So whats the deal with the V-max?

[mharrington]

The earlier the model the more powerfull. When the bike in its original state was done in 2006 2007 the HP was around 110. In 1986 they advertised 145hp with high 10 sec 1/4 mile time slips. At the end the bike was posting mid high 11s. Really detuned over its lifetime. I love the look of the bikes. Locally there was a 1985 with a blown out second gear for $1000. I didnt bother after reading how difficult it was to replace the bad gears.

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

That's a wive's tale, about the 85's being faster than all the rest. Absolutely urband legend! However, US spec Max's were the fastest by a long shot. Euro and Japanese spec ones got neutered with a de-tuned motor and no v-boost, and I seem to remember reading Japanese spec ones had a ignition interrupt switch inside the speedometer that limited the top speed of the bike to around 190km/h, or around ~115mph. Now, if you want to get picky, you could BUILD a slightly "fastest" stock VMAX with the following configuration, mostly you are just cutting weight:

1985 mufflers
1986 and up V-Boost
1985/1986 front wheel (lightest wheel)
Not sure on front ends though I suspect 85-92 will be lighter then 93+. The 85-92 front rotors will be lighter since they are smaller.
Not sure on which rear wheel type (85 I think is heavier but not sure).
1985-1995 regulator is smaller
1990+ pickups (requires the 90+ flywheel) are single and smaller (so lighter)
I want to say the newer rear diff's/axles (axles are shorter and diffs are narrower).
1990 Relays are smaller

Maybe some other small items might change weight ever so slightly, but you are talking MINIMAL difference in performance and max HP between 1985-2007!

[Jedz123]

I've never ridden a Vmax, but have sat on them, and I don't think the stock seat would be very good for putting miles behind you.

As far as the FZ1 and low-end torque goes, all you need is a slightly different sprocket setup and that problem is fixed. That's how mine is set up and I love it. No, it's still not the torque monster my '01 Bandit was, but that beast was just too much torque. I literally had to lay on the handlebars to keep the front down when I got on it from a start. With my '01 Fizzy, I can go at least 175 miles on a tank of gas too. I just absolutely love the thing and I think you should at least take a closer look. In my experience though, I will tell you that you'll probably be looking for a non-stock seat and maybe even some handlebar risers. And, if you don't like a lot of wind hitting you, you'll be doing the windscreen dance looking for something better. The stock screen is perfect for me in the summer, but I need something more in cold weather. What I have on there now looks crazy rediculous but works great. It's a handbar mounted Memphis Shades Hellcat screen that fits right behind the stock screen. Perfect for cold weather, but when it warms up enough, I can just take it off.

I did take a closer look... Fell in love.. lol picking it up Sunday
Sprocket change is in the cards right off the bat... 85mph in first is so stupid. Rather be half way through second at 85.

[big block]

I bought a new Max in 87 and put quite a few 700-800 mile days on it. They sound great but yeah they feel like they push out on the corners. I prefer an 1150 in all respects other than having to maintain the chain which isn't really a big deal. I haven't ridden a Bandit or ZRX but I think I'll pick one up this year just to see what a modern UJM is like. I had a V65 Magna before the Max and I liked the Max better in every respect.

Sheldon

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

Since you mentioned it, 87 was not released in the US, only Canada got them. Think they are red in 87 with black accents, like them colors!

[big block]

Yes: You're right, the 87 was not available in the U.S. and I think the 87 colours were the best of the bunch. I liked the bike but not enough to buy another one.

Sheldon

[gmansyz]

Hmmm

Now I am thinking I want a MAX just to tweak. I can handle changing second gear but I think a big bore, cams, header and some forks swap along with a single shock and I have even seen them with the three spoke GSXRrear wheel. And I think I could even steal a few gears from the 1300 Venture to gear it a little taller.
Uh-oh.
Laters
G

Oh, try degreeing the cams on the FZ1. You get adaptors with the sprockets to do it and then tweak the fueling and it will get you some bottom end, midrange and much needed response.

[amxsteve]

Now I am thinking I want a MAX just to tweak. I can handle changing second gear but I think a big bore, cams, header and some forks swap along with a single shock and I have even seen them with the three spoke GSXRrear wheel. And I think I could even steal a few gears from the 1300 Venture to gear it a little taller.
Uh-oh.
Laters
G

Oh, try degreeing the cams on the FZ1. You get adaptors with the sprockets to do it and then tweak the fueling and it will get you some bottom end, midrange and much needed response.

Just by looking at your sig you have enough projects on the go already. Do you actually have a bike you can ride? Ther is a max up here with r1 fork gixxer wheels etc that looks like the perfect light to light ride

[gmansyz]

Tough

Yup, I have loads of projects but concentrating on the GSXR headed 1290GS. And I can't control myself!! Nor can I keep my mind close to home.
Laters all.
Greg

[81gs1100]

V-Max, neat bike, but its still a Harley Davidson in my opinion. Im not a big HD fan, but I wish AMF would have keeped the development going for the Harley Nova.

http://www.bikerenews.com/AntiqueBikes/CodeNameNova.htm

I have a friend with an 02 V-Max, and I always gave him crap for owning A HD hand me down.

Just think of what Harley could be is they kept the V-4 and pushed it, they might have broke into the inline 4s in the late 80's.