




For 2009 Yamaha introduces the new VMAX which offers the very latest in advanced design and technology for an awesome acceleration feeling, combined with bodywork and styling that respects and enhances the iconic image of the original model. With its all new engine and chassis, the high-tech VMAX is ready to capture the imagination of a whole new generation of adrenaline addicts, and at the same time inspire the many thousands of loyal owners who made the original model such a huge worldwide success.
Powering the new VMAX is an all-new 1,679cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 65 degree V4 engine which has been designed to offer better acceleration experience created by higher levels of power, and an imposing design. Running with bore x stroke dimensions of 90.0 x 66.0mm and featuring a compression ratio of 11.3:1, this visually intimidating new powerplant develops 147.2 kW (200 PS) at 9,000 rpm, along with a huge torque output of 166.8 Nm (17.0 kg-m) at 6,500 rpm.
Yamaha’s G.E.N.I.C.H. technology is an advanced engineering concept which involves the application of cutting-edge electronic control technology in order to achieve increased performance and enhancing the riding experience. The 2009 VMAX benefits from this advanced Yamaha G.E.N.I.C.H technology with features such as YCC-I(Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake) and YCC-T(Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) which are key factors in achieving the new engine’s high levels of power. This new high-tech engine is the first Yamaha V4 to be equipped with a sophisticated new fuel injection system, which, together with the YCC-I and YCC-T, ensures that the powerful 65-degree V4 engine is fully equipped to deliver previously unimaginable levels of standing-start and roll-on acceleration.
One of the major goals of the 2009 VMAX design team has been to keep the new engine’s physical dimensions as compact as possible. Despite the fact that the
all-new VMAX engine features a 40% increase in cubic capacity compared to the existing model (1,679cc vs 1,198cc), the new V4 powerplant’s overall dimensions
are remarkably compact. In order to keep the new engine’s front-to-rear length as short as possible, it adopts a 65 degree V bank, compared to 70 degrees on the original VMAX. This narrower angle between the massive cylinders serves to concentrate mass for more neutral handling performance, and makes the new powerplant 27mm shorter than the original model.As well as the significant space savings achieved by the use of the innovative new combined chain and gear cam drive and 65 degree V layout, the use of a centrally located cam chain helps to minimize the new engine’s width. Despite the fact that the bore dimensions on the new larger-capacity VMAX are over 18% larger than its predecessor, the new engine’s overall width is approximately the same as the current model, and overall height is only 6.5 mm taller.
Another example of the way in which sophisticated technology has been used to enhance the performance on the new VMAX is evident in the new forged aluminium
pistons. In order to handle the huge power and torque output of the new 1,679cc V4 engine, fracture split carburized con rods is featured in the new VMAX.
Generally speaking, a long intake passage tends to make an engine stronger in the low to mid-speed range, while a shorter intake passage gives the pressure
wave a faster pulse for increased performance at higher speeds. The YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake) system is designed to vary the intake funnel length so that it is ‘tuned’ to give a positive intake pulse that best suits the prevailing engine speed.When engine revs rise above 6,650 rpm, electronically-controlled servomotors cause each intake funnel to separate instantaneously, effectively creating a shorter intake funnel measuring only 54mm, which enables the VMAX engine to deliver even stronger performance from the mid-range right through to peak rpm.
Another highly advanced feature seen on the new VMAX is the YCC-T Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle. This innovative throttle has a remarkably high calculating speed, and assesses the engine’s running conditions every millisecond, which enables the system to respond instantaneously to rider inputs.The YCC-T system on the new VMAX helps to deliver awesome acceleration feeling together with the desired torque curve in all conditions, and also prevents the 1,679cc V4 engine from ‘bogging down’ if the throttle is snapped opened too quickly
Aggressively-styled hand-finished aluminium air intakes mounted on the front left and front right side of the dummy fuel tank give the VMAX a muscular profile, and direct an intense flow of air straight into the massive new airbox which is approximately twice the volume of the design on the existing model.
