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Boston Motorcycle Attorney

Star’s 2010 VMAX Impressive
August 18, 2009

If you want a metric with muscle, check out the Star 2010 VMAX.

Originally launched in 1984 (with a 1985 model), the then-Yamaha VMAX saw few production changes over the next 23 years. Reinvented in 2008 under Yamaha’s Star brand, the 2009 model garnered high accolades.

Motorcyclist Magazine named the VMAX its Best Cruiser of the Year for 2009:

“There are quicker ways to cover 1320 feet of pavement on two wheels, but there’s nothing like the 110 lb.-ft. kick in the tighty-whiteys from this 1679cc V-four.”

(The magazine’s “alternative take” was the 2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle.)

The 2010 VMAX weighs in wet at 683+ lbs and packs a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1679 cc V4 engine that puts out 197 horsepower and 110 lbs-ft of torque. That makes for a powerful–the most powerful–production street bike.

The debut 1985 model had an 1198 cc V4 engine. To get the extra 481 cc (a 40.2% increase) in the second generation VMAX, the cylinders were enlarged from 76 mm to 90 mm.

The second generation VMAX has upgraded instrumentation with an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer. There is also a fully programmable shift light, a clock, dual trip meters, and a fuel gauge.

Other features include a fly-by-wire throttle, variable-length intake stacks, a 5-speed transmission, a slipper clutch, wave-style brake discs, ABS, a shaft drive, an aluminum chassis, a fat 18″ rear tire, a four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust, and a LED rear taillight.

As you would expect, this monsterbike packs a lot of power; and it burns fuel accordingly, getting 27 mpg (estimated). The tank, accessible by flipping the backrest forward, holds four gallons of fuel. This is a cruiser, not a touring bike.

The difference between the 2009 and 2010 models is cosmetic: new cherry red paint.

The Star 2010 VMAX is on sale now through November 30, 2009. Production is limited. Deliveries begin in November.

The MSRP is $19,500 and special financing is available. If bought through the priority delivery program, the bike comes with a 2-year warranty.

For more information on the 2010 VMAX, visit the Star Motorcycle Web site. You can also check out the 2010 VMAX micro site.