know you all are saying, a bike that is shaft driven getting 128 foot lbs of torque and 197 horsepower, no way. But, it's true. It screamsssssss! Show less

The bike is class-A from star to finish. Great breaks, unbelievable handling, rip your face off acceleration and just one gorgeous bike! GREAT JOB YAMAHA! Show less

Been riding V-Maxes since 1985 (Gen-1 1985, 1992, 2006) and (Gen-2 2009). Still have my 1993, 2006 and alternately ride the 2006 and the 2009. First thing is...the Gen-2 2009 is a totally different machine. The lightning speeds achieved between traffic lights by the Gen-1 (which is what the Gen-1 was built for to begin with anyway) is history...the Gen-2 is quicker, smoother, handles the way that a bike should which was lacking in the Gen-1 and the Gen-2 is a totally re-engineered extremely sound machine. If you only ride the Gen-1, no biggie...you'll have nothing to worry about and will have a great machine...since you have no Gen-2 to compare it to. BUT...once you ride a Gen-2, there's no going back... Many Gen-2 owners have opted to eliminate the 138MPH Top Speed by adding 'things'...but Yamaha had it right in their R&D by having the 138MPH limiter. What I mean is, from a stand-still in 1st gear, all the way through to top end in 5th gear, there is NO lack of torque or HP or acceleration and you almost have to 'duct tape' your wrists to the grips, from fear of being left behind on your butt. What's the comparison between the Gen-2 and 'Crotch Rockets' and other bikes like the Hayabusa, B-King, Ducati, etc.???... There's no comparison...each has it's strong and weak points...it's never about WFO or WOT or EGO...it's about personal satisfaction...having said that...the Gen-2 will give ANY other machine a good run for the money under all conditions, unlike the Gen-1... Bottom line???...'THE LEGEND IS BACK AND ALIVE'!!! Ride safe... Show less