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[El Canadiense]

Newbie

Hi, I am travelling with my 1993 FJ1200 having passed here in Chitre, Panama from Canada through the States, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. 50 years old, married to 22 year old Colombian beauty.

Will be looking for an older V-Max shortly, preferably an 85. Have loved V-Maxes since they came out. Have been a faithful Yamaha biker for a long time. Love Harleys and other bikes too but prefer Yamahas, especially V-Maxes and FJs.

Have done some upgrades to my FJ which include changing to a 17" X 5.5" GSX-R rear rim, FZR1000 front rim, upgraded R6 front calipers and Harley Softtail leather saddlebags.

I belong to the FJ Forum which is an absolutely fantastic group of people who are very willing to help each other in all circumstances and are open to offer any information possible as well as their varied expertise. I trust that the V-Max Forum is equal or better.

Would love to know what are some of the more popular upgrades that V-Max owners love to make to their bikes. I would imagine wheel swaps is popular as well as brakes and handling concerns. Any advice or counsel would be greatly appreciated. Need the information to plan on what I will need to do once I buy my V-Max. Thanks a lot and Merry Christmas to everybody.
Greg

 

[twistedmax]

Welcome to the forum Greg, I hope you enjoy your trip. As for up grades the first one I would do would be the Seat!

 

[Cliff]

Hello all, I am new to this forum and for that matter, the V-Max... back in '91 when I ran with a local bike group around the Chicago area. My best friend who got me into the group had an older brother that was the prez. of the club and also rode an '85 V-Max.
Life has been busy and for the most part I haven't rode much in years, no bike for a long time and my priorities were set more to family than saving for the next ride. but as the good Lord has been gracious and sent an old fixer uper into my busy life, a 1985 first gen. with 28,000 on it. the bike had been torn apart with intentions to re-do it before it fell into my lap.... so a part hunting we go! and since its already a project bike, might as well look into what others have done before me in the DIY extended swingarm catagory. The up side is I work at a body shop with MY brother so body mods and paint are not huge hurdles but the mechanics, electrical, and so forth are why I lean on the experience shared in a group like this.
so... can anyone steer me to a post that might have info on the measurements and schematics for an extended swing with room for meat?

~Cliff.
43 y.o. Wis. builder.








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[Karmakatt]

Hi there everyone,

Just a quick hello to all my fellow Vmax Brothers and Sisters. I have been away from riding for about 20 odd years and as time went by I'd swear that people became worse drivers on the road and that I'd NEVER ride again. One day about 6 months back I woke up. Did my research and decided it was time to lose my cage. Luckily a deal on a Warrior fell through and that led me to a 2006 Gen1 with 3100kms!! Well, I spent so many hours, on so many sites, reading anything and everything about my new HotRod. Finally, I ended up here, surrounded by a whole world of info and advice by people who love their own machine. I've started too add some things and looking forward to adding a whole lot more.
Nice to meet you all..

 

[twistedmax]

Welcome Karma Katt, this is where it's att.

 

[Karmakatt]

Thanks Mr.Max!! So much great stuff here!! Now I spend 15 hours on one website instead of 15 on many!!

 

[twistedmax]

Thanks Mr.Max!! So much great stuff here!! Now I spend 15 hours on one website instead of 15 on many!!

Karma, no MR here, just TWISTED!let me know when your ready to improve your max's comfort

 

[Karmakatt]

Karma, no MR here, just TWISTED!let me know when your ready to improve your max's comfort

I emailed you already this morning, I believe!! I love your seat. Can't wait.. Twisted.. I'll be in touch!! What a super look and the function is so so cool!!
Have a good night..

 

[The Beekeeper]

Welcome to Cliff and Karma!.............Glad to have you along for the ride!...........This is the best site for all things V-Max!.......You won't find a better group of dedicated Max owners anywhere!............Feel free to poke around and ask questions..............Be sure to share progress reports of your projects.........We like pics!..........:biglaugh:........Tom.

 

[Karmakatt]

Hi there Bee,
I've added a few parts already but I can't upload any pics from my iPhone. When I get to a computer I'll start an album!! Thanks for the hello!! I've already met some good people here. I'm sure as time goes on that I'll have all kinds of questions..!!
-Karmakatt

 

[Cliff]

Thanks Beekeeper, would YOU know where to look for info or tutorials that cover swingarms?

I did find a thread that talked about a site that built parts for muscle bikes, but no real info other than a few teaser pics of his own work.

~Cliff.

 

[Karmakatt]

Hey Cliff,
A heavier rear (and exhaust) is just what the Doctor ordered!! Nice too meet you fella!!
Karmakatt

 

[twistedmax]

Cliff , once you find it I have a couple stock swing arms for slicing and dicing

 

[The Beekeeper]

I know PCW sells extended swingarms, not sure who all around here has done their own, Sean Morley may be able to help, I know SRK468 is running an extended swing, but not sure if he fabed it himself?......If you don't get a response here, start a thread in the tech section!..........Good luck Cliff.............Tom.

 

[Redbone]

Welcome to all the new members, you have arrived at the center of the universe for all things Yamaha Vmax. Read up on the excellant technical articles (featuring helpful photos), check out the Buy & Sell section for needed parts or to list parts you have to sell and last but not least we like to see your Vmax (and other bikes too!) so take pictures before and after, out on a ride or just to show off after a afternoon of cleaning and polishing!
*My swingarm was extended 3" and braced by Sean Morley ([email protected]) AKA Morley's Muscle. Sean does a great job, has great customer service reputation, and seemingly always available for advice via email or phone! Contact him at the above email and you will get a quick response.
*PCW Racing can extend and brace swingarms as well. Email or Phone available on the wevbsite. John is also a great guy to work with.
*Cycle One-off also offers bracing of swingarms and I'm sure he would stretch a swingarm if you asked. Tom has some unique machined items and has a new CNC machine so he can do more custom work now. Contact info available on website.

 

[Karmakatt]

Thanks Redbone. All good info.
-Karma-

 

[Cliff]

Thanks Guys, this is a step in the right direction.. just received my project bike 4 days ago, and started by putting it back together so I can figure out exactly what parts are missing. I will take a picture of it this afternoon and start a build log for those interested in watching and throwing their two cents my way.

~Cliff.

 

[vmax2extreme]

Hi there Bee,
I've added a few parts already but I can't upload any pics from my iPhone. When I get to a computer I'll start an album!! Thanks for the hello!! I've already met some good people here. I'm sure as time goes on that I'll have all kinds of questions..!!
-Karmakatt

Welcome and beware this site gets addictive....BEWARE of the MOD MONKEY too!!! He will find ways to drain your pockets......

 

[Rusty McNeil]

Welcome to any and all that I've missed since checking in here. Like Redbone said, you've found the best Gen I forum on the planet in both info and "vibe"!

Glad you've joined us:eusa_dance:

 

[Karmakatt]

Thanks Mike, good too be here.. I can see this already turning into an addiction. To have all this info at hand is really great. I've heard people say that there's a "Cult" following of those who ride Maxs'. That's scary and fun.. Kinda like riding.. Hmm..
Ride a Vmax + Think about riding a Vmax
= nutso..
If people were obsessed about their crazy stuff like some people are about their Maxs', this world would be a better place!!