Hal Licino  says:
17 months ago

Actually you're wrong. I've never met anyone who likes how I look. :)

MsChris  says:
17 months ago

@Mark: Hal's opinion is no stupider than yours is. He's entitled to believe that a 1700cc bike is ridiculously overpowered for today's roads and riders. You're entitled to feel differently, and if you happen to be that rare rider who can handle a bike that size, congratulations, but that doesn't make him stupid.

The market is about to boom for new solutions to the growing energy crisis. A well-made alternative-powered bike could grab a chunk of the existing market, but also pick up new riders who are specifically looking to save gas, and grow the overall size of the market.

IIUC, Hal's point is that Yamaha's tech-forward capabilities could enable it to take advantage of the emerging situation and totally dominate the growing market. Instead, Yamaha has chosen to introduce a bike that's "new" only by being so huge that hardly any riders can handle it.

terenceyap07  says:
17 months ago

Very well written, Hal. I agree with your point on energy-efficient modes of transport. Make sure you give us more quality hubs like this one, my friend.

Freddieboy  says:
16 months ago

Yamaha polled people to find out what they wanted, and they pretty much made what people wanted (although probably everyone wanted it cheaper). If you don't like the new VMax, then go ahead and ride a 50cc scooter, or drive a minivan if you an handle the horrific, monstrously huge power of a minivan, that is. There's a billion braindead soccer moms driving mostly-empty gas guzzling SUVs around while doing their makeup, so maybe you can muster up the nuts for a minivan... I probably won't buy a VMax, because I can get a great sportbike for less money, but I still like it.

Dion  says:
16 months ago

Why blast Yamaha about the hybrids, what about Honda, Suzuki, etc. I agree with your statements about the looks though, but I would like to ride one just for the sheer thrill of that kind of power.

Dion  says:
16 months ago

I own a 2007 Yamaha R1 & use it as my primary transport. I am in my early 40's having ridden for around 30 years on 2 wheels. I have gone through the pain of learning through some severe & "I should be dead" accidents over this time to learn that it is not the bike that creates the monster, its the riders attitude to the other people that share the road with us. Honestly, 99% of my accidents were my fault.... too fast, too stupid, assuming that they see me.. You are correct about the over powered VMX, but i see riders in the "rush hour" traffic from scooters to Sportsbikes doing crazy things everyday, the bikers must learn to respect the power that is available to their right hand & respect that we share the road with the cars, they probably dont see us because we are riding like assholes. I sometimes wish that there was a traffic school that was compulsory for the new owners of any make of bike, it is just too easy to get a bike's drivers licence & then to go & kill yourself by being a maniac ( wow i got to work in 10 min today ;-) i only had 3 near misses from those stupid car drivers, brag, brag... ). Sure the power of these muscle bikes is a factor, but the attitude of the owner makes all the difference.

Jay  says:
15 months ago

Yamaha is only making 2500 of them. FYI, this bike has better fuel economy than most Harley Davison motorcycles. If you knew anything about motorcycling, you would know that the Hayabusa is in NO WAY designed to be a racing bike. It is too big, and designed to be a sport touring bike.

Furthermore, if you are looking for something more fuel efficient take a look at the 2009 Yamaha Zuma. It gets 123MPG.

max brutal  says:
15 months ago

Only chip fuel afficiant tree huging gay person could say such thing.

mack0y  says:
15 months ago

with the price of gasoline rising i think it is not practical to own one but a nice biike though

Mastroiani  says:
15 months ago

Bullets and guns don't kill people... that's my attitude. I bought Yamaha Vmax several months and have never gone over 80 mph even on the highway. Will, maybe once I hit 90 when passing a car... If you're a thrill seeking idiot you can kill yourself on a bicycle easily, you don't need XMax. As for the blasting Yamaha, I don't agree with the author of the article, but again it's his opinion and he is entitled to it. Some say, taste is not something to be argued about, but I strongly disagree. I like how Vmax looks and I strongly disagree with your taste Mr. Hal. I remember reading old articles about the Naked bikes deasigned by Italians... apparently people with little or no taste and aethetic percpetion were blasting those naked bikes as ugly. In the world of motorccycles they are as beautiful as any other motorcycle. I truly believe that if you're a passionate and respectful rider you should respect all motorcycles. I've been a professional equestrian for years and it's unheard of to diss this or that breed of horses as ugly. Sure there are more and less beautiful ones, but in the end horses are all superb and gracious beings. Just like a motorcycle, if you're into it.

Also, I think all car and motorcycle manufacturers make motorcycles that don't necessarily agree with 100% of the public (I agree here with Hal). All manufacturer's, by sheer virtue of being a huge conglomerate, are too slow in response to the market or in other cases don't take into consideration wishes of smaller market niches. But, fact is a fact, Yamaha makes those bikes that sell. Vmax sell year after year... Why would they go against the logic and suspend a production of a bike that sells? That wouldn't be called business, would it now?

