Holland has produced some pretty funky vehicles: cars driven by a rubber band, weird delivery vehicles that look like a moped attached to a double bed, and buses powered by cheese (OK, I lied about that last one). The Dutch also customize their V-Maxes by improving the brakes and suspension in addition to the more usual paint/chrome/polishing route so beloved here in the USA.
Rene Bruinsma had been a Kawasaki fan until being seduced by the V-Max's straight-line power and individual styling and bought his first V-Max in 1996. Despite having built many other trick V-Maxes for friends and family over the years, Rene has only owned this particular one that, admittedly, has been through more style changes than David Bowie.
In its latest incarnation Rene's Max wears some very special wheels he designed himself that, along with the billet aluminum swingarm, were specially made by the German company, Fischer.
This bike has been through some amazing changes. Rene has rebuilt his V-Max every year, and while he seems to be happy with the chassis refinements (up to present he has stayed clear of chain conversions and huge rear tires), his intended mods for this year include some major engine tuning (yep, the NOS is not enough), and maybe a turbo or two.
1989 Yamaha V-Max
Front End: White Power forks, Fischer wheel, Braking rotors, ISR brake/clutch master cylinders, Goodridge lines
Rear End: Fischer swingarm, White Power shock, Fischer wheel, Brembo caliper, Braking rotor
Motor: Modified OE cams, Barnett clutch, Mikuni 39mm flatslide carbs with velocity stacks, Hindle exhaust, NOS set-up
Bodywork: Technobike fairing/seat unit
Accessories: Lucas rearsets
Owner: Rene Bruinsma, Rolde, Holland
Builder: Rene Bruinsma