The 2020 Yamaha VMAX is “very loud, very aggressive, and very fun” according to a few comments that we here at webBikeWorld have read on some reviews. As always, the VMAX is powered by Yamaha’s flagship liquid-cooled, 1679 CC, DOHC, 65-degree V4 engine, producing nigh on 200 crank HP and 123 lbs-ft of crank torque.
The only truly new item on the 2020 edition of the VMAX is a new, updated version of the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) and Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) that connects to a system known as G.E.N.I.C.H. to provide first-class throttle-by-wire response. The system allows for the rider to select a throttle position with the typical twist of the wrist, and the motorcycle will determine the best throttle position, ignition advance, valve timings, and injection timing a thousand times per second.
And in case you are wondering, G.E.N.I.C.H. stands for “Genesis in Electronic engineering aimed at New, Innovative Control technology based on Human sensibilities.”
The 2020 Yamaha VMAX starts at $17,999 US/$25,999 CA.
On this page:we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new Yamaha VMAX in one place.
298mm wave-type disc, single-piston caliper, and Brembo® master cylinder
Tires Front
120/70-18
Tires Rear
200/50R18
Fuel Tank Capacity
15 L (4 US gal.)
Color
Matte Raven Black
ELECTRICAL
Ignition
TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Spark Plugs
Headlight
H4 60/55W
Tail Light
LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length
Overall Width
Overall Height
Wheelbase
66.9 in (1700 mm)
Ground Clearance
Seat Height
30.5 in (775 mm)
Curb Weight
683 lbs (310 kg)
WARRANTY
Warranty
1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Extension
2020 Yamaha VMAX Features
TOP FEATURES
Power Unrelenting
The ultimate power cruiser delivers unmatched performance from its 65-degree, four-valves-per-cylinder, 1679cc V-four—producing eye opening amounts of perfectly controllable acceleration, flowing from a compact engine that looks as powerful as it is.
Advanced Ride-by-Wire Throttle
Downdraft four-bore fuel injection with YCC-I® intake technology and YCC-T® fly-by-wire throttle provide awesome acceleration throughout the broad powerband.
High-Tech Aluminum Chassis
Lightweight aluminum chassis puts the engine low and forward for mass centralization, resulting in a machine designed to handle curves as well as straightaways.
Performance Technology
Borrowing liberally from advanced sportbike technology, VMAX® features a slipper clutch, wave-style brake discs, ABS, and complete suspension adjustability front and rear.
Unmatched Fit and Finish
Functionality and forward-thinking style uniquely combine with features like oxidized-titanium-coated 52mm front fork tubes, magnesium engine side covers, fluorinated polyethylene fuel tank and the organic electroluminescence multifunction display.
ENGINE
Power Unrelenting
The thunderous 1679cc, 65-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four valves-per-cylinder, DOHC engine pumps out astonishing power to reinvent the VMAX legend. You’ve never experienced anything like it.
Variable Length Intakes
The superbike-proven Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) switches nearly instantaneously between 150mm and 54mm height intake funnels as needed for a broad powerband that delivers optimum performance at any rpm.
Ride-by-Wire Throttle
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), the fly-by-wire system, delivers optimum acceleration under all conditions.
Race-derived Combustion
Engine combines four-valve technology with a high 11.3:1 compression ratio, forged aluminum pistons, and NGK® Iridium spark plugs with R1-type direct ignition coils to extract maximum horsepower from the fuel charge.
Compact Cam Drive
Cams are driven by a combined chain and gear system to precisely control valves while keeping cylinder heads remarkably compact for such a large displacement engine.
Slipper Clutch
Hydraulically activated clutch includes racetrack-proven ramp-type slipper clutch system that makes braking from speed while downshifting smoother.
Robust Five Speed Transmission
Five-speed transmission has superbly spaced gear ratios to take full advantage of the engine’s awesome power in straight-line acceleration or through the canyons.
Unique Shaft Drive
Delivering this power cruiser’s muscle to the street means a beefy shaft drive. Special shaft design includes two cross joints to accommodate the fat 200/50R18 rear tire.
High Volume Cooling
The high-performance engine is cooled by two radiators for efficiency and clean looks. Lubrication is via a simple, reliable wet sump system.
V-four Voice
Four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust system with EXUP® delivers a broad, seamless powerband with the right VMAX look… and a sound unlike anything on two wheels.
Custom Styling
The iconic VMAX aluminum intake covers are hand buffed by craftsmen for superb quality and individuality.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
High-Tech Aluminum Chassis
The chassis is light and compact, with a cast aluminum main frame, Controlled-Fill die-cast, and extruded aluminum rear frame and cast aluminum swingarm.
Huge, High-tech Fork
Cartridge-damper-type front forks have substantial 52mm inner tubes with oxidized titanium coating. Forks have both compression and rebound damping adjustability plus spring preload.
Fully Adjustable Remote Reservoir Shock
Link-type Monocross® rear suspension has a remote reservoir and features compression and rebound clickers plus remote preload adjustment.
Class Leading Brakes
VMAX uses Brembo® master cylinders, the front with radial pump master cylinder. Large 320mm wave-style dual front discs are matched to radial mount monoblock 6-piston calipers. On the rear wheel, there’s a 298mm wave design disc and single-piston caliper. These high-tech brakes also incorporate advanced ABS.
Beefy Handlebar
Tapered handlebar provides a muscular 1-1/8” diameter look at the triple clamp while using conventionally sized controls.
Grippy Radial Tires
18-inch radial tires, 120/70R18 front and 200/50R18 rear, are mounted on cast aluminum five-spoke wheels.
Underseat Fuel Tank
For mass centralization that contributes to the bike’s lean looks, the 4-gallon fuel tank is mounted under the seat, with the filler under the rider’s backrest.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Calculating Power
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) uses three microprocessors to control fuel injection, ignition, YCC-T, YCC-I, meters, and other electrical components.
Drag-style Instruments
The instrument panel includes an analog, step-motor driven tachometer, and digital speedometer with LED indicator lights. Prominent LED shift timing indicator adds to the performance character of the VMAX.
OLED Display
Organic electroluminescence multifunction display provides a more precise display vs. LCD and includes a clock, fuel meter, trip meter with fuel reserve trip meter, transmission gear position, coolant temperature, stopwatch, and more.
Bright Lighting
H4 60/55W headlight provides excellent visibility and distinctive style, while the trick-looking LED taillight is light, bright and highly efficient.
