2009 Star V—Max - First Ride

What exactly is a V-Max? Is it a power cruiser, a streetfighter, or something completely different? If the question were posed on a college entrance exam it would read something like: Ducati is to Ferrari as V-Max is to Shelby.

The best way to describe the 2009 Star V-Max is the motorcycle industry's interpretation of a big, mean muscle car.

When the original V-Max was released in 1985 it was unlike anything on the market and created its own class. With 145 horsepower from 1200cc of liquid cooled V4 power, it ruled the boulevards and drag strips. It was an unruly beast with an attitude, and enthusiasts either understood it and loved it, or backed away slowly.

The V-Max was designed to scratch the itch of a specific type of rider. The all-balls, no-nonsense platform is made for those that want to ride aggressively but not necessarily on a hunched over sportbike or kicked back on a cruiser. Although it's possible to drive a Shelby Cobra across the country, it's a hell of lot more fun beating the pants off everyone on the way out of town, and that's the very spirit of the V-Max.

Riding the rocket summons flashbacks to the late 1960s when cars were big and gas was cheap. Engineers must have tapped the Yamaha's Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) throttle system into the rider's facial structure, because the harder the throttle is twisted the larger grows a corresponding ear-to-ear grin.

Grabbing a handful of go results in a immediate rush of speed. Mind you, that's only after the fat 200mm rear rubber ceases its interminable spinning down the road. Thanks to a slipper clutch, downshifts are equally as fun and keep the bike smooth and jerk free (with the exception of the rider). The four trumpet shaped exhaust pipes were purposely designed in an upward sweep to channel the exhaust noise directly at the rider. And oh, what a sweet sound it is as 1600 cubic centimeters bellow like a big block V8 at redline. With a claimed 123 ft. lbs. of torque and nearly 200 horsepower at the crank the motor makes power pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Just sit, twist and go as the rush of acceleration pulls your tail towards the rear of the seat.

Unlike the barge-like suspension of the previous V-Max, the new version is no slouch in the corners. Huge 52mm forks combined with a single shock with remote reservoir means this bike can get down when the road gets twisted. While it doesn't handle anywhere near a sportbike, most riders won't find the V-Max's limits. The mass is centralized down low so even though it tips the scales just shy of 700 pounds it feels much lighter-especially once moving.

Conclusion
Like the original design, the styling is definitely hit or miss for many, but it's hard not to appreciate the raw mechanical look that's V-Max through and through. At a price tag of nearly $18Gs and with only 2500 units available, Star Motorcycles isn't building this bike for riders concerned with parking lot pimping first and hard core riding second. The bike is designed for the rider who is always in search of more power and likes to cruise the streets with the biggest and baddest bike on the block. If you have to ask why ride 200 horsepower motorcycle, then the V-Max probably isn't for you.

The correct answer is, "because you can."

Buyer's Box
2009 Star V-Max

MSRP: $17,990

Engine: 1679cc V-four, DOHC, 16-valves

Suspension:

Front: 52mm telescopic cartridge fork with oxidized titanium coating, fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound, 4.7 inches of travel

Rear: Single shock with remote reservoir and remote adjustable for preload, compression and rebound

Brakes:

Front: Dual 320mm wave-type discs, radial mount 6-piston calipers, Brembo radial pump master cylinder

Rear: 298mm wave-type disc, single-piston caliper and Brembo master cylinder

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 66.9 in.

Weight: 685 lbs (claimed)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.96 gal.