Again, guns don't kills people... it's stupid neanderthals that kill other people with guns, knives, clubs, baseball bats, cars, motorcycles and fists.

Beau  says:
15 months ago

Hal, you bash yamaha about building one new motorcycle that does not reflect the reality of the times, can you please point me to where you praise them for building two new scooters, the T-Max, to lure motorcycle riders on to more fuel efficent rides, and the zuma, to offer great in town fuel efficency, also new for last year the C3 with 115 mpg, i personally can vouch for 124. To me, this new V-max seems to be aimed at the older more experianced rider, (people that have had the v-max in the past) hence the high price, they are trying to keep the young inexperianced rider off of this bike. But you also stated "I know of a young man in Europe who managed to end up a paraplegic after crashing a Vespa 50 at well over 70 mph" granted it was modified but that proves that the size of a motorcycles engine does not determine weather or not it is deadly, the skill and resonsibilty of the rider do. It is not up to the manufacture of a vehicle to make it slow enough to be safe, it is ultimately up to the operator of the vehicle to obay the traffic laws and be a responsible driver, that would be like trying to hold the pool builder resonsible for someone drowning. Please don't get mad at Yamaha for giving the consumer what they want.

steve  says:
15 months ago

I like the look of an industiral air compressor!!!

starcatchinfo  says:
15 months ago

HI HAL,

1. TOO UGLY :- SORRY TO DISAGREE WITH U! BUT THE PICTURE U HAVE INSERTED ON THE TOP OF UR HUB IS SUPERB , ITS NOT AT ALL TOO BIG. IT DEPENDS ON THE PERSONALITY WHO IS DRIVING THE VEHICLE . A PERSON WHO HAS GOT A WELL BUILT PERSONALITY WILL BE SUITED TO DRIVE THIS BIKE .

2. TOO FAST :- EVERYTHING HAS TO MOVE FAST IN THIS SPEED AGE, NOTHING CAN MOVE AT A SNAILs SPEED , IF U SAY THIS BIKE IS TOO FAST , THAN YOU HAVE LOST THE RACE

beau, dave, steve  says:
15 months ago

Did it ever occur to you that my freinds and I read your artical and exept for steve, dave and I had comments? Guess not, your too busy trying to avoid criticism.

your bud  says:
15 months ago

I see why it's so hard for you to think one person could have two freinds with the way you treat people. But don't worry i wont waste my time here any more and nethither will my freinds.

gbrown-4150  says:
15 months ago

Hey Hal! Your quite the VMAX basher. After reading your article on the rocket III and the vulcan it seems you are just picking on the VMAX community. You talk about the size and performance of the vulcan and rocket III and tell us to imagine what a good tuner like Yoshimura could do with these bikes. Did you mean detuner? I have never seen either at any sort of track. They are a long ways from the 500cc limit you would like to see. Why the praise for these 2? And what about the Boss Hoss you wrote about? Talk about excess. You didn't bash it once. I don't know what phase of your life your in now but I know its not a happy one. From your other articles I can see you used to like motorcycles for the same reason most of us still do. Why the change of heart? Don't give me that fuel economy crap either. You must have had a friend with a VMAX that you just couldn't beat. Take a VMAX for a demo ride to get back that feeling for motorcycles you lost. If that doesn't work then you should have a legitimate excuse to hate the VMAX the way you do. Don't knock it till you try it!

PATMAX  says:
15 months ago

Hi Hal, I saw a link that sent me to your post and I signed up to the "Hub" just to address your blog. I feel "gbrown" was quite succinct in his observation of your editorial and poorly substantiated criticism of the V Max, its riders and Star Motorcycles. How can you say V Max riders are responsible for so much irresponsible riding? I can promise you that it is not V Max riders riding wheelies through highway traffic or around town. These are those we call "Squids" on their sport bikes. Since I have been riding the V Max since 1986, I feel as qualified to speak on V Max riders on the whole as you do critiquing cycles as a motorcycle magazine writer. I see that the majority of riding done by V Max riders is the same old pedestrian riding that you do around town and the occasional 80-90 mph blast on the on ramp to the highway. No different than BMWs, Hondas, Suzukis, Ducatis etc. Its just that we do it faster and with more noise! (thank you Kerker!) I guess you can call us noise polluters now too. You don't see yourself being hypocritical for damning our fuel mileage and engine displacement when there are so many "mega-barge" bikes produced like the Triumph Rocket's 2300 ccs , the Vulcans 2000, the Rune and the Stratoliner for that matter. I am just at a loss why the hyper-critical take on the Max. I mean, doesn't a 23 year year run with the same old tired bike tell you something about it's appeal to the motorcycling marketplace? Do you have some statistical information attributing more death and injury from V Max motorcycles than other bikes that you would like to share to add credence to your statements? Perhaps you would have voted to stop production of the Max in 1986! One can easily document its world wide appeal as one of the most intriguing bikes of all time or at least included in the discussion. You may be right, GSXR riders, R-1 riders and Ducati 1098 riders rarely if ever exceed the speed limits putting innocent lives at ease. its mostly V Max riders who act suicidal/homicidal or at the least, are burning petroleum products irresponsibly. To follow your baseless reasoning to its Nth degree, we would stop all recreational combustion engine use. After all, isn't it all unneccessary in the big scheme of things? To imply Star is irresponsible to every hormone enraged teenager and putting them wrecklessly at risk is so ludicrous that I question your professionalism. You did hear that these bikes are priced at 18K plus tax,prep and insurance? I don't know what neighborhood you live in but I don't see many kids with that kind of discretionary income. You said it yourself that nearly anything on two wheels can injure or kill including your acquaintance on a hopped up moped. I went to school with a motorcyle magazine editor and I would love to hear from Mitch B and see if he shares the same twisted and contorted view of the V Max community and it's bike of choice. I know many V Max owners have other bikes in their garages. Do they automatically turn into irresponsible sociopaths when riding the Max? Really, the more you speak on this topic the more a detriment you are to your appearance of understanding, intelligence and objectivity. Would you care to reconsider your statements? I don't think you could use this blog as resume' builder could you? But then again Howard Stern is making a good living! Hmmmmm....

