2009 Yamaha
V-Max
MSRP $17,990
It's said that absolute power corrupts. And though this idiom was coined based on social and political principle, it could just as well be used to describe the all-new 2009 Star VMax. How many times have you ridden a motorcycle and thought, 'Gee, I wish it had just a bit more power?' Well, go ahead then. Take one wide-open throttle stab and that thought, along with any other brain waves for that matter, is purged from your mind and replaced with the euphoric rush of pure unbridled acceleration. It's like nothing you've ever experienced before, that is unless you have a cool nickname emblazoned on your helmet and collect a paycheck flying for the U.S. Air Force.
Scoresheet
5
5
4
4
4
5
5
4
5
There's no substitute for power and this machine is sometimes unbelieveable. Just when you think you've got the power figured out, you get a third gear burn out. It races better when the pavement is hot. Gives better grip. And, you'll need it with the power this thing has. It amazes people when you pass them. Cars pass me in the left lane, and I give it gas and I'm right on their bumper within a second. They think I'm still way back there. Not that I enjoy people not seeing me, I want them to, but to see the look on their face in the rear view mirror when they look up and see me is funny at times. And, of course when I pull onto an on ramp on the interstate and stop and wait for a car to pass me, then wrap up the RPMs and pass that same car before they make it to the end of the ramp is pretty fun to. I have to admit that probably scares them a little. People say it's heavy. It feels like a rocket when you hit the throttle, so whatever they're talking about, they haven't ridden it. The drawback is the 4 gallon tank. This bike is meant for the track and distances of up to 50 miles. This bike is not for a beginner so don't buy it for your 16 year old son for his birthday. He won't live to see his next one.
Scoresheet
5
5
3
4
4
5
5
4
5
If you like speed and don't want a crotch rocket this is your bike. Unbelievable acceleration, eye catching looks, 200hp. Very few 2009 VMaxs out there so it's exclusive. Being exclusive and desirable means they hold their value - I've had it well over a year and could sell mine for what I paid for it.
Bike is heavy and not overly nimble but holds the road like a rock. Seat is comfortable for short and medium trips. Rider position is good. Brakes are very strong. Sound is okay - could be meaner.
Exhaust and intakes are soft metal and damage easily. Tank only holds 4 gallons for 100mi range - biggest drawback of the bike!! It's a pain for even medium trips.
Bike has had good durability - no problems except the soft mounting of the turn signals breaks easily.
They're rare so dealers done have many extras to personalize. I took mine in recently for its 4000 mi service and it was the first one they've done.
Scoresheet
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
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