By delivering a strong supply of cool, fresh air, this new large-capacity airbox is designed to maximize the significant performance gains associated with the new YCC-I system.
For excellent all-round performance the new VMAX runs with a new 4-1-2-4 exhaust system featuring short, upswept mufflers. After leaving the cylinders, the
four header pipes flow into a single chamber, where the system splits into a left and right side pipe, and then each of these divides again to give a 4-1-2-4
system. An oxygen sensor (Lambda sensor) detects oxygen levels in the exhaust system and regulates the fuel supply via the fuel injection system to ensure that emissions are minimized, while a 3-way honeycomb catalyser ensures the VMAX exceeds EU3 regulations.The four single-expansion mufflers are short and upswept, and emit a strong and pleasing exhaust sound with a special pulsing sensation that announces your presence. The high quality silencers are manufactured from lightweight titanium, and finished in shot blast to complement the mean and moody look of the
black frame and engine.The new VMAX is equipped with a completely new advanced-specification aluminium frame which has been designed to deliver high levels of handling performance, allowing the rider to optimize the huge potential of the remarkably powerful 1,679cc V4 engine.
The rear suspension is a link-type Monocross system which is, like the new front forks, is fully adjustable for preload, as well as for compression and
rebound damping. For added convenience, the new VMAX is equipped with a hydraulic remote adjuster for preload setting, while a remote control dial beneath the tandem footrest adjusts the compression damping. Another remote control dial beneath the left-side swingarm allows easy adjustment of the rear shock’s rebound damping.The full adjustability of both the front and rear suspension systems is more commonly associated with supersport models, and allows the VMAX rider to optimise the ride quality on their machine for outstanding roadholding.
The new VMAX benefits from a sophisticated cooling system which consists of two radiators and an oil cooler. The two-piece radiator features a curved-type
upper section which allows the engine to be situated closer to the front wheel for idealised mass centralisation. In order to achieve a maximum surface area for highly efficient engine cooling, the lower part of this two-piece radiator is a conventional flat shape whose unobtrusive design allows the massive V4
engine to be seen in all its glory – and at the same time permits the fitment of a fan. And to ensure stable oil temperatures for consistently strong engine performance, the 1,679cc engine is equipped with a liquid-type oil cooler.
The braking system that has been developed for the new VMAX is one of the most sophisticated and powerful designs ever seen on a Yamaha motorcycle. At the
front end, dual 320mm diameter wave-type discs are gripped by radial-mounted 6-piston calipers for excellent stopping power – and for superb feel, the master
cylinder features a radial-type pump.And for strong, confidence-inspiring braking, the new VMAX runs with a 298mm wave-type disc slowed by a pin-slide type single-piston caliper. The VMAX is equipped with a newly-developed linear-controlled hydraulic ABS system which is designed to enhance braking control over a variety of road surfaces and in varying riding conditions. The hydraulic control system is activated by a linear solenoid valve which prevents wheel lock-up during braking, allowing the rider to experience smooth lever action and achieve effective braking on different types of road. This innovative and compact ABS system combines the ECU and hydraulic mechanism into a single unit which is situated under the seat. By keeping the system’s dimensions to a minimum, neither the machine’s aesthetics or weight have been compromised, and the positioning of the unit ensures that overall mass centralisation is enhanced
For natural handling qualities the VMAX is equipped with 18 inch front and rear wheels which are shod with specially-developed tyres that are designed to
offer the optimum balance of grip, shock absorption and roadholding.
Mounted on top of the dummy fuel tank is a multi-function Organic Electro-Luminescent “OEL” instrument panel which displays a wide range of information on
its 256×64 dot display. This newly designed OEL panel gives a bright, easy-to-read display and offers an instant response, and its functions include
odometer, tripmeter, clock, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, gear position, running fuel consumption, intake air temperature and throttle opening, as well as a
stopwatch with a countdown function.