John Congleton  says:
15 months ago

Sir, It's hard to believe you know anything about motorcycling or the typical motorcyclist?? It's a HOBBY, get it, nobody drives a hybrid or a minivan as a hobby?? Showing your obvious ignorance you didn't know that the old Vmax was discontinued in 2007 not 2008 and the new Max will get mileage in the 30's, comparable to most economy cars! In addition, you obviously don't know much about Yamaha, they have a complete line of motorcycles, including many that get over 100 MPG. The high mileage line-up are called Vinos, check them out, obviously right down your alley!

DaveHarris  says:
15 months ago

Hal, I'd have to agree with you. I understand why Yamaha (and all the others, including Triumph) make these bikes. I'd love to have a Rocket III for use on the odd Sunday but it's totally unrealistic on so many levels.

They build bikes like this to fill out their range and make it look good. This attracts customers into showrooms, even if they'r only going to buy a 125cc scooter. But such machines are dinosaurs as are virtually all sports bikes. You might like to read what I wrote here: http://blog.lowlightimages.com/blog/2008/08/realit

Hal Licino  says:
15 months ago

Max, I thought I'd print that latest literary jewel of yours so my readers could judge for themselves exactly what erudite genius you are! :P

Max Brutal  says:
15 months ago

print this: you SUCK

Hal Licino  says:
15 months ago

Now, now, now, Max. You have just posted three more comments and each of them deals with my genitalia and what you'd like to do with it, mostly in an extreme BDSM fashion. Unfortunately they were rather graphic and did not meet the "family friendly standards" of Hubs so I can't publish them. Hmm... FYI, I am not a homosexual, however you are the one who seems to be fixated with my private parts. Do you think that maybe you should come out of the closet now? You might find it a very liberating experience. Would you mind linking to a photo of you riding your Vmax in a pink ballet tutu? I'm sure you'd look just adorable! :)

Hal Licino  says:
15 months ago

Hey, Max. Thanks for providing such excellent fodder for my latest Hub. You're a real sport! I appreciate it! :)

http://hubpages.com/hub/Bearbaiting-Comments-In-Yo

Hal Licino  says:
15 months ago

PATMAX, I am noooooooooo stranger to two wheeled speed. I averaged over 130 mph clear across Kansas including pee breaks on an FJ1100. I've seen the fun side of 180 mph on the track. I've ridden several hundred thousand miles on everything from full dress tourers to vertical twins. However, that was then, this is now. We are no longer in the world of 50 cent a gallon gas and wide open Interstates. The world is much more crowded and in a far more precarious position now than it was even 18 months ago. We are facing an energy/economy/ecology meltdown and I can't justify continuing in the wasteful and excessive ways of the past any longer. That's why my Harley is now being enjoyed by another rider. Hey, I miss it every day, but given that it had an engine displacement larger than my car's motor, it was just a relic of a bygone age.

When younger, I've ridden motorcycles on public roads so fast that "the telephone poles looked like a picket fence." And I'm mature enough now to realize that it was wrong. Maturity might be an interesting upgrade. You might want to look into buying some.

You want facts? Fine. There is no reason whatsoever why any respectable citizen of any nation should have access to a motorcycle that does 180 mph on public roads. That's the fact. Don't give me the song and dance about not tapping that potential that resides in that throttle. I've owned more motorcycles than you've parked next to and once had a warehouse stuffed with road test bikes. I well know that the "twist of the wrist" happens sooner or later.

As for how I reply or to who I reply, the last I checked I still lived in a country (Canada) which guaranteed free speech. As for Boehm, (now that you've identified him as more than B.) I'd be far more impressed if he commented personally rather than through a hand puppet. However, the mags I published dwarfed Motorcyclist's circulation, so I would be happy to deal with him but certainly wouldn't cower down and lay my prostate at his feet. He's a colleague and a good writer. I know Bill Clinton... wanna compete as to who has the higher quality of acquaintances?

