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Author Topic: V-Max  (Read 9447 times)

Offline Vander

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V-Max
« on: July 23, 2013, 09:07:42 AM »
Thinking ahead... the next bike I'd like to get is a V-Max (2nd Gen).

Has anyone here ever ridden one?  Thoughts? Concerns?

Offline vince

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2013, 11:00:08 AM »
It's a straight line bike. Nothing more.

Offline Aprilian

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2013, 01:25:35 PM »
underpowered without a turbo - just get the real man's bike... a Boss Hoss
Ian

"Crossing the centerline at any time except during a passing maneuver is intolerable, another sign that you're pushing too hard to keep up. Even when you have a clean line of sight through a left-hand kink, stay to the right of the centerline." Nick Ienatsch, The Pace http://tinyurl.com/3bxn82

Offline Vander

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2013, 01:45:55 PM »
 ;D

Well I like the new tech they have, the riding position and the refinements.  I'm trying not to go full cruiser, but it seems that my wife is not interested in 2up on ANY sportbike (even an FJR).

They seem to have SOME curve carving ability, no?  More than an HD or VTX, at least...?

Offline 4kless

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2013, 02:08:28 PM »
As a former owner, +1 on Vince's comment about straightline only. Also quite expensive for the 1700 and pretty limited fuel & comfort range. The new Honda F6B got very positive reviews for comfort and handling in MCN if you need to have a luxo-barge. The K1200LT might be a good alternative if you are looking older/used.

Offline Jvs

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2013, 06:06:22 PM »
;D

Well I like the new tech they have, the riding position and the refinements.  I'm trying not to go full cruiser, but it seems that my wife is not interested in 2up on ANY sportbike (even an FJR).

They seem to have SOME curve carving ability, no?  More than an HD or VTX, at least...?
Take an ST bike out for a spin with her. Something with a backrest. Shell see there not bad. She might realize how Much comfier they really are compared to cruisers.
"you thought you had it bad, try staring at his butt crack the last 50 miles"

Offline Jvs

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2013, 06:35:40 PM »
"you thought you had it bad, try staring at his butt crack the last 50 miles"

Offline pkpk

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2013, 08:28:40 PM »
There is another, less obvious, reason not to own a V-Max as an everyday ride.  Think of all the boneheads that'll think you'll want to drag race them from a light.  Of course you'll eventually get suckered in and that's when you'll start meeting Joe Law.

Offline pkpk

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #8 on: July 23, 2013, 08:47:04 PM »
BTW, don't forget about the engine heat.  Without any shrouding whatsoever, you're going to be feeling that engine on a hot day.  The rear exhaust also point upward where I have to think a passenger is going to be getting some noise and odor.

Offline Greg

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #9 on: July 23, 2013, 09:06:57 PM »
Go for it if that's the bike you like! They look like no other, that's for sure. Don't let these jokers talk you out of one. There are pros & cons to every bike. A great bike is one that's ridden.   :)
These people have taught me more about riding than any day spent on a track: Larry B, Tony K, Vince J, Mr. Wonderful, V2Neal, Marty F, Kevin B, Devon W, Ehrich, Mike A, John L, Arnell, Kirk, Ray C

Track days are like climbing the rock wall at REI.
Perhaps I need to stop taking the high road.

Offline pkpk

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #10 on: July 23, 2013, 09:14:15 PM »
I'm not trying to talk him out of one Greg.  But he solicited  "Thoughts? Concerns?" in his posting. 

Offline carlson_mn

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2013, 09:32:03 PM »
My friend Lee had one and he seemed to love it and said it handled okay for what it was (drag bike).  He just said it sucked for fuel with small tank and crap mileage so I think he was limited to like 100-125 miles.  It's a city / boulevard bike.  If I could own 10 bikes it would definitely be one of them...
- Matt from Richfield
2008 FJR1300.  Yeah, it's got a shaft and bags. Let's ride

Offline carlson_mn

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2013, 09:34:20 PM »
+1 on that ST1300 choice if you want a bike that can carry two comfortably and still handle well solo and be fun to hit up the twisties.  Or... even an FJR...
- Matt from Richfield
2008 FJR1300.  Yeah, it's got a shaft and bags. Let's ride

Offline vince

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #13 on: July 24, 2013, 12:57:26 AM »
Passangers love backrests.

Offline Vander

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Re: V-Max
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2013, 11:01:19 AM »
FJR is definitely not an option... nor a Connie 14 (tried both with her on the back).  I suspect an ST would be the same.

And I have no interest in the luxo barges (funny name) :)
The fuel range on the V-Max is a deal breaker, though... Yuk.

Back to the think tank, I guess.