Yamaha V-max 1200

The Yamaha V-max 1200 was introduced in 1985, making its first appearance in the North American market. The motorcycle concept featured cruiser traits, a powerful 4-cylinder V-engine, and drag bike styling and ergonomics. The V-MAX 1200 was one of the first production-produced dragters with a classic appearance, delivering outstanding dynamic performance in 402 meter races.

The model was based on the engine from the Yamaha Venture Royale - a 4-cylinder V-shaped liquid-cooled block with a volume of 1198 cm3, producing up to 145 hp. power and up to 123 Nm of torque. The main feature of this motor is the presence of V-Boost technology, which was controlled by a servo drive, and by about 6,000 rpm, it opened additional throttle valves between the intake ports, thereby creating the effect of using large carburetors at higher rpm. The result of using this system is an increase in the amount of the incoming fuel-air mixture at high speeds, which ultimately leads to an additional increase in power by 10%. The V-Boost system was not installed on all Yamaha V-max 1200 motorcycles, but was mainly used in North American modifications.

Other features of the motorcycle include a simple layout with a steel duplex frame, classic suspension in the form of a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a double shock absorber at the rear, disc brakes, a 15 liter fuel tank, a 5-speed gearbox, a hydraulic clutch, a cardan drive and about 283 kg of curb masses.

In 1987, the model undergoes a slight restyling, receiving new rims and a modified saddle.

In 1993, the front suspension (more powerful fork), the braking system (increase in the diameter of the brake discs 282 → 298 mm, 4-piston calipers) and carburetors (Mikuni BDS34 → BDS35) are subject to changes.

In 2003, the Yamaha V-max 1200 receives changes to new environmental standards, reducing the maximum power to 135 hp. for USA model and up to 140 hp. for Canadian versions.

2007 was the last year of production of the model. This year's models are unified for 135 hp. power.

By 2009, a new model was introduced as a successor - Yamaha V-MAX 1700.

The main competitors of the Yamaha V-max 1200 in the class:

• Honda X4

Photos

Yamaha V-Max 1200 (VMX12)

Yamaha V-Max 1200 (VMX12)

Yamaha V-Max 1200 (VMX12)

Specifications

Specifications Yamaha V-max 1200:

Model	Yamaha V-max 1200
Motorcycle type	dragster (power cruiser)
Release year	1985-2007
Frame	steel duplex
Engine type	4-cylinder, 4-stroke, V-shaped
Working volume	1198 cm³
Bore / stroke	76.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression ratio	10.5: 1
Cooling	liquid
Number of valves per cylinder	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel supply system	Carburetor, 4x Mikuni BDS34 - V-MAX 1200 (1985-1992) Carburetor, 4x Mikuni BDS35 - V-MAX 1200 (1993+)
Ignition type	TCI
Maximum power	145.0 h.p. (106.6 kW) @ 9000 rpm - Full Power V-Boost Versions (For North America) 100 h.p. / 116 Nm - V-MAX 1200 (1986, Europe) 95.2 h.p. / 102 Nm - V-MAX 1200 (1991, Europe) 135 h.p. - V-MAX 1200 (2003, USA; all versions since 2007) 140 h.p. - V-MAX 1200 (2003, Canada) 97 h.p. / 111 Nm - V-MAX 1200 (Japan)
Maximum torque	123.0 Nm (12.4 kg-m) @ 7500 rpm - Maximum torque for full-range versions with V-Boost (for North America)
Gearbox	5-speed
Drive type	cardan
Front tire size	110/90 V18 61V
Rear tire size	150/90 VB15M / C 74V
Front brakes	2 discs, 282mm, 2-piston calipers - V-MAX 1200 (1985-1992) 2 discs, 298mm, 4-piston calipers - V-MAX 1200 (1993+)
Rear brakes	1 disc, 282 mm, 2-piston caliper
Front suspension	Telescopic fork, stroke - 140 mm
Rear suspension	linkage with two shock absorbers, stroke - 100 mm
Motorcycle length	2300 mm
Motorcycle width	795 mm
Motorcycle height	1160 mm
Wheelbase	1590 mm
Saddle height	765 mm
Acceleration to 100 km / h	3.33 sec.
Maximum speed	233 km / h
Gas tank	15.0 l (including reserve - 3.0 l)
Motorcycle weight (curb)	~ 283 kg

Documentation

• Yamaha V-max 1200