V-Max vs FJR

[fjrjonesing]

Going light to light, the VMax would really put a smile on my face. I absolutely loved the sound and feel of the VBoost kicking in, and had mine wired to come in at 3000 rpm. It was really hard to stay out of it. I don't think it was any faster than the FJR though- least my old 03 FJR.

Yamaha did that motor right, but the VMax was an absolute pig in a curve, and got flat dangerous over 100 mph. It wouldn't stop either. The rear would lock up, and the front (even with braided lines) was mushy. Don't remember who, but some moto mag writer said that the V4 "wrote checks that the chassis couldn't cash." That summed it up.

I loved mine though, and I'll think hard about a new one if Yamaha redesigns it. Nothing else like it on the road. Pull up at a light alongside another bike and the other rider would just look at the ground.

Wouldn't sell the FJR for one though...

Jim/jonesin'

 

[chiefj48]

Joe, I moved up to an FJR from a Vmax. The Max's are great straight line and mild twisty bikes. They kind of handle like bricks, but you can muscle them into hard turns. I really loved my Max. For short runs, it's the ultimate light to light bruiser. Highway travel isn't too bad, but the gas milage will make you long for the FJR. As for used, I would suggest anything from 97 to present. As for an 08', it's not solid that 08' will bring a new design. Yamaha has been teasing the Vmax community for a few years now with the promise of a new bike and as of late, they are laying it on thick.
If they do bring out the new Max for 08', you can bet your *** it will be as exspensive as an FJR. Which is me is a major drawback, but to each their own. The new max according to leaked specs and such will be a monster if it ever comes to fruition. Dsiplacement will be going from 1200cc to 1800cc along with a whole new vboost system. If you're looking for a nice bargin Max, shoot for anything besides new. I will be buying another vmax as soon as I can make room for another bike. If you have any specific questions, feel free to hit me up. My personal feeling is that a Max is a great backup bike to an FJR. It's everything the FJR isn't. It's rude, crude, brutal, loud and looks mean just sitting still. To me the FJR is refined, quiet, even tempered and built for the twisties.

Well i got to ride a V-Max today, and in one word, " UNBELIEVABLE!" It is a brute! it was a blast to ride, and i have to agree, it's a good back-up bike. i tried driving it down the same route that i take the FJR. when i rode the FJR it was fast smooth, and rock steady. the V-Max was a handful, and could scare the piss out of anyone not ready for it. the Max is like driving a brick. even my worst handling harley handles better then the Max (ONLY MUCH SLOWER). if yamaha comes out with the new V-Max, i would have to get one just for bragging rights. when you hit the throttle on the max, you had better have your game on! WHAT A FUN BIKE!!!! POINT, AND SHOOT, is the best way to describe it!!!

 

[TriggerT]

First time the V-Boost kicked in on mine, I described it to a friend as being like " God decided to kick the bike in the ***!"

Glad you had a chance to experience a Max.

 

[rockertom]

I would have to give a different opinion on the v-max as to the others. I upgrades the fork suspension to Ohlins springs and 15w oil. I ride most of the time with the sport bike crowd down here in Florida.(Yes we have twisties). I have no problem keeping up with the vast majority of them in the tight stuff or the sweepers. Where I have my problem is in the higher triple digits. The sport bikes just leave me on the straights. As to the FJR. I am as fast on the v-max as I was on the FJR before I crashed my 03. Two different bikes. Just takes a different mentality to make the v-max go around corners fast. But it can be done. I miss the FJR for the gas range it used to get verses the v-max though. If you can have both it is worth while. But if it only comes down to one bike. Take the FJR for comfort and range all day any day.

 

[chiefj48]

I would have to give a different opinion on the v-max as to the others. I upgrades the fork suspension to Ohlins springs and 15w oil. I ride most of the time with the sport bike crowd down here in Florida.(Yes we have twisties). I have no problem keeping up with the vast majority of them in the tight stuff or the sweepers. Where I have my problem is in the higher triple digits. The sport bikes just leave me on the straights. As to the FJR. I am as fast on the v-max as I was on the FJR before I crashed my 03. Two different bikes. Just takes a different mentality to make the v-max go around corners fast. But it can be done. I miss the FJR for the gas range it used to get verses the v-max though. If you can have both it is worth while. But if it only comes down to one bike. Take the FJR for comfort and range all day any day.

i have to agree the FJR has it all. i just had to try the Max, as it was the bike to have back in the day! if they come out with the 1800cc for '08, i think i need to have one in my garage.

 

[preacherman]

Let me jump in too. I came from an 06 max to the FJR. The reason I got rid of the max was because it was just to unstable. I like to let it rip every now and then and when I hit 125 on the Vmax it scared me really bad because of the high speed wobble. Before anybody says anything I know 125 is to fast but like I said every once in a while not all the time. I added the progressive shocks spring which did help but not enough. When I did some research I found out that it was going to cost a ton just to get the bike the way I wanted it. I just didn't not want to have to spend all that money on a new bike with less then 2500 miles on it so I kept it a year and got rid of it. The max was a dream bike and once I fulfilled my dream I let her go. Yamaha needs to do some serious upgrade on the max (stronger frame, better springs, fork braces ect.) before I would buy another one. Ido miss that V-boost but not enough to give up the FJR or the warrrior.