I have had HubPages' utter support on absolutely everything I've done so far, and every time that I get ready to issue something controversial I pass it by them and they have never once vetoed a single word. They have always shown their complete approval and they have my undying respect and admiration for how they have treated me.

As for working for you, I think I'd rather dumpster dive. You, sir, are attempting to justify your well-founded feelings of inferiority by straddling a 100+ HP motorcycle and placing innocent motorists in mortal danger. Having your driver's license ripped up is the least I would advise be done to save responsible citizens from the constant menace posed by sheer irrational impulsive maniacs like you.

Hal Licino  says:
15 months ago

Thank you for your measured comment. I do want to ask you one question, however. I think I should have some plutonium. I happen to like it. It glows in the dark and it makes for a nice spike in tea. Would you mind if I put it in my carry on luggage and sit next to you on my next trip to Japan? 16 hours just you, me and a box of plutonium. Would you say that if I wanted to stand up for what I know I want, I am free to die of radiation poisoning but I have no right to take your life at the same time? Or would you say that you should die so that I may demonstrate my testicular fortitude to total strangers? Oh, and let me remind you. Radiation poisoning is a horrible death, but fairly equal to the ones I've seen where criminal moron lunatic motorcycle street jock racers run into cars full of families. So? Will you accompany me to PlutoniumMart and pick up a nice batch?

Ian   says:
15 months ago

I should also say that i lack the mental capacity to hold a decent debate with you. And that whole "testicular fortitutde" crack was out of frustration and becasue i was trying to sound smarter than i actually am.

What it comes down to is. This is how you feel and you are letting the public know about it. I just happen to disagree with you and thats all that i can really say. You are doing an excellent job at arguing your case but motorcycles(especially((not eXspecially, i hate that))yamaha motorcycles) are a passion in my life and unfortunately you will not disuade me from my point of view.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Ian Tice

usguide  says:
15 months ago

Very well written

blockhauler  says:
15 months ago

What people buy and ride is their own business, the problem with you tree huggin' liberals is you think you should tell other people how to live. Only communist tell people and companies what they can or cannot do. I'm more about freedom that political correctness. The market will drive itself where it needs to go. People always do what's best for their own interest. MPG is what started me looking at scooters, specifically the Silverwing. The thing is I miss weekend trips with my wife, so I have started looking at bikes instead. I have never ridden a motorcycle, I will soon be 49. I think I'm going to buy a V Star 1300T. Most people seem to get over 40 mpg and better and it has enough power for two up. I drive a Chevy Silverado that gets 18 around town so 40 plus is a good jump.

You are so defensive of homosexuals, I assume that opinion has something to do with freedom to be who they are, regardless of the deviancy of it. I suggest you give the same leeway to people who don't see things your way on what they ride. And one other thing, the diesel truck I drive for my company gets 5 MPG. That is where people should be doing the real research and development. Motorcycles that get over 30 mpg are not the problem with fuel.

Before you barbeque me for my grammar and writing skills, I am just a truck driver with a high school education, not a professional writer.

Me again  says:
15 months ago

Oh and now I read the last post...lol...Hal I wish the present you could have met the you of yester year. So that you could either beat the hell out of yourself with your (I'm sure someone back then would have said) over the top performance and High HP cars. OR That kid you were would tell you what a lot of other people here have stated and that being...You are being two faced let the people of today have the freedom to make the same choices you did! I'm sure you almost killed innocent people in your time as a motorist also. Either through the type of vehicle you drove, or maybe because of lack of sleep, alcohol, etc.

Who do you think you are. The Champion for YOUR cause (yes your cause not the people) Trying to make yourself look all rightous, please...

I'm sure people on horses thought the same way about cars...lol

LOL at least I can laugh at myself...where is your sense of humor?

Donnie Mac  says:
15 months ago

Hal,

I've got to admit, you have a way with words. Oddly enough, your "thrashing" of the Vmax used words that not only accurately describe the Vmax, but make it seem even more attractive to those of us who are fans of this insanely monstrous bike. You attack the bike with words such as "overpowered", "murdercycles", "antideluvian", and so forth. And all the while it's returning a mere 35 mpg. You realize that's on par with the new smart fortwo? And the Vmax only requires regular, while the smart requires premium!

As others have stated, the Vmax will be produced in VERY limited numbers. Ok, so it has more horsepower than a Chrysler Town and Country. So do 80% of all the motor vehicles on the road today! 175 hp does not make a high horsepower number. 175 hp is what the 2.9L 4-cylinder in the Chevrolet Colorado produces. 197 hp is what the Honda Civic Si produces - it's lighter and hauls fewer people. Where was your mention of that?

