That particular type of motorcycle is a killer. Not killer, in a good way, the V-Max has killed more riders than any other single model. Poor suspension, poor brakes, and a well deserved reputation for poor handling. Good luck on it, as long as you go in a straight line you'll be fine.
This is what it was designed for. The creators of the VMAX wanted to build the muscle car of the cruiser world.
I re-read this and it appears to be a flippant response...not respectful. Here's the thing on the V-Max. It is the stoplight to stoplight King. A lot of young people bought it, and because of the low-end torque it was a great off the shelf drag bike. A straight line Monster. A motorcycle is only as dangerous as the rider allows it to be. The V-Max accelerates like a bat out of hell and before you know it, you're doing 100 mph+....you encounter a curve in the road, and the weaknessess of this machine start to reveal themselves, namely it's poor handling characteristics. If this is the type of motorcycle you want, then that's a decision only you can make. It would not be my first choice, but take that with a grain of salt as I've never ridden one let alone owned one. They had a reputation in the day, of being screamers on straights, that gave the rider fits in the turns. Be safe on the road if you decide to get one is all I want to get across.
Good advice and points. I enjoy short burst of acceleration more than top end. While the speedo reads 155mph (no idea of what speed it's regulated to), I have no desire to see if it'll actually go that fast. I'm happy to keep it under 100 while on two wheels. I also enjoy twisties. The reviews I've read are conflicting as to how well it handles in corners. What I worry about most is whether or not it'd be something I'd enjoy while just putting around town. It weighs in at about 600lbs, and I've read that it's cumbersome at slow speeds. I like the idea of a bike for all purposes, a well rounded machine. Perhaps something like Suzuki's V-Strom would be more appropriate... but then it just doesn't have the fun and excitement factor.
Pros- It's probably the beefiest power cruiser ever made, lots of torque translating to a great low-end, quick acceleration. Cons- Soft suspension, poor cornering, heavy I remember when the first V-Max came out around 1985, and lots of hype and assorted bad-assery followed. Some folks couldn't handle it, got in trouble..and subsequently killed. They made the V-Max for another 22 years and then the VMAX arrived. I honestly don't know much about the VMAX, the bikes made from 2007 forward. Maybe some of the issues regarding the V-Max were addressed. It still remains a very beefy looking bike, the equivalent of a 69 Chevelle or GTO on two wheels. They look like they can kick some serious ass for sure. They've never lost that reputation.
I had the chance to talk to a V-Strom owner at a gas station a while back, he was from out of state and on a road trip. He was pretty fond of his 650 Strom. He literally told me that "it's not the best at anything, but pretty good all around". I'd have to go with the 1000!
Two things. First, if I want to ride with no helmet, it should be my option. Second, you are not required to maintain insurance with a motorcycle as you are with a car.
I have no issues with someone riding without a helmet, but I also believe that insurance companies should be have the right to refuse to cover any and all head injuries if you choose to do so.
Anyone riding without a helmet should, when he wrecks, be left to bleed out unless he has not less than five million dollars in medical insurance.
I agree one should wear a helmet, do not agree the law should force one to wear a helmet also do not agree with the over-taxing of cigarettes, prohibition or seat belt laws..... .
I'd be okay riding around town without a helmet, even though city speed limits are sufficient enough to cause fatality. I'm comfortable with the odds of surviving a wreck in town... without major injuries even. No way would I get on the highway without one though.
seriously, that is cold hearted I would choose to wear a helmet, I would not though force my choice on others..... .
I agree. The pertinent question, though, is this: Should those who smartly choose to wear a helmet be forced to pay higher insurance premiums to compensate for the increased injury and death rate of those who choose not to wear a helmet? I think not. That's why I think the insurance company should be able to require helmet use as a condition of coverage, and be able to deny medical and death benefits to people if they choose not to wear a helmet anyway, and suffer an injury that would have otherwise been prevented or mitigated.
I was out this morning and was behind a couple riding their cruisers. I was in my new truck.It's a fast truck.The guy had a bright orange Harley { seldom seen Harley color } and his gal following had a Cruiser which up close turned out to be a Vulcan.They both had sickening leather tails on their handgrips.The guys Hog had the biggest aftermarket dual exhaust I ever saw on a hog.He also had some kind of blue led light hooked up to the rear exhaust.As usual he revved his engine as often as his wrists would allow. Meaning he was a moron cracker.They a dime a dozen.As I was behind him and his buddy biker gal,at the first light he took off real quick and revved his engine like crazy. I could smell the exhaust thru my ventilation.Meaning he was running rich. meaning he'll eventually have fouled plugs.The bike will stall out often and need to be revved in order to stay started.He looked like a Cracker.Long straggly hair and unkempt beard.I'm not a prejudice person until it comes to motorcycles. But one can tell a lot about a person by the motorcycle they ride and how they ride.Its kinda like watching how someone orders food and how they eat. Same basic principle.
My local Honda dealership is trying to sell a new CB1100 for over $10k. Have they lost their (*)(*)(*)(*)ing minds or what? Great looking bike, awesome performance I'm sure... but c'mon...
Did plenty of riding this past weekend...turned 11k on my Burgman. My wife turned 16k on her Hyosung. Getting cold for any real riding, though.
motorcycle insurance is cheap, they could though give a discount to those that agree to wear a helmet, I have no issue with that helmet technology is getting pretty cool http://www.skully.com/#smartest-helmet .
