2012Yamaha VMAX

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The 2012 Yamaha VMAX is a high-performance naked bike engineered for experienced riders seeking raw power and aggressive acceleration. Its legendary 1679cc V4 engine produces 200 horsepower and 166.8 Nm of torque, delivering spine-tingling performance that defined the muscle bike category. Known for its unique variable valve timing technology and muscular styling, the VMAX remains an icon for riders who demand extreme power delivery and commanding presence on the road.

Capacity: 1679.0 ccm
Engine: V four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 263.1 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 200.0 HP (147.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Yamaha VMAX

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Power	197.4 HP (145.2 kW)	200.0 HP (147.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering55%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up45%

Track45%

Best for: Built as a muscle cruiser whose sole mission is brutal straight-line acceleration and boulevard presence rather than cornering finesse or distance touring.
Built for: It has a menacing, muscular character defined by its howling V4 and shaft-driven brute force, rewarding riders who want raw power theater over agility.
Not ideal for: It is not for beginners, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a nimble, lightweight, or long-distance touring-friendly motorcycle.

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 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Yamaha VMAX, 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: 1679.0 ccm
Power: 200.0 HP (147.6 kW) @ 9000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 202 CO2 g/km
Torque: 166.8 Nm (17.0 kgf-m) @ 6500 RPM
Engine type: V four, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 8.70 litres/100 km (11.5 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.7602 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 90.0 x 66.0 mm
Compression: 11.3:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCI
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Wet, Multiple-disc diaphragm spring

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1700 mm
Overall length: 2395 mm
Overall width: 820 mm
Overall height: 1189 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 263.1 kg
Wet weight: 310.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.10 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Oil capacity: 5.90 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Lightweight aluminum
Front suspension: 52mm telescopic cartridge fork w/oxidized titanium coating. Fully adjustable preload, compression and rebound
Rear suspension: Single shock w/remote reservoir and remote adjustable for preload, compression and rebound
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 110 mm
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 298 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-R18
Rear tyre: 200/50-R18

Other

Color options: Granite Gray
Warranty: 12

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	2009	2012	2014	2018	2020
Capacity	1679 cc	1679 cc	1672 cc	1672 cc	1679 cc
Dry weight	—	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg	263 kg
Seat height	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm
Fuel capacity	15 L	15.1 L	15.1 L	15.1 L	15.1 L