2009 Star Yamaha V-Max photo gallery

The 2009 Star VMax motorcycle is here. The new monster cruiser (wonder why they call it a cruiser!) is powered by an al-new 1679cc liquid-cooled V4 engine which produces 197.4 hp at 9000 RPM at the crankshaft and and 123 lb-ft of torque.

Photo: 2009 Yamaha - Star VMax

That makes it a worthy contendor to the Suzuki B-King introduced last year. remember that the original VMax had a 1198 cc engine, and that was considered extreme. That horsepower, by the way, is way above the last Vmax’s 133 bhp at 8000 RPM. The last which was essentially unchanged since its launch in 1985 – and still remained popular after what, 24 years?

Photo: 2009 Yamaha VMax wheelie, not so easy now it seems

With such a reputation and sales to maintain, Star and Yamaha made sure the new V-Max will remain and even bigger icon that the one it replaces. And they seem to have got it right.

We will not get into too much details about the motorcycle – here we would prefer to just focus on the 2009 Star Yamaha V-Max photos for you to drool over.

Rider and the 2009 Star Vmax picture

For such a powerful motorcycle, the V-Max chassis dimensions are more like a cruiser than a sportbike. The 2009 Star V-Max is one inch wider and 3.7 inches longer than the V-Max it replaces.

Prior to the design of the 2009 V-Max, yamaha conducted detailed studies on what potential buyers expect. It was found that most buyers wanted improved handling and horsepower, and shaft drive (as in the earlier versions. And they were very clear that the V-boost whcih provides a burst of power around 6500 RPM should remain. It remains in the 2009 V-Max, but in an electronic version of the same. The new 16 valve DOHC engine has a 90 x 66mm bore/stroke. Compression ratio is 11.3:1.

A lot of the technology that has gone into the 2009 Star V-Max comes from Yamaha’s sports motorcycles.

At this point, the exact horsepower released at the rear wheel is a matter of guesswork. Most expect it to be 180 bhp – 20 more than the Suzuki B-King.

If you are interested in acceleration figures and such irrelevant stuff on a V-Max, here it is — you get 60 mph in 2l5 seconds.

Initial reviews of the 2009 V-Max indicate that the motorcycle rides a lot better and handles better. The earlier VMax’s lack of handling is not going to work in this century, and Yamaha / Star understood that. So a lot of that nastiness that could kill an inexperienced rider has disappeared, but the essential mean nature of the motorcycle remains.

The 2009 V-Max costs £16,120 in the UK. I have no idea about the US price, would appreciate it if you could add it in the comments.

That’s it for now. Oh yes, that fuel tank holds only 3.3 gallons! Which means you are not gonna get very far on the 2009 VMax. be prepared. For now, stop reading and enjoy the photos.

Technical Specs

Engine
Engine type:

4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, V-type 4-cylinder
Engine cooling:

Liquid cooled
Displacement:

1,679cc
Bore x stroke:

90.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression ratio:

11.3:1
Maximum power:

147.2 kW (200 PS) @ 9,000 rpm
Maximum torque:

166.8 Nm (17.0 kg-m) @ 6,500 rpm
Lubrication system:

Wet sump
Carburettor:

Fuel injection
Clutch type:

Wet, multiple-disc diaphragm spring
Ignition system:

TCI
Starter system:

Electric
Transmission system:

Constant mesh, 5-speed
Final transmission:

Shaft drive
Primary ratio:

1.509
Secondary ratio:

3.082
Gear ratio-1st gear

2.375
Gear ratio-2nd gear

1.810
Gear ratio-3rd gear

1.400
Gear ratio-4th gear

1.115
Gear ratio-5th gear

0.935
Fuel tank capacity:

15 litres
Oil tank capacity:

5.9 litres

Chassis
Chassis:

Aluminium, Diamond-shaped
Front suspension system:

Telescopic forks, Ø 52 mm
Front travel:

120 mm
Rear suspension system:

Swingarm (Link-type suspension)
Rear travel:

110 mm
Caster angle

31°
Trail

148 mm
Front brake:

Dual discs, Ø 320 mm
Rear brake:

Single disc, Ø 298 mm
Front tyre:

120/70 R18M/C (59V)
Rear tyre:

200/50 R18M/C (76V)

Dimensions
Length (mm):

2,395 mm
Width (mm):

820 mm
Height (mm):

1,190 mm
Seat height (mm):

775 mm
Wheel base (mm):

1,700 mm
Minimum ground clearance (mm):

140 mm
Service weight (kg)

310 kg