Click on image for the C-list link. Honda was not alone in developing V4-powered models in the mid-eighties. Other manufacturers joined in with their own variations on the V4 theme.
Yamaha developed a 1200cc V4 to power its Venture, a fully-faired big tourer to challenge the Gold Wing. In 1985 Yamaha used a variation of the engine in the new V-Max, a power cruiser channelling American muscle cars of the 60's and 70's — all muscle, no finesse. In fact, Yamaha claimed 140 HP from this motor, a tall number in 1985. By comparison, the 1983 Honda V65 (1098cc) claimed a relatively tame 100 horses.
What makes this V-Max special is the low number of miles; only 230. Someone was betting on these monsters appreciating and has priced it accordingly — $7995. For more on the V-Max, here's a Retrospective article from Rider magazine.
Yamaha developed a 1200cc V4 to power its Venture, a fully-faired big tourer to challenge the Gold Wing. In 1985 Yamaha used a variation of the engine in the new V-Max, a power cruiser channelling American muscle cars of the 60's and 70's — all muscle, no finesse. In fact, Yamaha claimed 140 HP from this motor, a tall number in 1985. By comparison, the 1983 Honda V65 (1098cc) claimed a relatively tame 100 horses.
What makes this V-Max special is the low number of miles; only 230. Someone was betting on these monsters appreciating and has priced it accordingly — $7995. For more on the V-Max, here's a Retrospective article from Rider magazine.
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