I see a lot of "performance" arguments here. I tell you what, you spend what you want to spend on the Max, I'll go out and buy a ZX14 or Busa and wax you with a stock bike.
When it all comes down to it, it's personal preference on what you want in a bike all around. I don't understand the bashing of one bike if it lacks in one department vs the bike you ride. It's silly.
You want to go fast? Buy a sport bike. They do everything better than the Max does stock.
Obviously, you don't want to just go fast if you bought the V-Max, there are under lying reasons. Ripping on somebody or brand whatever bike for these reasons is silly. Joking around is different, but I don't see the jokes in some of these posts. I think a few of us need to get over ourselves and re-evaluate what the hell kind of bike the V-Max is, as it isn't the end all be all bike, and isn't remotely close. It is however a fun as hell muscle cruiser that draws crowds and demands respect, as well as having a myth that surrounds the thing, which is fun.
This post may not be directly towards anybody, but if the shoe fits with what I'm saying, I guess it does.
In all honestly, the next bikes I want to buy are:
Buell XB12S
Triumph Rocket III
H-D Street Glide
KTM Super Moto
Probably in that order, as I can't afford the Rocket III or the H-D right now. I posted this as I am by far not a "V-Max Guy" or a "Yamaha Guy" but a guy that likes cool and different bikes, and likes to bike in comfort or sport when he can.