You yourself ride a Harley Davidson and you have the GALL to bash Yamaha for running a bike that's a throwback to the 1980s?! You HARLEY is a throwback to the 1960s! Even after you sell off the Harley you still won't be any better than the Vmax riders, because you'll have merely given your problem to someone else. Only if you send the Harley to the crusher will it REALLY resolve the "problem" with "inefficient" motorcycles.

I'm just confused as to why you're bashing a motorcycle which was built in such limited number for a very specific crowd. No mention of the choppers running their S&S 113 cubic inch monstrosities returnining a REAL 20 mpg, no mention of the guys running their ZX-14s and Hayabusas at 200+ MPH down the Interstate. What about the big touring bikes, like the Gold Wing and the Electra Glida, which outnumber the Vmax tenfold and only get around 35 mpg? Hal, you've left a lot of holes in your argument, and it seems to me the only reason you're bashing this testosterone-driven machine is simply becaus...you think it's ugly.

If you really want to get mad, take a look at me: I had a Toyota Prius, traded that for a Dodge Grand Caravan, and traded that in for a 1999 Dodge Dakota 5.9 R/T. 45 mpg to 13 mpg. THAT, sir, is a reason to get angry. NOT a motorcycle that still achieves 35-40 mpg and is a limited production item.

Hal Licino  says:
15 months ago

usguide: Thanks! Much appreciated!

I'm going to let all these last comments stand without reply. I've made my points amply clear, and as a professional who was publishing and editing major national motorcycle magazines before most of these commenters were born, I stand by each and every point. If anyone thinks that they're going to change my mind on this issue, they're wrong. But then again what do you expect from people who are trying to justify their right to treble the highway speed limit, endangering the lives of everyone around them just so they can get their lulz? Nothing more than criminals who should be taken off the roads permanently. :P

Greg Savoie  says:
14 months ago

The 2009 V-Max is coming out in 2009; however, as you are fully aware, the design of this new bike became many years ago. There are many new muscle bikes and muscle cars still on the market despite the high fuel costs, because there is a long time frame from design to market.

Yamaha has a rather large selection of motorcycles and scooters. I am willing to bet that they are working on high MPG bikes and scooters on a constant basis to meet the changing market demand. That does not happen overnight.

Regardless....

Yamaha is a very successful company because they build bikes for demand. Yamaha is only making 2500 bikes a year, despite that the new V-Max has the longest and most expensive research and development in the company's history. I believe it is because that is what they expect from demand.

I do not quite understand why you choose to bash the V-Max. It is not the fastest bike, nor the least fuel efficient. The top speed is well under 150. Although I have seen many fools riding like idiots on the highway, I've never once seen a V-Max ridden in that regard. Usually, these fools are riding sport bikes. I am only 40; however, I have owned many bikes. I currently own a Goldwing, FZ-1 and a 1998 VMax (highly modified with suspension, brakes and pipes). They are completely different machines and I enjoy each one immensely. I do not tend to be an aggressive rider, but if I were, the FZ-1 would certainly be my choice for doing so. You do not feel the speed as much and it handles far better. It is easy to feel invincible on the FZ-1. The V-Max is quite the opposite. You feel the speed and it does not beg you to ride it as hard. The V-Max is not for everyone and certainly not for beginners. But there is something appealing about the V-Max that no other bike can match! I love it!

As far as how a bike is ridden, that is really up to law enforcement to handle. I do not believe it should be the bike manufacturer's responsibility. My your own admission, you have ridden quite a bit more aggressively that I have ever attempted. I find your thoughts on the subject to be highly hypocritical.

As far as the whole issue of the environment is concerned, I ride primarily for pleasure. I work out of my home, so I do not commute. If I did, I may consider a scooter or a high MPG bike for economy. The fact of the matter is, I ride because I love to ride. Any time I am riding, I am wasting fuel. Are you opposed to riding for pleasure to save the planet? Also, wasting fuel when you were a kid is the same as wasting fuel today. The price of gas is irrelevant.

I was curious why you did not mention that the new V-Max has anti-lock brakes, which some consider to be the most significant safety feature you can install on a bike. It seems like your article was not balanced or objective in any way.

My 2009 V-Max is due to arrive in November and I couldn't be more excited. I love the look of the bike! I consider it to be the most exciting ride to hit the market in a really long time. The truth is, if Scooters and high MPG bikes were my only option, I probably wouldn't ride.

If Yamaha took your advice, they would be out of business in a very short amount of time. If Yamaha built bikes for what someone believes everyone should ride instead of what people want (market demand), people would simply buy from someone who did.

With Respect,

Greg Savoie

ResidentAngel  says:
14 months ago

I rode a V Four Honda for many years until the frame cracked at about 200,000km. It w eighed about the same as the new 2009 VMax. I am only a very little person, and I cannot see what the fuss about the weight is. The 2009 Vmax is no heavier than the 1984 1000cc bikes! One your are moving - weight doesnt really matter, unless you are going stupidly fast and cant get the bike down into a corner quick enough ... or you lose balance in a slow tight corner, and cant hold the weight with your leg ... and a small person learns to not do either of those things.

