There haven’t been invented the words to describe the rush that you get when riding the Star VMax and we don’t even wish for that to happen. Swinging a leg over the 2009 model year is like entering into a totally new dimension in motorcycling, something you’ve never again experienced and wish to keep it for yourself. Without being selfish at all, I will have to confess that the 200 horsepower engine isn’t for nothing. Acceleration is at a level way above what a human being’s mind can conceive so the rider does require a little bit of getting used to.
It is recommended to treat it as a cruiser in a first instance and the bike will do very well both in masking the enormous performances that it is capable of and being quite comfortable. That doesn’t mean you won’t be opening the throttle from time to time, but that’s only to worm up the tires, especially that 200mm rear one. I like to think that the VMax gradually invites you to open up the throttle more and more when going out of corners, but that’s probably just my routine. Still, I recommend this to become yours too, especially when riding this monster of a bike. A cold tire and a widely opened throttle can mean disaster simply because rolling burns are easily pulled out without even making use of the clutch. Can you imagine the torque of that engine? Incredible!
Any open stretch of road becomes a rider’s very own drag course and with a slipper clutch and five-speed gearbox, there’s nothing to stop a rider from getting faster and faster on any portion of road that he usually travels on. It sounds unhealthy, but Star Motorcycles designed the latest VMax to suit the riding needs of experienced riders who thing they have seen it all. The balance between horsepower and torque is ideal and with ingenious MotoGP-like features such as the YCC-T and YCC-I, all a rider needs to do in order to go like a bullet is just open up that throttle. It doesn’t matter in what gear you’re in or the speed you’re cruising at this thing goes like no other.
Riding at speeds that won’t disappoint any supersport rider does show the need of a windscreen that Star offers in their accessory range, but the VMax isn’t bad a t all without it either. Also, if not keeping a constantly opened throttle, the ergonomics – which are similar to the ones of the previous generation model – are quite permissive and not at all demanding on the old timer’s bones.
2009 Star VMax
You can’t have it all and the VMax does seem to be moderated by tight curves more than high-end sportbikes are, but riders enjoy catching up during the straight road portions. This involves a lot of braking and the Brembo master cylinders make their presence felt on the 320mm front, respectively 298mm rear brake discs. The three-position ABS gives an extra feel of safety. We did have it intervene even though there was no emergency. We simply proceed like when testing the brakes of a car: choose a wide opened road, keep the vehicle at constant speed and suddenly hit the brakes. Well, except the suddenly part because there were a lot of trees in that area and the bike is pretty expensive as well.
For average sized and weighing riders, the standard suspension setting are very good. The bumps are easily absorbed and the machine remains stable under hard acceleration, but especially braking. Still, tune-ups require no tools so that’s good to know.
Overall, the 2009 Yamaha VMax is as good as those designing it intended and way better than anyone considered it can get.
Price
At $17,990, the Star VMax is not only destined to experienced riders, but to those with deep pockets as well. That’s a manufacturer’s advantage for delivering a unique product and also the customer’s only reason to second think the buying.
Conclusion
If you’ve just come off the latest VMax, it feels like a dream come true, but as you think back at the experience you’ve just lived, it actually makes you wonder how you survived. Definitely not for the faith hearted!
Posted on
02.14.2009 @ 07:48