Many motorsports fans enjoy the powerful acceleration of large displacement V8 engines. Also drag races had been actually recognized as a professional competition when Yamaha started a project to build a motorcycle with an image of a V8 hotrod. This was the start of the development of V-max. The concept for the development for the model was very simple and clear- to build the strongest bike with V4 engine.

V-Boost: A unique V-Boost System gives a Turbo-like power boost to the V-MAX motor. Four downdraft carburetors feed the cylinders through individual inlet tracts. However, the tracts between cylinders one and two and cylinders three and four are separated by butterfly valves. The valves are controlled by servo motors that measure engine rpm. At approximately 6000 rpm the servos start to open the butterfly valves until they are completely open at 8000 rpm. With the butterfly valves open each cylinder on an intake stroke is fed by two carburetors,rather than a more conventional single unit. Horsepower is considerably increased especially in the mid-and high-rpm range.

Model History - main changes from 1985 to 2001:

1985: First V-Max appears on American market with 145 HP announced and 400 m covered in 11 seconds. V-boost equipped.

1986: Introduction in Europe:

• 104 HP at 7,500 rpm and a torque of 11.48 mkg (83.03 ft-lb) at 6,000 rpm
• No V-Boost for Europe
• Rear aluminum dished wheel
• 2 front 282mm ventilated discs with opposed pistons.
• 3D V-max emblem

1987:

• Front aluminum dished wheel
• Black air scoops, side covers and tail lamp mount

1990:

• Digital electronic ignition.
• Back to aluminum color for air scoops
• Introduction for Japanese domestic market

1991: For Europe:

• Modifications to suit noise regulation from 83 to 81 dB. Exhaust system changed and max. power decreases from 100.2 HP/ 7,500 rpm to 95.2 HP/ 8,000 rpm.
• New camshafts with lengthen valve opening to improve character: Max torque of 10.3 mkg (74.5 ft-lb) is at 3,000 rpm only (formerly 10.9 mkg (78.8 ft-lb)/ 6,000 rpm). To keep superb acceleration, rear transmission ratio is changed from 33/9 to 33/10.

1993: Fundamental chassis changes:

• Fork tubes increased from 40 to 43 mm.
• Ventilated-drilled discs of 298 mm with 4 pot calipers.
• Metzeler tires instead of Dunlop.
• More powerful generator.

1996:

• Black wheels, air scoops, exhaust system and fork outer tubes.
• Cartridge type oil filter element

1998:

• Back to chrome exhaust system

1999:

• Back to polished wheels and fork outer tubes
• Carbon look for fenders

2001:

• Front fork seal guards
• Carbon looks for tank cover