Cruisers

1997Yamaha V-Max 1200

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The 1997 Yamaha V-Max 1200 is a power-cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive acceleration and distinctive styling. Its liquid-cooled V4 engine delivers 100 horsepower and 117 lb-ft of torque, making it best known for thrilling performance wrapped in a muscular, low-slung package that dominates the custom cruiser segment.

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Engine: V four
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 262.0 kg
Seat height: 765 mm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW)

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What’s new for the 1997 Yamaha V-Max 1200

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	140.0 HP (103.0 kW)	100.0 HP (73.5 kW)
Top speed	—	230.0 km/h (142.9 mph)

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding45%

Daily riding50%

Touring35%

Two-up40%

Track40%

Best for: Built as a straight-line power cruiser, this bike exists to deliver brutal acceleration and a menacing V4 soundtrack rather than to carve corners or cover long distances efficiently.
Built for: A raw, muscle-bound icon with brutal midrange punch, shaft-drive reliability, and a cult following built on attitude over refinement.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, anyone seeking nimble cornering, or those wanting a comfortable long-distance touring machine.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 765mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Yamaha V-Max 1200, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW)
Torque: 117.0 Nm (11.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V four
Power/weight ratio: 0.3817 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 66.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Performance

Top speed: 230.0 km/h (142.9 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1590 mm
Seat height: 765 mm
Dry weight: 262.0 kg
Wet weight: 270.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 100 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 298 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 282 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-V18
Rear tyre: 150/90-V15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Capacity	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc
Dry weight	262 kg	262 kg	262 kg	262 kg	262 kg
Seat height	765 mm	765 mm	710 mm	710 mm	795 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L	15 L