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2010 Yamaha Star VMAX Comparison Photo Gallery

2010 Star VMAX

See photos of the Star VMAX in the 2010 Yamaha Star VMAX comparison photo gallery. Check out the full story in our 2010 Star VMAX vs Triumph Rocket III Roadster Comparison.

Less than 100 miles on a tank of gas? Put's a damper on the VMAX's fun factor.

The VMAX continues to run as a special-order production line under the Star moniker.

Ram air flows through the VMAX's distinctive polished aluminum scoops (they ain’t just for style).

Dual 320mm rotors are pinched by six-piston calipers controlled via Brembo master cylinder - 2010 Star VMAX

The Star VMAX rear brake does a solid job, with the ABS cutting in hard to keep wheel skids off limits.

After three passes we broke our previous best quarter-mile
aboard last year's VMAX with a 10.567 and 130 mph top speed.

The Star VMAX instrumentation features
a prominent tach with inset digital speedo.

The 2010 Star VMAX cuts a slimmer profile than the Triumph.

It's takes virtually no effort to light up the rear on the Max.

Riding position plays a big role in the sportier sensation, with the VMAX more upright and narrow than the broad Triumph.

A nasty-looking 65-degree 1679cc V-Four featuring 90 x 60mm bore and stroke powers the mighty Max.

While it may not look dramatic side-by-side, the VMAX riding position feels more upright and sporty compared to the still cruiser-ish feel to the Roadster.

Braking is another area where the Yamaha gets the edge thanks to higher-spec components.

The Triumph and Star each sport a five-speed gearbox. Some testers noted the Star’s clutch engaged at the end of the lever, with a stronger pull required, but both bikes acquitted themselves well enough in this area.

Neither of these bikes are the best choice for the practical rider or daily commuter with their low fuel economy and heavy curb weights.

2010 Star VMAX dyno chart

2010 Star VMAX vs Triumph Rocket III Roadster dyno chart.

The VMAX is shaft driven as well and while these bikes are not as smooth as a chain or belt-driven motorcycle, neither shaft unit significantly hinders performance.

In our previous comparison, the B-King made the VMAX feel heavy and slow to turn. The change in rivals reverses our opinion, as compared to the bulky Triumph the Max now feels light and easy to turn.

The VMAX gets the better of the Rocket III Roadster in the handling department with its more capable chassis and lighter weight.

Perhaps the only real conclusion we can draw from our two comparos with the VMAX is that it’s a difficult bike to classify, splitting the difference between high-performance sportbike and power crusier.

The VMAX plain hands it to the Triumph right off the line in the quarter-mile, confirming our on-road acceleration estimations.