YAMAHA V Max Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

It all started in 1985 when the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha V-MAX, a cruiser motorcycle known for its powerful engine, final shaft drive, and distinctive appearance. The bike was discontinued following the 2020 model year.

In 2005, Yamaha presented an all-new V-MAX concept machine at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show that packed a new chassis, top-drawer braking components, and all-around upgraded parts and pieces.

The 2009 Yamaha V-MAX was a completely redesigned machine sold in the North American and European markets. The bike had a new aluminum frame, a Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) system, a fully-adjustable front, and rear suspension, ABS, a slipper clutch, and an under-seat fuel tank.

In 2015, Yamaha released the V-MAX, a motorcycle with cruising capabilities that came with the same technical and performance specifications as previous models but also with the same appearance.

The 2015 Yamaha V-MAX was brought to life by a massive 1,679cc V-four four-stroke liquid-cooled engine, fitted with a fuel injection system for fast and smooth throttle response, boasting 200 hp on tap at 9,000 rpm and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque with maximum strength at 6,500 rpm.

The power produced by the engine was delivered to a five-speed manual transmission with a slipper clutch, spinning a shaft drive attached to the rear wheel and pushing the bike to 222 kph (138 mph).

The Yamaha V-MAX was a cruiser motorcycle made by Yamaha from 1985 to 2020, powered by a V-four 70 degrees engine and designed by Atsushi Ichijo, part of a team led by Akira Araki with input from Ed Burke and John Reed.

In 2014, Yamaha launched the V-MAX, a cruiser machine without any significant modifications from the previous models. The bike packed iconic features blended with advanced sports bike technology and a forward-thinking style.

The 2014 Yamaha V-MAX came with standard features, including a single headlight, a dual exhaust system with mufflers on each side, a three-piece dual seat with a small backrest for the rider, lightweight five-spoke wheels, and a side stand.

The bike was built on a diamond-shaped aluminum frame, fitted on the front with a 52 mm fully-adjustable telescopic fork, offering 120 mm wheel travel and a fully-adjustable shock absorber on the rear with 110 mm wheel travel.

In the braking department, the 2014 Yamaha V-MAX packed six-piston calipers with two 320 mm floating discs on the front wheel and a 280 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, with solid and reliable stopping power.

As for power, the 2014 machine took its muscles from a 1,679cc liquid-cooled V-four engine fed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 200 hp with a peak at 9,000 rpm and 176 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.

The Yamaha V-Max was a cruiser machine manufactured by Yamaha from 1985 to 2020. The bike was well known for its powerful V4 engine, final shaft drive, and distinctive styling, being discontinued after the 2020 model year.

In 2005, the Japanese manufacturer presented a new V-MAX concept machine at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show that featured a new chassis, state-of-the-art braking components, and revised components all around.

In 2008, Yamaha officially launched a completely redesigned 2009 V-MAX in Europe and North America, with a new aluminum frame that used the engine as a stressed member of the chassis, YCC-I, a fully-adjustable suspension, ABS, slipper clutch, and a fuel tank under the seat.

In 2013, the Japanese maker released the Yamaha V-MAX, a cruiser machine with a dominant appearance. The bike came with the exact technical and power specifications as the previous model, without any changes.

At its core, the 2013 Yamaha V-MAX packed a 1,679cc four-stroke V-four liquid-cooled engine fed by an electronically controlled fuel injection system, boasting 200 hp at 9,000 rpm and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque with a maximum peak force at 6,500 rpm.

For handling, the bike packed a 52 mm fully-adjustable telescopic fork on the front with 120 mm wheel travel and a fully-adjustable shock absorber on the rear with 110 mm wheel travel, delivering excellent suspension performance.

In 2012, the Japanese maker launched the Yamaha V-MAX, a cruiser that debuted in 1985. The 2012 machine was delivered with a new stylish side cover finish that matched the intake cover, adding to its already menacing look.

The bike was powered by a V4 engine that delivered controllable acceleration and was fitted with a Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) and a Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) that offered excellent acceleration throughout the power band.

As for the power figures, the 2012 Yamaha V-MAX took its muscles from a 1,679cc four-stroke V-four liquid-cooled engine with a fuel injection system, delivering a power output of 200 hp at 9,000 rpm and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.

Al the power produced by the engine was sent to a five-speed manual transmission with a slipper clutch that spun a final shaft drive attached to the rear wheel, pushing the bike to a top speed of 222 kph (138 mph).

The bike featured a lightweight aluminum chassis with a long, lightweight aluminum swingarm. The model was fitted on the front with a fully-adjustable 52 mm telescopic fork. It packed a fully-adjustable shock absorber on the rear, delivering excellent suspension performance and handling.

The braking performance was achieved by two 320 mm floating discs engaged by six-piston calipers on the front wheel. The bike packed a 298 mm disc and a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, offering solid and reliable stopping power.

The Yamaha V-MAX was a cruiser motorcycle manufactured by the Japanese maker from 1985 to 2020. The bike was well known for its 70 degrees V4 engine with a final shaft drive and distinctive styling, being discontinued following the 2020 model year.

After its release in 1985, the V-MAX earned the title "Bike of the Year" from Cycle Guide and was sold in Japan and aboard. From 1985 to 2007, the bike featured only minor modifications and was noted for its fast acceleration but also criticized for its lack of cornering ability and soft suspension.

Besides minor modifications made in 1993 that included a larger-diameter front fork for minimized high-speed wobbling and drift, four-piston calipers, and various handling and safety refreshments, the 2007 Yamaha V-MAX was almost identical to the first released model.

In 2011, the Japanese maker released the Yamaha V-MAX, a cruising machine equipped from the factory with a three-piece dual seat and a small rider backrest, a dual exhaust system with mufflers on each side, and lightweight five-spoke wheels.

The bike was built on a diamond-shaped aluminum frame with a 52 mm telescopic fork on the front and 120 mm wheel travel. On the rear, the bike featured a link-type shock absorber with 110 mm wheel travel.

The 2011 Yamaha V-MAX took its power from a 1,679cc four-stroke V-four liquid-cooled engine with 200 hp on tap at 9,000 rpm and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque with a maximum peak at 6,500 rpm.