.....just about time for first service. And, since it's raining now and I'm that I had to cut my ride short today (OK, a little bored too).....some folks asked me a while back to post up first impressions, so this is as good a time as any. I'm coming strictly from the cruiser side so, since a lot of folks on the board seem to come at least partly from the sporty side, thought this might give some perspective. Currently, I also have a Roadliner and a Warrior (w/essentially stage I mods......air, exhaust, pcIII, ignition module, tune, etc., etc.). So, in no particular order:
--this bike is too much fun.. ...causes guilty feelings toward the other bikes right now, esp. the Roadliner. I use the Warrior as a daily driver.

--thank goodness I had the Warrior first. While nowhere near Gen2 numbers, but quick off the line for a cruiser (esp w/ current mods)....more importantly, learned not to throw my a$$ of the back end on acceleration and over the bars on quick braking.....makes getting used to the Gen2 a little easier.

--while I can't flat-foot it (am about 2/3 or so there), getting used to it. Don't want to lower it (see handling, below) and, if I have to sometimes use two feet down for awhile, so be it. Don't care what others do or don't do. Front end was a little squirrley just before complete stop, but I think that had to do with the shorter bars and the rake vs. my other rides (and maybe slight underinflation of the front tire when I picked up the bike). Not a big deal once I got used to it.

--this thing eats up highway miles like crazy. Wife has stopped asking me why I'm home early from some rides.....I'm not traveling shorter distances than before. On that topic, I was surprised at how comfortable the bike is....at 5'8", 30" inseam and short arms, thought there would be an issue....there is none, and the lack of a taller backrest is not an issue (thought it would be). In the past, the 'liner would be the go-to for an all-day ride....not the case any more. I know a lot of (most) folks use the power in other ways (and probably wouldn't dare call it a "cruiser"), but not I'm comfortable with that.....yet.

--I thought the Warrior cornered great...it does for a cruiser....but the Gen2 is an order(s) of magnitude better....I've read countless posts/articles about how poorly the GenI cornered, and the Gen2 was an "improvement" (often with an unseen/un-printed "snicker"). Clearly those folks are from the sporty side.

--slow speed handling....probably the biggest surprise for me.....probably better than my other current rides.....feet don't often have to touch the ground.

--beautifully engineered bike....but I think GPS should be included as standard equipment...specifically, one that does "where am I" and "where the he!! are the closest gas stations". Ordering one in the next day or two (thanks Shaun for the advice). Good thing, as many of my rides are out where stations are rare....OK, not Australia/New Zealand rare..... (and quality is occasionally questionable, but that's for another thread). Still developing confidence about how far to go before panic sets in....Warrior gets about the same miles before reserve, but it's easier to push

No doubt the more miles I get on her, the better rider I'll be on my VMax...and, frankly, overall. Life is fun!

As the engine gets friendly with itself and gets run in your gas milage will increase , it's a tight build you should pick up 10% or better milage on a stocker 85 to fuel light with a gallon left so say 100 you are at fumes but some are better than other and thats after run in , When you change your oil keep using Dino till at least one more change then go with Synthetic
if you like , dont overlook the gear oil use the Yamaha specific gear oil very important on that . Some say the Amsoil is OK
but i stuck with the recommended , If you ride aggressively on suspension settings i found go all the way tight and back 2-3 clicks same with the forks that seems to be a good overall setting little stiff but feels good on the turns , Nice that you have bikes to compare I do believe the Max will quickly become the Favorite though. Glad you are enjoying the Beast Ernie
it gets in your Soul and become an Obsession like no other bike if you let it.

Thanks for posting up first impressions.

Welcome to the Sickness of the Quickness! You just can't get enough SMILES in in one day The Beast gets in your soul. You will get to know it intimately.. Wait till you experience a power slide exiting a turn and the front wheel lifts while you're crossed up.. You'll giggle like a school girl.. better than SEX

You can raise the forks up about an inch without issue, getting you a little closer to the ground, and If you go with the wide wheel & 240/40 18 tire, that drops the rear 3/4". Maybe a custom seat would get you flat footed on the ground then Enjoy and get some miles in tho, decide what you want to do to make it your own later. Yamaha built a hell of a bike right from the factory

I'm in the same boat and the same opinion as you regarding seat height, flat footed, and handling. I do not want to change the way that the bike handles negatively, but I do want to lower my center of gravity. Lowering the pegs is not an option. I'm one of the few who enjoy carving corners more than going in a straight line and I need all of the peg height that I can get. I have two mods that are going to help me accomplish this. Handle bars and seat from Morley Muscle. I have the bars, they are excellant as they are lower and wider than the stock bars. I'm getting the seat soon. Sean Morley’s seat will drop you down another 1.5”. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the seat as well.

hammer wrote:
I've never heard about this seat. I went to his site and can't find it (only found gen 1 seats). Where can I see some pics?

Seems like you're hooked on Max. Great! We all have that addiction.

The mileage will get better & you'll have a great time getting to know your beast. Treat it with respect and it'll treat you with the most wonderful rides. Never underestimate its power and you'll do just fine.

You'll soon be exploring the yet unchartered territory of Vmax heaven. Enjoy!

thanks for your impressions report. Kudos!

Thanks for posting up your first impressions Ernie.

I can guess the sickness of the quickness has taken hold quite strongly by now.

Glad your hooked on the beast .



Pokey.