So would I buy one after 33 years of riding? Yup - of course I would - its a V four!

One Opinion  says:
14 months ago

Hal,

You certainly manage to stir up a hornet’s nest when you challenge the Vmax camp. They certainly hang on to their strong identification with their pleasure source. How dare you mess with their addiction, their companion, their mistress? How dare you challenge their judgement, their choices, their decisions? How dare you challenge them with facts, logic, ethical questions, and rational argument? Who the hell are you to express your right to your own opinion?

I own an 04 V-Max and just ordered a new 2009. I’m over 60 years old. However, in general, I must admit that I agree with you more than I disagree. You sound very intellectual and likely armed with a noble intention when chastising Yamaha. You seem to focus primarily on those in the world who ignore the much-needed green movement if we hope to save this planet for future generations. I suspect from your context and tone that you’re likely are not so much gunning for Yamaha only, but rather against whoever blatantly steps on the toes of what you consider a necessary and noble cause, aimed at the betterment of a lost world civilization that seems to spend all of time, energy, and money on wasteful and counterproductive acts and consumption — much of which seems to resemble some form of violence against humankind and the planet that supports its lifeline.

We all fall prone to own little hooks, to our own little neurotic obsessions. Sometimes we must hang on tightly. Defend them against attackers, aggressors. We are all vulnerable. We have eating disorders, drug addictions, sex obsessions, drinking problems – to name just a few. Though it may resemble a type delusion, it seems real and valid to the perceiver. We are unwittingly killing our planet with pollution and exploitation — and thus slowly killing ourselves. I would like to admit to that, but I can’t because I am in love with my V-max — so I suspect is the most popular argument.

Why? Because I can make little rational sense of this seemingly insane and absurd world — filled with greed, pollution, exploitation, selfishness, dishonesty, and corruption; pointless wars, corporate bailouts, political and corporate scandals. I have unwittingly become disenchanted with all that I once believed was true and good and honest and trustworthy — disappointed with corporate American and the unconscious (nearly brain-death) mentality of the soccer-moms, the promise-breaking politicians, corrupt government officials, self-praising hypocritical evangelical Christians, and all the others who profess goodness, ethics, character, unselfishness, and nobility in their behaviors — but whose actions seem to fall far short of my expectations. I have discovered that this demanding and often unfair world renders me with a sense of feeling powerless. I need something to make me feel good, at least temporarily. Something to distract me from my sense of unhappiness, discontentment, lack of feeling successful, my lack of influence over others. I need a temporary substitute, accompanied by a hope for relief, a morsel of satisfaction, and a smattering of feeling powerful. Feeling powerless myself, I must find something powerful to identify with. CEOs identify with their fortunes and their powerful organizations. Politicians identify with their title and influence. Governments identify with their powerful military forces. Generals identify with their powerful weaponry and arsenals of destruction. But what do I have that is powerful to identify with.

Enter the V-Max. Problem solved; or is it? Bottom line? Does it make any real good sense to buy a Vmax, or the like? Not really. Does it make good sense to manufacture, buy, or use an SUV, Hummer, snowmobile, Ferrari, Mercedes, etc? No..... in a strictly absolute sense. It’s absurd! This society has a minor-to-severe condition of spiritual ineptness and seems to lack the skill to cope successfully with this complex and absurdly neurotic society, which we are all a part of, consciously or unwittingly. So we all buy toys expecting to find real happiness, contentment, and satisfaction. But when the magic machine falls short of our expectations, we lust for more adrenalin, we buy more horsepower, yearn for more excitement.

Hal, as far as the 2009 power machine being ill-timed, you are probably right in the absolute sense. But just like the Vmax — heroin, cocaine, meth, and the like – are also addictive, unhealthy, dangerous to the whole society as well as maybe the person engaging — an yet, again, just like the Vmax, if there is a demand (market) for the drug of choice, whether it be for ego-gratification, addictive-craving, or just plain poor judgement (in someone’s opinion) — then someone will make it available for that market and disgustingly make a profit taking advantage of the weaknesses of others. Sadly, it comes with the package deal in a free country with a free enterprise system. Perhaps the V-Max medicine is not the best drug of choice, but perhaps some owners need it for compensation or medication in light of the deplorable state of the economy, their disenchantment with our government, and the arguable spiritual wasteland we seemed to find ourselves in at the present time. Perhaps the V-Max — though maybe dangerous and ecologically unfriendly by some opinions — is a lesser evil or threat in contrast to the myriad of violent machines produced and behaviors we humans use in the slow pollution and destruction of our planet, and the violence we seem to foist upon our fellow human beings. Perhaps......perhaps the 2009 V-Max is not such a terrible alternative when compared to the financial and ecological impact of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Mercedes, Hummers, multi-billion dollar corporate-fraud bailouts, and 700 billion dollar political wars that presently plague us all right now .... just to mention a smattering of the financial disasters currently draining own economy and damaging our environment.

