Hi to all you VMAX riders. Today was my first ride. It has been raining here in New Jersey forever. I was kind of nervous to go riding since this was my first ride on my Max since I had my stroke on 9-25-08.

I got up the courage: however, and went out for a great ride. The bike rode and handled great until it was time to stop.The bike freaked me out when it came time to stop. I'm short in stature 5 foot 6 with my boots on. Luckily I'm built like a tank and have great upper body strength. I did not realize just how heavy my Max is. Every time I came to a stop the bike wanted to fall over on the right side. However I kept her upright somehow.

I remember someone placed a post some time ago about a set of tires, I believe they were Metzler that lowered the bike about an inch.I need to lower my Max. Its dangerous the way it is now. It will fall over sooner or later. Being short has disadvantages when you ride a VMax.

Can anybody on the forum tell me if this is true and if it is what the tire numbers are because after I got back from my ride I was going over my bike and I noticed something weird on the back tire. So I got up real close and damn there was a philips head screw with a head about a 1/4 inch right in the middle of the tire.I didn't pull it out because I did not know how long it was.

I must be cursed. First I put down the non refundable deposit. Second I have a stroke a month later. Third I get a screw in my rear tire on my very first ride.

I need to know if Ken over at UFO has the lowering links for sale yet. If he does does anyone know if installing the links will void my YES Extended warranty. If have 6 years and don't want to throw that down the toilet.

Please help me and give some answers to my questions. Later JP Meade

Ok, well first it's Jon at UFO (not Ken) and I think his lowering links are coming soon.

Metzler 210/40/18 comes on the Yamaha Raider, will drop the rear over an inch.

3rd. You can slide the forks up thru the triple tree by loosening their clamps.


You're only cursed if you believe you're cursed. I'd look at it differently.

You're Blessed to own such a bike & double blessed to be able to ride it

JP, If you want the ultimate capability in lowering the bike, and have the $$, I'd urge you to take a look at UFO's "Ground Assault" system. I put one on mine and now, I wouldn't be without it. You can lower the bike 4-1/2 inches and raise it to standard height. It's very flexible in the adjustment for ride height, spring rate, etc. I've had mine on for two or three weeks now and I wouldn't be without it. I normally ride with mine set at around 2-1/2 inches down from stock.

Tell me does putting the Ground Assault lowering kit ruin the balance of the bike or its performance handling?? The dealers technicians told me it may do it but wasn't sure.

I think it handles just fine. The ride is a bit different, it's a little more progressive, but that's how air suspension is. The real benefit is in getting the bike to a managable height. I was having a hell of a time around town untill I installed the Ground Assault. Now it's just 'all good'. Now I have very convenient control over ride height and improved vehicle control. I just set the pressure to put the shock about halfway thru travel and it's perfect.

I don't see how, as some people claim/ask, how it can adversely affect handling. The shock used in this set up is identical, in terms of stroke, length, etc., as the stock one. With the shock set at mid travel, you're in the 'sweet spot' of your suspension.
The compression and rebound damping is also adjustable on this shock, so you give up nothing.

Just about everybody knows what it's like to drop a bike. How much do you think it would cost to repair the damage on this girl if you dropped it and busted a scoop or engine case or ?? Installation of this accessory has been a huge benefit to me in my enjoyment of the machine.

One last thing, I'm not going to say how fast I've had this thing, (for obvious reasons), with this set up, but suffice to say the limits have been pushed and it's confidence inspiring.

Are there still no crash bars or sliders for this monster, yet? If there are, I'd suggest you get a set. Probably help you feel a little more confident moving it around your garage or pulling up to a light.

If there aren't any, wth? Lots of folks working on more complex exhaust and ECU stuff to make a buck, but bars/sliders would be pretty popular, I'd think. Ea$y money.

thanks for the reply, I may have to get the beast lowered now.