The 2012 Yamaha V-Max->ke2701 is the kind of bike that should be on top of everybody's wish list. It's not so much the fact that it's an awesome ride in itself, but the bike's combination of advanced sportbike technology and forward thinking style makes it a definite must-have.

Sure, some people have had mixed reactions as far as the bike's design is concerned, but make no mistake about it, when it comes to pure, torque-bending performance, the V-Max is in a class of its own.

Crank the throttle and you'll be unleashing a 1,679cc, 65-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-valves-per-cylinder, DOHC engine that pumps out 174 horsepower, enough to literally make you drive the seat off of your pants. On top of that, the V-Max also has both the Yamaha->ke301 Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) technology and the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) technology, providing the kind of smooth and crisp response riders have long looked for.

As far as its design, the V-Max's looks remain relatively unchanged since its major redesign in 2009. About the only changes you'll see is that it comes with a new color, Matte Black, as well as new side-cover finishes that match the bike's distinctive intake cover, and gray stitching on the seat cover.

The bike also features a lightweight aluminum chassis - weight is reduced to 683 lbs because of it - that puts the engine low and forward for mass centralization, resulting in a machine designed to handle just about any road surface. Likewise, the suspension system - cartridge-damper-type front forks that have substantial 52mm inner tubes with oxidized titanium coating and a link-type Monocross rear suspension - allows the bike to handle particularly well, even for the high standards of a tried-and-true muscle bike.

Find out more about the full specs of the Yamaha V-Max after the jump. } }

2012 Yamaha V-Max

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Yamaha V-Max
  • Engine/Motor: 65-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-valves-per-cylinder, DOHC engine
  • Horsepower: 174
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

-The thunderous 1679cc, 65-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected

four-valves-per-cylinder, DOHC engine pumps out astonishing

power to reinvent the VMAX legend.

-The superbike-proven Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I)

switches nearly instantaneously between 150mm and 54mm

intake funnels as needed for a broad powerband that delivers

optimum performance at any rpm.

-Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), the fly-by-wire

system, delivers optimum acceleration under all conditions.

-Engine combines four-valve technology with a high 11.3:1

compression ratio, forged aluminum pistons and NGK® Iridium

spark plugs with R1-type direct ignition coils to extract maximum

horsepower from the fuel charge.

-Cams are driven by a combined chain and gear system to

precisely control valves while keeping cylinder heads remarkably

compact for such a large displacement engine.

-Hydraulically activated clutch includes racetrack-proven

ramp-type slipper clutch system that makes braking from speed

while downshifting smoother.

-Five-speed transmission has superbly spaced gear ratios to take

full advantage of the engine’s awesome power in straight-line

acceleration or through the canyons.

-Delivering this power cruiser’s muscle to the street means a

beefy shaft drive. Special shaft design includes two cross joints

to accommodate the fat 200/50 R18 rear tire.

-The high-performance engine is cooled by two radiators for

efficiency and clean looks. Lubrication is via a simple, reliable

wet sump system.

-Four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust system with EXUP®

delivers a broad, seamless powerband with the right VMAX look.

-The iconic VMAX aluminum intake covers are hand buffed by

craftsmen for superb quality and individuality.

Chassis and Suspension

-The chassis is light and compact, with a cast aluminum main

frame, Controlled-Fill die-cast and extruded aluminum

rear frame and cast aluminum swingarm. The result is superb

rigidity balance for both hard acceleration off the line and

corner carving.

-Cartridge-damper-type front forks have substantial 52mm

inner tubes with oxidized titanium coating. Forks have both

compression and rebound damping adjustability plus

spring preload.

-Link-type Monocross rear suspension has a piggyback reservoir

and features compression and rebound clickers, plus remote

preload adjustment.

-VMAX uses Brembo master cylinders, the front with radial pump

and reserve tank. Large 320mm wave-style dual front discs are

matched to radial-mounted mono block 6-piston calipers. On

the rear wheel, there’s a 298mm disc, also wave design, and

single-piston caliper. These high-tech brakes also incorporate

three-position ABS.

-Tapered handlebar provides a muscular 1-1/8” diameter look at

the triple clamp while using conventionally sized controls.

-18-inch radial tires, 120/70 R18 front and 200/50 R18 rear, are

mounted on cast aluminum five-spoke wheels.

-For mass centralization that contributes to the bike’s lean looks,

the 4-gallon (15-liter) fuel tank is mounted under the seat, with

the filler under the rider’s backrest.

Additional Features

-The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) uses three microprocessors to

control fuel injection, ignition, YCC-T, YCC-I, meters and other

electrical components.

-Distinctive key design reinforces the unique character of this

new VMAX.

-The instrument panel includes an analog, step-motor driven

tachometer, and digital speedometer with LED indicator lights.

Prominent LED shift timing indicator adds to the performance

character of the VMAX.

-Organic electroluminescence multi-function display provides

a more precise display vs. LCD and includes clock, fuel meter,

trip meter with fuel reserve trip meter, transmission gear

position, coolant temperature, stopwatch, and more.

- H4 60/55W headlight provides excellent visibility and distinctive

style, while the trick-looking LED taillight is light, bright and

highly efficient.

-Rare earth magnet AC magneto puts out a robust 420W at

5000 rpm.

Pricing

The 2012 Yamaha VMAX / VMX17 is available from November 2011 and starts at $19,890 (Matte Black).

Specification

Model

VMX17BB; VMX17BCB

Engine Type

102-cubic-inch (1679cc) liquid-cooled 65°

V-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder

Bore x Stroke

90.0 x 66.0mm

Compression Ratio

11.3:1

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I

Ignition

TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission

5-speed, multiplate slipper clutch

Final Drive

Shaft

Suspension/Front

52mm telescopic cartridge fork w/oxidized


titanium coating. Fully adjustable preload,

compression and rebound; 4.7 in travel

Suspension/Rear

Single shock w/remote reservoir and


remote adjustable for preload, compression

and rebound

Brake/Front

Dual 320mm wave-type discs; radial mount


6-piston calipers, Brembo radial pump

master cylinder

Brake/Rear

298mm wave-type disc, single-piston

caliper and Brembo master cylinder

Tire/Front

Bridgestone Radial 120/70-R18 59V

Tire/Rear

Bridgestone Radial 200/50-R18 76V

L x W x H

94.3 x 32.3 x 46.8 in

Seat Height

30.5 in

Wheelbase

66.9 in

Rake (Caster Angle)

31.0°

Trail

5.8 in

Fuel Capacity

4.0 gal

Est. Fuel Economy

27 mpg

Wet Weight

683 lb / C: 685 lb

Color

Matte Black