Does anyone here own a Yamaha Vmax, a V65 Magna or a supermoto?

[bull]

I've been kicking around the idea of buying a motorcycle for years and there are three different bikes I really like: the Yamaha Vmax, the Honda v65 Magna and various makes of supermoto. For the most part I'd be using the bike for short rides to and from work and fun, but there might be an occasion where a road trip would be cool. I know for sure that road trips and supermoto bikes really don't go together but I really love the way these bikes handle. The Husqvarna I rode cornered like a masterful beast. Plus, I grew up on dirt bikes so I really love the supermoto stance. If you are unfamiliar with what a supermoto bike is it's basically and typically a large displacement four stroke dirt bike with street tires and big brakes. The original application was for a type of dual sport racing that combines pavement and dirt. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermoto I like the KTMs but what I'd really like to do is convert and early 2000s Honda XR 600 or 650 to supermoto.

I've never been on a Vmax but I know them by reputation. Basically my curiosity with them is regarding comfort and mpg. Could a 44-year-old butt handle sitting on one for two hours at a time? What kind of mileage do they get because as a commuter bike I think a supermoto bike would get the best mpg of the three I'm interested in.

The third bike I've always wanted is the old Honda V65 Magna. I've ridden 3-4 of these and I really enjoy them. I love the way they feel, handle and look. Of the three I think this one is probably the best looking bike. But I wonder about the comfort on long trips and the mpg. I know thinking about mpg on a bike is a little silly since they probably all will do better than a Prius, but it is a consideration.

Yamaha Vmax



Honda v65 Magna



Honda XR 650R supermoto conversion




A KTM supermoto

[skip68]

You can't go wrong with Honda's.  The XR is nice but very tall.  Keep us posted Bull.   

[RallyeMike]

I owed a dirt bike in my 20's and then quit riding until just last year. I ride an 08 Kawa KLR 650 to work every day, something similar to the converted Supermoto you pic'd as it is a dual sport bike weighing in at about 380 lbs. Besides saving a ton of gas money, it's a been a big attitude adjuster to be able to ride every day. I highly recommend it.

Unfortunately, I forgot anything i ever knew about bikes and still really don't pay attention so I can't comment on you bike choices, other than to say DO IT.

[Mrs.Caveman]

have non of them but had a few bikes!have you though about a ducati monster?had one and its great for short and long trips plenty of power torqu and its v2 sweet sound!if you want v-max go for the new ducati devil!mean looking muscle bike!or get a ktm duke!get a cheap dirt bike for offroading and a monster commuting.

[John_Kunkel]

I owned a Suzuki GV1200 Madura which is kinda like the VMax and the V65. (all liquid cooled V4's) I rode both the VMax and V65 and thought they were smoother than my Madura but when they rode mine they thought mine was smoother than theirs. Go figure. The V65 has the most comfortable riding position (for me) but close to the Madura. All three are 11-second bikes but the VMax is just breathtaking..aw hell, it's scary.

I didn't like the side pegs for any distance riding, installed another set up front. I never did check the actual mileage but I'd guess it was in the 30-32 range when cruising at steady throttle. The tanks are small 3.5 gal?

The main problem I have with all three is the final gearing, as an old Harley rider I never got used to spinning 4000 rpm down the highway while the a Harley would be spinning a leisurely 2500.

[bull]

have non of them but had a few bikes!have you though about a ducati monster?had one and its great for short and long trips plenty of power torqu and its v2 sweet sound!if you want v-max go for the new ducati devil!mean looking muscle bike!or get a ktm duke!get a cheap dirt bike for offroading and a monster commuting.

I love the KTM Duke and Superduke. Bad looking bikes. And I like Ducatis too, especially the Devil, but all that stuff is out of my price range from what I've been seeing. I'm down in the $2,500 range.

I owned a Suzuki GV1200 Madura which is kinda like the VMax and the V65. (all liquid cooled V4's) I rode both the VMax and V65 and thought they were smoother than my Madura but when they rode mine they thought mine was smoother than theirs. Go figure. The V65 has the most comfortable riding position (for me) but close to the Madura. All three are 11-second bikes but the VMax is just breathtaking..aw hell, it's scary.

I didn't like the side pegs for any distance riding, installed another set up front. I never did check the actual mileage but I'd guess it was in the 30-32 range when cruising at steady throttle. The tanks are small 3.5 gal?

The main problem I have with all three is the final gearing, as an old Harley rider I never got used to spinning 4000 rpm down the highway while the a Harley would be spinning a leisurely 2500.

Yea, the Vmax is scary fast from what I've heard. Like I say I've never been on one but being faster than a V65 I can imagine I might need a change of shorts the first time.

[Patronus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8QCHQz-sLg

My most prized you tube video.

[Patronus]

the next toy:

[greenpigs]

Never had a bike but plenty of co workers have one.

