Finally made it over to Laconia to checkout the new Vmax! We all know and have drooled over the technical specs. Here are my impressions of some other areas of interest.

I’m very happy to say that current VMax riders will feel right at home on the new Vmax as the ergonomics are very similar. The first thing you notice is the new bike feels wider but not objectionably so. Then you notice that Yamaha seems to have worked some magic with the center of gravity, as the new bike feels lighter than the old when you rock it side-to-side. The reach from the seat to bars feels slightly longer and the bike feels slightly taller. Let me emphasize that all these changes are subtle – the overall first impression of the fit and feel of the new Vmax is almost unchanged from the old Vmax. In fact, you’d really need to hop from new to old immediately to really tell the difference! I was lucky that a few minutes after the Star tent closed for the day a rider pulled up on a beautiful stock 2007 model and he let me sit on his (I had wimped out taken the car for the eight hour round-trip with my young son). With this almost back-to-back comparison the old model feels positively petite! So apparently the new model has grown but they’ve done a great job of keeping the same overall feel.

I also noticed that fuel filler access has been improved (see photo) making the old model’s spill tray unnecessary. (I have the old style Corbin seat where you’re pretty much blind when fueling and that spill tray has saved me a few times!).

Unfortunately the bike was not setup to run so I cannot comment on how it sounds. The Yamaha rep said they hadn’t even provided him a key!

Here are some interesting photos in the next few posts (by the way, I’m about 5’7”):

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.....At first glance the first thing to grab your attention is those two big things that sticks out like a sore thumb

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DarthVmax wrote:


I find that true with some women as well!

Those guys........they look pretty happy:)

Thanks to S_Circuit we have a unique set of pics that show us a direct comparison between the All New 2009 VMax and the Original. The photo's where taken in Laconia where Yamaha has the new VMax on display.

Here we go:

S_Circuit wrote:


New VMax:


VMax Classic:


New legroom:


Classic legroom:


New engine:


lassic engine:


New fuel filler (w/o comparison):