2009 Yamaha VMAX Preview

Chassis

Newly-designed low-profile aluminium frame

The new VMAX is equipped with a completely new advanced-specification aluminium frame which has been designed to deliver high levels of handling performance, allowing the rider to optimize the huge potential of the remarkably powerful 1,679cc V4 engine.

The beautifully-finished black main frame spars arc forcefully across the top of the mighty V4 engine and down to the pivot in a semi-loop, accentuating the massive engine’s handsome profile, and giving the new VMAX a bold, athletic and high-tech image. Although the frame is a substantial structure, it’s subtle low-profile design blends athletically with the bodywork and engine to give the charismatic “engine maximal, body minimal” look.

The VMAX’s new diamond-type frame has been developed using Yamaha’s industry-leading chassis design and manufacturing technology, and features an immensely strong yet lightweight structure that is made up from a variety of gravity-cast, CF die-cast and extruded aluminium sections. This innovative new design incorporates gravity-cast components for the main frame and pivot assembly, while the rear frame is made from a range of Yamaha’s exclusive CF die-cast parts and extruded parts which are welded together.

This combination of these different types of aluminium, each with a different rigidity level, is one of the major factors in achieving the desired balance of rigidity. To fine-tune this balance even further for excellent handling and accurate rider feedback, the wall thickness on the main frame varies from between 3mm through to 6mm.

An imaginary straight line drawn between the pivot and head pipe runs right through the centre of the V-bank, and this layout makes for neutral handling characteristics. And by incorporating the V4 engine as a stressed member – using cast-iron mounts at the front, the centre of the V bank, and at the top and bottom of the crankcase – the overall chassis rigidity balance is further enhanced.

There’s no doubt that the original VMAX established a reputation as one of the most awesome straight line performers, and this aspect of the machine’s character has been taken to an even higher level with the new chassis. With an extended wheelbase of 1,700mm – compared to 1,590mm on the existing model – the new model’s advanced aluminium chassis is built to handle the massive power and torque output that can be released with a twist of the throttle. Significantly, the new bike’s swingarm is over 35% longer than on the existing model at 662.5mm, allowing the rider to lay down the 1,679cc V4 engine’s power more effectively then ever. 

Large-diameter forks with oxidized titanium coating

Virtually everything about the stunning new VMAX sets it apart from any other motorcycle, from its mighty V4 engine through to its radical styling and intimidating image. Featuring massive tubes, the front forks are like nothing else seen on any other machine, and are perfectly in keeping with this bike’s unique character.

The 52mm tubes offer excellent rigidity combined with smooth fork action – and they benefit from an oxidized titanium coating that ensures increased surface hardness and stiction-free operation – while the moody dark finish perfectly complements the black frame and engine. The new front suspension is designed to deliver a smooth ride with neutral handling characteristics, and is fully adjustable for preload, as well as rebound and compression damping, allowing riders to customise the ride to suit their own requirements.

It’s not only the massive 52mm tubes that put these forks in a league of their own – they also feature two-piece outer tubes. Featuring an extremely rigid cast lower section incorporating the radial-mounted brake calipers, and an extruded aluminium upper section which has been precision-machined for superior suspension action, these special front forks characterize the VMAX’s inherent style, first-class quality and advanced technology.

The combination of flex-resistant 52mm tubes, a cast aluminium upper triple clamp and forged aluminium lower triple clamp, as well as a wide pitch of 225mm and 30mm offset ensure that the VMAX rider experiences a neutral steering feeling for greater riding pleasure. 

Link-type Monocross rear suspension

The rear suspension is a link-type Monocross system which is, like the new front forks, is fully adjustable for preload, as well as for compression and rebound damping.

For added convenience, the new VMAX is equipped with a hydraulic remote adjuster for preload setting, while a remote control dial beneath the tandem footrest adjusts the compression damping. Another remote control dial beneath the left-side swingarm allows easy adjustment of the rear shock’s rebound damping.

The full adjustability of both the front and rear suspension systems is more commonly associated with supersport models, and allows the VMAX rider to optimise the ride quality on their machine for outstanding roadholding. 

2-piece radiator and liquid-type oil cooler

The new VMAX benefits from a sophisticated cooling system which consists of two radiators and an oil cooler. The two-piece radiator features a curved-type upper section which allows the engine to be situated closer to the front wheel for idealised mass centralisation. In order to achieve a maximum surface area for highly efficient engine cooling, the lower part of this two-piece radiator is a conventional flat shape whose unobtrusive design allows the massive V4 engine to be seen in all its glory – and at the same time permits the fitment of a fan.

And to ensure stable oil temperatures for consistently strong engine performance, the 1,679cc engine is equipped with a liquid-type oil cooler. 