Like you said the Ducati is kinda expensive but one guys owns 3 and just loves em.

  I guess you don't want a Buell? When I was thinking about it they were my choice & even though they folded plenty to choose from. You will get more bike for the money going with a import.
  A crotch rocket would just make me road jelly so the Buell was a compromise of sport bike handling & Harley power(96HP for most) when I was looking. 

[bull]

A Buell wouldn't be bad but what's it going to be like getting parts once Harley stops supporting them in a couple years? Plus, the one I rode had some quality issues and the guy that owns it is meticulous when it comes to maintenance.

[bull]

the next toy:

Those things are great but I've heard the engines don't last long and the parts are scary high $$$$.

[Patronus]

Only the 07's, they have an issue with an internal o ring, most have been fixed. Its light and fast. For dependable on the road go with the XR, canyons SXV, track CRF. You can back them all in 

[Lennard]

I have driven a lot of different motorcycles in my life but I bought a Black Max in 1996 and I still own it and will never go.
It has a Dynojet stage 7 kit in it and has 150 Hp at the rear wheel and is a blast to drive. I have never done any bull riding in my live but I think it is pretty simular to riding my V Max. Unpredictable everytime time you hit the throttle and leave with a squealing/smoking rear tire.
It is a power cruiser and not for beginners. This is my Hot Rod on two wheels: Mad Max.

[bull]

Beautiful! So what about all those questions up top? Comfort on long trips, mpg, etc.?

[Richard Cranium]

Yamaha Vmax

You'll need a matching riding suit...

[skip68]

Look at it this way Bull, on average I would guess they all get between 34 to 42 mpg not to mention the cheaper insurance.  All my bikes have been race bikes from a CBR 600 to a GSX1300R Hayabusa.  My next bike needs to have more comfort and be slower so Lisa will ride with me.  If I was going to choose one of these cruisers based on my riding history it would be the VMAX.   It won't have the power or speed that I'm used to BUT, having rode one I can honestly say it is a monster for a cruiser. 

[skip68]

I think a sport/tour bike is in my future.  I guess it all depends on what you're looking for out of a bike.  What your riding style and skill level is comes first and then shop from there.  Anyone that can balance and shift gears can ride any bike.  BUT, some bikes can ride you and be more than what you need.  I rode my friends XR650L off road and it was toooo much for me in the dirt.  I love dirt bikes but I just suck at it.  For me a 400 would be max just to keep me from getting into trouble on a bike that will out perform me.  hahaha. Hell, a YZ80 is probably my safe zone. 

[bull]

When I wasn't in my 70 Charger, which was a lot, I spent most of my time on a Honda XL 500 and so most of my experience is in what they now call dual sport. I owned that thing for probably 8 years and spent as much time off road as I did on. Aside from that I rode my brother's Suzuki GS850L for about two months while going to school here in the Portland area, probably 20 miles round trip/day. I've been on dozens of bikes but I don't recall riding anything larger than that 850.

If I was going to choose one of these cruisers based on my riding history it would be the VMAX.   It won't have the power or speed that I'm used to BUT, having rode one I can honestly say it is a monster for a cruiser.  

Huh? Are you saying the Vmax has less power and speed than you're used to? If so, jeez, what are you used to?

[Lennard]

Beautiful! So what about all those questions up top? Comfort on long trips, mpg, etc.?

Because you sit on your butt and not lean on your wrists it is way more comfortable than other bikes with this kind of power as they are the race type. Miles per Gallon... I have no clue. The gas tank is pretty small (about 4 Gallon) and if it is empty I fill it up. Because of the Dynojet kit that I have, the V boost system is disconnected so at all times each cylinder get fed by two carbs. It's suckin' gas but haulin' ass!
In the quarter mile I beat a stock 1300 Hayabusa, 1100 Black bird, you name it.

[bull]

In the quarter mile I beat a stock 1300 Hayabusa, 1100 Black bird, you name it.

Heh, that's great!

[John_Kunkel]

As a humorous aside, I recently heard about a Yamaha for sale for $100, it was described as a water cooled V4 without all the fairings of a road bike. With visions of a cheap VMax dancing in my head I went and looked at it, this is what I brought home....a Venture Royale bagger that somebody tried to make into a sport bike.

[Lennard]

The Venture has the same type engine as the V Max, just different set up. One for cruising/touring and one for power/performance.

[bull]

That's not too bad for $100 IMO. Did it run ok?

[Charger_Fan]

Of course I own one...



But...SHHHH...he's sleeping right now.

[BIGBLCK11]

I had a V45 a few years back.  Although older, very comfortable and I know the V65 has a ton of power for it's day.  Honda's have always been rock solid for me.  No long trips, but as said, the mpg for most bikes is pretty good.  Those conversions are cool, but any long trips and you'll be feeling those narrow seats.