Yamaha
Vmax
U. S. Model Year Changes
1985-2007
In October of 1984 Yamaha revealed
what over 20 years later has become perhaps the most legendary
motorcycle ever built. Today that motorcycle has what some would
consider a worldwide, cult like following. On that day in October of
1984 the Yamaha Vmax was born. It was to be sold first in the United
States as a 1985 model.
I doubt that when the Vmax
designers, (Mr. Araki; Project Manager, Mr. Ashihara; engine designer,
Mr. Kurachi; body designer and Mr. Ed Burke; Senior Product Planner for
Yamaha U. S. who supported the team with research and concept work)
saw their final product they could have ever imagined that it would last
over two decades. That may or may not be true, but the fact is, it has.
As it stands today, July of 2006,
Yamaha has most recently teased us Vmax fans with a new Vmax concept
bike, an online survey asking what we’d like to see in a new version
Vmax and reportedly, some “at home interviews” of current Vmax owners to
enhance their market research.
The 20th anniversary
Vmax came and went, I believe with much disappointment. Yamaha mildly
recognize the milestone by adding a flamed paint scheme and a numbered
anniversary badge to the tank of the 2005, short of that it was just
another model year. At this point I think most of us Vmax fans would
like to see a more modern version of the bike we love. Not necessarily
different looking, but definitely a 21st century motorcycle
with all of the 21st century technology that it can handle.
That being said, as a lover of the
Vmax, you can’t take anything away from the original plan and the few
modest changes to the original that have taken place over the years. The
following is a compilation of some of the changes that we’ve seen take
place over the years.
