Star Motorcycles unveils 2009 VMax power cruiser

By Susan Carpenter, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

The 2009 Star Motorcycles' VMax was unveiled in a cloud of smoking rubber Tuesday night, which was appropriate considering the many burnouts this 197.4-horsepower machine will inspire when it hits the market in October. Powered with four cylinders configured into a 65-degree V, the new VMax is also likely to flatten a few eyeballs -- not just from its 123 pound-feet of torque, but its brooding and masculine profile. The new VMax is black, but if it were green, it would be the Incredible Hulk of motorcycles. A 1,679 cc beast of a machine, it gulps air through the huge scoops protruding from its sides, then forces it down the engine's 16-valve throat and out the catalyzed, 4-1-2-4 titanium exhaust jutting from its haunches.

The VMax first came on the market in 1985. It's received only minor updates and color changes in the years since. But for 2009, Star has gone all out, outfitting the bike with fuel injection, anti-lock brakes and many of the same MotoGP-derived technologies it uses on its supersport models, i.e. a slipper clutch and computer-controlled throttle and intake systems to deliver power more responsively.  The chassis has also been updated with an all-aluminum frame that uses the engine as a stressed member and jacked-up components that can handle some major thrashing, i.e. 52 mm titanium-coated fork tubes and 6-piston-caliper, 320 mm wave rotor brakes on the front.   

The concept for the next-generation VMax has been kicking around since 2005, well before the U.S. economy began to sour and gas prices started going through the roof. The current economic climate may be the reason Star is making a maximum of 2,500 VMax bikes for the U.S. market this year. The company appears to be testing the waters to see if obscene power in a brooding and somehwat expensive package has traction. Dealers are currently taking $1,000 down payments for the $17,990 bikes, which will be built to order.

2009 Star Motorcycles VMax

Base price: $17,990

Powertrain: Liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, four-stroke, 65-degree V4, 4 valves per cylinder, 5-speed

Displacement: 1,679 cc

Maximum horsepower: 197.4

Maximum torque: 123 pound-feet

Seat height: 30.5 inches

Wet weight: 683 pounds

Comments

[christian ginet]

I owned 3 Vmax since 1985: the first edition in 1985,then the 1991 and the 1995..i switched to the Vrod waiting to the new Vmax.I am selling my Vrod now and will get my new Vmax NOW! AWESOME!

[Juha]

Finally!! Time to put old faithful for sale! I kinda miss those dual shocks in the back, they gave a nice visual appearence and the price is quite high.

[Desmo]

Surprising that the article misses some key points (that are on Yamaha's website) such as the wet weight is a humongous 685 lbs and that is has 3 position anti-lock brakes.

[Boyleheightsboy]

Whoopee! More "fine" reportage by Ms. Carpenter, who fails to note that the V-Max was originally a Yamaha, and maybe still is. This is just just as discerning as when she noted in an article a while back the reaction of a driver to hot her on a hot bike slicing through traffic on the freeway. She seems to be more concerned about the figure she cuts than safety. God save us from such artifice.

[Donovan]

This 200HP maniac just set the power cruiser world on it's ear. Bravo Yamaha!!!

[miltchocklit]

Why are you picking on the writer? Be excited about a new V Max after all these years. It looks wicked, lots of power to off set the weight. Incredible technology. I will have one!

[mikerad]

Well, I was 19 when the first Vmax arrived in '84. I joined the Navy and got 1 in '86. I was in love "at first site" still 'em... However, $17990 is a joke. The Warrior/Raider sell for around 12.5/13.5 and they are not that much different. I think that Yamaha... wait, Starcycles will have a tough time making this anything but a collectible for just a few. I think this will surely kill the mighty Max, just as the horrible handling had done in the past. I wish it wasn't true. I was ready to put my '05 Warrior up for sale, but now.... I'll just put 1500 into it and smoke every Vmax that shows up. (and still have saved $5000)It's a sad day. too little too late.

[Ricardo]

Whoopee! More "fine" reportage by Ms. Carpenter, who fails to note that the V-Max was originally a Yamaha, and maybe still is.

-star motorcycles is yamaha. They make the yamaha cruiser line like the roadliner, stratoliner and venture.

[Marko]

It looks like Yamaha has fixed most of the issues with VMax today. The ABS will certainly help, but hopefully the brakes will not still fade like they do today under heavy use.... with the same size tank, and now a monster 1679 cc 200HP motor, I'd imagine the miles to a tank are much less then 100miles like today....but it would be a FUN ride..... Looks of the new VMax are outstanding! but the price is unreasonable.... a sportbike that probably handles better and is quicker cost grands less! I'm waiting to see rider reviews before making any decissions to sell my current VMax for an upgrade...

[Clemens]

Just to let know everybody that the price for the very same Vmax 2008 in Europe varies between 20K-23K euros (30K-35K US dollars) plus local taxes (14-19%) on top. Is a collectors item - disproportional price certainly.

[JJ]

Clemens
The only reason for the 20l-23k Euros is because EU governments want their share of duty revenues just as the rest of the world. They have crazy license and registeration fees that also affect the price of all motor vehicles! In Singapore, they also have coe fees that only allow 10 years of operation on any vehicles, thereafter, you are out of luck but to either export, junk or pay a heavily amount of $$$ to keep the vehicle on the road. Thats why antique vehicles is nonexistant in Singapore.

[Mark]

I got the chance to sit on the new VMAX during bike week in Laconia. It looks even better in person then in pictures. The extra weight worried me until I sat on it, with a lower center of gravity it feels lighter then my 2005 VMAX. So my 20th Anniversary Edition is up for sale and I have put my $1,000 deposit down on a new one.

Defending the writer, yes the new VMAX carries the STAR brand not Yamaha.

And to the guy who thinks he can put $1,500 into his 80HP Warrior and come even close to the power and acceleration of the new VMAX, LOL that’s a good one.

[Mad Max]

Well I would like to start off by saying I am surprised at some of the negative feedback and the crying about the price! You are getting allot for your money like technology, horsepower, tradition and beauty oh ya and 200hp and 120 foot pounds torque!! Ducati asks $18,000+ for the 1098 and Harley wants $18,000+ for a underpowered NO technology bike so why the hell can't Yamaha ask $18,000! Lets think about it for a while gentleman and stop acting like a bunch of broads!! I have owned FJ's, FZR's a V65 Magna and currently a new Ducati Monster S2R and I must say I will be buying the new Vmax as I have always liked them.

[Bo Smith]

As the previous owner of 3 Maxs. I will have to have one.
Harleys are overpriced as they have convinced everyone that it is the American legend. I cant wait to blow the HDs away as always. My cousin bought a HD and he hates the thought of looking at the rearend of this new Max like all the others that ride them.

[Craig sweeney]

want one! want one! want one!

[Todd Funderburk]

This bike looks great i owned a 1995 and 97 and this is what i was wanting them to build, no it's not cheap but chevy makes a Z06 and a regular vette if you want the performance it cost plus Yamaha also make several lower priced cruisers. If you get one you won't see one on every block. I can't wait to see the after market parts programmers for the injection.