VMAX Question (NEWBI)

[Heretic]

I also had this question when looking at the V-Max. For years all I heard was that its handling and braking were horrible, but great power. I had possession of a 2003 VTX 1800 for 7 months prior to owning the V-Max and I will tell you the V-max out handles, out powers, and has better braking than Honda's king cruiser (better gas mileage too. I averaged only 25mpg!!) The 0-25mph time on the VTX-1800 though, is God like. (Something to do with the 100+TQ just past idle, but after that the V-Max makes the VTX it's bitch). IMO the stock v-max can hold its own in handling and braking compared to almost all modern day cruisers, and crush them all with its brute power, so handling and braking really should not be a concern for you. Its not that bad, and can be improved fairly cheaply. Crotch Rockets? Fugitaboutit! Most 600 plastic bikes will hang, but thats a different beast all together. The V-max actually feels a lot lighter and shorter than it is, the underseat gas tank really helps.

To qoute some random old guy at QT when I stopped to fill up, "The V-Max is the baddest motherf@#kin motorcycle ever built!"

 

[mikemax04]

Good post Heretict. Bout time we hear from someone with a realistic opinion. Most people forget it's a CRUISER meant to haul ass in a straight line, and that it does well. As we've read before, some people keep up with the crotch rockets in the twisties and their Max is basically stock. When you get rid of all the phony baloney like "dreaded O ring", "Furbur fix" and "overheating", the Max is a really great bike. It takes a lot of abuse and keeps on performing, when other machines with like abuse are strewn all over the junk yards. After 20+ years of almost NO CHANGE, it's still one of the best bikes you can own in it's league.