* All-New for 2009 - The long-awaited ultimate power cruiser delivers unmatched performance from its all-new 65-degree, four-valves-per-cylinder, 1679cc V4—plenty of eye-opening, controllable acceleration from a compact engine that looks as powerful as it is.
* Downdraft four-bore fuel injection with YCC-I intake technology and YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle provide awesome acceleration throughout the broad powerband.

* Lightweight aluminum chassis puts the engine low and forward for mass centralization, resulting in a machine designed to handle curves as well as straightaways.

* Borrowing liberally from advanced sportbike technology, VMAX features a slipper clutch, wave-style brake discs with ABS and Brembo® master cylinders and complete suspension adjustability front and rear.

The Vmax is back.

But with "only" 200 hp and an $18,000 sticker, it lacks the qualities that made the first generation max such a success.. sportbike beating power at a affordable price.

Yamaha, I think you're going to strikeout. Contemporary superbikes make 185 ish HP and push roughly 300 pounds less. Put a supercharger in those scoops (the Kawasaki Jetski has 1400cc, a blower, and puts out 250hp - there's your competition), drop the price by 4g's by deleting all the busy "styling" cues, offer it up in Basic black, Matt black, and any other color as long as it's black. There's your winner.



I need a consultant job.

More pics at Yamaha.