Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1996 Yamaha VMAX. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The name told you all you need to know: when the V-Max debuted in 1985, it was a cruiser dedicated to speed. Reviewers and consumers responded positively – it instantly won Cycle Guide’s “Bike of the Year” award and it barely had any changes for the next 22 years. It was arguably the definitive muscle bike.
The technical highlight of the 1,198cc V4 was “V-Boost”, a system of servo-operated butterfly valves that connected the intake manifolds of each pair of cylinders. It simulated the effect of a supercharger at high RPMs as the cylinder in the intake stroke would get the air and fuel from two carbs at once. In conjunction with other modifications like larger intake/exhaust valves, bigger carbs, and revised camshafts boosted power from 90 hp in the Venture to a claimed number of over 140!
For more on what it was like to ride the V-Max, check out this “Retrospective” from Rider. The most significant changes over the first 22 years of production were in 1993, when the V-Max got bigger 43mm front forks and four-piston brake calipers.
This example is VIN: JYA2WFC03TA013034.
The odometer shows 44,595 miles.
Modifications:
Aftermarket grips and adjustable levers.
Passenger backrest.
Manual fan switch.
Radiator guard.
Highway pegs.
Aftermarket windscreen.
Aftermarket turn signals.
Fork brace.
Battery tender lead.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean the gas tank, clean/sync the carbs, and install a battery. While Daniel was working on it, he noted:
– the ignition system has been modified (coil packs installed)
– there’s no choke lever (pull ring on left hand side)
– there’s a secondary lever under the clutch that activates the V-Boost (as opposed to the usual automatic engagement at 6,000 rpm).
– the rear turn signals don’t work
– the right fork seal is leaking.
It is wearing Dunlop D404 tires with date codes of 1420 and 3120.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title. Please Note: the registration has been expired since August 8th, 2019. If the next owner is in California, it will cost $554 to get it registered through August 8th, 2022.
Have any V-Max stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