Large-diameter front and rear wave-type brake discs

The braking system that has been developed for the new VMAX is one of the most sophisticated and powerful designs ever seen on a Yamaha motorcycle. At the front end, dual 320mm diameter wave-type discs are gripped by radial-mounted 6-piston calipers for excellent stopping power – and for superb feel, the master cylinder features a radial-type pump.
And for strong, confidence-inspiring braking, the new VMAX runs with a 298mm wave-type disc slowed by a pin-slide type single-piston caliper. 

Linear-controlled ABS system

The VMAX is equipped with a newly-developed linear-controlled hydraulic ABS system which is designed to enhance braking control over a variety of road surfaces and in varying riding conditions. The hydraulic control system is activated by a linear solenoid valve which prevents wheel lock-up during braking, allowing the rider to experience smooth lever action and achieve effective braking on different types of road.

This innovative and compact ABS system combines the ECU and hydraulic mechanism into a single unit which is situated under the seat. By keeping the system’s dimensions to a minimum, neither the machine’s aesthetics or weight have been compromised, and the positioning of the unit ensures that overall mass centralisation is enhanced. 

18 inch front and rear wheels

For natural handling qualities the VMAX is equipped with 18 inch front and rear wheels which are shod with specially-developed tyres that are designed to offer the optimum balance of grip, shock absorption and roadholding. With a 120/70-R18 front and a massive 200/50-R18 rear, this outstanding motorcycle is equipped to lay down its awesome levels of power and torque like no other machine. 

Lightweight bodywork for effective mass centralisation

Mass centralisation has been one of the key goals for the VMAX development team. During the machine’s exhaustive development and testing phase, every effort has been made to use lightweight materials wherever possible – and at the same time, to locate heavier components close to the bike’s centre of mass.

One of the most significant factors in achieving an idealised mass centralisation is the positioning of the 15-litre fuel tank under the seat. Manufactured from light fluorinated polyethylene, the tank is easily accessed by means of a convenient single-handed lever with a built-in damper which underlines the quality and attention to detail on this class-leading muscle bike.

These measures play an important role in shaping the neutral handling characteristics of this machine, whose roadholding, steering and overall chassis performance raise the bar in the muscle bike category. 

Tank-mounted multi-function instruments

Mounted on top of the dummy fuel tank is a multi-function Organic Electro-Luminescent “OEL” instrument panel which displays a wide range of information on its 256x64 dot display. This newly designed OEL panel gives a bright, easy-to-read display and offers an instant response, and its functions include odometer, tripmeter, clock, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, gear position, running fuel consumption, intake air temperature and throttle opening, as well as a stopwatch with a countdown function. 

Muscular new design

The fact that the styling on the original VMAX has remained largely unchanged for 24 years is a tribute to the immense strength and unique character of its original design. Creating a worthy successor to this iconic motorcycle posed many challenges for Yamaha’s team of designers, and the new VMAX utilises the latest designs and materials to create a truly modern work of art that is clearly the 21st century manifestation of the old master.

While the original VMAX embodied the spirit of the drag strip – combined with a brutal bodybuilder-style image – the new model has been designed to radiate a feeling of massive internal strength which hints at the awesome power just waiting to be unleashed at any time.

Key to this imagery are the four massive air intakes, the muscular V4 engine, and the four short upswept mufflers, which serve to underline the intimidating beauty of this single-minded high-performance motorcycle. 

CHASSIS – TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• All-new diamond-type low-profile aluminium frame
• Longer 1,700mm wheelbase for outstanding straight line stability
• Longer swingarm ensures optimal roadholding during acceleration
• Massive 52mm conventional forks with oxidized titanium coating
• Link-type Monocross rear suspension
• Fully-adjustable front and rear suspension
• 320mm dual front wave-type brake discs with 6-piston radial-mounted calipers
• 298mm rear brake disc
• Linear controlled ABS with compact one-piece ECU/hydraulic unit
• Highly-efficient 2-piece radiator, curved upper, flat lower with cooling fan
• Underseat fuel tank and lightweight bodywork for increased mass centralisation
• Tank-mounted multi-function Organic Electro-Luminescent “OEL” instrument panel
• Muscular new next-generation VMAX bodywork
• High-specification components and lightweight materials

Colour:

The new VMAX will be available in Solar Black. 

VMAX Accessories

Yamaha have developed a range of high quality functional and cosmetic accessories for the new VMAX, as well as an exclusive range of clothing. Information on the new VMAX accessories and clothing line can be found on www.new-VMAX.com which goes live on 4th June. 

Online reservation of the new VMAX

The Yamaha factory in Japan will manufacture the new VMAX on a limited yearly production schedule providing the new VMAX to the whole world. As a big demand is expected in Europe, Yamaha Motor Europe has made available an online reservation system for this long-awaited motorcycle, which will operate on a first-come first-served basis. All information can be found on www.new-VMAX.com. 

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