presentation of the 1200 V-MAX 1985
since its release in 1985, the V-max has been a phenomenon. The kind of motorcycles that are so full of personality, they're impossible to replace. In the beginning, there was the thuggish style, with its impressive V4. The original version was equipped with a very specific fuel system that boosted the engine to 145 hp.
with its 4 carburetors installed in a square layout, the gaseous vein can be gulped by an ingenious process. The carburetors communicate, and when a cylinder is in the intake phase, it recovers the mixture from its carburetor and the one next to it. A servomotor progressively opens a set of butterfly valves.
the first vintage, 1985, was not imported into France, and we had to wait until '86 to see the arrival of the ebullient V-Max, albeit restrained. Although the V-boost was stripped from the bike when it arrived in France, what remained was its prodigious torque and "hellish mouth". While the bike is a real eye-catcher, it's also surprisingly easy to get to grips with, and a real thrill to ride. Fortunately, the forks were replaced a few years ago, to improve handling. But it's not without its faults, and even if braking improved in 1993, it still has to hold back a hell of a lot of weight.
the mill has adapted to various standards (noise and pollution), losing a little of its strength, but not its nature. A good mechanic will be able to give it a little extra care to tone it up. The protection is disastrous, the seat lacks softness, but the machine was primarily intended to show off on a café terrace, and to spoil anything that rolls over a 400m. In any case, with its derisory range, there's no point thinking about riding it all day long, FJR-style. No matter, the V-max is above all a passionate machine. A motorcycle for big hearts and big arms, but above all a legend.
m.B - manufacturer's photos
Key facts Yamaha 1200 V-MAX (1985) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Engine
- Timeless aesthetics
- Ease of use despite weight
Weak points
- Autonomies
- Poids
- Perfect handling
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
8,384€
|
Model sold in 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Performance
- Max speed : approximately 240 km/h (149.10 mph)
Specifications Yamaha 1200 V-MAX 1985
- Chassis
- Frame : double tubular steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 15 liters (3.96 US gallons)
- Seat height : 765 mm (30.12 in)
- Length : 2,300 mm (90.55 in)
- Width : 795 mm (31.30 in)
- Min height : 1,160 mm (45.67 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,590 mm (62.60 in)
- Dry weight : 254 kg (560 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 275 kg (606 lb)
- Front axle
- Telehydraulic fork Ø 40 mm, Wheel travel : 140 mm (5.51 in)
- Braking 2 discs Ø 282 mm (11.1 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 110 / 90 - 18 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.5 bar
- Transmission
- 5 stage gearbox , manual
- Secondary cardan shaft
- Rear axle
- 2 lateral shock absorbers, Wheel travel : 100 mm (3.94 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 282 mm (11.1 in), 2-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 150 / 90 - 15 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.9 bar
- Motor
- 4 cylinders en V , 4 strokes
- 4 carburetors Ø 35 mm
- Cooling system : liquid
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 1,198 cc
- 145 ch (143 hp) to 9,000 rpm
- 12.40 mkg to 7,500 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 1.78 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 20.48 kg/mkg
- Compression : 10.5 : 1
- Practical information
Used
Compare the 1200 V-MAX to its competitors
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the 1200 V-MAX 1985
- What is the power of the 1200 V-MAX 1985?
-
The 1200 V-MAX 1985 develops a power of 145 ch (143 hp)
- What is the torque of the 1200 V-MAX 1985?
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The maximum torque of the 1200 V-MAX 1985 is 12.40 mkg to 7,500 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the 1200 V-MAX 1985?
-
The 1200 V-MAX 1985 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 240 km/h (149.10 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the 1200 V-MAX 1985?
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The 1200 V-MAX 1985 has a a dry weight of 254 kg (560 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 275 kg (606 lb).
- QWhat is the seat height of the 1200 V-MAX 1985?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the 1200 V-MAX 1985 offers a minimum seat height of 765 mm (30.12 in).
- What is the price of the 1200 V-MAX 1985?
