YAMAHA

VMAX

Yamaha VMAX

Manufacturer: YAMAHA
Model: VMAX
Year: 1985
Type: Cruiser
Origin: Japan

01 — Overview

The Japanese-market version, released in 1990, of the VMAX that had debuted in the U.S. in 1985. It differed from the export model in parts of the liquid-cooled 1,197 cm³ V4, with an emphasis on drivability. Specifications listed are for the 1990 Japanese-market model.

MAKER: YAMAHA
PRODUCTION: 1985
ERA: 1980s
CATEGORY: Cruiser Classic

02 — Historical Context

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

According to Yamaha, its distinctive presence set it apart from traditional American-style cruisers, and it remained in the range for more than 20 years.

1980s — Liquid cooling, aluminium frames and full fairings — racing technology flowed into road machines.

03 — Engine

ENGINE

Four cylinders in a V — multi-cylinder performance in a narrower package. Intake, compression, power, exhaust — the cycle behind today's combustion motorcycles.General description of the layout

Engine layout	V4[1]
Cycle	Four-stroke[1]
Displacement	1,197 cc[1]
Cooling	Liquid-cooled[1]
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4-valve[1]
Max. power	71.3 kW / 7,000 rpm[1]
Max. power	97 PS / 7,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	110.8 N·m / 6,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	11.3 kgf·m / 6,000 rpm[1]

04 — Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Every figure is sourced. Unverified values are not published.

Production	1985[1]
Model code	VMX1200[2]
Engine layout	V4[1]
Cycle	Four-stroke[1]
Displacement	1,197 cc[1]
Cooling	Liquid-cooled[1]
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4-valve[1]
Max. power	71.3 kW / 7,000 rpm[1]
Max. power	97 PS / 7,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	110.8 N·m / 6,000 rpm[1]
Max. torque	11.3 kgf·m / 6,000 rpm[1]

05 — Generations

GENERATION HISTORY

19802000

First generation; 1990 Japanese-market version (spec shown)VMX12001985–

Generations, model years and market variants (Model → Generation → Variant) are added as they are verified.

06 — Cultural Context

CULTURAL CONTEXT

07 — On Film

ON FILM

Quoted from official channels

Source: Yamaha Motor Communication Plaza — “歴史車両走行会特別編 ”V MAX””

HeritageYAMAHA2024

VMAX on the test course

Special edition of the historic-machine demo run held at Yamaha Motor's Fukuroi test course in November 2023 to mark the Communication Plaza's 25th anniversary. Featured: the VMAX.

→ VMAX