| MODEL | YAMAHA VMX V-MAX 1200 1985 - 1986 |
| Year | 1985 - 1986 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 70-degree V-four, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 1198 cc / 73.1 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 76 x 66 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 108 kW / 145 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 112 Nm / 83.1 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Induction | 4 x 35 mm Mikuni BDS35 carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-disc |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Double cradle steel tube |
| Front Suspension | 40 mm Kayaba forks, air pressure adjustable; 140 mm / 5.5 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Dual Kayaba shocks, adjustable for preload and damping; 100 mm / 3.9 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 298 mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 282 mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 765 mm / 30.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 1590 mm / 65.6 in |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm / 5.7 in |
| Dry Weight | 254 kg / 560 lb |
| Wet Weight | 274 kg / 604 lb |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 110/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/90-15 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 Litres / 3.9 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 39 mpg |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h / 146 mph |
The original V-Max: a drag-strip-inspired muscle cruiser built around a tuned version of the V4 from the Venture tourer, with a V-Boost intake system that opens extra intake paths at higher revs. It was aimed mainly at the US market, favouring brutal acceleration over cornering ability, and kept shaft drive from the touring bike. Handling and brakes were widely seen as the weak points.
