Highlights

• This bright V-Max 1200 has covered a mere 7,022 miles from new 
• It is in delightfully original order and a fine overall condition
• Thought to be a 1994 US model first UK registered in 1996 and, hence, a full power version

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• This V-Max is shown as being manufactured at the end of 1994
• It was first registered in the UK in December 1996
• This could suggest that the motorcycle was imported from overseas
• There are some clues pictured that suggest it was a USA model originally
• The motorcycle is being sold by its fourth keeper
• The current owner acquired the motorcycle in 2017
• The previous owner appears to have owned the bike for 20 years
• The bike has only covered 7,022 miles during its 29-year history
• The bike is being sold with its V5 present in the name of the current owner
• The V-Max is currently registered as SORN
• The online MoT history shows that it was last MoT’d in August 2015
• Since then, the V-Max has covered 12 (yes twelve!) miles

The Interior

• The riding environment of the big V-Max is relatively conventional
• The saddle height is relatively low for a big bike at 765mm
• A step in the seat helps the rider maintain their position under acceleration
• The rear pillion perch is then raised up behind this black plastic step
• This helps the pillion achieve a view of the road ahead
• The black, vinyl saddle is in a seemingly pristine condition
• A polished alloy, pillion grab handle is fitted at the back of the saddle
• Folding, rubber topped alloy pegs are available for pillion and rider
• The rider’s view is the only slightly unorthodox aspect of the V-Max’s riding environment
• Only the chrome encased speedometer is mounted conventionally
• Additional gauges, namely tachometer and water temperature, are mounted on the tank
• A bank of warning lights is in evidence to the right of the tachometer
• A small, Perspex fly screen is fitted behind the speedometer
• Kill switch, reserve fuel switch and starter button are on the right-hand grip-base
• Indicators, horn and lights dipswitch are on the left
• Twin, chrome backed mirrors are mounted to the bars
• These are etched with the Datatag identifier

The Exterior

• The design of the V-Max clearly took inspiration from muscle cars and drag strips
• The look is dominated by the twin, polished alloy “air scoops”
• These face forward either side of the “petrol tank”
• Inverted commas are required as the scoops are just for show
• They aren’t functioning vents but do house the bike’s horns
• The tank is a styling element too, just covering the induction system
• The fuel tank is actually located beneath the seat with a filler below the plastic “step”
• It’s a long bike, the V-Max, with a generous 62-inch wheelbase
• The slotted, polished alloy wheels are 15-inch at the back and 18-inch at the fronts
• The chunky rear tyre at 150/90 was the fattest fitted to a production bike at launch
• Quality Metzeler tyres are fitted front and back
• There is not too much paintwork in evidence – just mudguards and faux tank
• What is here is in excellent condition and finished in a bright yellow hue
• Alloys, chrome and plastic trim all seem to be pristine

The Mechanics

• The V-Max offered an interesting mechanical specification
• Its water-cooled 70-degree V-4 engine has a 1,197cc capacity
• It features double overhead camshafts and originally delivered around 120 bhp
• This endowed the V-Max with blistering acceleration and 150mph + top speed
• Twin 282mm vented discs take care of front-end braking
• The rear end boasts a 290mm disk that almost fills the rear alloy wheel
• The gearbox offers five, well-spaced ratios
• The owner reports just having had the carburettors sonically cleaned and set up
• This was at a reported cost of over £1,000
• Given this and the bike’s extremely light usage, no mechanical issues were reported
• The pristine condition also speaks of a well-cared for background
• The black and polished alloy finish of the engine presents very well too

Summary