Yamaha V-Max: The cult of limitless power

The story of the creation of the V-Max already gives an idea that this is not a 0815 bike: Akira Araki, project manager at Yamaha, was so fascinated by the American "Bridge Races" (drag races over a four-part mile with two motorcycles) on one of his market reconnaissance tours that he also wanted to offer a bike that outshone everything that had come before in terms of power, speed and brute design.

With a small team from a Yamaha external design company, he then worked in the USA for almost a month until a 1:1 model was completed that he could present to the decision-makers in Japan. They were convinced by what they saw and commissioned the design of a new superlative motorcycle - the Yamaha V-Max.

Already 1984: Under 11 seconds
After the then freshly developed V4 engine of the XVZ 12/13 Venture tourer was equipped with the "V-Boost system" (a collection of specific component changes to increase power) so that the 145 hp targeted by Akira Araki was achieved, the chassis, a conventional tubular steel frame, first had to be modified. A cardan drive, rather than the usual chain, transmitted the power to the rear wheel, and the 15-liter fuel tank was moved under the saddle to save space. Thus equipped the first Yamaha V-Max could be presented in October 1984 in the USA - and was immediately topic number one in the two-wheel specialist world. The V-Max completed the quarter mile in less than 11 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating production motorcycle in the world. Naturally, this attracted all eyes - admiring ones, but also envious ones.

Desire for more
At the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, a possible successor to the V-Max was presented to mark its 20th anniversary. The reviews were so positive that Yamaha got to work. And already in 2008, the brand new V-Max was on the market, and again it was able to come up with superlatives: it now offered 200 hp, and thus once again climbed the Olympus of the most powerful series machine in the world.

Fresh blood
However, the designers did not simply leave it at a "rehash" of what was already known. They created a new motorcycle from scratch, which is reminiscent of its predecessor only in its objectives: brute power, brutal speed and unbeatable design. The designers and technicians also pulled a whole arsenal of technical innovations out of the hat - which we won't go into here. The result, however, is rather exciting: How does it feel to have 200 hp under your bum? Can you still hold on to the horse when you give it the spurs?

Kraftrotz
Even when stationary, you can see the sheer power of the new bike. Like something out of a futuristic movie, it stands in front of you, rests on the side stand and seems to want to challenge the pilot.

The starting process is nothing really special, the big one starts its service willingly. The four stubby exhausts blow the dust of the night from their lungs and remind us of the snorting of a fighting bull. But now let's go. Let's play!

After a short familiarization phase, in which my mind first has to get used to the V4 power, things move forward quickly. The new aluminum frame keeps the 200 hp well in check - a weakness that the predecessor had been accused of here and there. Only in fast corners and uneven ground does the V-Max seem to get a little out of control with its 200 rear end, but never worryingly so. Also the new brake system keeps what it promises: The 6-piston Beisserchen at the front and rear wheel stop the Kraftprotz reliably and are finely dosed. For the first time, ABS is also installed, which gives a safety plus, even if it negatively affects the deceleration values from 100 km/h to zero - the main thing is that the V-Max is still controllable even in full braking approach.

Gaaaassssss!!!
But the heart of the V-Max is and remains its engine. Little by little, I dare to roll up the cable on the throttle grip more courageously. Already unbeatably powerful up to about 6000 rpm, the "afterburner" is then ignited: Schuuuub!

Damn! Actually, I thought I was a leisurely driver, but now I find myself looking out like an adrenaline junkie for the next straight where I can experience the feeling of brute acceleration.

At the very end, I wrote down once again: "Yamaha V-Max, year 2013". But not on any test protocol, but on my wish list for the Christ Child. Even if it still takes a while...