As for me personally, when the church leaders, politicians, government officials, law enforcement officers, and industry captains change their character and behaviors toward honesty, integrity, fairness, morality, unselfishness, and a genuine concern for the welfare of all others — then I’ll sell my already-ordered 2009 V-max whole-heartedly. And with that philosophy in place, we both know how long I’ll be riding a Vmax. It’s my occasional cake-and-ice cream treat; a brief pleasure that I am careful not to confuse with perennial happiness and spiritual contentment. Rather just a brief flight into fantasy land — while knowing full well it is not in the best interest of the culture, the planet, or the universal consciousness.

Hal Licino  says:
14 months ago

ResidentAngel: Great! So the power to weight ratio is now in the stratosphere!

Spuppy: You talk about enjoying life while endangering yours and those around you. You, sir, are a nut. And a dangerous one at that.

One Opinion: Extremely well written as usual. Your comments are always welcome here.

D: Don't like my Hub? Don't read it! It's an enthusiast article, it's a niche and is all about respecting human lives and lawful riding on the open road. If people wanted to read motorhead lunacy and exhortations to highspeed suicide, they'd be reading www.ridefastdieyoung.com instead. :P

Hal Licino  says:
14 months ago

So, Charlie Appleby, Eric Chitty, Helmut Clasen, Mike Duff, Miguel Duhamel, Yvon Duhamel, Dusty Klatt, Blair Morgan, Jean Sebastien Roy, Corey Rudl, and Malcolm Smith are also people who know nothing about motorcycles, huh? Hmm... Bad Vmax, you have missed another great opportunity to keep your big stupid mouth shut and prevent the world from realizing what a moron you are.

Hal Licino  says:
14 months ago

Just because the Pentagon provides assistance to people in natural disasters, I don't see any reason to look the other way when they bomb thousands of innocent people out of existence. Yamaha does have a good lineup on the lower end, but that does not detract from the fact that the VMX17 is an abhorrent example of excessive consumption at a time when the world is entering a cycle where we can all ill afford such macho displays of ecological, responsible, safety, and financial insensitivity.

Hal Licino  says:
13 months ago

Hey, CROMAGNON, Argentina ROCKS! I'd do anything to go dine at the 647 Dinner Club in Buenos Aires!!!! :)

Mark on a Max  says:
11 months ago

HTML clipboard

Just a couple more thoughts after reading more of your hubs.

How can you complain about the excess of this bike and praise the excess of the Kawasaki 2000 Vulcan, a 2L bike.

And if you are going to remonstrate the dangers of young riders on performance motorcycles why not ask where have the entry level motorcycles gone? I learned on a 1979 SG-450L, can't find anything like that in my local dealership today.

Mark on a Max  says:
11 months ago

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Hi Hal,

WOW we agree. :)

No one should be cutting through traffic at over 100mph or wheelying down the highway. The Busa would have made a much better example for your argument though because that is the type of bike you find the reckless riders on, it’s much faster than the Max (top sped), and is priced low enough for younger riders to afford. But don’t blame the bike for the foolhardiness blame the rider. I love the feeling of power and plan on taking my new Max to the drag strip to open it up. (I am an old time drag racer but mostly in door slammers)

PS. I actually like the looks of the new VMax but then again there is no accounting for taste. lol

Jared  says:
11 months ago

Hal, after reading the ENTIRE thread I've little or no respect left for you. Flamers, by rule of thumb, ought to be ignored. Be the professional you claim to be and do that next time. Also I stongly disagree with your argument. 70 mph kills just as well as 120 mph. Almost ANY new vehicle you buy now adays can DOUBLE the speed limit (with the exception of mopeds, scooters, hybrids, and sub compacts of course) It is highly unlikely that too many teenagers will EVER get their hands on a 20k$ bike. If motorcycles kill people, then spoons made Rosy Odonnel fat. Your logic is severely flawed. Insane people will ALWAYS find something INSANE to do, and yes, it will most likely be dangerous. But that does not mean that a 200 PS bike shouldn't be sold. They're many riders out there, yourself included, that can handle the bike and not make themselves a menace to society. The Vmax has a cult following and the age of the group is most certainly 30+. These are they whom are most likely to buy the 2009. And what better population to put on this monster than the generation who grew up on the also overpowered older Vmax? And to top it off, the 2009 Vmax is an amazing machine.

Also gas is now at 1.65 a gallon across the country. And 1.35 here in SLC.

Hal Licino  says:
10 months ago

Let's continue the conversation about speed and death rates at:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Ban-Hayabusa--CBR--ZX--YZF

Comments about the VMX17 specifically can continue here.

