1988 Yamaha V Max review from Australia

Replaced cooling system drain valve after 17 years.

Not a bike for beginners.

Seriously powerful.

Small fuel tank limits range.

Uncomfortable pillion seat.

My V-max runs on 1 part testosterone, two parts adrenaline and standard pump gas, and offers more acceleration than most sport bikes.

The wife went for two pillion rides on the Max, and booked into rider training to get her bike licence.

The shaft drive is bullet proof, and the engine is practically indestructible.

The Max is a well balanced but heavy bike, and it handles as well as a 600lb slingshot needs to handle.

If you want to improve cornering behaviour to sport bike levels, you should suitably upgrade the front and rear shocks.

I have not found the braking to be a problem in spite of reports that the brakes are not up to scratch. You just have to remember that 600lbs takes a fair bit of stopping.

There are a lot of aftermarket custom bits available for the Max, and a thousand different ways to express your personality in your Max. Aftermarket performance is well catered for, and something as simple as a non-factory exhaust can add 20 ponies on the dyno.

The bike has a small gas tank, and this is would be my personal gripe against the Max. You need to stop and fill up regularly (which is great if you have a weak bladder), and this can be annoying (a pain) if you want to do long runs in the sticks. The pillion seat does not cater for long stints on the back and could be (a lot) more comfortable.

The only major expense is fuel. Maintenance is minimal.

The persona of the Max is unmissable. It doesn’t matter where you stop, the Max commands attention and gets it. So if you are the shy type, you should not get a V-max.

If this bike doesn’t excite you, check for a pulse.