buying a V-Max...

[Shuriken]

Joined a V-Max forum because I'm on my way to pick up a V-Max tomorrow (if all checks out ok). One thoughtful fellow saw a few of my posts and paid his respects to the XS as follows:

"Welcome to the forum. I'm a forum member and I'm also a big fan of the XS1100.

Saw your post and thought I would throw in my 2 cents.

I ride an '88 V-max which you can find in the members garage. I also rode the XS1100E for many years.

You stated in your post that you were considering 'upgrading' to the V-max. In my opinion the V-max is not necessarily an upgrade. It's more of a sideways migration. They both share a common drive line. they both weigh about the same and they share some common handling quirks like wallowing in a sweeping bend.

The stock V-max does not handle as well as the stock XS1100. Both need suspension mods to do the job BUT the XS1100 is a far better touring bike. It's way better for two up riding, can carry more gear and never misses a beat.

The V-max has more power and accelerates quicker but at the end of the day it doesn't go any faster. The V-max has a very small tank (the XS1100 has twice the range) and the V-max is very thirsty.

If you still have the 1100 - keep it.... and get the V-max as well.

I wish I had."
----------------------------

I thought those were great comments.

[81xsproject]

Hell yeah!

[xschop]

Vmax

If this were in OKC, it would be in my garage. My friend in San Antonio sent me the link. I talked to the guy and he said there was just a dent in the gas tank (actually air intake cover and he rebuilt all the hydraulics because it set in storage for a few years......http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/639269041.html

[Shuriken]

I just picked up an 85 with about 35k miles on it. Pretty rough, but after going through the carbs with a fine tooth comb, it runs very well, now.

I can tell you that the comments the other Max owner posted are true. The XS is a very comfortable bike. The ergonomics fit me (6'1") perfectly. I can do loops, figure 8's, etc all day in the parking lot on the XS. Can turn it all the way to the stops and maintain control at low speed. The Max has the straight bars and makes me reach more to get to them. Feels heavier in low speed turns. Comfortable seat, but mostly feels like everyone says, the bike just wants to be pointed straight and wicked up.

I would really like to test ride Megathrust or some of the other XS bikes with mods, big bore, etc.

[xschop]

Vmax

Vmax is a great in-town bike. I have riden a couple. I have no doubt that my 11 will outrun my friend's '96 max when I install the 12hun kit. If we go in the twisties, he is no match, but when we hit a straight line, the max is outta there... I would like to ride a Vmax that had a more modern USD front forks and lowered in the rear to compare the cornering feel on the beast. It also has the side-torque that the shaft drive XS11 has but seems to be a little more civilized since the bike is so heavy....Would be cool to stick a Vmax motor on an eleven frame

[Bob Falter]

Joined a V-Max forum

What V-Max forum did you join?

the XS1100 is a far better touring bike. It's way better for two up riding, can carry more gear and never misses a beat.

I agree, I could only go about 150 miles with the stock V-Max seat with no highway pegs. I’ve added some Harley highway pegs and cut out some of the old foam and added a gel pad to make the seat lower and wider. First test was only about 250 miles but it was a very cold day (the only days we have had lately). Seat felt great, think it is good for 500 miles but I’ve done more than that on the XS and it is still smoother and better overall.

The V-max has a very small tank (the XS1100 has twice the range) and the V-max is very thirsty.

You may be comparing to a Standard tank or the Max tank size has changed over the years. Both my Special and my Max have 4 gallon tanks. The Max does hit reserve 0.2 gal sooner but will go further on reserve. My Max gets the best gas mileage of any of the bikes I own. If I stay out of V-Boost I can get close to 40 mpg. My XS get around 35 mpg so not a lot of difference.

If you still have the 1100 - keep it.... and get the V-max as well.

Definitely! I had to buy an XS #2 to replace #1 when I bent the frame on #1, and that was after I had the V-Max.

[B]/B] I would like to ride a Vmax that had a more modern USD front forks and lowered in the rear to compare the cornering feel on the beast.

They put bigger and better front forks on them in 96 or 97? I can’t tell much, if any difference in handling between my Max and the XS with the Tkat fork brace. I can scrap metal with either but, because of the seat, I haven’t ridden the Max all that much. Because of the seat (limited range) I rode the Max just back and forth to work and on short trips last year. However, that did come up to almost 6,000 miles. (Note: Actually on the Max the only thing I have scrapped is the side of my boot and because of the bent frame on #1, I try not to scrap metal all that much any more.)

Bob

[Shuriken]

Hi Bob,

vmaxforum.net

The XS is definitely a great machine indeed.

[Shuriken]

For those of you who are interested in seeing an XS11 and V-Max side by side, here you go.



Sometimes the impression is that the Max is big bad Max, but when you look, the XS holds its own.

Ben

[Bob Falter]

Dunlop Elite II’s on the XS. That’s what I run, really like them. Dunlop makes an Elite II to fit the rear of the Max (MV85HB15 RWL, actually they are made it for the Yamaha Venture which has the Max engine and rear wheel). I don’t know how long they will be making them, they have Elite III’s now and the Elite II's have been a little hard to get. I got a couple for my Max since the Dunlop Qualifier only lasted part of a summer. Haven’t got one on yet.

Bob

[Shuriken]

Thanks for the tip, Bob. I also like the Dunlop tires. Will have to look into them for the Max as you say.

[7911special]

Originally posted by ae7f
For those of you who are interested in seeing an XS11 and V-Max side by side, here you go.

Sometimes the impression is that the Max is big bad Max, but when you look, the XS holds its own.

Ben

wow thats a beautiful site, almost brings a tear to my eye.

[prometheus578]

"What kind of neighbor are you?"

Sure... you've saved a lot of money by not watering your lawn, Ben, but you could have at least hosed down that guy's roof when it was on fire.


(You guys don't get enough rain there for that to be moss, like I have... or do you?)

[Shuriken]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH............

That was great Prom!

[BrianB]

Sometimes the impression is that the Max is big bad Max, but when you look, the XS holds its own.

Very true statement. The Max looks great but so does the XS.


Great Observation Prom. I never saw it. Eyes glued on the bikes.

You crack me up!!!