Hal Licino  says:
9 months ago

Not many considering that the average Shelby retails for a bit over $50 K while any kid with a Burger King gig can get financing on a supersports bike at a monthly payment of about 150 bucks. DUH! Why don't we compare Ferrari Enzos while we're at it. Lots of teenys on my street drive them too! :P

Hayabusanuts. All of them. All nuts. :)

Again... BACK TO THE BAN HAYABUSA HUB!!! :)

multirider  says:
8 months ago

OK, for the 09 Vmax I am NOT sold, to me it does not have the looks I want or like, and the size of the thing is like the Rune, over the top, in my opinion. I have a 96 Vmax and will not be adding an 09 to my stable. My other behemoth is a Viictory Kingpin, they share space with smaller CC'd bikes like the Fazer, S4 and 800 Drifter. I have the money, but would not spend it on an 09 Vmax, power is governed, which in itself a turn off, but then the looks, I just can't stomach looking at the thing. Is this thing to be ridden around like the HD posers, so you "act" like a badass on it, then park it and stand there with an "image" in your mind that people are intimidated? I for one don't do "image" and I don't get intimidated, I am not mainstream either. I choose my bikes on character of the bike and how it appeals to me, nobody else. I couldn't care less what somebody else thinks of my bikes, cars, or whatever, I don't ride in groups and don't park my bike someplace close so I can watch how other people react to it, if they like it, fine, but don't touch. If they don't like it, fine, you don't have to ride it or pay for registration, insurance etc.

What gets me though is the same type A personality bozo with a macho badass "image" in their head that would want to buy a Hardley, would probably be drawn to this too, just to try and enhance their badness quotent in their mind and they hope the minds of others. Most riders with experience and skills probably would not want anything to do with this bike because it doesn't really fill a need, nor does it do anything particularly well, except for shoot down a straight and from what I have read, it is not even as quick as a ZX14 at that, a low 10 sec. 1/4 mile does not make a supersteed. What else can you do with this bulk of in my mind, horrific design? Take it to Daytona and cruise it? Even at that the poser HD crowd would still look down on you for riding a rice machine, sportbike riders would be laughing at you. If I liked it, none of that would even be in my thoughts, but for most people who will buy this bike, those things are very important to them. When I see these on the street the same thought will go through my mind that goes through my mind when I see a Rune out on the street: "Unique, over the top, over priced and definitely NOT something I want."

Just my opinion on a new bike.

Blackbird Boy  says:
6 months ago

In the UK I seriously doubt that a teenager would be given insurance on a VMAX. I had to wait until i had been riding for 2 years before I could get insurance on a Blackbird! Okay, so there may be some who would ride without it, but they are not usually the types who could actually afford a VMAX.

bigbob  says:
5 months ago

I love the v-max. It's american as apple pie. If you believe that the v-max is over powerd ego trip i'm on it. The words you speak of it makes me want one more. This bike represents what every alpha male (not you) wants. Parking lot burnout, womens panty wetting, big hard one, mahem and a great time. Right now i drive a bigdog ridge back that cost way more that does rolling burnouts and sound like lucifer himself unleashed the gates of hell. I enjoy every aspect of riding just like people, like the smell of barbique as much as they enjoy eating it. My only grief is the v-max is to quiet for my taste.

Tim12232  says:
2 months ago

I just have to say being a Yamaha rider for 10 years now, your quote of "the acceleration and top speed ratings are completely astronomical" the bikes top speed is less then todays 600cc sport offerings. it was designed as a drag bike, not top end. I would also like to see a chrysler minivan get 27 mpg with the kind of feeling you get from the madmax v2.0

we are motorcyclists! we are rebels and care free we dont care about energy, what we care about is that natural instinct of power that we control. I am 130 lbs and will run a quarter mile in the high 10's on my bike.......and i love that feeling.

Barrett Powell  says:
6 weeks ago

For God's sake, don't even look at a Boss Hoss.

People desire what others don't have. I rode a Yamaha Roadstar for many years. Long enough to know I liked the bike but wanted something different from everyone else. So I sold my RoadStar to get the V-MAX.

Then the economy went South and I'm sitting waiting for the economy to turn around, for me to win the lottery, or for someone out there with plenty of dough to feel sorry for me and give me one; which ever comes first.

Andy  says:
5 weeks ago

Being new to the Hub I can see how it could grow on ya, different funny. V-Max is also different. Certainly not for most. But its on my list. Sorry Hub-ster.

Andy

Andy  says:
5 weeks ago

Have sat on the V-Max and the first thing that comes to mind is—Butt Ugly. So I understand your pun about demolition. But maybe like Emperor Nero I get a little deranged when close to such overwhelming power.

I have a list of bikes that I own and also a list of bikes that I would like to own.

Bikes I own—Highway cruiser, Euro Moto, Enduro

Bikes I want to own—Drag bike, Custom Chopper, Café Racer

V-Max would fill the Drag bike void

Hal Licino  says:
5 weeks ago

I had an FJ1100 that I wrestled from coast to coast across the continent and it's likely why I still have back trouble to this very day! So I definitely know what you mean about the FJ series!