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The price of the 1200 V-MAX 1985 is 8,384€ in France
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 50 reviews
Well, it's a real pleasure, I really don't regret it. An explosive engine, decent handling (it's not a sports bike, nor a modern motorcycle). It's great for leisurely rides in the mountains, and packs a punch when you need it, even against newer bikes. In terms of fuel consumption, I'm running at 6l/100km at a leisurely pace (legal speed)
I love it.... Rating : 5/5 Respond to seb3876
i've been riding this bike since it first came out, and for over a year now, it's been nothing but happiness
excellent in cruising mode, where I manage to get under 8l/100, very playful on small roads, but the most enjoyable are the catapulting sessions when you open up wide. Rating : 5/5 Respond to David
VMax, it's a myth, I've always dreamed of it and now... here it is... it'll NEVER go away :-) Rating : 5/5 Respond to Pascal
Best regards to all bikers. Rating : 5/5 Respond to REMI
Use it as a second bike. A word of advice: keep it! It's increasing in value. It's a real sculpture. Rating : 4/5 Respond to Rayscho17
Following an engine failure, can you tell me if I can put a 2000 engine to replace the engine on a 1990 VMAX... Thank you! Rating : 5/5 Respond to FILOU
i'm a bit late but never mind
I had a VMAX in 87-88 with the VBoost and there, true for the 240 (260 odometer)...AND 15Litres per 100 insured so stop pump every 80km and 1 Dunlop tire in 150 every 800Km (soft rubber)...just with a little windjammer...but I'm not tall and cut like a warthog
In the summer of 1988, I did 4000Km Avignon-Lisbonne AR ..with my cop of the time....12 liters average (the bike not the cop) and with a small 5 liter jerrycan + 1 Metzeler all smooth on the way back
Great moments
THEN I had one without Vboost in '89...it was a piece of crap and not 240!...210 let's say..
But as far as looks go, it's like riding around with a hottie*, who doesn't necessarily fuck well (for the 100hp version) but you get a kick out of just looking at her! that's happiness too
(*which, on the other hand, will end up being a drag in general)
Motardement tien Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
i have nothing to say except that it's great. Rating : 3/5 Respond to djo
since I've been riding this machine, I've been ecstatic with its monstrous power!
It's a pity about the weight and the small tank capacity, but now that I've got one I'm not about to change it. However, it's not for everyone, and certainly not for beginners
i enjoy riding alone or with my wife Rating : 5/5 Respond to petit-coeur
Does replacing the fork with an inverted GSXR fork, as well as the brakes, bring any real benefit over the original?
Is the + of the change worth the - of the stock modification? Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation
After 1,000 kilometers, I'm starting to get the hang of it
It clearly doesn't hold the road, it swerves like crazy, it pumps under braking, if you can call it braking, it consumes fuel with a ridiculous tank, it weighs like a dead donkey, there's no protection, etc? You get ridiculed at the first bend
The sensations are indescribable, like riding a wild horse you're gradually taming
You get on, you ride where the road takes you, and you simply enjoy it..
When you've managed to ride hard, you feel like you've "done something", like a "man's bike"
When I get off, I'm still dreaming for a long time..
Rating : 5/5 Respond to Cyril
Sure, the brakes are just right, sure, it veers off in big curves, but for God's sake !!!! it screams
go out with any 15-year-old beaker and you'll understand why a vmax is a myth!!!!!
it hasn't aged a day
as far as reliability is concerned, I've got 45,000 km on the clock and not a single problem (apart from the 80-euro clutch repairer), provided, of course, that you treat it with the respect it deserves and take good care of it
It's not everyone's bike, and with a few small modifications it becomes unique (at least for your eyes)
See you soon on the roads of the PACA region
Rating : 5/5 Respond to GRENOUILLE
since I've had a VMAX, everyone admires it, asks me questions about it and just talks about it! bravo YAMAHA!!!!!!!!! Rating : 5/5 Respond to socrate811
pure happiness, pure sensations
there's only one thing i regret, and that's not being able to make love to it....jaime cette moto:-)
a bientot bonne route a tous tchouusssss Rating : 5/5 Respond to jon
Rating : 5/5 Respond to madmax
Rating : 5/5 Respond to Beche
It's a superbly versatile bike that lets you get to work without having to worry about traffic, and enjoy soft off-road riding at weekends
it's a beautiful, engaging, high-performance bike
too bad it's disappearing from the yamaha catalog Rating : 5/5 Respond to tche tche
nevertheless, every time I open my stall door and look at my beautiful V-shaped horse, the shivers go up my spine, and at the traffic lights they're always a little afraid of what I'm going to pull out of my pots...a legend never fades. Rating : 5/5 Respond to GIANNIMAX