
LOT 105
1985 Yamaha 1,198cc V-Max Frame no. JYA1FK0007FA005466 Engine no. 1FK-005466
Sold for US$2,185 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 105
1985 Yamaha 1,198cc V-Max Frame no. JYA1FK0007FA005466 Engine no. 1FK-005466
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1985 Yamaha 1,198cc V-Max
Frame no. JYA1FK0007FA005466
Engine no. 1FK-005466
Frame no. JYA1FK0007FA005466
Engine no. 1FK-005466
Few motorcycles attain cult status as soon as they are announced. Introduced in 1985, the liquid-cooled, 1198cc, 70-degree, double-overhead cam, 4-valve, V4 Yamaha V-Max is one of those rarities but given the fact that it was conceived as a street-legal dragster perhaps that is not so surprising. 'Ballistic Muscle' was how the UK's Bike magazine entitled its first road test of the 143 horsepower monster, declaring: 'When it comes to straight-line street rods, the V-Max is It.' What we have all forgotten is that Yamaha already had a big V4 motor in their Venture model in 1985, an almost soft touring bike. The genius came in conceiving a 'torque monster' naked bike that was all 'force and little finesse', not that anyone objected, which hesitated at turns in the road, going in (inadequate brakes) and through (flexible chassis) but coming out was all about acceleration. In the May 1985 issue of Cycle World they wrote, 'When you cruise the streets on a V-Max ... you aren't innocently looking for someone to race with, you're trolling for fresh victims, for poor unsuspecting souls to chew up and spit out your exhaust pipes.' Thirty-five years later it will still inspire you.
This example was manufactured in 1985 and thus is a desirable first-generation V-Max, the most sought-after by collectors. It is also offered with both keys and its operational manual however it will need recommissioning as it has sat in storage for several years.
This example was manufactured in 1985 and thus is a desirable first-generation V-Max, the most sought-after by collectors. It is also offered with both keys and its operational manual however it will need recommissioning as it has sat in storage for several years.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is JYA1FK007FA005466.












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