motorcycle news - Thursday 5th June 2008
The latest motorcycle and insurance news from Wicked Quotes - the award winning motorcycle insurance specialist
Yamaha unveils new 200bhp V-Max
Yamaha have unveiled their all-new V-Max in Madrid, at an old airfield converted into a drag strip. The new bike boasts a 1679cc V4 65 degree engine which revs to 9000rpm. Yamaha claims the V4 produces over 200bhp and also that the monster V4 delivers 167nm of torque.
The beefy forks are adjustable and so too is the rear suspension - a huge leap from the pencil-thin forks on the old model and, despite its size and power figures, the V-Max isn't as daunting a prospect as the old model, weighing in at approximately 215kg.
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The gearbox is 5-speed, with power going to the rear wheel through a shaft drive. The V-Max also features a slipper clutch allowing for smoother downshifts without locking the rear wheel.
The chassis is cast aluminium and the swingarm is also aluminium, to keep weight to a minimum. The brakes are beefy Bremo 6-pots on the front end - more than capable of hauling its 215kg to halt. The V-Max isn't just brute force either, it features Yamaha's technology developed on their superbike range - Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCCT) and Yamaha Chip Controlled Induction (YCCI) maximise the power output but also throttle control.
After seeing the Suzuki B-King trickle from showrooms, it's hard to imagine that you're looking at a bike that will sell well in the UK. It doesn't matter how much poke it's got or how well it handles, styling is important, and with a silhouette so similar to the last model only time will tell.
The bike will be shown to the public for the first time at the German Intermot show in October and delivered to its first customers in November.
There will be a limited run of 1500 units per year worldwide and you'll only be able to order one through Yamaha's bespoke V-Max website - UK prices are not yet decided but Yamaha UK expect it to retail for a maximum of £16,000.
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To speak to a UK Yamaha motorcycle insurance advisor : call 0844 8800 962
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