Any experience with the VMax?

[Cobia]

Good Information!!

Hey Carlton and Ed,
Thanks for the very good info, and the link (Carlton). I had not heard about the head shake issue, but did read that they went with heavier forks in '93, though 41mm to 43mm doesn't seem to be much of a change.
I'm sure that had a lot to do with it.
Having a head shake would not be fun at all, very disconcerting if you ask me.
As with everything, following the right proceedures while assembling typically gets the job done right. A fork brace wouldn't be that big of an expenditure in the grand scheme of things.
And that thermostat swap would be a must do living here in FL. in the heat of summer.
I'm not a long range cruiser (I'd like to change that, but...responsibilities), most of my riding is around town and the occasional day-long ride with friends, so the low gearing would not be an issue with me. Maybe someone will discover a mod like the XS750 rear end swap for the VMax!!
In all, there don't seem to be alot of problems with the VMax that can't be modified or fixed.
Keep the info coming guys!! And thanks a million.

[foreda]

Vmax

I have been thinking about buying a VMax as well and missed a sweet deal in Baton Rouge last week. Like I said earlier in this thread, I have ridden my brother-inlaw's 95 aniversary special many times and have done the "hop" a few times. These machines have incredible torque and will put you on your duff in a split second. As far as handling, I prefer riding my FZ-1 which does not have the low end torque like the VMax but look out after the after burner kicks in around 7-8 k rpms on the FZ1. I like the looks of the new Vmax, looks like something out of the space age!!

[oldnortonrider]

Hey Carlton and Ed,
Thanks for the very good info, and the link (Carlton). I had not heard about the head shake issue, but did read that they went with heavier forks in '93, though 41mm to 43mm doesn't seem to be much of a change.
I'm sure that had a lot to do with it.
Having a head shake would not be fun at all, very disconcerting if you ask me.
As with everything, following the right proceedures while assembling typically gets the job done right. A fork brace wouldn't be that big of an expenditure in the grand scheme of things.
And that thermostat swap would be a must do living here in FL. in the heat of summer.
I'm not a long range cruiser (I'd like to change that, but...responsibilities), most of my riding is around town and the occasional day-long ride with friends, so the low gearing would not be an issue with me. Maybe someone will discover a mod like the XS750 rear end swap for the VMax!!
In all, there don't seem to be alot of problems with the VMax that can't be modified or fixed.
Keep the info coming guys!! And thanks a million.

There is a rear drive swap that is done quite often with the VMax; plug and play, IIRC. I think it's from the Venture. It's probably on that link I sent you.
Should be in any of the VMax forums.

Also~~a 2mm increase in fork tube size would make a BIG difference, with a machine having telescopic fork stability problems. If these XS11s had been even a wimpy 39mm instead of 37mm (fork tubes), it would have made a GREAT DEAL of difference. Granted, 41 or 43 would still have been more better. Probably, if the XS11 had been '39mm', about half of the fork braces that have been 'pumped out' over the years for the XS11, wouldn't have ever been manufactured.

Also, I would like to add that the VMax had the most uncomfortable seat I've ever experienced. I tried to get a custom seat for mine. When I had mine, NO AMOUNT of money could get a custom seat. Not from Corbin or anyone. I talked to one very accomplished custom seat maker in California (at the time)~~she had just done a VMax seat. She said she would never do another one. I offered her double $$, to make one for me, which woulda been $1000. A good bit of change in '89 for a custom seat. She declined. I persisted. Nope. The VMax seat is 3-piece; I think it's the middle part that flops open for one to be able to fuel the beast. I hadn't checked since 1990, but I'd speculate Corbin or Mustang or anybody else does not make a custom seat for the 80s and 90s VMax's.

I'm not "anti" VMax~~just pointing out a few things you might consider. I was definitely impressed and thrilled with the acceleration performance. Awesome for a 600 pound machine with a driveshaft, and sitting straight up. Not so sure that one could have the same 'power-impression' from a used one, unless it's had the "thermostat-change' early on to keep the heat gauge needle outta the red all the time, and unless it's been "revved" and ridden sane from PO; not flogged like most of them are regularly.

[65oldsboy]

I had a 93 Max but only for about a year. I sold my 1st XS11 to buy it and have regretted it ever since. It handled like a dump truck in the twisties but flew like a rocket going straight. The main problem I had with it was with the ergonomics. I have really long arms/legs. I felt cramped on it all of the time and couldn't even slide back on the seat because of the fuel door in the seat. I had no mechanical problems to speak of and no head shake.

[paolo1]

well here is my opinion for what it's worth....i have a 1985 vmax the original with some mods done to it ....i gotta tell you it' probably one of the funnest bikes i have had and ridden ....i also own a 78 xs1100....it was the first bike that i could without even trying lay a patch down in second gear in mid flight....it is scary at times specially when you wot and you feel yourself being almost forced off the back of the bike....it certanly packs a punch in a straight line....handling in the curves could use some improvement...but i wouldn't trade it in i like it that much